Friday, October 12, 2007

Greatest Day Ever!

My birthday was better than could have ever been imagined! We met a fellow volunteer in Salima (Tim) and we hung out awhile then went to one of his favorite shops where he knows the owner and he gets him special request products like olives… When he found out it was my birthday he suggested we go to the lake, Sanga Bay. Before we could argue he said he knew a guy who manages a lodge on the lake and he had the phone in hand calling him. So it happened that this guy was on his way to Salima! So he took us back with him and we ate the amazing food at the restraint and then they surprised me with a cake his wife made! And if all that’s not enough they gave me a puppy! That was the best day ever!


So here are some pictures of the puppy and our cat. They are about the same age and get along great! The dogs name is Mphatso (M-pot-so) meaning in Chichewa Gift. Her father looked like Benji and her mother was what I would call the most adorable village dog in the world but Bryan says she is some sort of English Breed, so who knows.


Sharpvale has become very very hot… Of 100 F during the days and not much lower at night. We had to swich bedrooms because the sun set on the side of the house we where sleeping on. We work early mornings 5 to 11 then rest read or hang out in the shade until 3 to 5 when we can work again. Our mango trees are getting riper… still not ready to be eaten but we are daily given one from other trees in our area.

Our gardens are mostly complete as far as the double digging and we even planted out our strawberries in a round raised garden. Our neighbors gardens are doing great! Better than ours even, he has squash, yard long bean, pumpkin, mustard, spinage, cabbage and more!
Bryan and Mr. Liwonde invented a new addition or remodeling to our chim. We no longer have to squat over a hole, now we can sit… I did not take a picture of the finished project but here is what it sort of looks like.
Also as promised here is a picture of our three sheep and our chickens… only now we only have one remaining… we will try again this November.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes! I think they came true...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

So very glad you had such a great birthday Keah!!! We sure thought about you this weekend while camping in Sulpher. We will be praying about your knee Bryan. It has been so nice getting you updates here and talking on the phone!!!!!
Lots of Love
Mom Roggow

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Doc here,

If i could get a phone number from one of the parents that would be great. Mine's xxx-xxx-xxxx. Just want to know the best way to send stuff to the kids.

Anyway, update i did get a job as a child protective investigator start training this week. Not too exciting so far, a lot of reading. Also, OSU has been as unpredictable as ever. 17-0 at half against A&M and managed to lose 23-24. We however killed Nebraska 38-14. Shut them out until the 4th quarter. Go figure.

Glad to see you got a respectable pooper now. And had a great b-day. Just wondering if you got my letter yet. Mailed it about 2 weeks ago so i think it should be there. Mailed it to the only address i could find which was the updated one to the town.

Well that's about it for now. I'll keep ya updated on OSU and anything else i deem worthy. Take care guys.

Doc

Anonymous said...

Great to see all the new pictures. It is so fun to see what is going on in your world. Sorry about the chickens. Your puppy is cute. The stories Bryan told about the cat and dog chasing and playing together sounded so cute and entertaining. It is great they get along so well. You new seat looks great. I bet it will help some. Doc wanted your phone number but I do not have his to call him or his e-mail. I will put your phone number here and hope he reads it. We are using enjoyprepaid.com for international calls. Bryan's number is xxxxxxxxxxxxxx We usually text each other to make sure we can get them. Reception is not good in village. Hope you see this Doc. They did get your letter and special gift. That was so nice. Congratulations on your new job. Good luck with your knee Bryan. May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe. Love ya, Mom Payne

Keah Payne said...

Hey you guys... you'll notice a few deleted comments. Very sorry for that. We really are so happy you all are trying to get together on our behalf, but leaving phone numbers is not a very safe thing to do on the web. So we removed the phone numbers from those posts. Please try to e-mail us or something if you need a phone number or e-mail someone you know who may know the person you're trying to get ahold of. If you look at the map on our page you'll see that people from all around the world view our site. I wouldn't want one of those people to use information from our site in a malicious way.

Anonymous said...

Check your e-mail I sent the info from Mr and Mrs Hillard.

We are praying for a quick recovery for you Bryan and for safty for you both while you are apart.
We love you
Mom Roggow