Update on Pictures

In order from bottom to top: 1. Beta and I in Malaza. 2. Lytah and I at his parents house. 3. Rova, Christian, Karen, Kelly, and Pinay in Antsirabe. 4. Women and children selling corn along the road on our way back to Tana

Smile

This weekend was wonderful. I spent it in Antsirabe, which is about three hours south of Tana. We stopped numerous times to look at the landscape, and I couldn't help but smile at the beauty of it all. Lytah told me that Madagascar meant smile, as we took in the fresh air, and the light shining down on the people working in their rice fields. It fits perfectly really, because everyone is so happy here. This is not to say they are rich or have huge houses with many glamorous things, but is that really what happiness is derived from? It is definitely not here. People live for the day, and sometimes that may be all they have. It is hard sometimes to watch though as much as it pulls at my heart, it makes me sad to see people walking along the road barefoot, with nothing but the clothes are their back. I wish I had more with me to give. When the families and children crowd around us selling food or begging for money it is overwhelming. All I want is to be able to talk to them, to hug each child and give them the world, but I am stuck with salama and misaotra( hello and thank you). When we arrived in Antsirabe I met Beda's sister, Rova and her husband Christain, with their two month old baby boy Pinay. It was wonderfulto be surrounded by family. Among the continous gifts I receive in each day, I received a special one yesterday evening. In the place we stayed, there was a piano. Now I know it sounds childish but it is the only material possession I miss. It is more a part of me than I realized; it rejuvinates me. Lytah and I played into the night, and Nante blessed us with his beautiful tunes, while Beda captured it on video so we will always remember. It was very special. I can't say right now I would rather be anywhere else. This has become a home; a place of great peace and cultivation. Tuesday we head northeast to the Vanilla Coast( first to Antalaha and then to Sambava), and a couple days after that we go south to Tamatave. I will try to keep updated as much as possible. SO much joy and happiness is filling me I can't seem to get it out on paper fast enough. Questions and comments will always help direct me though, to the things that catch your interests. Much love to all.