Today, I went on an early morning run through the nearby village. The community was awake and doing their normal Sunday morning chores. Two kids in the community joined me on my run (without shoes), and I had to try to keep up with them for most of the time. I practiced my Chichewa, but I only knew enough to ask them how they were doing. We ended up singing the Rocky Balboa theme song every time we ran up a hill and then would do a victory dance when we made it to the top. On my way back home, I had about ten more kids join me and we were all doing a victory dance at the end.
I have been on several runs this past week, and everyone I pass always says hello and “Muli Bwanjie?” (or in English, “How are you doing?”). When my mom and I run at home, we have a rule of saying good morning or good afternoon to each runner we pass. Most runners are too concentrated on their pace or have their iPod on too loud to return the greeting, but there are a few runners who will wave back. In Malawi, everyone takes their time to greet each person, and most of the time I slow down to say “Ndini bwino, kaya inu?” (I’m good! How are you?). I love it, because it builds a stronger sense of community. Everyone is looking out for each other whether they are at St. Gabriel’s or walking in the village. It also reminds me to slow down and enjoy the company.
So, muli bwanji?