Here’s just a quick snapshot on some aspects of Malawian culture that we have encountered so far. I just want to try convey something of the flavour of life in this wonderful country.

The staple crop is maize (sweetcorn). Unlike the stuff we get off the shelves in the supermarket, this has a white colour. Normally it is prepared by beating it to pulp and then cooked by boiling. The maize (‘nsima’) has a consistency that is somewhere between kneaded dough and mashed potato. Bland in taste but very filling, it is eaten without any cutlery, just rolled into balls and dipped in sauces, or eaten with meat and vegetables, depending on the resources of the host.

Family and friends will know full well that I do like my food, so I will try my best not to turn this post into a culinary bulletin. Our hosts in Lilongwe have looked after us exceptionally well and made us feel very much at home. We were also similarly welcomed by the local church we visited this morning. Service started at 7:30 AM (the same time that the working day starts in Malawi) but there was nothing sleepy about the congregation – certainly one of the most vibrant and passionate that I’ve ever seen! It was thrilling to witness people completely uninhibited in praising and worshipping God. We introduced everyone to a contemporary hymn, which was warmly received. We’re all looking forward to returning next week, maybe one of us could be asked to preach, so must prepare just in case.