July 26, 2018

With Ireen involved in last-minute preparations for the Triennial Convention beginning tomorrow, for me today is a day of rest, writing and a bit of sightseeing with Alice Mtenje (first National President of Daughters in Malawi) as my guide. In previous entries I have referred to our exchanges of gifts. I thought I’d take the time today to describe some of those gifts.  

Before our first visit, I explained to Ireen the Anglican Prayer Beads (made of fine blue cord by Carol Townsend, a Daughter in the Diocese of Chicago) I brought to give Daughters in positions of leadership. There is something of a ritual involved in the exchange of gifts, beginning with singing as the recipient of a gift meets me at the front of the group. With Ireen translating for me, I would explain the design of the prayer beads and how Daughters in the U.S. use them as prayer tools.  Ireen noted that the prayer beads were not well known in Malawi and she appreciated the directions I included in the presentation (which she later wrote up to share). As one translator explained to me, the Daughters who received the Anglican Prayer Beads would share the beads when leading prayers at chapter meetings.  From my observation, I would say this gift was very well received.

On the receiving end, I have been showered with gifts, gifts that are used in everyday life in Malawi. Song again is a part of the presentation of the gifts, and a gift themselves, with songs being sung as the gift-bearers present their gifts. From the Daughters I have received baskets, hats, pieces of fabric (to be used as a wrap skirt), a mortar and pestle, a grass mat, and brooms. I think I’m going to have to get a second piece of luggage to bring all these gifts home! 

For several reasons, not the least of which is tradition, Daughters in Malawi have formal and informal uniforms; we have seen the formal uniforms in photos in The Royal Cross and other communications. As a gift, Ireen arranged for uniforms to be made for me, and today Alice takes me to pick up my uniforms from the tailor. The formal uniform must be blessed before it can be worn, so the Triennial Convention will be the first occasion I have to wear either uniform.  There is nothing like “retail therapy” to become excited, pleased, and to feel like a “princess” – aka a Daughter of the King in Malawi.