We have landed!

From Megan:

We have landed in Malawi safe and sound! The travel to Malawi went without too many hiccups. South African Air somehow left all our luggage in Jo'berg and it may catch up with us in a day or two. Until then, we are making do... after all, it is Africa! The group is offering all extras such as t-shirts and sweaters- not underwear!

To establish our connections to the African soil, several of the group participated in a short ceremony setting intentions. We sat on the ground, connecting ourselves to the earth and to each other. Some of the sista's brought and shared bits of personal earthly pieces, I presented my travel shamrock that Dorothy gave me before my first journey abroad with my mother many, many years ago.

Additionally, this morning, just as the sun was starting to brighten the sky, the call to prayer was signaling. It was a magical time to share the moment with the country, or at least the 20% of the people that were called to be up at that hour to pray.

Tonight, our group will be together as we have dinner at Sue's son's house. Sue will then join us for the rest of the journey. Looking for more stories to share as the days and journey continues.

The Journey Begins...

As I entered the room, I was enveloped with the fluttery voices, fast paced conversations and a general giddiness so thick it was palpable throughout the house. This was the first time that all of these women were in the same physical space. It is true, some of us have spoken on the phone or through email, but now, we were all together! This was truly different. This day made it all real, the journey was tangible. These courageous women had begun our journey together.
On Sunday, July 19, 2009, these amazing women, six physically present in a California home and the three others joining via technological hook-ups from the Eastern United States, began this amazing journey together. Throughout the day, we opened our hearts, minds and souls to the journey, each other, and the women whose lives we will be touching in Malawi (rather the women who will touch our lives in Malawi!). I could see each woman's unique and wonderful gifts enriching the day.

This blog will be a collaborative effort of these 9 women journeying together as a part of the The Voice Flame Writer's, Malawi Project. The blog will chronicle the trip that officially takes place from August 3 through August 19 in the African country of Malawi. The goal of this project is to support the native women preserve their legacy.

I feel honored and humbled by the task ahead of me (and this probably is the same for each of us). Though only 9 of us are actually going to Malawi, there the many people who offered their support for each of us, are coming along. They will be present as we meet, talk with, and share experiences with these women. Thank you all- Blessings!