Its happy holidays and there is a lot of excitement in Malawi. However, in the middle of the excitement we at Kusamala are sad to be saying goodbye to Marie. Marie has been with us for the past two years and has served as Director of Agroecology. But it suffices to mention that she has done a lot than just heading agroecology. We are already missing her in all sectors of the centre. Marie is multitalented. She’s got a whole bunch of skills and knowledge that all of us at Kusamala will feel the gap. Here is what our team and partners had to say.
“Marie, Marie will be missed by all of staff, especially me. When it came to getting banking, financial things under control she was a pal and could run to the bank, pick up things for the garden, fly to the Pickerings to get cheques signed all before 10am. She was the face of management in all of our demonstrations. She was outside everyday advising the commercial garden on pests, designing our staple field production, building structures, and saving seeds. I will miss her energy and two pups the most – Loulu and Spodie. They will always be in my heart.”
Molly
“Marie brought a whirlwind of enthusiasm to Kusamala and it was a real joy to be in her company and soak it up. I have very fond memories of the home brew tasting night with Marie and Matt and hope that their adventures in cider making produce as many interesting and diverse flavours as we tasted that night.
Matt(In front) and Marie (Right behind
Thanks for all your no-nonsense words of advice and I’m really sorry not to have had a the chance to say a proper goodbye, but hopefully that leaves it open for us to meet again. Enjoy your new adventures back in the US and good luck to you and Matt for the future.”
Grant
“Hi Marie
I enjoyed your home brew and the homespun chat – wishing you well for your farming ventures and microbrewery
Best wishes”
Charlie
“Letting you go is probably the hardest thing I have to do. I have made this decision, with listening to my brain, not my heart. Because my heart can never take that. I have allowed you to go, without thinking about what is going to happen. I have allowed you to go without thinking about giving you another chance, because I know it would be in vain. Staying with you for two months is the best thing that ever happened to me, but somehow, it became the worst. I don’t know what I feel right now, is it regret? Pain? I don’t know. But seeing you creating more distance away from me, my heart submerges in an abyss with a great emptiness and none will ever fill it.
I will miss you, Marie.”
Alinafe
“Marie I am full of terrific memories of your time here and our little trip to Zambia. Diving into your bushes, bigger blacker you know whats and great beers. From the bottom of my heart I wish you and Matt all the very best in your new home and brewing project. Let me know if you ever decide to do that cider cycle tour of Normandy! Lots of love, Pierre”
Pierre
There is a lot I have learnt from you Marie. You have been a teacher, co-worker, friend and bwana. The pizza, the laughter, the bike rides, the Rav4 (2 CD 54) and the data analysis are a few things among a million that I will always remember you for. Thanks a bunch Marie. Wishing you all the best, and success back in the States.
Chisomo.
We all love you Marie and we will miss you!!!!!!
