West Branch teen Marree MacKenzie and her fiddle will travel to Malawi in May for the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Youth in Mission program. The program allows youth to travel to Malawi, visit Presbyterian churches and orphanages and see the work Pre

For her trip to Africa, Marree MacKenzie is packing some unusual items: her fiddle, MacKenzie and Nova Scotia tartans and cotton dresses with unique patterns.
The West Branch teen leaves in early May for Malawi. Through the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Youth in Mission sends young adults to Malawi to witness the relationship the Presbyterian Church has there, and the work Presbyterian World Service and Development workers are doing to combat hunger, poverty and HIV/AIDS.
“We’re so used to this so poor image with the bloated stomachs and the very skinny children with no clothes,” says MacKenzie, a 17-year-old Northumberland Regional High School senior. “We’re so used to it we don’t really see the other side of things, we don’t see how we are helping.
“I’m nervous I’m not going to want to leave,” she said. “I like being out in the wilderness, out where there is not so much communication; I don’t like the hustle and bustle of the city, I'm more into the small communities like Scotsburn, where everyone knows everyone.”
The first part of the three-week trip MacKenzie will spend at the Likhubula House where children orphaned by HIV/AIDS live and are educated. The second half will be spent with a family with faith ties.
MacKenzie says those are some details of the trip she has, so far.
“I’m sure when we get to Malawi we will be hit with all this information,” says MacKenzie. “This is what is going to happen, and this is probably how you are going to feel, and it is okay to feel this way.”
She has been instructed to dress modestly in long skirts, short sleeves and no V-necks. Her aunt has been busy making her dresses for the trip, which she is encouraged to leave behind when she returns home.
“There, material is their wealth, so that’s where I was trying to find really different unique patterns,” says MacKenzie.
She is also bringing tartan so Malawians can get a different perspective on fabric and design.
MacKenzie is also excited to gain a fresh perspective on music. She has been playing the fiddle for 12 years and is looking forward to hearing African rhythms.
“The rhythms are different from what we play,” she said. “I’m excited about that. Their music is amazing. The choirs are phenomenal, at the church services everybody is up and dancing, the choir is dancing.”
To go on the mission MacKenzie must raise $3,000. From the time she was accepted on the trip she was calling local groups seeking donations.
The Pictou Lions Club and the Pictou Rotary Club donated money, helping MacKenzie reach half her goal in late February.
On March 5 at the Bethel Presbyterian Church in Scotsburn a fundraiser concert was held to raise the rest of the money. To make a donation for MacKenzie’s trip call 485-1266.