This was one of those days when most of what I saw of this fascinating new country was through the window of a car. Work trips are often like that. And you know what? I’ll take it!

Today was one of two days we’ll spend in the capital city, Lilongwe. Tomorrow through Thursday we will be “in the field” — although all of this seems like “in the field” to me since I usually work in Arlington, Virginia.

But “in the field” also means seeing the project’s work close up, and that’s what makes these trips so valuable. Instead of just writing or editing stories about vegetable production groups or village savings and loans, I will actually be experiencing them first-hand, meeting the people whose lives are being changed.

In the field? Bring it on.

(Above: One of the sights I saw out my window today. You’re never so far out in the field that the colonel can’t find you.)