Atonement

On a lighter note, Susan and I went to the movies last night and saw "Atonement". Very interesting, and breathtaking in some places. There were only three of us in the entire movie and we are all ex pats. Well, i am not an ex-pat yet but will be later I suppose.

Easter-Paseka

Easter here is quite an event, bigger, huger than Christmas. For me, I have very fond memories of Easter always. The day started with going to a Methodist church in Gaborone that was lead by Jonathan Larsen. It was a lovely service with a great mixture of Batswana, Ex-Pats, and Indian/Pakistani. The music once again was beautiful and Jonathan's message was clear and perfect. He talked about being on unfamiliar ground. He talked about the women at the Tomb and their frightened reaction to seeing it empty. I took it to heart when Jonathan talked about finding yourself on unfamiliar ground in God's kingdom. There are many things that appear at first to be no different than back in the States here. But make no mistake-EVERYTHING is different. It is always funny when we find things like Heinz ketchup in the stores but then we drive home and see a herd of goats walking down the middle of the highway.
On Sunday afternoon we drove to the Mogabi Game Reserve for a braai, or barbeque with a couple of families. During our drives we saw various animals. I was thrilled. We saw huge ostriches, impala, kudus, wonderful warthogs, and many beautiful birds. There is a herd of zebra but we did not see them. Thats okay, I have plenty of time. Next weekend we are going on retreat to a bigger reserve and we should see more critters.
There are so many things to get used to....I am learning slowly. For instance, the SPIDERS!!! Yes, they are rather huge. But when I walked into my kitchen last night and saw three of them, i actually shrugged them off......it IS africa after all.
I have never seen such blue skies and wide wide expanses. I am a bit sad, but maybe its just jetlag and the time.

a long one...

Yesterday was Good Friday and we spent most of the day just sitting around. The weather was gray and little sun but it was a bit warm. Susanna and I cooked a late supper of chicken and veggies-one of my favorites.
Last evening we were invited to go to a village called Oodi to participate in their Good Friday service. We went with a Batswana man named Jackson and Steen, a Danish pastor who lives very close. The drive was rugged, over terrain that was washed out by the recent rains. We first stopped at the Archbishop's house, a woman by the way. Inside we were introduced to several people. The children inside were very curious and if I giggled a little it set them off in great peals of laughter.
Soon we were on our way to church. We arrived at a rather small building with many folks outside just waiting. There is alot of waiting in Africa! Because we were guests, Susanna and I were invited to wait to go in with the maruti, pastors. The woman and men danced and sang into church and soon we were seated at a head table for pastors! The singing was wonderful. I should say something about our dress. We were to wear dresses or skirts , cover our hair and wear a shawl. All the women dress this way in church and many women wear uniforms to church as well as the men.
I was asked to do a formal greeting and was translated for the church family. We were greeted most warmly and it was so gracious.
The very long service and I do mean long, consisted of a lot of Bible reading, always good, and much singing. The reading was done in Zulu and Setswana. The singing! Those commercials or movies where you hear a man's voice sing out to be answered by the women- so completely true and on every song. These people sing out loudly and beautifully. The only instrument was one drum which was handled by a woman.
At about 3ooam, yes 3am, we participated in a foot washing service and communion. Then we were prayed over. I have never been in a foot washing service-it was just really touching.
After that, the women sang some more, and then some of the men hushed them a bit. It was time for the dancing! Both men and women danced in a large circle, singing and making great sounds together. The dancing developed faster and became a little rough so most women dropped out of the circle. During this time, people would go to the center of the circle, and someone would come and pray for them. Exciting!
The church was lit by candles and one very small electric light. The men and women sat on opposite sides.
I had a young woman who decided to translate alot of the service for me. She was very warm and we enjoyed speaking to one another. She introduced me to several of the village women. I am still a bit leery of some of the village men as they are very bold about hitting on women. I mean really bold. One of Botswana's social issues is that there are a lot of non marriages. The men will get a women pregnant and yet not marry her "just in case." Some of these men have alot of children running around and AIDs is so prevelant! Much prayer is needed. Many feel as though this is the way it is-a stark reality. Many of the women are very cynical about life. It is hard here, and their personal life is also very hard. The younger women seem to want to change that-they are trying to become very independent of the grimness. I pray this happens.

Southern 'Cross

Tonight i saw the southern cross for the first time. Truly remarkable. I am still just learning my way around but the stars here are so wonderful. I know I am in for some rough times but
everyday God shows me some little or large wonder. I am content.

Southern

good ol' song

Eric Clapton
Promises
I don't care if you never come home
I don't mind if you justKeep on rolling away on a distant sea
'Cause I don't love you and you don't love me
You cause a commotion when you come to town
You give 'em a smile and they melt
Having lovers and friends is all good and fineBut I don't like yours and you don't like mine
I don't care what you do at nightOh, and I don't care how you get your delights
I'm gonna leave you alone, I'll just let it beI don't love you and you don't love me
I've got a problem, can you relateI've got a man calling love hate
We made a vow we'd always be friendsHow could we know that promises end
I tried to love you for years upon years...I tried to love you for years upon years
You refused to take me for realIt's time you saw what I want you to seeAnd I'd still love you if you just love me

more old naledi

So...
This little town within a town was really amazing. Although the folks were really poor and destitute, we were welcomed. I of course fell in love with the little ones who wanted candy from us. Next time I must bring some. I will be starting language lessons and i am glad as the language is difficult but spoken a lot in Francistown. Well, and still no word yet from my missing luggage. Most of my clothes were in it so I pray it returns soon.
Much love......

rain is over

Well, the rain is over and the sun is attempting to shine. We will be hot tomorrow I am sure! Today susan and I drove to an area called Old Naledi. It is the poorest place I have ever seen and I was in for quite a shock. The people were very friendly and the children were just wonderful. But there was no electricity here even with a power plant across the street. These folks are eking out an existence I have only ever read about. Still, there are several churches here where everyone goes. The unempolyment rate is very high and unfortunately so is the alcoholism rate. Oh, but the children.....
We visited an old woman who welcomed us into her home. she was rather regal and very sweet. I have never seen such poverty and will want to visit again very soon. No toilets, no electricity, no running water. The people were smiling and talked to us without reserve. One house was very poor, but has a poster of Michael jackson on the wall!!!
More later

Botswana rain

So this is my second night here. Have not done much except follow people around and sleep. I feel very comfortable and know that it will take me a long time to adjust, let alone learn the language. I already miss several people back home but know that will get easier.
I understood that rain is rare here but it has rained consistently today and yesterday. As a matter of fact, i am told that this year has been very unusual period with the amount of rain. I love the plant life here---I imagine it is brown when it is dry. That will come soon enough. But it is also cold here right now and i was not mentally ready for that!!! The flowers are huge and we have cacti growing in the back yard. This morning I shook out my shoes and a gecko jumped out. I did not scream-yikes i even smiled! It was tiny and I know they eat bugs so it was not very intimidating.
We are making plans for Easter. I will miss Easter at home but I can see there will be a wonderful celebration here. Love and blessings to you all!


"I am only one, but i am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something, and I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Edward Everett Hale