I don't know how to describe how much I love Africa. This has been the experience of a life time. I have learned so much. It's funny how America is considered a melting pot, but I have never seen internationalism like southern Africa. There seems to be people from all around the world.
Quite a bit of randomness has taken place. I have been twice mistaken for and employee at two different establishments. I have been mistaken for a local twice. It has been a great experience. I could really see myself here for an extended period of time, but for now I will just enjoy my few days left.
Yes, I know this was kind of random and unfocused....
Omar Price
Education Team
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Derby and Drumming
Derby celebrations may happen anywhere Louivillians gather...tonight was no exception. Even in Gaborone, we donned our Derby hats and picked our horses. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the race, we sure had a good time.
After dinner, we wished Scott a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and participated in a drumming session with a trio of African drummers. Sitting around a fire with a full moon overhead, we learned to play drums and sing African chants. It was a great evening!
Saturday's happenings...
Hello everyone!
So...today was the day I realized I'm in Botswana, Africa. After enjoying a beautiful and rushed breakfast (due to oversleeping), we travelled throughout Gaborone and neighboring towns/villages. I've had all day to reflect upon the events of today and I'm still finding it difficult to describe my experience. We travel through a small neighboring village which I found somewhat similar to the image of Africa in the media--lowly homes in every sense of the word. One of my sisters shared with me the importance humility (shoutout to DB)which I believed I understood. However, after seeing the people within this village as well as the children of the OSO orphanage, I have a greater sense of humility. I don't want to paint a sad picture because even in the midst of the poor economic or material state, these people had great joy and an abundance of life. Which I have chosen to take a lesson from them. There's a great deal I need to continue to digest but as soon as that process is complete, I will be sure to share.
Yesterday, I forgot to mention that I broke my digital camera on flight to Gaborone. Yeah, Karm you were right, I should've packed a disposable camera but I didn't. However, after missing a number of EXCELLENT photo opportunities, I purchased a new camera today. I know my Dad will be excited to hear about that purchase...lol! Please believe I am snapping pictures left and right.
The Education team met today, we experience some technical difficulties but I'm sure everything will work out for good.
I think that's all I have for now so until later...*besos*
-Tiffany C. Evans
So...today was the day I realized I'm in Botswana, Africa. After enjoying a beautiful and rushed breakfast (due to oversleeping), we travelled throughout Gaborone and neighboring towns/villages. I've had all day to reflect upon the events of today and I'm still finding it difficult to describe my experience. We travel through a small neighboring village which I found somewhat similar to the image of Africa in the media--lowly homes in every sense of the word. One of my sisters shared with me the importance humility (shoutout to DB)which I believed I understood. However, after seeing the people within this village as well as the children of the OSO orphanage, I have a greater sense of humility. I don't want to paint a sad picture because even in the midst of the poor economic or material state, these people had great joy and an abundance of life. Which I have chosen to take a lesson from them. There's a great deal I need to continue to digest but as soon as that process is complete, I will be sure to share.
Yesterday, I forgot to mention that I broke my digital camera on flight to Gaborone. Yeah, Karm you were right, I should've packed a disposable camera but I didn't. However, after missing a number of EXCELLENT photo opportunities, I purchased a new camera today. I know my Dad will be excited to hear about that purchase...lol! Please believe I am snapping pictures left and right.
The Education team met today, we experience some technical difficulties but I'm sure everything will work out for good.
I think that's all I have for now so until later...*besos*
-Tiffany C. Evans
It's Saturday!
Hello all -
I have met many new friends today, including Natasha and her mommy. (Natasha is four.)
We had an opportunity to visit not one, but two villages, as well as a local art gallery, a children's orphanage and the area mall. It was so wonderful to meet local people and receive accurate pronuciation of several tswana words.
As with the other days, everyone has been most gracious and has (attempted) to educate me in the correct pronuciation of several Tswana common phrases. I even had a gentleman to approach me and say, "You must pronounce the words as an African. Not as an African-American." These statements were, of course, followed by much laughter by the two of us. He added, "I knew that you were an American. Your accent was a TRUE give away" (of course, followed by more laughter)
Like my colleagues, I have come across other Kentuckians. While at a local restaurant, I met a lady from Covington, KY.
So there you have it... "It is a small world, after all." (LOL)
- Kenyatta Martin
I have met many new friends today, including Natasha and her mommy. (Natasha is four.)
We had an opportunity to visit not one, but two villages, as well as a local art gallery, a children's orphanage and the area mall. It was so wonderful to meet local people and receive accurate pronuciation of several tswana words.
As with the other days, everyone has been most gracious and has (attempted) to educate me in the correct pronuciation of several Tswana common phrases. I even had a gentleman to approach me and say, "You must pronounce the words as an African. Not as an African-American." These statements were, of course, followed by much laughter by the two of us. He added, "I knew that you were an American. Your accent was a TRUE give away" (of course, followed by more laughter)
Like my colleagues, I have come across other Kentuckians. While at a local restaurant, I met a lady from Covington, KY.
So there you have it... "It is a small world, after all." (LOL)
- Kenyatta Martin
Kim Davis
Dumela to all,
Today we had the privilege to drive through an old area of town . As the bus started through the dirt streets, the noise level quickly diminished. Each person looked through their window into a world much less blessed. While we all saw and observed different things of the overall picture, I can’t help but feel that we all experienced the same emotion of gratitude for all that we have back home.
The people may not be as wealthy as we dollar-wise, but the most important things in life are free. Children were shoeless and smiling, waving fanatically at us through the windows. Their bright eyes are full of hope and their beautiful smiles were wonderful to see.
Happy Derby and Love to all in Louisville,
Kim Davis
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