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
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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
Friday, April 30, 2010
Dumela peeps!
Greetings everyone from Gaborone, Botswana. Our time here has been good to say the very least, despite the time change, I've been able to get a lot of time to rest and relaxation--->something I'm not accustomed to. Lol! I know all of my friends and family will be proud.
Today's activities included chilling by the pool (I have yet to step in the pool), taking pictures, visiting the local craft shop,enjoying a long nap, and partaking in a hearty lunch and dinner. The food has been delicious thus far!
This next paragraph will be dedicated to something I would like to call "Random moment of the day"
*Random moment for 4/30/2010* So...cards have become a favorite among the group, therefore, it's no surprise that while waiting to blog members of the group decided to play a hand or ten of spades. At that point, I didn't partake in the games...I was a mere spectator. Then the random moment occurred...a South African man walked up to me, giving me the strangest look--->needless to say he received a *side eye.* In front of two professors and five classmates, this man decided to compliment me on my beauty. That was definitely embarrassing to be hit on in front of my professors but it I'll get over it.
-Tiffany Evans
Today's activities included chilling by the pool (I have yet to step in the pool), taking pictures, visiting the local craft shop,enjoying a long nap, and partaking in a hearty lunch and dinner. The food has been delicious thus far!
This next paragraph will be dedicated to something I would like to call "Random moment of the day"
*Random moment for 4/30/2010* So...cards have become a favorite among the group, therefore, it's no surprise that while waiting to blog members of the group decided to play a hand or ten of spades. At that point, I didn't partake in the games...I was a mere spectator. Then the random moment occurred...a South African man walked up to me, giving me the strangest look--->needless to say he received a *side eye.* In front of two professors and five classmates, this man decided to compliment me on my beauty. That was definitely embarrassing to be hit on in front of my professors but it I'll get over it.
-Tiffany Evans
Dumela!
Hello friends -
So I believe that I am finally acclimated to the time change (what a difference six hours can make! ;-0 )
Like many of my colleagues, I concur that the citizens of Botswana have been very friendly and amenable to our visit. I continue to be amazed with the fact that we (Americans) are more similar to the people of Botswana than what we realize. I love how globalization, in many ways, bridges these gaps and (perhaps) causes a greater ease with regards to being immersed in a new culture.
Looking forward to tomorrow as we found out, about an hour ago,that we will have an opportunity to go into one of the villages.
Only a few more days before we go into the schools.
I am excited!!!
Best - Kenyatta Martin
So I believe that I am finally acclimated to the time change (what a difference six hours can make! ;-0 )
Like many of my colleagues, I concur that the citizens of Botswana have been very friendly and amenable to our visit. I continue to be amazed with the fact that we (Americans) are more similar to the people of Botswana than what we realize. I love how globalization, in many ways, bridges these gaps and (perhaps) causes a greater ease with regards to being immersed in a new culture.
Looking forward to tomorrow as we found out, about an hour ago,that we will have an opportunity to go into one of the villages.
Only a few more days before we go into the schools.
I am excited!!!
Best - Kenyatta Martin
Starting Africa off on the right foot...
This trip was been amazing so far. We have definately started the trip off amazeing and it is just creating more excitment and anticipation for the rest of the week. The flight went faster then I expected and my body is still trying to play catch up with this time difference. The food is amazing, I thought I would not be eating as well as I am but I am loving the food!! I had Kurry chicken on Friday night for dinner and I was told at dinner it could give you nightmares... well needless to say I did not sleep very well on Friday night so apparently that is true. The people of Botswana are so welcoming and seem very receptive to us. Today we went to the craftsmarket and I really enjoyed seeing the crafts and materials native to the culture! The scarves, bags, wooden sculptures, and jewlery were all amazing. Tomorrow we are going to a village and I am soo excited for that experience! Day by Day we are slowly being emerged into the culture and I absolutely cannot wait to be in the schools with the students as well as for the Safari on Sunday!! Africa is turning out to be everything I imagined it would be and so much more!
Morgan Forrester- Psychology Team!!
Morgan Forrester- Psychology Team!!
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