“…I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you.” Psalm 32:8
Hallo from the African Bush!
I am in Botswana! On Thanksgiving (last Thursday for you non-Americans) I received a call from Rawdon Ball, a close friend of the Porters, inviting me to hop a corporate jet, come visit Botswana and stay with his family. How can anyone turn down that offer?!
So here I am! The African bush is much different than I thought it would be. The spring rains have come so it is green, lush, and verdant. I saw pictures that were taken two weeks ago and was shocked. The bush looked desolate – no leaves, brown, dry - the trees looked like they were upside down (roots-side up)!
On Saturday, we went to the “sailing club” or the “dam” as the locals call it. Wow. It is an expanse of water with “kopies” or large boldering rock formations jutting out creating islands. It was stunning. Most of us swam out to one of the islands and climbed the boulders to the top – what a view. The surrounding terrain is mostly flat with small undulations and “kopies” - making it look like huge green tents have sprung up across the landscape (picture).
I thought Joburg was hot – Botswana beats it hands down! And the locals tell me this isn’t even heat! My poor Seattle-acclimated body! In spite of all the layers of SPF, I have gained a lot more freckles in the few days I have been here. Saturday, it was about 102F in the shade!
It you ever come to Botswana – pack your mosquito repellant! Geeze! The little buggers are vicious! My ankles and feet are covered in welts – and that is with repellant cream! I am trying so hard not to scratch.
South Africa is considered by most a first world country, Botswana, third world. The difference is plain as you view the buildings, the cars, the unkempt landscape, the litter, debris, and filth. The school Sally, Rawdon’s wife, works for hasn’t had power for weeks following a huge storm - this means no lights in the bathroom, no computers, and no hot water.
In contrast, the people are incredibly friendly and open. They drop in and out of each others homes like family. They pick up and tend each others children like they are their own. The ‘community’ here is palpable and blurs racial lines.
I feel so blessed to have been able to see this part of the world. Yes, it is only a small nickel mining town on the edge of Botswana, but it has given me a better appreciation of first vs. third world countries that no mission preparation exercise could ever impart.
Hallo from the African Bush!
I am in Botswana! On Thanksgiving (last Thursday for you non-Americans) I received a call from Rawdon Ball, a close friend of the Porters, inviting me to hop a corporate jet, come visit Botswana and stay with his family. How can anyone turn down that offer?!
So here I am! The African bush is much different than I thought it would be. The spring rains have come so it is green, lush, and verdant. I saw pictures that were taken two weeks ago and was shocked. The bush looked desolate – no leaves, brown, dry - the trees looked like they were upside down (roots-side up)!
On Saturday, we went to the “sailing club” or the “dam” as the locals call it. Wow. It is an expanse of water with “kopies” or large boldering rock formations jutting out creating islands. It was stunning. Most of us swam out to one of the islands and climbed the boulders to the top – what a view. The surrounding terrain is mostly flat with small undulations and “kopies” - making it look like huge green tents have sprung up across the landscape (picture).
I thought Joburg was hot – Botswana beats it hands down! And the locals tell me this isn’t even heat! My poor Seattle-acclimated body! In spite of all the layers of SPF, I have gained a lot more freckles in the few days I have been here. Saturday, it was about 102F in the shade!
It you ever come to Botswana – pack your mosquito repellant! Geeze! The little buggers are vicious! My ankles and feet are covered in welts – and that is with repellant cream! I am trying so hard not to scratch.
South Africa is considered by most a first world country, Botswana, third world. The difference is plain as you view the buildings, the cars, the unkempt landscape, the litter, debris, and filth. The school Sally, Rawdon’s wife, works for hasn’t had power for weeks following a huge storm - this means no lights in the bathroom, no computers, and no hot water.
In contrast, the people are incredibly friendly and open. They drop in and out of each others homes like family. They pick up and tend each others children like they are their own. The ‘community’ here is palpable and blurs racial lines.
I feel so blessed to have been able to see this part of the world. Yes, it is only a small nickel mining town on the edge of Botswana, but it has given me a better appreciation of first vs. third world countries that no mission preparation exercise could ever impart.
Thank you, once again, for your prayers, I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate your support, both spiritually and financially. Here is an update from the last posting:
- Computer issues – The Ball’s have a dial up internet connection but it is “fussy” and connects only when it feels like it and then decides to drop without notice! Ha! You will receive this after I return to the Porters!
- Family – I hear that it has snowed back home and that Samson isn’t too fond of the “white stuff.” My parents had a great laugh watching him try to keep all four paws in the air as he bounded back to the house!
- Spiritual growth and intimacy with God – Stretching. Seeing the poverty and uncaring attitude toward the surroundings hurts my heart. I so want to ‘fix’ – and make things better.
- Discernment / Wisdom – still seeking God as to what He would have me do when I return to the states. I am working on several trails, but nothing glimmers right now -
- Material Needs – thank you for your generosity. I return home in a bit over a week and am excited to see how God will “sort” all the home finances. I have never once lacked for anything here and I know if I am doing what He wants where He wants I will be provided for.
Here is an updated “needs” list:
- Computer issues – that I will be able to send and receive e-mail until I get home
- Family – that the prep of the holiday season will be a joyous and not a stress filled time
- Protection – as I am in Joburg for my last week and for my flight home. Long distance flights are hard on me - I get nauseated and feel generally icky! I am starting to psych myself up for this “grand adventure”!
- Spiritual growth and intimacy with God – that I will fully grasp the fullness of God’s love for me – see Ephesians 3:18-19.
- Discernment / Wisdom – please ask God that I clearly hear His voice, experience His leading, and begin to determine His direction for my life when I return stateside the 8th.
- Material Needs - transportation, supplies (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), and for payment of pressing financial obligations when I return home.
Thank you for your support of me in Africa and Beyond!
Dena
If you would like to financially help me during my extended stay in Africa or while I transition back into stateside living, please see FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS below.
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