Yesterday we danced with Africans, today we sang with Africans.
Our Sunday morning began like many others thus far – at the Anglican Church in Gaborone. But this time, we weren't there to push start a van or to wait (on Botswana time) for everyone to gather before we went on another adventure. Rather, this time, our adventure awaited us at the church.
The mass began at 9:30 a.m. (or so – that’s the Botswana time, here). We sat together, front and center. All eyes were on us, so it’s a good thing we know how to behave :-) Fortunately, Raphael gave us a few primers on what we could expect.
The Bishop welcomed us as guests to the congregation when he began to address the church. He mentioned that he would elaborate more on our participation later in the ceremony, but the extent of the elaboration we didn’t realize.
After singing hymns, performing a few ritual acts, and hearing the Sunday School students read some scriptures, the Bishop gave a thought-provoking and very timely speech about focusing on the door of opportunity that opens up before us instead of focusing on the door that just closed behind us. I couldn’t help but be grateful and thankful for the awesome opportunity we have here with this International Schools Project!
Then came the part of elaboration. The Bishop asked all of us go to the front of the congregation to introduce ourselves. So, in front of 150 people we got up and stammered while introducing ourselves. Of course, Professors Belasco and Nutt and Director Jennings were cool, calm, and collected. Professor Belasco finished up our time in front of the congregation with an eloquent speech explaining (what we believe to be) our role with the educational plan of Botswana.
After the ceremony and some tea, we met many members of the church and mingled some. There we met Thobo who has invited us to her grandma’s house for dinner on Friday.
Then, Father Ben took us around Gaborone to show us the city. We were kings – or at least we thought we were by the statues of the three kings. These guys are also on the back of the 100 pula bill.
Some more driving around the city, some goats blocking the road, some chickens following behind, and we returned to the hotel.
At the hotel we worked through the night (can you believe it?!?) to develop a strategy for some of our upcoming research. We’ve got a lot to learn…
2 comments:
I have been reading and rereading and sharing your postings. You are all an inspiration to us! The children warm our hearts and make us cry.
I have been waiting to here about the orphanages in particular before I share your postings with my students. Relatively speaking, my students come from a bad area and they don't have the best of lives, but when they hear (read) about the 100+ children who are even younger than them and who have no parents, they undoubtedly will feel that they have many things to be thankful for. Children at this age (8-9) are able to feel compassion, sympathy, and empathy for others, if they are given the opportunity to do so. Often they are not, but dwell on their own problems. But giving them this opportunity will help them to become more caring, compassionate adults, folllowing your excellent examples.
I/We look forward to your continued postings. Know please, that you are doing a wonderful thing. What you are doing is a reflection of our loving Creator.
Forgot to ask. Did you have enough gifts so that each child got something?
Should I gather more things for the next person's visit in August? Only 6 days of school left to do so.
Post a Comment