This is our last day in Botswana and what a day it was. Cammie Rogers provides insight into this final day before we begin our journey back to Johannesburg with one stop tomorrow for a little adventure before we board our South African Airways flight on Friday evening (afternoon Nashville time).
“As we drove this morning to our various work sites nearing the end of nearly three weeks in South Africa and Botswana, I think we all realized there are many things that we have become accustomed to that until this experience were completely foreign to us. For example, simple things such as driving on the opposite side of the road, and seeing goats and sheep walk aimlessly beside moving cars have now become a somewhat expected sight. I have learned that the term “Just now” can actually mean twenty minutes later, and the idea of being in a hurry has now become a waste of energy. I have come to expect gorgeous, slow sunsets and blankets of starry skies.”
“Yet when I arrive at the Kamegolo Orphans and began playing with the children I realized that there are many more things I have observed in my stay here that continue to strike me day after day; like the fact that anytime I put my hands by my side they will be grabbed and fought over by 4 or 5 children who are starving for attention, or the sight of runny noses that may stay unwiped all day long because there is not enough Kleenex nor loving adults to meet the need. The fact that the one-room concrete houses that we passed on the way to Kamogelo Orphans would be considered luxurious compared to many of the shanties that these children live in. As we say goodbye again to some wonderful children, I know my fellow students and the faculty members will not only remember these children but continue to pray for them. “
“Our day ended at the Botswana Yacht Club, which surprisingly had no yachts… but was a beautiful lakefront view where we grilled out and enjoyed each other’s company. It’s crazy to me that I hardly knew any of these people before I came here and now we are all like one big family! (Corny but very true!) It has truly been a blessing to share such an incredible experience with this amazing group of people!”
Cammie is correct in saying that the entire group has jelled and we will miss each other once we get back to Nashville. However, we have memories of all kinds including the nearly 400 pictures I took to remember this wonderful experience.
Until next time.
Bernard Turner