Cape Town

We arrived to Cape Town safe and sound Thursday around 4pm. There was a little mix up with our car rental so we had to switch places and ended up getting a mini VW van from Avis car rental. This was the best purchase of the trip because we have been able to drive up and down the coast. Friday morning we went Great White Shark Diving which was very thrilling. The sharks came literally inches from my head in a cage which they could prolly fit their head through. The biggest shark we saw was probably twenty feet long. They swam through the water so gracefully and it almost felt unreal. We also drove by Dyer and Geyser Island where over 50,000 Seals can be found. Friday night we stayed in a cool remote hostel in Simons Town and then went to a nice dinner at "Meeting Place" restaurant. Saturday morning we visited Boulder Beach where we found thousands of Penguins. We also decided to visit Cape Point which was Beautiful. I have some amazing pictures of the light house and all the different views. I also have a video of Meg jumping of a ledge unto a lower level and bruising her heal. She immediately regretted the decision.
Sunday we visited Stellenbousch which is the main areas for wine vineyards. It was about an hour outside of Cape Town. We got there just in time to book our stay for the night and join a wine tour. The tour was only $42 American and included four wine tastings, transportation and lunch. It was well worth the money. I ended up buying a few bottles of wine to take home and a few glasses as well. Afterward we went to dinner and a young Frenchman named Chris who we met on the tour tried the 1K steak challenged. The steak was probably a little over a foot wide but he was able to finish it as well as finish a side dish.
Today we plan on visiting Table Mountain and Robbins island because it is Clare and Kates last day before they fly home tomorrow. It looks like I might not be able to sky dive here because my money is going faster than I planned and Mandy's bank account is currently frozen so I plan on helping her until she gets that settled.
I look forward to coming home in four days and I am glad with all the positive feedback I have gotten from my blog and on facebook. I cannot wait to return and tell everyone about my experience. Take care everyone.

Last Post??

I put the question mark there because I leave for Cape Town tomorrow morning and I am not sure if I will have access to internet there. I still plan on journaling and blogging as long as I am able to but if I am not then this will be my last post.
I will also try to post pictures on here as soon as I can maybe tomorrow night???

Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in my trip. I felt I could have written this blog two different ways; from the surface or from the heart. I want to be able to look back at this experience years ago and know exactly what I felt like at the present moment so I decided to write from the heart. I hope you all find my writing some what interesting. I did not edit anything I posted simply because of the time constraint so please understand why there might be so many grammatical errors. I wanted to thank you all one last time and all I have is one small request after reading all my blogs...

Please leave a comment on this post and tell me one thing you have learned, found interesting, knowledgeable or inspiring. Also anything thing you might want to know more about so that I can share it with you when I get home. Criticism will not be accepted since this is now in the past and I have already said it. (Just kidding, leave whatever).

Also leave a comment about what story you enjoyed reading the most and any tips you might have for the next time I decide to do a blog. Constructive criticism is the only way my writing will get better. If you'd rather not post it on here please email me at Zachary.Tyler.White@gmail.com


THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE AND I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO POST MORE IN CAPE TOWN. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS.

With Love,
Zach

Last night in Kasane

Our last night in Kasane we were just returning from Victoria Falls when we caught word from our UB Professor Oligile that we were having a bon fire that night. Before the bon fire I couldn’t help but buy a bottle of Champaign to celebrate. I haven’t opened many bottles of Champaign in my life but I did know that the cork flies off the bottle upon opening. What I didn’t know was that you are not supposed take off the metal strap across the top of the bottle that keeps the cork from flying off. A minute after I removed the metal piece a loud POP roared by my ear and Champaign began squirting everywhere. Embarrassing is an understatement.
After everyone gathered we sat around the bon fire and went around in a circle and discussed our favorite moment of the trip. It was nearly impossible to narrow this moment down to only a few. I talked about my birthday and how much it meant for me to have twenty five people out enjoying a good meal and a few drinks at a local night club. I also mentioned Victoria Falls and how supportive people were by lending me money and how encouraging everyone was by pushing me to actually jump. I wouldn’t have done it if it was just up to me but lucky for me I am on a trip with people who are as spontaneous and courageous I am. They knew I couldn’t pass this moment up. It was an intense and emotional time for everyone. Many people broke down in tears as they told their stories. Mandy was the hardest to listen to because I knew she would have the hardest time talking about something that has impacted her so deeply. I did my best to console her but I got her typical reaction of give me space which I understood. Everyone had different stories about their time here in Botswana but we all had a new found respect for Botswana and the culture of African people. I wanted to come back humble and only time will tell if I will succeed. I believe I will. I’m excited to do more, research more and experience more.
After we had one last group discussion we broke up and people began making small talk. I sat next to Karabo and asked him if us being here has impacted him any. I could tell at that moment this experience wasn’t just about how we grew as study abroad students but how he has grown as a person during the past month of being with us. Karabo was with us from the time we woke up until the time we went to bed. He and Thato organized every means of transportation, made reservations, called to see what time things open and closed, he waited in the hospital until four in the morning to make sure one of the students was not alone. He went out to the night clubs with us until 2 in the morning even though he didn’t feel well. When people from Gaborone spoke terribly about us in Setswana Karabo was quick to confront them and swallow the comments with pride telling us that they were just confused individuals. He was right. He gave us so much of his time and energy; it started off a job and became a passion. He loved taking care of us and enjoyed getting to know us in the process. When we were making arrangements to go to Victoria Falls I could notice him worrying about whether we would be alright.
He felt down as we reminisced on all we have done. He talked about how badly he wants to visit the U.S. and reunite with us one day. Right then and there I had to make him a promise that we would meet again and that within a year I will help bring him to the U.S. Maybe this was a calling. I have always wanted to start my own foundation. Maybe it could be helping people achieve there dreams that might seem out of reach. Anyway I will not let him down and I will find a way. I want everyone to meet the person who has impacted me so much in so little time.

Victoria Falls

Pictures still won't upload but I will do it as soon as possible!

We entered the park and began running like little kids to the first possible site. We were ridiculously close, as we moved forward we passed a poncho stand and I laughed when I saw it thinking what wimps would need those. Then I passed a man who was soaked head to toe, oh well I said I am on a tight budget I can afford to get a little wet. Boy was I in for a surprise.
The first view of the Falls was rather misty as we moved a little down the path we got closer and closer to the falls. Before we knew it we were standing in a down pour of water. We didn’t try to fight to stay dry instead we embraced the water. A few of us have discussed how we are going to try to describe this adventure. We all agreed that words would not suffice but we hope pictures will help describe our experience that day. So that being said I will post as many pictures as I can just know that it was one of the happiest moments of my life.

"The Best Day Ever"

(I still was unable to upload Photos) I will try to do so in Cape Town this week.

The title above was given the minute we decided to get in the car and begin the craziest adventure of our entire trip.
We were given the option of having both the drives on the same day or spreading it out but a few of us mentioned how we wanted to see Victoria Falls which was near by so they crammed the two drives together in one and let us have a free day to explore. Our professors were not allowed to know about our travels so we just told them we were heading to town for the day. As we sat at breakfast that morning we had arranged to have a driver pick us up, drive us to the border of Zambia and then drive us to the Falls. He was also charging $30 American for transportation which we felt was a bit extreme. We canceled the arrangements and decided to be spontaneous and find our own way. The thought of this made my stomach turn and as I returned my laptop to my room that morning I thought about not going for the first time. It would be a lot easier to stay here and I could save some money plus who knows if we are even going to make it. Rumor has it took one gentlemen four hours to get through border patrol going into Zambia. I asked myself will you regret it if they do make it to the falls and come back and you have to hear all about it? I packed a quick bag and headed out the door, this is what I came to Africa for, adventure and boy did I get it.
We were dropped off at the border by a taxi around 9:10am; I had been up since 6:30am because the excitement was too much. I couldn’t help but feel scared as I filled out the form to cross into Zambia. What if we don’t make it back to the border before it closes and we are stuck in Zambia homeless for a night? What if someone kidnaps us? What if we get mugged, pick pocketed or if we cannot find transportation? Trust me I thought about every possible terrible outcome. “This isn’t me” I thought to myself. I decided right then and there I would change my mind set about everything and be open to every possibility. After we filled out our passport information we walked 3 kilometers down to Chobe River where we took a small engine boat across for 20 pula. We reached the bank and walked up to border patrol. As we stood in line I couldn’t help but to notice a sign that said that food was prohibited from one border to another. I quickly informed the group and began throwing away the lunch I had packed which consisted of an orange and two cupcakes. It wasn’t much but it would get me through the day. Well at first the border patrol man told s to each pay 50 American dollars, only a few of us had brought American cash, I was not one of them. Eventually we negotiated with him to drop the price to $20 a person for our visa and he let us pass. While we were in line getting our passports and visa’s Jenny and Katie K. began looking for transportation. We found one guy but he was sketchy and asking for too much money. We were lucky though because he introduced us to another driver who switched buses with someone who he knew so he could make room to take us. In order for this to happen he had to tell the four people he was driving to the airport to take their entire luggage and move it to another bus. The drive to Livingston was about forty minutes but we struck up a conversation with the two older couples who were on their way to the airport.
They told me they lived in Cape Town so they gave me some advice for when I travel there. Our driver told us he had arranged to have someone drive us to the falls when he drops us off at the Post Office. Once again I was nervous, what if he is not even taking us to Livingston? What if he asks for more money? I felt safe in Botswana because guns were outlawed that wasn’t the case in Zambia were guns were legal. He dropped us off and we met the new driver who would take us to the falls. The drive to Livingston was about 40 pula a person and the drive to the falls ended up being 20 pula. Everyone quickly noticed how generous our driver was on the way to the Falls. We all began singing “I’m so excited, that I just can’t hide it” And the bus driver couldn’t help but smile. We asked him if he would be willing to pick us back up from the Falls at 2pm (it was 11am at this time) and take us back to the Zambia border for sixty pula. I should probably mention that the pula exchange rate is about 6.9 to 1 American dollar. He quickly obliged and even told us he would show us the falls. We thought he would just get off the bus and show us where it was but he was generous enough to show us the entrance. I asked Katie K. what his name was and she said “Water” only to find out after calling him Water all day that his name was Walter.
When we arrived we were all jumping, skipping, laughing as we hurried quickly down the road toward the Zambia Bridge. We passed two waterfalls on the left and he told us there were about eight different calls and that the ones we just saw were called Falls # 6. While we were on the bridge everyone had talked about bungee jumping. I was not opposed to do it until I approached the bridge and quickly remembered my fear of heights. We walked up the stairs to the office and it was 600 pula to swing and 840 pula to bungee jump over the falls. I went to the bathroom and when I had returned half of the ten people that came with us were gone. They had gone with the bus driver to go to a near by hotel and get money from an ATM. Well it looks like I won’t be jumping I said out load. I wasn’t really disappointed because I could use this as my reason for not doing it since I am scared half to death anyway. The remaining people said do you want to jump, I said no at first. As we sat there and watched the promotional video I couldn’t help but think I traveled this far and I am going to let fear stand in the way of me doing something outrageous. Well at least I have the excuse of not having any money.
I went to the bath room again to blow my nose. When I returned Angela walked up and yelled with excitement “I am doing the swing”. The swing is about a 4 second free fall and then it propels you about three hundred yards out into the middle of the canyon. I was shocked that it was cheaper considering less people wanted to do it because it was “scarier” but I felt Angela would get the bang for her buck because you get to sit down in the gorge for fifteen minutes as the reel you back up. Oh well I thought I don’t have enough money, I only brought three hundred pula. As I put my head down in despair Angela held out a hundred pula bill and said here take it. Megan Casebolt then looked at me with in all seriousness and said “how much do you need” I said “no guys its okay I don’t need to do it.” Once again she repeated “How much do you need”? Three hundred more pula, Meghan dug deep into her purse and pulled out here wallet. “Here”, your good for the money and you cannot pass this up. Meghan wasn’t even jumping herself so I felt hesitant to take the money thinking she might need it. She smiled and said you have come all the way to Africa, we’ve driven through two different countries to get here and four different means up transportation, you have to do it.
I walked up and signed up for the SWING, I had already bungee jumped and I needed a new experience. As I was signing up, the lady registering me asked about my shirt. It was my bucket list shirt I had bought from Forever Twenty One. I told her I have done crazier when in all reality jumping off a bridge over a thousand foot canyon topped all experiences. I was very happy of how supportive the group we came with were about my money situation and throughout the entire day. It felt as though we were one big family, constantly wanting pictures of each other, laughing, encouraging and more importantly supporting. The moment everyone dug into their pockets I knew this experience wasn’t just about them or about me it was about us. I walked up to the bridge and began trembling immediately. I made the mistake of looking down and became mesmerized by the rapids crashing against the rocks. I took a deep breath and close my eyes trying to soak up everything around me. Angela had already put on her harness and was ready to go. As I walked up to the plank someone was getting ready to bungee jump. He held his arms out wide like a bird and jumped out into nothing. Oh my goodness I thought to myself, this is insane, maybe I can get my money back. Just then the guy grabbed me and said where is your ticket? I gave it to him and then he began preparing me for my jump. Angela Jumped first and then I had to wait about fifteen minutes to do it. Once again every negative thought began racing through my head, what if the cord snaps? What if they can’t pull me back in? Is this the way I would want to go? And once again I closed my eyes took another deep breathe and thought about how I love roller coaster, the rush of going fast and enjoying an unpredictable ride. I was at peace. As I had said before fear is a powerful thing it will either push you to the extreme and then some or it will hold you back from the things everyone else is enjoying. Besides if I can’t jump off a bridge how do I expect to sky dive in Cape Town? Katie K. felt like a big sister that day, she never left my side. I can honestly say without her words of encouragement I would have chickened out. If there was anytime someone could use some counseling it’s before a stunt like this. Thanks Katie for your love and support that day on the bridge.
They called my name and I stepped onto the plank. I made it a point not to look down. He attacked the cables; I said my goodbyes to Katie, Dan and the rest of the group as they waited a few feet down from me video taping the event. The instructor told me to walk up to the end and put my toes over the edge. I shook in fear. Goose bumps began running up my legs, spine, neck and then back down. He told me when I begin to swing to put my arms out so he knows I didn’t die of a heart attack. “Thanks for the comfort” I joked back with him. Then it began Five, Four, Three, Two, One (Swing). I stepped forward……emptiness. I have never felt clearer as I did in the four second free fall. No worries or cares in the world. The only way to describe what I was thinking on my way down was pure emptiness, I didn’t have one thought, I wasn’t scared, I was free. Then all the sudden it felt as though someone swooped me up with their hand and shifted me forward. I threw my arms out and gasped for air, “I’m alive” I yelled at the top of my lungs.
No one could hear me but it didn’t matter. I believe the swing was as close as I will ever come to feeling like a bird. I had a feeling run through my body unlike anything I have ever experienced. I swung around for a few minutes. I tried to take in the view that only a few will ever get the opportunity to see. The scariest part of the whole experience was when they reeled me in under the bridge. They tried pulling me to the bridge but I squirmed in panic. The guys helping me were getting impatient with me but I just wanted to grab onto something sturdy and concrete. I clicked my cable onto the rope and began heading back. I shook in fear, the only thing between me and a 1,000 foot drop is a 105 year old cage in inch thick. Once I got to the other side I ran to the grass, I looked up and there was a sign “Welcome to Zimbabwe”. Granted it wasn’t much but I touched foot on the soil so I will count it. I do want to make it back there one day just to visit my friend Titus. As I walked back I was welcomed by my friends clapping for me, smiling ear to ear. ZACH YOU DID IT!!!! Katie was a trooper and video taped the whole thing. If you ever want to see it let me know, I will try to upload it on my blog but it’s a pretty long video. Walter walked up and gave me a high five, “You did great, did you like it”. He then went on to tell me he has bungee jumped there three times and the first time was the most nerve racking. I watched Jenny, Lauren and Megan Pierce jump. We all felt relived. We made it to the Falls, we conquered jumping off the bridge and we were getting ready to go see the Falls

On the walk up to the park I had an interesting conversation with Walter that really made me appreciate him being with us. I asked him what type of jobs he has done in the past. He told me he worked at a computer company for five years and then spent some time at a bang setting up accounts. I asked him what got him into the business he is doing now. He said I got bored sitting behind a desk, I didn’t get any joy from it. He made up his mind he wasn’t going to live his life stuck. He saved up money and now owns his own tourist company. He has five drivers and he works his own hours. He gets the freedom to hang out with people and enjoy the things they enjoy. You could tell he was right where he needed to be in life. He explained how seeing the smiles on our face are worth every moment. He talked about a few things he had to overcome and how he feels fulfillment from his job now. I am glad I had this conversation with Walter.
It was time to see the falls, Walter drove us up to the park and told us we need to take a minute to see the history of it. We spent about ten minutes inside and I got bored and went outside to barter with some locals. One man even tried telling me that he wanted me to wear a necklace to the park and to return it when I return. I told him I couldn’t and walked away. A lot of people were trying to sell Zimbabwe dollar bills. Since they just switched currency to the American Dollar because their inflation at one point was one tenth to the twentieth power, they had bill that were ten trillion dollars, five billion dollars. Titus explained to me that a coca cola in Zim would cost around five billion dollar. We had to pay ten American dollars to enter the park. For some reason everyone wanted to have the American dollar, just to feel it. We could pay cheaper in American dollars then if we were to buy something with pula. It made me step back and think about how a bill could mean so much to these people and I wonder if they thought of it as an investment.

Chobe Boat Drive

After my last journal entry Jen, Jenny and I took a walk around the Mowana Lodge. The landscape was marvelous. We came across an opening in the BBQ area and I struck up a conversation with a few of the workers. I asked if anyone had ever gone swimming in the Chobe River. The man went on to tell us that a crazy white man walked to the end of the dock, jumped in the crocodile infested water and swam to the other size to touch Namibia and swam back. Everyone was yelling at him to return from the shore. There is poisonous snakes, crocs, tiger fish and many other dangerous creatures in the water. We were even told not to walk near the river bank after dark because Black Mamba snakes were very common. One of our group members Titus informed us that he had been bitten by a Black Mamba when he was hiking at the age of fifteen. Luckily he was smart enough to know how to find a vaccine for the dangerous creature before it turned deadly. We then saw a stray wart hog walking around the parking lot as I was asking about prices to play golf. Jenny got pretty close to get some pictures but stepped back after it began snorting at her.
That night we went on a Boat Ride down the Chobe River. I was told this was better than the Game Drive but I didn’t know what to expect. We were on the top deck of the boat and only ten of us were allowed up there because of the weight capacity. The Boat Drive was by far the most peaceful experience I’d had thus far. We drove the boat right up to the bank where four Elephants were about thirty yards from us eating.
It was so surreal and I feel like words cannot describe what I felt while starring at those beautiful creatures. We began heading back down the river and we passed a crocodile lying on the bank, a few seconds later we saw another one and our captain drove the boat right up to the bank until the shallow water stopped us from moving any further. The boat came to a quick halt and the crocodile turned quickly and snapped his jaw at us and scurried off into the water.
Croc Picture
I am glad I captured the screams on video tape; Mandy even ran half way to the opposite side of the boat. A few minutes later we passed two bald eagles sitting on a tree and then they flew off into the sunset. We approached a heard of buffalo although they are not the buffalo you would typically imagine, a bit smaller, less hairy and their horns made an oval shape.

It was funny to me to see all these wild animals living in harmony. I couldn’t help but think how humans were very similar. I even found a youtube video later on the night that showed other animals helping each other out. Look up Hippo saves Antelope and you’ll know what I am talking about. As we turned to head farther down stream was approached a herd of over 200 Elephants.

I was amazed to see so many, our guide told us the park holds about 60,000 total. This was exactly how I had pictured Africa in my mind. Wild animals, amazing sunset and fresh air, I have never felt so clear. We came up on four elephants playing in the water we were hoping they were going to cross the river over into the island but we lost hope the moment another boat passed us in the opposite direction and scared them off.

We pulled closer and sat for a moment and watched in amazement as the enormous beings played freely. It’s everything you could picture watching on the animal planet. They were splashing water on each other, dunking each other and having fun. I was upset for a moment because my battery had died and I couldn’t video tape everything that was happening. A few seconds after my camera battery died the elephants took a leap of faith and began crossing the dangerous river. Everyone around me was filming in amazement, I was disappointed. Then it hit me, it was supposed to be this way. My battery was dead for a reason and I was able to sit down and take it all in. I felt excited, astonished, scared and most importantly I felt in sync with the animals. One of the baby elephants jumped on the other forcing its head to submerge. The disappointment floated away and being in the moment took over.

I couldn’t help but to wish my family was sitting right beside me taking it all in with me but I know I will be able to show them the videos and describe everything that happened in detail to make them feel like they were there. That night we returned to the resort and watched the sunset on the deck overlooking the river and the wild terrain behind us. I had never felt so close to the sun as I did that night, Everything in Chobe felt more intense. The sun felt closer, the stars were brighter and the moon felt like a constant halo fallowing you around.
(I TRIED TO POST PICTURES BUT THE INTERNET HERE WAS NOT ALLOWING ME TO DO SO) please see me at home if you want to see these magnificent photos

Kasane

12 Hour Car Ride!!!!
Our car ride there had a few suprises!

Giraffe off the side of the road


Group picture of the Counseling Program

Baboon chillin in the tree

Sunrise in Chobe Park

We are now at the tail end of our trip. We left Gaborone yesterday to head north to Kasane for our excursion. The bus ride was a little over twelve hours long however two and a half hours of that were stops made along the way. At first I didn’t think the trip was that bad until we reached about 600 kilometers away. I soon found out our sixty person bus had hardly any suspension. The bus ride was rougher than most roller coasters. Mandy and I were privileged enough to sit in the back row where there was one extra seat so we were able to lay down with our head and feet opposite of each other. At one point we were both asleep when the bus hit a bump and I could feel Mandy roll over my legs and fall in the crack between the seats. Mandy was a trooper and joined me in laughing about it. When we arrived we were able to use the rest room and check in and then we went to the grocery store to get some food for the next few days.

When we returned I made a sandwich and a drink and decided to venture around Mowana Lodge. The first thing I noticed when I walked outside was the stars. I had never in my life seen something so magnificent. There was so many and they were very bright. Dan and I went down to the pool area to get a better look and we were both stared up in aw. There was this Milky Way looking figure in the sky that neither of us could explain. After about fifteen minutes we went up to the lodge bar were a few of our peers were hanging out. After a while everyone got tired and went to bed. Chris and I decided to stay up and talk to the bar tender for a little bit. He was born in Gaborone but moved up north to pursue a career working at Resorts and Lodges. He spoke of how Operah, Bill Clinton, Will Smith, Arnold Swarzeneger and many other celebrities visit the Resorts he has worked at. He said they are very peaceful people and love to come out here to relax privately.

He told me when I visit Cape Town I need to see Robin Island, where Nelson Mandela was held captive for twenty seven years. I then asked him if he considers Nelson Mandela a role model and he said no. He then began telling me about his mother and his traumatic upbringing. His mother is handicap and has had no legs for the majority of his life. I never asked what happened to her that caused her to be like this but I did ask more questions about where he came from and the challenges he faced growing up in a third world country. He told us how his mother was in and out of the hospital eleven months out of the year and how she would do odd jobs with her hands just to be able to provide enough money to put food on the table. He had to live with his extended family with his younger brother for a while. He came off as very strong willed and determined. Chris and I were thankful to be able to hear his story and compare the adversities he’d face to those we have. He also discussed how he likes the president of Botswana and how he is a people person. Someone who comes to town and goes out to talk to people in the community about the problems they are facing and the things he is unaware of. This was the first time since I have been here that someone has had something positive to say about their president so I was very curious to hear his side. After our long drawn out conversation I headed back to get ready for bed. It was about midnight and I had to wake up at 5:30am for our Game Drive. It was interesting going to bed though because I had to put the mosquito net down. I woke up in the middle of the night and became a little freaked out because I had a nightmare of snakes so I was afraid that my bed was surrounded by bird size mosquitos and poisonous snakes. I eventually got over my fear and was able to go to the restroom in peace.

I was able to wake up before we got our 5:30am wake up call so I showered and headed down to the lobby where we got coffee and tea as we waited. I consider myself a patient person but I couldn’t stand that the Game Drive tour guide was late. We were supposed to leave at 6am to see the sunset he arrived at about 6:35a.m. We eventually made it out to Chobe Game Park and everything worked out fine. On the way there we saw some Kudo and Bison on the side of the road. As we entered the park we passed a few Giraffe eating berries off of trees. I’ve seen elephant and giraffes before but never this up close. I was impressed with their size. The giraffe we saw were about eighteen to twenty feet tall. When we saw elephant yesterday on our twelve hour journey we were lucky enough to see elephant about twenty five feet from the road. They were monstrous. As soon as we entered the park our guide received a radio message saying there was a lion within viewing distance so we were in a hurry to get there before it left. On the way we passed some Antilope and Hippos. I also snapped some lovely pictures of the sun rising over the water.

Lovely Sunrise

As we approached the lion I noticed about four other tour jeeps surrounding the lion then all the sudden there it was about fifty yards from us. We were not allowed to get any closer. I’ve seen a lion in the zoo before but it was different this time. These animals are wild, they have no gates surrounding them and they are free to roam the country side. There was one male lion and two female. The male lion was incredibly large and intimidating. As soon as we pulled up to take pictures it opened its mouth and let out a quite roar. For some odd reason when I pulled out my camera to take pictures my zoom button refused to work, why at this time?

People wait months to see Lions, it took us one day!!!

I named him Mufasa

I eventually got it to work after we already left but I was just happy to be able to take closer pictures of other animals. We ended up seeing Kudo, Bison, Antilope, Puku (Endangered type of Antilope) Giraffe, Impala, Elephant (but not today), monkeys, baboons, bald eagle, hippos, hawks and wart hogs. I am hoping to see the rest of the big five on our boat ride this afternoon. I also didn’t notice until I got home that I took a lot of pictures of the trees here. I have never seen quite like it. Even as I sit here right now journaling from my porch I can’t help but to look up and admire the scenery. Our porch is on a hill and over looks the Chobe River about thirty yards away from me.

We saw over a few hundred elephants

Elephants on the Boat Ride (probably 20 yards from us)

This reminds me of me, Josh and Seth (below)

This was our sunset tonight! Probably the most beautiful thing i've seen other than Mander's smile : )

Get busy living or get busy dying

Ruth from work took us to her near by village where she is part of the Royal family



This picture is self-explanatory.

Today was the last day we were with our counselor training course group. Jen and I felt a little sad walking to Lifeline knowing we would have to say goodbye to the people we have come become close with the most through self disclosure. We couldn’t anticipate the emotion the group would go through by the end of the session. We began by describing our past, present and future drawing. I explained how my past was happy and that all I remember from my childhood were times of laughter and joy. My present picture was a stick figure drawing of me holding two books in my hand.

This symbolized how I am in the process of learning as much as I can; I am getting all the educating I can and developing spiritually and mentally. I also mentioned how I am doing this in preparation for whatever might lye ahead because I have a feeling its going to be something big. My future was a picture of me standing in front of a podium talking about education, our duties as Americans and speaking about my personal experiences. I realize I thirst for knowledge so I can educate those around me. Its weird but I feel as though I get some sort of high from learning more about others. The other night I had a conversation from 9pm til 3am with Karabo, Titus and Chris about any topic under the sun ex. Politics, religion, real estate, healthcare, relationships, dating, different types of alcohol and how they are made. We could have stayed up until sunrise.

After I finished presenting my third grade drawing Jen spoke about her past job at a pre abortion clinic where she did pre abortion counseling. She realized this is a touchy subject and that many people might not agree with her but she wanted to remain open minded and answer and questions people might have. Many questions were about feelings of guilt, the process itself and the type of individuals who seek this type of counseling. We were both surprised on how responsive the group was. Jen ended up speaking and discussing for about an hour.

Next I presented on my past of working at Sarah Moore Home and talked about grief counseling with elders. I explained the best way I have found to comfort grief is to talk about it. Get it out there in the open. If someone cries encourage them. Don’t be afraid to talk about what they might think is going to happen after they pass. No one knows the sure answer to that but its important to explore their belief and help them realize what they might expect. Along with grief in elders usually comes anxiety and depression. I explained that you want to make sure they are not losing interest in activities they like to participate in, make sure they are socializing and more importantly taking care of themselves by eating and bathing.

I have a fond belief that people chose when they want to die. I’ve read about it, I’ve talked to elders about it and I have experienced the process. Let me explain. I remember back to a resident who had cancer and was dying and I could tell every time that I saw her she was going to make it to the next time I see her. The last time I saw her she was still okay but I knew the end was near and that was okay for me because I know she was okay with it. I read that most people hold on until they are alone because they do not want their loved ones to see them go. I think this is very admirable but at the same time I understand struggle to hold on to those you don’t want to say goodbye to just yet. I think when I reach that stage of my life I will look back knowing I gave life all that I had, achieved all I wanted and saw as much as I possibly could.

As I spoke to the class I couldn’t help but encourage them to not be afraid of death. Don’t be afraid of dying but rather be afraid of not living. One gentlemen in the group asked if a lot of the residents felt remorse about their life as they neared death and I told him that the people who live their lives to the fullest aren’t afraid to die because they are the ones waking up everyday thankful, continuing their life. Living and loving it. I understand why people are afraid of doing most the things that some do. Don’t go sky diving you might die. I’m going to let everyone in on a little secret. You might die of a heart attack in your sleep, you might die in a car crash on the way to work, you might even wake up and discover you have an incurable disease. Don’t waste your life holding back of the risk of dying because life itself is a risk. Tomorrow is never promised today and life is too short to live in fear. Fear will either motivate you to do something or it will get the best of you and keep you from succeeding. I am reading a book right now by Tony Robins and one quote I love is “A person will either believe they are going to succeed or fail, both are right.” I feel sad to think that I am only twenty four and I felt I have lived more than many people have. I realize I have been VERY privileged because I have warm and loving parents who have supported and encouraged me to see as much as I possibly can but I want to gloat for a moment and write down the experiences in my life that I have been blessed to participate in and that have opened my eyes the most: Woodstock 99, Yellowstone National Park, New Years Even in Time Square New York (2 times), visit over forty states, live in Hollywood for 5 months, Snorkel in Hawaii, Go on a cruise to Mexico, 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, John Glenn space launch (oldest man to orbit the earth), 1997 Rose Bowl (I was interviewed on National Television), Taught a college course, been rejected MANY times by women only to find the right one, pay for my own masters degree, jump into a frozen lake and raised $1,000 in two years for Special Olympics, ate cow stomach, Drive across the entire country with my Father, achieve two bachelor degrees, sing at Radio City music hall, helped ten under classmen pick a major, encouraged a girl to follow her dream of going to Vegas and campaigning for Hillary two years ago and now she works for Obama. I made it a point that to not mention anything from this trip to Africa because I want to wait to write about it letter.

New York City, Time Square 07-08

I want to copy and paste the Bucket List I wrote a year ago that I looked at for the first time since then two days ago.

Things I would like to do before I die

1) Skydive

2) Run a marathon

3) Bench 300 pounds

4) Influence an atheist that god does exist

5) Write a book about my life

6) Give a speech in front of a large crowd (1,000 people)

7) Pay for my father and I to go on vacation

8) drive a dodge viper

9) Invent something great

10) Save someone’s life physically or mentally

11) Visit over 50 different countries

12) Learn to ball room dance

13) Watching the sunrise/sunset in a foreign country Done

14) Snorkel the great barrier reef

15) Learn a 2^nd language

16) Learn a 3^rd language

17) Give blood

The only reason I did this was so show how much progress one can make when they put their mind to it. My only wish is that one person who reads this realizes something they have always wanted to do but it sounded “crazy” or “that’s not for me”. Please down that little sound with some Bon Jovie Living on a prayer and dare to face fear and understand there is no such thing as mistakes only learning experiences.

After my little motivational talk to the class a lot of people realized they have been holding back and whether they should choose to take a leap of faith and step out of the rut they are in. There were two highlights to my day. My supervisor Vicki told Jen and I that we have inspired her to continue her dream of going back to school, getting her masters and starting her own practice. She mentioned how she got so wrapped up in the everyday routines that she forgot what was important to her and what made her truly happy. I think we all tend to do this at times. At one point or another we are content with a satisfactory life rather than chasing what we are passionate about. I believe you cannot teach passion and if you find something that gets you blood pumping and grabs your attention to go for it. The second highlight was that I was given the opportunity to explain Alzheimer’s to the group, the stages, progression and how it worked. I explained how you begin with a little circle and that is how you are as an infant, you cannot speak you are unaware of anything around you, next draw a bigger circle around that one this represents your cognition as a toddler, then adolescence, early adult and so on. As you Alzheimer’s progresses the circle begins to erase starting with the oldest memories and you forget what you are doing there and where you left things. The next stage you erase you forget that your loved one has passed away and that you are living in at an age about twenty years prior. This progression happens all the way until the circles go down to the smallest and only circle which represent the infant mind. At this point the brain loses all ability and crashes. I hope this was some what understand. If you are having trouble comprehending this please get a piece a paper and begin drawing circles and making bigger ones which represent the older stages of life. I was glad I was able to teach the class about something they were unfamiliar with and that my mentor in undergrad, Lisa Yehl, was able to teach me.

After the session we went around the room and ended with a feeling. This is when members began getting emotional. The first lady to speak was a middle forties single parent and she began to tear up as she explained how much we have impacted her life during the short amount of time in her life. Another person mentioned how we are exactly where we need to be and that they were looking forward to emailing us in the U.S. and asking questions about counseling or anything for that matter or to keep in touch. One man even had a gift wrapped for Jen and I, I received a totem key chain made from bone. He was going to get me ivory but he knew there were rules against bringing this back to the U.S. The next person to speak was a middle twenties male who explained how when they were first approached about us entering their closed group he was totally against the idea, mostly because he didn’t know us and would feel uncomfortable. He admitted to regretting those feelings now and that he was very sad to see us leave and that we had helped him with our knowledge and positive feedback.

Here was a picture of our counseling class.

Another woman said even though we were masters and doctoral students we did not act like we were any better than them. She then became choked up as he thanked us for everything. The next girl disclosed some important information one last time as she announced to the class that she was uncertain of her direction in life and that she was going to get her Masters in Business Administration upon completing the counseling class but Jen and I’s presence has changed her mind and encouraged her to pursue an education in a field she feels much more passionate about, counseling. I thanked her for sharing that and told her that she needs to pursue whatever she is passionate about and that success will follow. It was hard saying by to everyone, this group made my Botswana experience life changing. I heard stories most people couldn’t imagine, things I would never wish upon anyone. These stories were exactly what I needed to hear to put my life in perspective.

We ended by giving hugs, some held on for minutes as they didn’t want to let go. Others held my hand as I stood talking to them. The people of Botswana are so caring and giving that you really do feel as though you are leaving with a piece of them inside you. I cannot explain the love these people have for life, each other and everyday life. Trying to describe the culture of Africa and the people you encounter would be like trying to explain sight to a blind man. No matter how much you want them to feel what you have its not possible, you have to be there, see it and live it. I cannot say all of Africa is as friendly and peaceful as Botswana but I believe the continent is misunderstood. You must experience something before you judge it. If this trip has inspired me to do anything it’s to learn about all existences of life. I want to learn more about the people I misunderstood first because I will benefit the most from this.

Here is a picture of a chief of near by villave

Heres and awesome Italian Restaurant we ate last night

Here is the lifeline volunteer staff mostly made up of University of Botswana students

International Counseling Conference

I just returned from the International Counseling conference and although the attendance wasn’t what I thought it was going to be the emotional expectation was met. This is my first time speaking at a conference none the less to Doctors and Professionals. I was excited to speak but I felt a few other people were nervous. I think I was given the gift of public speaking because I love attention and I love to spread knowledge and experience to others. We were asked questions about if we have changed from our experience, our initial impressions and how we perceived their culture. All six of us on the panel had very interesting learning experiences and we appreciated being able to share those experiences with the people in the audience. I spoke about how I thought the country wouldn’t be as industrialized as it is and how I was surprised when I saw a hummer at the Gaborone airport. I also mentioned how I am going to let this experience impact the rest of my life.

What can I do to help people back home and how can I come back here to help people. The best part about speaking in this conference is the high level of understanding. No matter what you were saying or how you described everyone felt what you felt. One member on the panel began to tear up and it was almost like a chain reaction. We have seen things that no one in America can imagine. How do we take this experience back home with us and appreciate things the way everyone else does, we can’t. I feel as if trying to explain this experience to people is like trying to explain sight to a blind man. No matter how hard you want them to understand the same feeling you experienced, you can’t. I was approached afterwards by a lady who asked me what I plan on doing about this and I had to be honest and tell her I don’t know yet. I will do my best to educate people, to influence positive change and to make people aware of their behavior and actions. Ignorance is curable, I am living proof.

Lifeline class

We only had two classes left in our counseling course at Lifeline. We start each class by everyone describing how they feel that morning. Today moral was down as most people said they felt upset, angry or sad. As we went around the room one person even broke down in tears when they spoke about their problem. We had a homework assignment to draw three different pictures on the front of a paper of our past, present and future. We also discussed three different theories of human development, Eric Erickson Model, Jean Piaget and Sigmund Freud. We discussed the differences in all three models and the stages of development which included his milestones that typically met at each age.

When our class discussed their past, present and future paper models I was hesitant to go because I knew we would not get through everyone and I knew these people have paid for the course and could get more out of it so I did not volunteer to go. One girl that did go had an interesting issue that was going on in her life. A few months ago she began reading a book (something Power) and she said she had an encounter with god. She said she couldn’t sleep, eat, and that she was writing a lot. This description gave me a flashback to my clinical pathology class winter quarter when we had a guest manic borderline personality speaker. He described the same feelings and actions and I couldn’t help but think the two situations were congruent. She then described how she was going through a change in her life and how she dropped out of school and wanted to be closer with god and practice religion. At that moment another group member raised his hand to state his opinion on the subject. He explained how he was once training to become a pastor when he decided to quit religion. He went in to detail by telling us religion is a man made belief, he didn’t believe that people should not believe in religions because it gives people faith and hope. There is no right religion, there are only differences in opinions on what humans believe may or may not happen. Religion itself was formed from a human brain. Everyone interprets the bible differently the only true belief we can believe in is life experience itself. The things that take place, the moments that happen right when you need them, the circumstances that turn into good experiences, faith that turns into reality.

I respect a lot of what Alfred was saying because he spoke truth from his heart. His experience has lead him to believe that God is one big question mark that people want to find the answer to. That is the grandest question and it’s the human drive to seek answers that leave people in confusion, its belief that gives us comfort in where we are. I would never want to seem as though I am mocking some ones belief but to encourage them to pursue it. Without belief and hope we are a dead soul, trust me I have seen it.

Sitting here right now my supervisor Vicki just finished a counseling session with a severely depressed client who has tried to commit suicide and was on the verge of another attempt. This client had lost hope, had nothing to live for even though he had a good job, family, girlfriend, yet he was still unsatisfied with life. He has no faith and his only hope was one last shot at counseling. The fist two sessions seemed hopeless and Vicki was concerned for his well being. This is the hardest part about counseling, not knowing if your client will show up to his next session or in the front page of the obituaries. He walked in today (Tuesday July 7^th) with a smile on his face. He decided to change his life and with Vicki’s encouraging words he decided work was too much for him and he is changing careers. He felt like it was a new beginning and sky was the limit. In a way Vicki saved his life. Who knows what this man could go on to achieve from here and the impact he might have someone else’s life.

Monipeloli

This morning we had our counseling class gave a presentation on whether being gay or lesbian was a choice? I explained the Kinsey scale and how some people fell somewhere on the scale. I also presented some political views from both Botswana and the United States. Gay or lesbian acts are illegal in Botswana and can be punished with prison time. I explained to the class how homosexuality is still a debating topic in our country however we have come a long way with equal rights. I was not surprised with the presentations of the other students in our counseling class. Many of them were opinionated and they stated homosexual stereotypes as facts, Jen and I felt it was not our place to correct them because this might be a cultural difference. We felt the only way to educate them without being disrespectful was during our presentations so I tried my best to describe something I was quite familiar with, the laws of attraction. I explained how you can’t choose who you are attracted to but being homosexual is a choice because you can choose to act on the person you might be attracted to whether they be male or female.

A few of the presentations were very open and honest and they looked at all possibilities including research and studies that have been done on the topic of homosexuality. I was tempted to ask questions to those who said homosexuality might be cause out of frustration of the opposite sex or because they wanted to be different from everyone else. I like how one girl did pick up on how homosexuality used to be in the DSM as a mental disorder however it was taken out after more studies were done exempting the possibility.

In the afternoon Vicki had promised to take us to Montepeloli which is a village about 60 kilometers from Gabs. It ended up taking us about an hour and twenty minutes to get there. We saw some very interesting scenery on our journey though. There were random goats, cows and donkeys crossing the road at free will. There were children walking up and down the side dirt roads bare foot. It was sad passing hundreds and hundreds of people trying to make a living on the side of the road by selling individual pieces of candy. Many of their homes were one room huts with straw roofs. As we came closer to the Lifeline center at Montepeloli we passed hundreds of school kids just getting at out of school and walking down the road venturing home. As we came closer to where we thought was going to the Montepeloli Lifeline center the paved road turned into dirt and the car ride became very bumpy from there.

When we pulled up we realized that we were visiting a private school which had a Lifeline Center in it. As we waited for Vicki’s friend to come I asked to use the restroom and they gave me a disgruntled look and I didn’t know why until I realized they do not have running water so until they received water my urine would have to sit in the toilet and mellow. We waited a few minutes until two women walked in with huge smiles and open arms speaking Setswana. One of them was the principal who started the school five years ago. She took us into a classroom a few rooms down and we sate in a small eight by eight corner, this was their “Lifeline Center”. Her and Vicki began talking and catching up on what’s new. She then told Vicki that she had taken in three kids from the school because they needed guidance. The three children all coming from different families were dealing with their parents going through a divorce and she took them in so they did not get caught up in the custody battle. She finds that this is the best way for the parents to agree without manipulating the child. The forth child she took in was a twelve year old orphan whose twin sister just passed away from Aids. When the two were born one was born HIV positive and the other HIV negative. She discussed with us that the child has not shown much emotion over her sister’s death and she was going to let her grieve on her own until she feels the time is right. She also mentioned how many of the children that are born with HIV at the school get frustrated and upset. They act this way because since the day they are born they have to take ARV’s to slow down the HIV process the frustration comes in because they wonder why they have this virus, “we didn’t ask for this, we didn’t do anything wrong”. Good question children. Jen and I looked at each other in disbelief but reality quickly hit us when the girl walked in to meet us with her chin held high and a beaming smile. They have to teach these kids to not grieve over their loved ones otherwise they would be grieving rather than enjoying their own life. I understand this concept but it’s hard to say goodbye to a loved one in passing especially when all you have in your life is a twin sister. The principal, I forgot her name but I will find out before I leave, runs the school with over 230 children, eight teachers, limited funds, clothing, food and teachers. She also takes four orphans home with her every night to take care for on top of her own three biological children not to mention she is a single parent that recently went through a divorce, talk about strength. This woman enjoys every moment she has with these kids and enjoys life to the fullest while providing more than any one else can imagine.

The children came in and played their African instruments for us which I was able to get a video of.

They were amazing and full of spirit I felt blessed to be sitting in their presence at that very moment.

Presidents Day (Our day off)

We have the day off today for Presidents Day. I am proud to say that I have Barak Obama making decisions in office and that he is doing his best to provide equality and more healthcares for everyone in our nation. After breakfast Mandy and I decided to go to River Walk mall with a few others to go shopping. I bought a shirt for the Rascal Flatts concert next month and another t-shirt. When we got back we finished our movie 7 pounds with Will Smith, it was a very touching movie with a good message. We then decided as a group to go to Gaborone Game Reserve to see some animals since the anticipation for the Game Drive at the end of our trip was becoming too much. On the drive we saw deer, antelope, ostrich, warthogs and monkeys. It was very relaxing and got us all excited to go up north and see the bigger and exciting animals. We stopped to go to the restroom before leaving the park and we found an area where there were about fifteen to twenty monkeys jumping around playing with each other and climbing trees. There was even one who jumped onto a movie jeep and stood on the side mirror as the driver sat and waited for the monkey to leap off the car.

When we left the Game Reserve we headed to Khali Park near game city to go for a hike up a mountain to watch the sunset. The path was very rocky and unsteady luckily everyone made it up safely. When we reached the top we were all left speechless at the beautiful surrounding below us. We took many pictures and climbed the highest rocks possible to get the best pictures. The pictures I am posting will explain our view better than me putting it in words.

Katie, Meg and I chilling at the top of the mountain.

Amazing view, you can see for miles.

Beautiful sunset!!!

I call this picture "Mandy and Zach tackle the globe"

We were all starving by the time we reached the bottom of the mountain so we decided to go to Hagan’s Irish Pub for dinner. The five girls and I at my table decided to order a flaming Lamborghini which was three different shots mixed into one but you had to drink it with a straw while it was lit on fire and then the shots were added. I was the genie pig of the group and went first while Dr. Pillay took pictures. It was quite thrilling but I got scared when I became to feel heat coming up the straw and quit a tad bit too early. Everyone at our table followed after me and loved every minute of it, the shot only came out to be about $5 or $6 a piece.

Dr. Pillay also sat at our table which gave me the opportunity to talk a little bit about the program and compare it to past study abroad experiences. To my surprise we seem to be a lot more laid back than most groups. I think that might have to do with having a larger number of people and this allow us to have more outlets. I think another part which might contribute to this is that a lot of us already know each other and that the meetings before hand got us familiar with one another.

Our service at Hagan’s made the overall experience below satisfactory. Our food took two hours from the time we got there and they didn’t have two separate things that people in our group had ordered but failed to mention until the time we were expecting our food. Our drivers became frustrated and eventually came in from the parking lot and “accidentally” put their drinks on our tab. When Mandy confronted them they said they asked the waiter if that would be easier. First of all who wants to pay for their bus drivers alcohol drinks right before he drives you home, second the guy Mandy asked has been shady in the past with money so it was good we asked. While we waited in the parking lot I was made aware that Meg Mealy has an official stocker. A few weeks ago Meg was talking to a gentleman at the bar and the guy’s sister wanted the two to date. Meg never called him after leaving that night and just so happens she ran into Meg at Hagan’s that night. Well she followed us out of the club that night and was looking under cars trying to find Meg so that should could go meet up with her brother. The people of Botswana are persistent and come on very strong if you cannot tell already. We had very adventurous day and I thinkg everyone on the trip had a great experience.

Conversation with Dr. Pillay at dinner

At dinner last night we had a discussion with Dr. Pillay after dinner that I found very enlightening. He explained how he grew up in South Africa and what it was like to have four different segregated communities living in their society. He also mentioned how if anyone was caught violating their segregation laws how people would be prosecuted. I cannot fathom how cruel society might have treated people of a different race during his childhood. Another point that cleared up some of the racism for me was our discussion of how government divided up the funds. Caucasian’s received about eighty percent of the funding, Indian heritage received about 5 to 7 percent, Colored (mixture of white and black) people as they were called received about ten percent and then Indigenous Africans received the lowest amount of money in the budget with less than five percent even though they were the majority of the population in South Africa at the time. There was one college for Indians, Blacks and Coloreds and many university and colleges for Caucasians. The government had it fixed so that the other three races were not empowered. Dr. Pillay discussed how he was a rare case to success because he was granted a scholarship by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Without this scholarship he would not have had the funs for the education he needed.

I was shocked when he explained how much he has developed since he was young and how he to had prejudices. I find it fascinating how he took that anger and education and used it to help people understand their own cultural biases. Dr. Pillay set a goal of helping people think about and change their cultural awareness through education. I can personally say he has done that for me. Where I was a year ago and where I am now are completely different. I always wondered why he would want to live in a small community like Athens where there might be a lot of racism or misunderstanding. Now I understand that he wanted to take students who are misinformed or misunderstand cultures and help them come to the realization that we all have biases and prejudices its how we deal with them and how we over come them that matter. I always thought of myself as culturally aware but now I realize that I just thought I understood different races, not culture.

After my trip to Africa I can say I understand that culture is more than skin color, more than heritage, its how one views their own life determined by their morals and values and that each and every individual on earth has their own culture. Although we do have cultural norms in a society that make up generalized cultures, I like to think of it like religion. People of the same religion might have the same belief however some may approach aspects of their life differently and that no one sees every circumstance exactly the same. My favorite quote from the night came from Dr. Pillay “Where there is different races, there will always be racism. Where there is different gender there will always be sexism. Thank you Dr. Pillay for helping me see that through academic course work and this amazing experience in Africa.

Counseling Class with Belly Dancer

Monday morning we had our counseling class and we were supposed to have our presentations. I wasn’t nervous although I didn’t put any research into my topic “how do you become Gay or a Lesbian?” and also the politics that surround the issue. I found it funny how out of six people in my group none of them felt comfortable enough talking about Gay and Lesbian politics. Does it have anything do with the fact that it is illegal to be homosexual in Botswana. You will be punished and taken to prison if you show a homosexual act in public. Vicki taught a lesson for the first hour and a half about Trust, taking care of self before you can help others, finding underlying issues and how to deal with low self esteem. After her lecture we had our presentations and one of the girls presenting played a hypnotherapy CD for us which I found very relaxing and positive. I spoke to her afterward and asked her if she could help teach me how to hypnotize people and she agreed to give me a book and a CD that will help teach me. She also brought in a belly dancer to perform a few dances and show us how to do the movements. I have a few videos of these but it was very interesting.

I think I could find it very useful to help hypnotize people’s train of thought to erase negative thoughts and replace the things that trigger those thoughts with positive feelings and emotions.

Nanogang Secondary School

After class we ate lunch and then went to a near by school called Nanogang which is a secondary school for children fifteen to seventeen. I was extremely excited to do this because I haven’t experienced working with kids in a counseling center. At first the students were very shy and observing of our behavior. We started by saying how we felt today, who our role model at the moment is and why. I explained how Barak Obama is my biggest role model at the moment because exemplifies the kind of hope our country needs and shows the leadership qualities that I admire. I explained how I am not going to agree with everything he might do in office but I understand what his presence means to our country and other countries around the world. I was kind of shocked when going around the room how many of the Nanogang students told me their role models were American icons.

One student also said Obama is his biggest role model while others claim JayZ, T.I., Martin Luther King Jr., Beyonce and about half the class said Oparah. All of their answers were for different reasons but overall because they want to make positive impact in the world. They also had to say what they wanted to be when they grow up and many of them said lawyers, doctors, surgeons, writers and only one of about twenty of the children mentioned money as their motivation. I figured that would be the most important issue for children who grew up learning in a room that was way too small for the number of kids, no air condition for the summer when temperatures reach the hundred degree mark or who have holes in their school sweaters.

The goal of them meeting twice a week was to talk about the problems of their life and to do self development. I got the impression that a lot of these kids are already adults and that they have to be the man or woman in their household because their parents are not reliable and their siblings rely on them or they might have problems taking orders from their older sibling for that very reason. This was these kids support system. Their homework was to do a family tree and describe each family member.

It was devastating to hear these children draw a family tree with empty tree branches because their uncles, cousins, parents, brothers, sisters have passed away. They are not even allowed to say the word death, they have to say passed away and if they slip the D word they are quickly corrected. Another thing I found shocking was that majority of the kids did not know their uncles and aunts names because it is found to be improper to call them anything other than uncle or aunt. I explained how in the U.S. I call my uncle, Uncle Ed. They found this to be disrespectful in their culture. So these kids grow up surrounded by their relatives and do not even know their real first name. I would say ninety five percent of the children were raised by a single parent and many of them did not know or associate with their father. I couldn’t imagine a family tree where I did not know anyone’s name. At the end of the session we went around the room and each person had to talk about what their goals in life are and what they are doing to achieve these goals. By this time I had moved around the room and decided to sit near a very cute little girl name Faith. She was sixteen; she came from a broken home and wanted to be a lawyer when she grew up so she could protect people from being taken advantage of. Here is a picture of Faith Simon and I after our three hour session.

The first girl to speak mentioned how she wanted to write a book one day and she is taking steps by reading books and learning as much as she possibly can about writing. Another girl mentioned how she wanted to start her own orphanage. Then there was this frail little girl that was about 4’10 and couldn’t have weighed more than 100 pounds. She stood up and told the class she has already written the book and has taken it to many different publicists trying to get her book published. Her book was about violence against youth.

She is on the bottom row second person from the right (next to the boy with the white bookbag). After she mentioned this Faith leaned over and whispered in my ear that maybe I could get her book published. I told her I didn’t know any publishers or I would. It’s inspiring to see a girl who couldn’t be older than fifteen already following her dream and acting on it.

At the end of the session I told them that I wanted to have a picture with them, they were eager to get as many photos taken of them as possible. This is why they are appearing to hang all over me trying to get their face in the picture thinking that it will become popular in the United States. I hope some day I write my own book and these kids picture can be in it. They have the motivation and ability to do so much if they are just given the opportunity. My impression from what I have learned about students like this in Botswana is that most of them will try to accomplish these goals, some will find help whether it be in continuum education or someone giving them a chance at a prestigious job disappointing as it may be the fact is few will succeed. The girl to the left of me in this picture dreams of moving to America one day.

I couldn’t help but sit in this room and look around at all the children smiling and wonder which ones is HIV positive? What children here will not make it to their twenties and why it has to happen to them? When I talk to my peers about their organizations we cannot tell who has HIV and who is healthy but then you hear the occasionally story of the kid who took a half hour more to get out of bed in the orphanage after their nap. My friends who are working at a Salvation Army sight said they fed the kids lunch Monday and that they were required to bring their own bowls just to receive a serving of what looked like canned dog meat. Many of these kids brought crayon boxes and some used card board boxes. I am getting goose bumps right now thinking about these kids eating like animals and yet one child even had the decency to share the only meal he was going to eat that day with one of the volunteers from our program. Chris felt privileged and since the Salvation Army couldn’t provide enough for the volunteers he graciously accepted the Childs invitation. I understand there are still kids in the U.S. who go starving and that this is a worldwide issue my mind goes in circles when I think of an answer to world hunger. I feel this problem is not incurable but it would take a major shift in global consciousness, one that I think people in our generation or the generations ahead are ready for.

Today was by far one of the most rewarding days for me in throughout our trip. I feel like I can draw inspiration from these kids.

If I ever lack motivation I will remember back to the young girl who wrote a book and is not giving up on publishing it. I will remember a young twenty year old opening a pawn shop just to get the experience of starting his own business in hopes of owning his own company one day. This reminds me of last year when I would be working out at ping and in my head I’d complain of being tired or unmotivated and then I would look up at the track and see a young man moving as fast as he can with his arm crutches because his legs were not strong enough to stand on his own two feet. I can draw motivation to do things using other people’s strengths; this is something I have acquired over the years. I find this to be one of my truest blessings. I’m more concerned with how I am going to take this experience back to the U.S. than I am soaking it all in. I feel inhumane if I were to see the things I have seen and hear the stories I have heard not do anything about it. I know some peoples response to this is well it’s not our problem but it is. If we don’t take care of each other the end result will be worse off than the effort it takes to help one another. If your raft is sinking in open water would you throw people overboard to make it lighter for a short period of time before eventually sinking or would you collectively come up with a plan to solve the problem at hand and work together to save everyone?