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.