I wanted to share this article that my friend, Shanda, who traveled to Botswana last year, shared with me. It is written by Alexander McCall Smith, the author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which is a series of novels based in Gaborone. The article is truly reassuring of the beauty of this small African country and, most importantly, the beauty of the people that call this place home.
Click Here
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Begin at the Beginning
What other place is there to begin than at the beginning! Looking back, the beginning of all this actually started way back in September. Last September, I went to a study abroad meeting for the College of Agriculture to learn more about European universities that have transfer agreements with the college. Since my freshman year of college, the summer of 2008 was to be my “study abroad” summer. At this meeting, a representative from the International Service Team also spoke about the opportunity to serve internationally during the summer. It sounded quite interesting and I had a friend that served through the program last summer, but I was still set on going to Europe. That was my master plan and I always stick to my master plan. Or so I thought…
In early November, I went on a retreat (woo-hoo Pathways!) and did a lot of praying, reflecting, and especially listening. I listened to my desire to help others. I didn’t necessarily know how or where I wanted to serve, but studying abroad in a normal university classroom had somewhat lost its appeal. After the retreat, I immediately searched my room for the handout I received at the meeting months ago. For some odd reason, I had hung onto the handout from the International Service Team program, complete with contact information. I immediately contacted Chance, the student coordinator, to get more information on the opportunity to serve abroad. Turns out, though, the deadline for the application was actually Friday --- and it was the following Monday! However, he said that if I could get it soon, as in the next day or the day after, they would still accept me as an applicant. I submitted it and went through the group interviews. Next were the one-on-one interviews. The night before mine, I was stewing over the upcoming interview. I didn’t feel quite qualified, as I didn’t think I had any significant service experience. My roommate, Julie, encouraged me to just give it a try. I had almost let fear obstruct my vision to serve others.
I rushed after class the next morning to catch the KSU shuttle bus, since the building of the interview was not within walking distance. But… I had just missed it! Frustrated, I sat on a bench, contemplating just giving up and walking home. The next shuttle arrived after 20 minutes and I made it just in time to my one-on-one interview! I didn’t get there early like what is suggested for interviews, but at least I wasn’t late and I was there!
After completing the interview, I felt that this program was a perfect fit for me. It was something outside of my comfort zone, but definitely something I wanted to do! I soon received an email accepting me on the International Service Teams! I was elated! (And still am!) Though deadlines, fear, and even frustration almost kept me from even applying, I am confident that there is a reason why those obstacles didn’t stop this from happening!
Preparation for this summer soon began. This spring semester, team members took a three-hour class, with one hour in the normal classroom, one hour with a cultural/language partner, and one hour meeting and working within our teams each week. Through this preparation, we learned basic language, historical, and cultural facts of the host community; got to know one another; fundraised; and prepared for a summer of service.
There are actually 4 International Service Teams going to 3 different locations. 2 teams to the site in Gaborone, Botswana, 1 to Puebla, Mexico, and 1 to Bucerias, Mexico. Jack, Danielle, and I make up Team Goelama, which is a Tswana word referring to the nurturing and protection of the young and vulnerable. We will work with Leslie, Matt, Jayne, and Meeka, all members of Team Kitso this summer in Gaborone.
That leads to now…only a few days away from flying miles and miles to Africa! I will keep you posted on all of our adventures in Africa!
In early November, I went on a retreat (woo-hoo Pathways!) and did a lot of praying, reflecting, and especially listening. I listened to my desire to help others. I didn’t necessarily know how or where I wanted to serve, but studying abroad in a normal university classroom had somewhat lost its appeal. After the retreat, I immediately searched my room for the handout I received at the meeting months ago. For some odd reason, I had hung onto the handout from the International Service Team program, complete with contact information. I immediately contacted Chance, the student coordinator, to get more information on the opportunity to serve abroad. Turns out, though, the deadline for the application was actually Friday --- and it was the following Monday! However, he said that if I could get it soon, as in the next day or the day after, they would still accept me as an applicant. I submitted it and went through the group interviews. Next were the one-on-one interviews. The night before mine, I was stewing over the upcoming interview. I didn’t feel quite qualified, as I didn’t think I had any significant service experience. My roommate, Julie, encouraged me to just give it a try. I had almost let fear obstruct my vision to serve others.
I rushed after class the next morning to catch the KSU shuttle bus, since the building of the interview was not within walking distance. But… I had just missed it! Frustrated, I sat on a bench, contemplating just giving up and walking home. The next shuttle arrived after 20 minutes and I made it just in time to my one-on-one interview! I didn’t get there early like what is suggested for interviews, but at least I wasn’t late and I was there!
After completing the interview, I felt that this program was a perfect fit for me. It was something outside of my comfort zone, but definitely something I wanted to do! I soon received an email accepting me on the International Service Teams! I was elated! (And still am!) Though deadlines, fear, and even frustration almost kept me from even applying, I am confident that there is a reason why those obstacles didn’t stop this from happening!
Preparation for this summer soon began. This spring semester, team members took a three-hour class, with one hour in the normal classroom, one hour with a cultural/language partner, and one hour meeting and working within our teams each week. Through this preparation, we learned basic language, historical, and cultural facts of the host community; got to know one another; fundraised; and prepared for a summer of service.
There are actually 4 International Service Teams going to 3 different locations. 2 teams to the site in Gaborone, Botswana, 1 to Puebla, Mexico, and 1 to Bucerias, Mexico. Jack, Danielle, and I make up Team Goelama, which is a Tswana word referring to the nurturing and protection of the young and vulnerable. We will work with Leslie, Matt, Jayne, and Meeka, all members of Team Kitso this summer in Gaborone.
That leads to now…only a few days away from flying miles and miles to Africa! I will keep you posted on all of our adventures in Africa!
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