Blogs from Kweneng, Botswana, Africa

Disclaimer: As has always been true and shall for now and ever more be true, this blog is a creation of my own thoughts, however random they may be, and has not and shall never be any reflection of the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and/or policies and politics, however pompous or pretentious they may or may not be, of the US Peace Corps, US government, and any of its subsidiaries, parent organizations, lobbyists, spies, puppets, etc. etc. etc. “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is hidden to the eyes.” From The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Today, May 22, 2011, we have been in Botswana for two years, one month, and 3 days. We’ve worked hard, worked little, traveled, been homesick, laughed and cried. What legacy we may leave behind, I will never ... read more

I just have to write this now as it is flailing about in my mind. So many thoughts have passed through so quickly that it may be difficult to sort them. Please know that I am not sharing this with you in order to shock, disgust, or dismay you. I am sharing, first because if you want to know what my experiences here are, I must give an honest account of them. Second, I write this because I hope there is something to be gained by contemplating these recent events. My work started on my way to school this morning. As I rounded the corner of the newly constructed wall that surrounds the family compound where we stay, I came up behind two female students. One was pulling up her panties and straightening her skirt. It ... read more

Without question, the most difficult part of our service here is being so far from family and friends. We think about you everyday and wonder at how quickly time goes, how much all the children must be changing, and the companionship we are missing. We certainly see the changes with the neighbor kids. The baby, Jr., who was born on July 13, is now toddling and chattering with every step. He walks like an old man with a bellyful of chibuku (traditional beer), and it is tempting to rush to his rescue with each faltering step. Tselang, the three-year-old who spoke no English when we came now parrots almost everything we say and understands us very well. Chantelle, the nine year-old, is quickly turning into a beautiful young lady. It makes me a bit sad to ... read more

DISCLAIMER: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG ARE SOLEY MY OWN AND ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR INTENDED TO REFLECT BADLY IN ANY WAY ON THE US PEACE CORPS, THE AMERCAN GOVERNMENT, MOM OR APPLE PIE. ALL COMPLAINTS REGARDING CONTENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH FORM Q-2 J7665-4331P-FUBAR It is a little known fact that like humans, plants can be racist. I know because on more than one occasion I have been a victim of vicious attacks. I have no doubt that it is racially motivated because I’ve yet to see a Motswana suffer any abuse from these barb filled bigots called Acacia trees. As I walk the trails between the school and home, on my way to the tuck shop, or when I’m just out for a stroll, they wait for me, silent and sinister. At ... read more

THE CONTENTS OF THIS BLOG ARE MINE PERSONALLY AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY POSITION OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR PEACE CORPS. Some Batswana groups seem to be paying attention to the latest research regarding HIV/AIDS and working hard to spread the word. Recent studies have shown that male circumcision can reduce not only the spread of HIV, but also other STDs. It is interesting to note that male circumcision had long been a part of coming of age rituals among the tribes of Botswana. It was abandoned for the most part during the years that the country was a British Protectorate. Today some tribes are revitalizing the old ceremonies marking adulthood and incorporating modern surgical methods of circumcision into those ceremonies. Just over a month ago over two thousand men from their teens to their seventies ... read more