October 25, 2009

Botswana is definitely not the same as South Africa.

It is strange, really, because I expected it to be. And in a lot of ways they are very similar, but there are some marked differences that I have noticed - just in my two days of being here in Botswana.

For one, the people are much friendlier. That is not to say that the people in South Africa aren't friendly, it just seems that there is a greater level of friendliness. There seems to be more of a trusting of white people, a friendship mentality, rather than a server to the greater.

There aren't many white people, though we have seen a few. This is very different from South Africa, where the towns are mostly inhabited by the whites, and the villages by the blacks. In Botswana, towns and villages are inhabited by the blacks, with a few white people sprinkled throughout. From those we've talked with briefly, it seems that most of them have fled from Zimbabwe for the time, or have moved here from South Africa to get away from the busyness.

Botswana is much more laid-back than South Africa is. (And that, right there, is saying something!) Things don't happen fast. Lots of people still ride donkeys and mules, though that is mostly outside of town.

The house we are staying in is very nice, though in need of some TLC. The yard and house exterior is pretty run-down, and the bathrooms could use some updating, but for the most part, it is a beautiful house. Not new, but not old - tiled throughout, four bedrooms (all will be very full after Tuesday), two bathrooms, and a good-sized living area. When we arrived at the house, it was in need of a good scrubbing (after a year of short-term missions trips, mostly men...you can only imagine) and organization. As usually happens, everyone who came left something behind. Over time, it just became a grand unorganized mess. But it is all righted now...and we are happily situated.

There is internet at the house (yay!) but bandwidth is limited, so there will be no loading of pictures and videos without first locating an internet cafe for the bigger projects. When I do locate and visit the cafe, I will try to upload some pictures, however...I need to take them first. :)

Today we met with some of the people and had a Bible study service. We also went grocery shopping and stocked up on everything we need. Tomorrow is busy with some more errands as we try to find things around town and the first of the Bible studies (I think we have some scheduled every day this week). Then Tuesday we get five new workers - two from Chile, one from South Africa, and two from Pennsylvania. My mother and I will be the only females in this group, so your prayers and sympathies are much appreciated. :)