I haven't blogged in a while. There are many reasons for that. Mostly, we've been way too busy doing the all work of the office since our last senior couple returned home. For the past two months, Aaron and I have handled all of the secretarial duties of 100 young missionaries coming, going, and moving around with all the logistics and organization that requires. We've also handled all of the financial responsibilities of the mission on top of all the housing requirements with it's never-ending litany of broken items, water shut downs, pre-purchased electrical needs, and cockroach infestations. The housing piece is a full-time job in itself. Added to that has been the medical needs of all of these young people as I acted as interim mission nurse, some of which is nothing more serious that a nasty head cold or a sprained ankle but which was also as troublesome as infectious insect bites, unknown African fevers, major depressive episodes, and serious intractable diarrhea. All of these responsibilities should best be handled by two office couples instead of just one. Let's just say it's been more than busy leaving us no downtime for rest or enjoyment. Until...
...we were hugely blessed with the arrival of The Smith's, a wonderfully delightful senior couple from Utah. As a nurse practitioner, Sis Maureen Smith has relieved me of the massive burden of missionary nurse, and Elder Jerry Smith will take over management of all the vehicles, thereby relieving the office elders of some of their responsibilities. We are over the moon to have these friends join us and share not only the work but also some of the enjoyment of the country with us. We are about to reclaim our precious P-Days which we haven't enjoyed for a couple of months. Woot!
The young missionaries hosted a braai (Afrikaans for barbeque) to celebrate the 58th independence anniversary of Botswana. Was a super fun day, and they did a great job of hosting. The young men provided all of the meat for about 60 missionaries who were charged with bringing side dishes to share. The day went even better after Sis Smith and I made an emergency trip to the grocery to buy all of the paper products which the young men had forgotten were necessities.
Life is Botswana is filled with beautiful sunny days, delightful people everywhere we go, adorable young missionaries who wrap themselves around our hearts, and highly rewarding work as we keep the mission up and running as smoothly as possible. It's also punctuated daily by never-ending frustrations with Botswana's lack of business ethics and prowess, roadblocks with just about every process we manage, and disappointment working in a still very developing country, but we wouldn't exchange this African experience we're having for anything in the world. Except maybe one trip through Costco complete with a Costco dog and Coke at the food court. That would be grand indeed.
Spring brings warmer days and blooming Blue Jacaranda trees.
Kasper found a club to fight off the next guy who tries to break into my car. It was my fault for not bringing it into the garage as I should have. But Kasper should never have attempted to take on the two would-be car jackers using a lousy flimsy curtain rod. I thought for sure they'd take him out with the crowbar they were plying.
We made a trip to the village of Kanye to meet the woman whose house burned and who is living in a tent out front in the dirt with her children and grandchildren. She spoke no English and was hesitant to let us take pictures, but she finally trusted me enough to sit a moment with me. I simply cannot say enough how deeply grateful I am to all my friends who pitched in via Venmo and GoFundMe. Together we raised enough for not only the house to be rebuilt but also to include an indoor bathroom, something this family has never had. They have hope restored. Construction is to begin soon.
General Conference with my besties at President's home.
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