6 months….its officially been 6 months since I got to Botswana with the PC’s…that insane. I can’t really comprehend that. Its seems like its been no time at all, but also that I’ve been here for decades….well, things have been really eventful lately. Metsi hosted the Standard 7’s Graduation/ Guidance and Counseling Seminar last week and it was a total success. It was great. All the speakers came and gave presentations to the kids about healthy living and then the standard 7 teacher and myself handed out little certificates and the awards I made to the kids. They were all really embarrassed to come up in front of the school and speakers and get their awards but they were happy. It was cute. The even lasted about 3 hours and went so well. I’m so impressed with my school and all the ppl that came. It was great. Then all the teachers and cooks cooked lunch, this huge lunch with so much food and all the standard 7’s got the special lunch too. They all ate like Kings and Queens…I think that was my favorite part of the whole day. They kids were so happy and couldn’t believe that this big of a deal was made over them. It was so cool! We spent like 7 hours the day before decorating out dining hall at school with balloons and posters that had life skills sayings on them and little posters with all the kids names on the. The place looked really good and all the teachers and staff helped with all of it. It was so great that everyone just volunteered to help and set things up. I didn’t even ask or anything.
This last week as a bit tough for me! Since I’ve been learning that the children typically don’t eat except at school and we only give them one small meal a day…that’s not enough for food. I’ve been fighting for a second meal at school and so then social worker and I spent 5 hours last Tuesday going to about 30 houses of the children all over the village to make assessments to prove that they kids aren’t getting enough food. Well, sadly, we got the info we needed. We went to each house and asked the parents how much they make, how much cattle and goest do they own, how do they make money, how many meals a day they have…etc… Typically most families eat just one small meal at dinner and that’s it. The children are sent home from school at 1-3 pm to eat lunch, but now one can afford to eat that much. Most families have no icome at all and/or are living off of the 81 pula (like 13 dollars) a month for their families of at least 6. Its horrible. It was really hard to see it all and go from house to house to find out about all the poverty and suffering. Its been a rough week. I can’t just look at that and walk away. I know I’m trying to help and I keep reminding myself of that, but its so hard and painful to see. Its hard to now know more about everyone situations cause now I have faces and names to the lack of meals and lack of money that I only heard rumors about before. I know its good because if I know then I can try to help and I’m trying not to put this all on my shoulders…but its so hard not too.
So, I’m writing a proposal to get a second meal in the school and have to type up all the data stating that the children need help and well see what happens… I really hope this works!!!!! It needs to!!!! I’m still a bit stumped with the village and trying to get them food and work. I think that everyone wants to work but I also think that there is a lot of behavioral change that needs to happen also…and so it makes me feel torn about how to help them. I don’t know yet. I have ideas, but I’m so hesitant to start them…but I guess I just need to do something. Things need to change…it just all feels so unfair.
“You must never do what feels comfortable…you much always do what is necessary!”
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Hey, baby, you are not alone, we are all standing right with you, right behind you (especially behind you when there are spiders or scorpions). Anything we can do we will do, just let us know. We are so proud of what you are putting in place. You and your sister are the stars in our firmament. We are so proud of both of you!!! Let me know if there is anything we can send for Botswana Day celebration/activities. Love you.
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Wow, Erms. Even though you seem to think you're not doing enough, it sounds to me like you're making a huge difference already. Don't be hesitant to try new things, the sooner you do, the sooner you find out what works and what doesn't.
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Emlow