"Trav'lin All Alone..."

This world is like a mirror –
Reflect on what you do
And if you face it smiling
It will smile right back to you
~Culture

Such a great lyric! Life is good my way. One of the books I am currently reading is very powerful, A New Earth. I avoided the book for some time as it’s an awfully trendy read right now (part of Oprah’s book club, hence its popularity), but I surrendered after it was recommended by a friend whose opinion I hold in the highest regard. I am glad I took his advice. Yes, you could say it’s a bit of a ‘self-help’ book --- and those of you who were with me in Ghana (Round I) recall my affinity for self-help books while in Africa! Ha! But for a year or so I’ve been kind of feeling like my personal development has plateaued some, and this book is really adjusting my perceptions to my social environment as well as my thoughts. I must admit though it’s making me a bit of a recluse. I’ve noticed a lot of people in the group have formed close-knit pairs or trios and while I think I am still the only one who can name every person and training staff member, I don’t seem to be forming a close attachment. This is kind of unnatural for me and I guess if I think about it too much I may take it personally, but at the same time I am enjoying the solitude and am reminding myself that in less than two months I will be the only lekgoa (white person) in town, and so my deep connections need to be with Batswana anyway. I do love my cohort though - very true and powerful individuals.

Anyway, I wish I could explain the book but I fear I would do it no justice. But I would say if you’re feeling a bit stuck - personally/mentally/emotionally/spiritually – if you find yourself incessantly trying and failing to make changes in your attitudes, if you constantly feel like a slave to your own thoughts, find yourself falling into the same traps (often the ones you set for yourself), or if you wish you could eradicate negativity from your mental radar then I suggest you pick it up. The author’s writing style and examples are slightly elementary for my taste, but I think it is because he is not a native English speaker. The material, however, is pure and is really assisting me towards the personal development that I have been seeking – made easier by my new environment which is in itself so influential and inspiring. A part of me wishes I could share with you some of my new thoughts and feelings, but at this point I find it quite personal. Some one-on-one talks with margaritas could potentially pull it out of me, but I don’t see my blog as an equally conducive environment. Maybe another time.

Priscillah is gone. She was to stay until May’s end but Mama stumbled upon a new girl this past weekend and so Priscilla left early. She knocked on my door on Sunday to say “I am leaving”. I thought she meant for the day so I was just like “Cool, see ya later buddy” but nope she left for good… talk about a quick goodbye. So we have a new girl, Imelda. She must be about 18 or so and is fresh off the boat; she just arrived in Botswana last Wednesday. She is awfully shy, as I guess I would be too if I was an 18 year old maid for a relatively rich family in a new country. There are hierarchies within hierarchies, aren’t there? Life is so fascinating and our experience of it is just the tip of the iceberg’s tip.

Wednesday I leave for a place called Piliqwe to shadow someone who currently serves here. Her name is Ashlee, she works in an HIV/AIDS treatment clinic and has been here for one year. So I will have the pleasure of learning from her from Wednesday – Sunday. It will be so nice to get away from the monotony of training and to see a different part of the country.

As you approach summer, think of me as I prepare to bear the cold. By the looks of April, we are expecting a colder winter than normal.

Jamin – Good luck in Rwanda! Send me an email with all of your pre-thoughts. I’m so eager to know how you’re reconciling your upcoming departure with your current anxiety.

Holly – kick some butt these past few weeks. Congrats on officially being the smartest and the prettiest Keener.

Heidi – Don’t worry, you’re the richest… and if you play it right, that lasts a lot longer than brains or beauty!

Jessica & Becky – Do you even read this? LOL. I need an update on your lives STAT.

Ginnie - Hang in there... application process is so so frustrating but you'll make it through. Consider it part of the training for being patient and accepting ;)

Mauricio – If you didn’t send me one yet, I need an update on that last message you sent me!

Dana – Africa just isn’t the same without you. I’ll see/smell/hear something and whip around as if to find you behind me so I can share it with you, but alas no you. But you’re here with me in another way and that will continue.

Karin & Sara – You’ve got mail.

Stephen – Where’s my first CD at Gayngsta? I’m glad you’ve had such a productive semester and I hope summer gives you what you deserve.

Scott – When you cyclin’ buddy? Care to cycle your way to Molepolole?

K.Hubb – Every day there is some song to which I want to text you the lyrics, but int’l texts are so bloody expensive. But if it’s the thought that counts then your inbox is eternally bombarded with copious texts of cheesy lyrics.

Caroline – Pick VT for reasons that are self-explanatory, or I could write you a massive email convincing you. Also need an update on that last message you sent me!

Zach – Z... sorry that the minor delay in our voices kind of limits the scope of our conversations, but hearing you as much as I do is bound to have me going through withdrawal should it subside. It’s the best way to start my mornings. Check your email boy.

Who else reads this god-long thing?

Somebody tell Raven I miss and love him and good God will someone order a nice bourbon in my honor?