Homemade "Coach"

As I was watching our girls play together this morning, I saw them in a different way. Hard to describe, but I'll try. Even though I'm very sentimental and love to reminisce about the days when they were babies and toddlers - I see before me two young ladies that are growing up too fast for my liking. Sometimes I wish I could keep them 'little' forever. Ever feel that way about your children? Selfish of me, I know. But seeing them playing together warms my heart. They pretend, dress up (mostly B), make crafts, play on the Wii, perform shows, play with their American Girl dolls..... We are so blessed that they get along so well with one another. They do have their squabbles - but that's usually when they've had too much 'together' time and need some alone time. It's bittersweet - they love to be together, but they also need time for themselves.

This is a "coach" made by R. She cut out "windows" and put crowns on the side....then punched holes and attached yarn from which to be pulled. They take turns pulling one another around. Here's something to make you chuckle --- yesterday I heard R say to B, "If you pull me around, it will help make your arms stronger."

Imaginations are wonderful. That is what being a child is all about.

Whiteboard Wednesday

I can't claim originality for the 'Whiteboard Wednesday" idea. That honor goes to my homeschool bud Tracey.

So here's our go at WW. These drawings are from our youngest...who loves to draw, and might end up being a fashion (not fashoin) designer. (We're working on the spelling.) She loves to draw princesses in lovely gowns, and fashionable outfits. Sadly, two of these models don't have heads or hands...but they have cool shoes!

See you back here tomorrow for Trivia & Tidbits Thursday...

Trivia & Tidbits Thursday - Living in "Africa Time"

Those who know me, know that I'm a punctual person. I've always been that way. Arriving late to a function (unless there's good reason) is a no-no to me. My husband could tell you a funny story about that! But, I'll go ahead and give you the scoop on that one.....

When we were dating, there was a time we arrived late to an event. The event was already well under way when we arrived. So everyone knew we were late. I let my date know that I didn't want that to happen again. Being on-time is very important to me. Well..... Sometime later we had another event to attend....a surprise birthday party for a friend. We were told we needed to arrive by a certain time, so we'd be there before the guest of honor. When my date didn't show up on time to pick me up - I left without him! I left a note on the door that I'd meet him there! I don't think we had too many issues with being punctual after that. We still laugh about that. Oh - there was the time we were late for our Rehearsal for our wedding. Someone was out mountain biking with friends who came from out-of-town for our wedding. We laugh about that one, too! I digress - so back to the subject.

I wrote the other day about the relaxed pace here. That applies to being on time as well. Folks are on time - or close to it - for appointments and things like that. But when it comes to social events, they're on a different time. The girls and I learned that first-hand. We had only been here a few weeks - and were going to the soccer practice being held by our church. We thought this would be a good way for the girls to meet the other kids at the church. The starting time was 2:00. We showed up at 1:50 with chairs and snacks and drinks - all ready to go. I met the person in charge of the event. The first person didn't show up until 3:00....1 hour after the scheduled start time. The next week - we didn't show up until an hour later - and we were still the first ones to show up. After that, we were busy with other activities and didn't go back.

Another example of this 'time' thing. A friend was hosting a cookout (called a 'braai' .... rhymes with try) for some Batswanan friends. The friend (American) said the braai would start at time X. The Motswanan said, "That means I won't come until an hour later. If you want me here by time X, you need to tell me one hour earlier than time X." I know, there are people like that all over the world. But this is the norm here in Botswana. The mentality is "I'll get there when I get there." This is the culture. This is the way of life.

So now, when events start late or run late or whatever, we just say, "T-I-A". (Which stands for This is Africa).

Clock photo from: http://www.kingsrivergifts.com/store/wall-clocks-infinity-wall-clocks-c-3_22_81.html

A Slower Pace

This pic was taken of our eldest child after we arrived in Gabs - one year ago!! (She's so relaxed and carefree...the way a kid should be! No worries.) The time we've been here has been like a flash before our eyes! We have done so much, and seen so much, and met so many wonderful people - but there's still so much more we want to see and do. Our time here has been extended by a year - so we should be able to get to most of the places we want to see.

I like to reflect back on "what was I doing a year ago"...and reminisce and be sentimental and all that. A year ago I had no idea I'd enjoy living here as much as I do. At first I was sooooo homesick.....this crazy new way to drive....not knowing how to get anywhere......no Walmart...no Target....only one place that is slightly similar to a Walmart/Target...no Chick-fil-A.....all these different brands of food...different tastes of food to adjust to....having to go to 3 stores to get my grocery shopping done because one store doesn't carry all that you have on your list....learning the culture....finding a new church....not knowing a soul ....making new friends....learning how to recognize and count out a new currency....living behind a tall wall around your home...bars on your windows.....and on and on and on AND my family was no longer a 30 minute drive away ---- and my homeschool support group! .... oh how I missed them! I was also scared in the beginning. I had thoughts of "What if something happens to my husband? I'm here all alone, with my family half-way around the world!"

Now, one year later..... First, it took a short amount of time to adjust to all those things I listed. The pity party lasted a very short time and so did the fear...only a couple of days after arriving - because my Lord - Almighty God - reminded me of His promise to me. "...the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 I love that about my God - He comforts and reassures me when I need it most. The blessings He has poured out upon us have been beyond number. We have a phenomenal church. I love to worship there. I love the singing - learning to sing praises to my Lord in the language of the Botswana people. Ke rata Modimo (I love God.) I have learned that life goes on without Walmart, Target and Chick-fil-A. (Online ordering is wonderful....especially when shipping is free. However, this does not work for Chick-fil-A. Someone should open a franchise here. ) We have made so many wonderful friends - not just through my husband's work - but through the church...and friends of their friends. These are friendships that will continue on even after we move from here. And for staying in touch with family - we have fabulous technology! I Skype with my parents weekly, and we email throughout the week.

One thing about living here that sometimes drives me nuts yet I also embrace....the slower pace. Much slower...most of the time. In general, the people of Botswana (called Batswanans when referring to the group, or Motswanan when referring to an individual) just aren't in a hurry. You don't see them rushing through the mall or the grocery store. They just stroll along. While dining at a restaurant - the server doesn't rush you out to free up his/her table for another patron. You can stay at the table as long as you'd like. If you want your bill - most of the time you have to ask for it. In the check-out line at the grocery store - the clerk makes sure to greet you, ask how you're doing and talk to your children. Always - well, most of the time - there's a warm smile to go along with the greeting. Get this - most stores close up at 1:30 pm on Saturday, and many are closed on Sunday. I remember when I was a kid that most stores were not open on Sunday. This slower pace is a good thing.

This slower pace was made evident to me when I returned to the US a few months ago for a visit. I had not truly realized just how fast paced life had been for us in the US compared to living in Botswana. As much as we loved being home - it was also good to return to this slow-paced life.

Living here is a blessing to our family. Living in another country, on another continent - what an experience! I have so much to be thankful for, and I am.

I am thankful for this season in my life - this slower pace.

Thursday (Er - Friday) Tidbits & Trivia - Gaborone

I scream, you scream -
We all scream for ICE CREAM!

Around here we don't have ice cream trucks or vans. We have ice cream bikes. You know they're coming your way - because you can hear the squeaking of the horn on their handle bars! Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!

These ice cream bikes can be found cruising through town - where all the people are found walking up and down the streets. Or, you will find them cruising through neighborhoods.

This driver is wearing a hat to shade the sun. Some bikes are equipped with an umbrella. It's mogote (hot) here!

We haven't been a patron - yet. We'll let you know how that goes. Yet
another interesting tidbit about life in Gaborone!

(Photo courtesy of RS)

Trivia & Tidbits Thursday - Gaborone, Botswana

This week's topic - cell phones.

1. Prepaid cell phones seem to be the preferred choice. Inexpensive. No long-term/monthly commitment.
   
2. We don't have the same carriers as the US. Our major carriers are Mascom, Orange and Be.
   Mascom is the carrier I use.
3. I am able to use my phone from the US (the old thing in the pic).
   When I'm in the US - I plug in my T-Mobile SIM card.
   
4. To start service, just buy a new SIM card. Cost is about $2.50. Comes with your cell phone number and starter minutes.
5. Cell phone numbers are 8-digits. No area code here - even for land lines. (Home phones are 7-digits.)
6. Recharges are purchased in amounts by pula, not minutes - anywhere from P10-P100. (Yellow card in pic.) The back of the card (pic below) has a scratch off strip with a number to be entered in your phone - to recharge your airtime.
   
7. P100 (about $15) lasts me a couple of months.
8. Interesting point: cheaper to SMS than call! SMS messages cost about 6 cents.
9. SMSing is the preferred method by folks here to communicate vs. emailing or calling.
10. Get this - you are only charged for YOUR outgoing calls or text messages. You are not charged for incoming calls or messages. I like that.
11. Blackberry, Bluetooth - all that technology is very popular here.
    

Wordless Wednesday

Bananas Anyone?

We are going to have a gi-normous crop of bananas this year!! We have 4 or 5 (I've lost count!) banana trees that are producing this season --- producing a total of 6 really large bunches.

One of the trees had 2 large bunches. The weight of one of the bunches (the one shown here) brought down part of the tree! Though the bananas are still very green, we are hoping they will ripen.

In talking with a friend here today, who grew up in Hawaii, she told us that her dad would hang up an entire banana bunch in a cool place, so they could easily cut of the bananas. Well, we don't exactly have a cool place here in Gabs!! But, the covered patio will have to suffice.

Since the bunch weighs at least 20 pounds, we couldn't exactly hang it from the ceiling - so my ingenious husband rigged a way to hang the bananas. (See 2nd photo) Pretty clever, huh?

The last picture shows the 'cushion' for the bananas, in case they decide to come tumblin' down!

We look forward to sharing these and the other bunches with our friends here. Plus, I'll be making more banana bread. :-)