Hello All,
We are having troubles getting at computers here, but are hoping to update with photos later today. We are having an incredible time here, and are always astounded at the warmth and kindness of everyone here. We also realize how fortunate we are to have such a great team of volunteers. This is our last day building, and are off to the Okavango delta tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more!
The first four days
Today is our fourth build day and we have already accomplished so much. The weather has started to warm up considerably during the day with the shining sun and we even had a reprieve from the wind! The Batswana team and the GV team members are warming up to each other even more and we are learning a lot about each other.
Our work sites are also progressing at a great pace. After mixing, remixing, and mixing some more, the cement floor was set at one site and has dried. It is now ready to have its walls built up! On the second site we were able to "plaster" (or more correctly "concrete" since we are using concrete) all the interior walls- it is now safe to say that we have some plastering pros amongst the group. This house will be finished in no time! A group also spent all day yesterday mixing and making bricks one at a time. Mix the cement, fill the mould, pack it down, lift up the HEAVY mould, flip it over and voila, you have a brick. Now repeat all day! Last, but certainly not least, we had our food prep team getting our food and making sure we had enough nourishment for the day!
We have all been working hard but we've all remembered to take in our surroundings. We were accompanied at the sites by some local visitors. Many little children have popped by to see what we are up to, and Jane and Tessa have been able to make bracelets for all of them. Our neighbour's little children come by and keep us smiling and we always have a moment for a picture, even though it is sure that our official photographer Jill has recorded all the major events!
We continue to work at the sites today. It will be exciting to see the walls being constructed on one of the sites and finally be able to see the finished product on the other almost complete house.
Some things that we have come to realise:
- LOTS of sand does not need to be accompanied by a body of water- we seem to always have little sandboxes in our shoes!
- There can never be enough peanut butter at lunch
- The children really do seem to be raised by the whole village- sometimes we can't even find their parents!!
Until next post,
The GV team and Amanda
First Canadian Team in Sese!
Hello friends and family,
Our team has arrived safe and sound in Botswana and have now been building in Sese for the past two days. We have been busy meeting with the village Khotse (chief) and also visiting the local primary school! That was a moving experience as we were very popular and interesting to the students, most of whom have never seen a white person before.
The mornings are chilly and we are all envious of the Botswana people toques and warm sweaters, but once the sky clears and the sun comes out the air is warm and the land beautiful. We have worked on two home site, digging the foundation, cemeting the floor and moving bricks. The other home is beening prepared for plastering and will be finsihed in time for next weeks dedication.
The people of Botswana are warm, friendly and so interested in hearing about Canada and what we are doing. the children are beautiful, smiley and curious. They are so enjoyable to interact and play with and Jane, Tessa, Amanda and Cam have many new friends already.
We are having an amazing experience and we all feel so blessed to be here. Our team is wonderful and everyone is getting along great. Thank you to all at home for your love and support. We hopew to write again soon and post some pictures of this incredible place next time!
Jennifer
Our team has arrived safe and sound in Botswana and have now been building in Sese for the past two days. We have been busy meeting with the village Khotse (chief) and also visiting the local primary school! That was a moving experience as we were very popular and interesting to the students, most of whom have never seen a white person before.
The mornings are chilly and we are all envious of the Botswana people toques and warm sweaters, but once the sky clears and the sun comes out the air is warm and the land beautiful. We have worked on two home site, digging the foundation, cemeting the floor and moving bricks. The other home is beening prepared for plastering and will be finsihed in time for next weeks dedication.
The people of Botswana are warm, friendly and so interested in hearing about Canada and what we are doing. the children are beautiful, smiley and curious. They are so enjoyable to interact and play with and Jane, Tessa, Amanda and Cam have many new friends already.
We are having an amazing experience and we all feel so blessed to be here. Our team is wonderful and everyone is getting along great. Thank you to all at home for your love and support. We hopew to write again soon and post some pictures of this incredible place next time!
Jennifer
Botswana build July 2008
We are excited to be leading our third Global Village trip, this one to Botswana, Africa. It is a special trip because our daughter Tessa is joining us. We are also excited about seeing old friends from past trips and meeting many new ones. We are hoping that once again we will be able to access technology in country and post pictures and news for friends and family back home. Thank you everyone for all your support on this next adventure!
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