Day 4: A time to Rest and Relax with our Host Families

On Tuesday, Jamie, Leon and I went to a nearby nature reserve in Mokolodi. We spent about 2 hours exploring the wildlife and some of the indigenous animals that can be found in and around Botswana. Here are just a few picture of this beautiful part of the country.

For the remainder of the day, I spent some time with my host family Elise Alexander and good friend Gosego in Mokolodi. It was very nice to rest and relax with friends!

Day 3: Hospice Visitation and Way Forward Meetings

On Monday, the three companion links of the Anglican Diocese of Botswana took a tour of Hospice of the Holy Cross. We were meet by Eric who is the new Chaplin for the facility. He gave us a brief history, a tour and updated us on the new plans for the facility. We also meet several of the staff and hospice clients. With the consent of staff and hospice clients, we were able to make two short videos which highlight the importance of this very special home and safe heaven. Unfortunately, my limited blogging skills prevent me from posting these videos, however, I'll have them up asap. This is where my husband's skill are greatly need. Help Lawrence! 

Until these videos are up ..here is a picture of Bishop Trevor and the Diocese of NC crew.

In the afternoon, we spent time at the recently open St. Augustine Theological School. Below are pictures of Leon Spencer standing in front of the building which houses the School and pictures of the first group of seminarian and lay ministers in-training.
Peace,
Sharita

Day 2: 40th Anniversary Celebration!

The 40th year celebration for the Anglican Diocese of Botswana was fantastic! The festivities began at 8am with morning worship and concluded with reception for host families at 7pm. Sunday was a special time to look back at the Diocese's history as well as to look forward an highlight the growth and development of specific ministries.

Current ministries include: Mother's Union, The Guilds, Anglican Men's Fellowship, Anglican Women's Fellowship, Anglican Youth Group, Sunday School, St. Peter's Day Center, Hospice of the Holy Cross and Hospice Nursery, Holy Cross Cathedral Healing Group, St. Augustine Theological School and ministries supported by three Companion Links.

The pictures that follow are not the best. My iPhone doesn't take the best pictures. (Please don't share this with i-phone executives!) Pic-1: 40th Anniversary bulletin and Hymnal leaflet, Pic-2: Three Archbishops and a host of Provincial Bishops and Companion Link Bishops and Affiliates, Pic-3: His High Excellency-President of Botswana, Pic-4-5:Dedicated stain glass windows with Diocesan shields/crest of the three companion link. I also have several video clips of the two fabulous Youth Choirs that provided the music for this event, but I'll have to share those when I return.

Peace,
Sharita.

Day 1: A Warm Welcome To Botswana

Early this afternoon, we arrived in Botswana (BW) an were welcomed at the newly renovated BW airport by old friends that have become family (Leon Spencer, Fr.and Mrs Amanze, Gosego and grandson). After a simple lunch at Fr. Amanze's home (BW's Companion Link Chairperson), we attending a short rehearsal at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The climax of the day was dinner at Sir Ketumile Masire's Residence (the 2nd President of Botswana and Bishop Trevor's/Bioshop of Diocese of Botswana father in-laws). 

The dinner guest list was amazing and included the Archbishop of York, the Archbishop of Central Africa and over 20 Bishops, mostly from the Province of Central Africa and several the companion dioceses. The Archbishop of York shared a brief and memorable message with the Diocese of Botswana and its guest as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary . (St. Anne's you will appreciate this) He said, "We are to be Agents of Change. And for the church, Social Justice is our main job! Ingredients for that change include: 1) Trust, 2) Tending to those who need help in the world and 3) Keeping to the task until the job is done and until the rest of Africa can celebrate its Independence. The change only occurs when we work together and not in silos. We belong to a much bigger community than our individual churches, therefore we must become places of belonging, places where people feel safe." He closed by saying, "together we are called to challenge violence, challenge injustice and be agents of peace." 

Below are pictures from our first day in Gaborone, Botswana. For me, the picture that best captures the essences of Day #1 is the the picture Fr. Murdock, Rev. Jamie and I encountered in the airport this morning as we were leaving South Africa. The caption reads, " If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."  African Proverb 

Peace and many blessings,
Sharita.

Hi All,

Just arrived in J'burg about one hour ago. The flight was great but very few vegan options. Hopefully the bags of almonds will last for 8 days. It's 80 degrees F and very sunny. Currently it is 6:49pm and we are all in need of showers and food.

I'll post pictures of South Africa shortly.
Peace and Love,
Sharita.

Leaving DC headed for South Africa

Hello!

Welcome to my blog.  Over the course of the next week, you can follow my journey as a member of the Diocese of North Carolina's delegation to the Anglican Diocese of Botswana's 40th Anniversary celebration.

Check back often for images and thoughts about this great occasion!

Sharita