The journey to Botswana will officially begin in 13 days on September 11, but preparations for the journey have been going on for more than a year.
Part of my own preparation has been to clarify to myself what I hope to attain or accomplish on this journey. The title of this blog, Participate-Learn-Expand, gives a clue as to what I have understood to be my motives (at least the ones I'm ready to share with an audience) for trekking off to Botswana with Peace Corps.
First, I want to participate with something that I think the U.S. is doing well. Since I have arrived at the time of my life when the corporate U.S. taxpayers are providing my income (not just a select few, as in the past), I want to give back something to my benefactors in the form of service. Peace Corps values seem to coincide with the values I've developed over the years, and I want to participate with their efforts to make positive changes in the lives of communities.
Next, I want to learn: a new language, a new culture, and strategies for improving the quality of life in struggling communities.
Last, I want to expand my world view and my repertoire of abilities to counsel, adjust, and adapt.
Now here's a couple of photos of concrete preparations for the trip.
A short haircut and a travel jacket with 17 pockets.
A grandma and her backpacks. Everything I need for two years.
I've already learned and expanded my skills by learning how to post these pictures to the blog. Hurray for old dogs and new tricks!
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ReplyDeleteI am just delighted to see your stance both in the pictures and your blog. This is a reflection of your character I have come to appreciate over the years. I pray that your transition to this phase and your time there be filled with what you are looking for. I especially pray for the lucky ones who will come to be your new friends!
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
DA
Hi Barb,
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful and ready for life in Africa again. I like the humble attitude you are equipped with to face life in Africa: Participate-learn-expand. Paul had similar thing to say in 1 Cor 9:19-23,"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself to everyone to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law(though I am not free from God's law but under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings"
I will continue to pray for you
Samuel Kebreab
Barb
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Sami and Demsas said. Yes you look more than ready to go to Botswana and I believe this is both physically and psychologically. It is my prayer that you have a blessed two years, years that would draw you much closer to Him and that you cherish every moment of your time there.
Love Mare
Looks like you're ready! I'm glad to know you cut your hair so I can recognize you!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon!