The work continues…the experiences continue…
Posted by Kathryn on May 14th, 2008
Oh what oh what to say…
So this will def be a short one….because Im changing things up:) oh, how exciting! new blogging styles! hahahha, nah, but I have been way too exhausted to write in my journal at night…and way too occupied with making sure that Im sleeping alone and not accompanied by too many 4 legged friends…insects…not anything bigger than that…well, yet anyway….ahhh! soooo, i have been making use of my hour long bus ride to Mochudi village every morning by writing things that have been of importance to me in the past days… anyways, the list in growing and i have yet to bring it here…but thats the next destination!
I have just experienced a hell of a lot in the past week while working full time in Mochudi…whether it concerns the working style of the other local volunteers at BOFWA (Botswana Family Welfare Assoc), the projects we were ‘assigned’ and the changes they are experiencing, the racial challenges, the cultural challenges, the commute, the food…theres plenty to say:)
I need to be quick also, as I need to practice my presenation on BEHAVIOUR CHANGE for youth to avoid teen pregnancy! Yup. I will be speaking, on my own, with my distinct Cdn accent to a gym or field (not sure where they will fit) of 500 high school youth about ways they can change their overall behaviour to target the common problem of teen preg. It was a task that has made me and my ‘work mates’ quite nervous…but at the same time..I cant wait to experience this. Wish me luck…this crazy thing goes on tomorrow and I am expecting all the youths eyes to be focused on me and excited to hear what this foreigner has to say, or for their eyes to be full of tears after laughing so hard at this crazy canucks accent that they can barely make out. I mean, who is this white girl anyway! 
 50 50 chance. Prayers please;) haha.
But all i will say right now…is something simple…but gives you a bit more of a picture of how my days are…
We leave before sunrise…(sometimes to see a warthog scrambling through the campus fields) and board the bus that brings us from an futurized, urban wonderland in construction…to a small village that always smells of camp fire, where there is red dust as far as the eye can see and where white people are not common, especially in groups of 5!! We leave Mochudi after a day of anything from sitting in the shade of the acacia trees and learning a mix of Setswana slang or learning about the serious increasing numbers of teen pregnancies in the nearby secndary schools. Or we could spend an afternoon helping to rake the red dust that makes up the front yard of just about every building in Mochudi. Or we may spend a couple hours playing futball (soccer) in our ‘working wear’ with the village youth and forget all about the fact that we are wearing a skirt:) Well, i did anyway.Â
To summarize…
My feet are always dusty and never seem to stay clean very long
And I love it:)Â
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Kathryn
K-Man,
Good luck with your presentation, I know it will go well. I told Nico about it and he thinks that is really neat and is really impressed. Don’t worry about a thing, you will do a great job because I know how hard you work and it will all pay off. You are always in our thoughts, of course! Amazing to hear about the daily life… so different, but so incredible to be able to experience that and truly appreciate it. We are all really proud of you… can’t wait to read about the journal entries.
And have no doubt that you will influence the youth.. even if it is only 1… that still makes a difference and you know that ;o)… maybe one day you will be able to “crush unchanged behaviours towards teen pregnancies in your hands”…. BA HA! oh, he is going to get me if he reads that… ;P
Love you!
di man
Do you know how ridiculously proud of you I am? I love reading your blogs, thank you so much for keeping us updated. Please write and let us know how your talk went, serious prayers are coming your way lady, but I know that you’ll be fine. With your knowledge and faith you my dear are a modern day missionary, and your spirit fills everyone who meets you.
You are helping to change the world, and I know that this will be one of the most valuable experiences of your life- I can’t wait to hear all about it and see the pictures when you get home.
Take care of you lady…
Daniela
XOXOX
Kat!
I am so ridiculously proud of you! I enjoy reading your blogs so much! They are so uplifting and inspiring! Please keep us posted as to how your talk goes! I know that you are going to do a fantastic job, I have every faith in you and know that big prayers are coming your way.
With your knowledge and faith you are a modern day missionary, and I know that you are not only helping to change the world but people’s lives as well.
I can’t wait to hear all the stories and see all of the pictures when you get home! Stay strong! Enjoy every moment, savor it and live each day to the fullest!
Take care of you Lady!
God Bless!
XOXO
Daniela
p.s. This is my fave line by far: My feet are always dusty and never seem to stay clean very long
And I love it:)
Not only do I love it but I love you too!
Kat,
Whoa wait a minute dude….I just realized that your talk was today. Haha anyways, I hope it went well. I know that you met the challenge with that Kathryn attitude we know and love here @ youth group, and I’m sure it was an experience you won’t soon forget. Might I add that I’m jealous that you’re playing futbol on another continent
Oh and take some pictures of those crazy insects that seem to like to sleep with you…or perhaps take a piece of you while you’re asleep….for you crazy sci-geek friend 
Until next time, God Bless!
Peace and love,
Karl (otherwise known as the square root of K squared)
yo yo Kathryn,
Just wanted to let you know how very proud we are of you:) I know your presentation went well today and can’t wait to hear more when you get back. All these new experiences are challenging and exciting and will only make you stronger. I’m sure the high school youth really enjoyed and appreciated your talk which was filled with passion and straight from your heart:) Now, if you can just get past those pesty bugs, BaHa!!
Luv u lots and miss u,
Mommma and pops
Wow Kat, reading these blog are truly inspiring. I am not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes reading. I am so very proud of you and everything you are accomplishing. Know that we are praying for you every day… its people like you that change the world for the better. Keep the faith, we miss you sooo much here.. love you
I love you all…
thank you so much for everything:)
and notice that I’m finally on the list of student ‘bloggers’ there on the right column!
CONGRATS on your adventures across the world! Sounds like you are having an amazing experience and I’m so jealous!! I would LOVE to do something like this in the future!!!! If you ever do anything similar to this again let me know! I just might be a travelling buddy for you and we can do this kind of stuff together!!! Let me know when u are coming home and you can fill me in on all of your adventures!
**MEW**
It’s about time
It was a slight annoyance to have to flip back a couple of pages to find your posts. P.s. I didn’t know your middle name was Sarah 
Peace and love,
Karl