It’s Going to Be Hard to Leave
Posted by Shawna on June 10th, 2008
I’ve made so many amazing relationships since I’ve been here. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by such positive, genuinely caring people. I’ve made good friends with a few people from the centre. Two that stick out for me, my closest bonds, have been Thapelo and Kitso.
Thapelo wants to be a comedian, is an aspiring actor and wants to help fight HIV/AIDS through education. He is such a great person and has such a great heart. I really hope he continues his positive outlook on life.
Kitso is going into his fifth year of civil engineering at the University of Botswana. He’s well educated in many ways and is really great to talk to. He’s taught me a lot of things about the culture here. He really wanted to study in the US or Canada in his 5th year, but his GPA was 4.3 and he need to have a 4.5 (out of a 5 point scale). I wish I could help him get here. He is a really caring person and a great dancer n the Mogwana Traditional Dance Group. He’s traveled around the world with the group to Japan, Cote D’Ivoire, Italy and a few other countries I can’t recall.
I’m going to miss both of these people so much. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop thinking about how hard it is going to be to leave. I really hope I see them and others again in my life.
As I said, the people here are amazing. We’ve met so many people that have opened their arms, and hearts to us. The dance group that Kitso is a part of has really shown us such genuine caring and compassion. They are so amazing to us and are always genuinely excited to see us and are always checking up on us.
I really wish our society could learn from the society here in Botswana. If we slowed down and tried we could, but that’s not very realistic. It’s so calm here. People move slower. Relationships are more important that ‘things’ here. If I’ve learned anything on this trip so far, it’s that relationships are what matters in this life.
I wish everyone could see what I’m seeing. We could learn so much. Genuine. That’s what the people are here. I’m definitely going to miss it.
im more than happy for you babe i know exactly where you are coming from when you say relationships are more important than anything and i think it takes being apart of a community that feels that way or just being away in general. i don’t think ive ever felt so proud of anyone…what am i like, talking like im your mum
your brilliant and you have an impact on all those people more than you could know
love you
shawna, you truly inspire me. you have the power to change the world with your big ideas and your even bigger heart. you are a world changer. many people believe that if they can change just one person, then their efforts are worthwhile. you have changed hundreds, just from this journey alone. imagine what you can do with the rest of your life! if i could be half as great as you, i would be honoured.
continue on your amazing path, soak in all the botswana energy, and put it to use here in silly, materialistic, fast-paced north america.
i feel honoured just to know you, and to be able to count you as a friend.
you are incredible, a true inspiration, and do not forget that.
all my love, hopes, and pride to you, darlin’.
(Thanks to Sam for completely choking me up!!!)
We are ALL so proud of you, Shawna…. Enjoy your last days there, have a safe trip home and know that there are many people here waiting to hear your stories and see your pics!!
LOVE you!!
xoxox
Hi Shawna,
I understand the emotions that you are going through, I can’t believe 2 years ago that I was in your same situations. I found that it was really like an emotional rollercoaster, but I know you and Megan and Rachel are strong and will work it through. And it is really when you come back to Canada that everything gets put into perspective and your determination for PE goes through the roof. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you for putting forth such an effort that you have for PE and keeping it going while the older members leave. You all are an inspiration to many, and I know that PE will be left in good hands. If any of you ever want to chat about anything once you get back just send me an email, I would love to hear all about it. I know that once you get back you will want to share and sometimes others don’t feel as passionate about it or your experiences. I am actually in Brantford right now taking AQ courses for June and early July, so please let me know when you girls get back and we could plan a dinner or sleepover or something. Maybe I could help with the debriefing back to Canada as I was involved in it last time. Let me know. Please share with the other girls. Can’t wait to hear back from you!
You are all in my heart,
Kaitlin
Hi Shawna! I can’t say it any better than those who have commented up to know. You are an incredibly amazing young woman! And, you know how proud we, as your Godparents, are of you. We are looking forward to seeing the documentary and hearing about all your adventures.
We booked our trip to Peru for January and are still connecting with various volunteer orgs that work with poor kids. I hope your Uncle Mike and I can do even 1/10th of what you are doing for those less fortunate than ourselves.
We love you immensely and see you SOON!
Aunt Nancy & Uncle Mike (off on his annual fishing trip this week)
I love what you have learned about the importance about relationships. Megan will treasure forever the time you have spent together. Thanks for being her Mom away from home.