I can still hear you calling for me...

Last night, on February 15, I reread my entire blog from my trip to Botswana.  I didn't intend to, it just sort of happened.  It was like reliving a beautiful dream.  My memories came back to me so vividly, it was just as if I had just been in Francistown last week.  I have kept in touch with some of the people I met there, although not as well as I would like, and I have just about completed the entire "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series."  Botswana has remained a part of my life.  But last night, after reading my blog, I felt a tremendous tug in my heart.  I believe the time has come to start thinking of when I can go back...the words of a beautiful song came to me as I have been reflecting on what I am feeling.  It certainly doesn't describe the lands of Botswana (the song, I believe, is about Ireland) but the same feeling is there; the same emotion; the same longing.

The lyrics go like this:

                                                     "Greenwaves"
                                                                by Secret Garden

I remember a meadow one morning in May.
With a sky full of dreams that sailed in that day.
I was dancing through green waves of grass like the sea
For a moment in time I could feel I was free.

There are waves of forgiveness and waves of regret.
And the first waves of true love I'll never forget.
In the meadow that morning as I wandered alone
There were green waves of yearning for life
still unknown.

Take me home to the meadow that cradles my heart
Where the waves reach as far as you can see.
Take me home to the meadow ' we've been too long apart,
I can still hear you calling for me.

Take me home to the meadow that cradles my heart
Where the waves reach as far as you can see.
Take me home to the meadow ' we've been too long apart,
I can still hear you calling for me.

What I'd give to remember that heavenly state
Just a moment in time ' all mine to create.
As I'm taking my last breath I know what I'll see
There'll be green waves forever out there waiting for me.

Take me home to the meadow that cradles my heart
Where the waves reach as far as you can see.
Take me home to the meadow ' we've been too long apart,
I can still hear you calling for me.

Francistown still claims part of my heart...I hope to see you soon, Botswana.  Until then...

Peace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9nlU0q4eiw

Ke a Leboga, Francistown...

My two months in Botswana has come to an end...I can hardly believe it.  To be honest, my leaving Francistown has been quite bittersweet.  Of course I am excited to be home, but I also have felt so at home here that I feel I am leaving home.  The people here have literally welcomed me into their hearts.  I have never felt a stranger among them.  Their good-byes and well wishes, and even gifts, have been so overwhelming to me.  After all, I've only been here 2 months, and yet I almost can't imagine a day without them, and many here have expressed the same to me. 

The affect this has had on me is tangible...I know I am a different person because of the time I have spent here, and I know part of my heart will remain in Francistown.  I hope I get to come back one day, sooner than later, and see them again: my Batswana family.

I hope I get to share my experiences here with all of you in person.  I ask you to pray for the people of Francistown, Botswana, and also in a special way for the Seminarian Board of the Diocese of Reno.  If they had not said "Yes," I would not be here right now.

I also ask you to seriously consider coming to Botswana for your own voluntary experience.  The people will LOVE YOU and you will never be the same.

I will see you all very soon...

Ke a leboga, Francistown.  Ke a lorato.

Corn dogs and apples...

So, I did celebrate my 26th birthday here in Botswana, and it was fun.  I didn't expect it to really be much of a big deal, but Fr. Sylvester got really excited about it, and before I knew, we were having a small party.

A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by a friend here in the parish who asked me if I could make her an American food that she has always wanted to try...I expected something complicated or fancy...she said "corn dogs."  LOL I couldn't stop laughing!  So, I decided to make corn dogs for my birthday dinner.  I also made Apple Charlotte with Rooibos creme anglaise for dessert.  The corn dogs were delicious!  She said that I made her year.  She even called her cousin (who apparently shared her desire to try corn dogs) to tell her lol.  It is truly the simple things in life...  The Apple Charlotte was pretty good.  I think I left it in the oven too long and it got a little dry.  But thanks to the anglaise, it was also delicious!  The sisters gave me a book and a key chain and Fr. Sylvester bought me a mug with pictures of the wildlife on it.  I had a blast!  It was a very nice and pleasant birthday :-)

The things that matter.

Today is my 26th birthday!  Kind of weird to think about...26 lol.  Before I left for Botswana, I was having an ongoing discussion with my friend Jackie about whether or not 26 is mid-20s or late-20s.  Of course she said it was mid and I said it was late lol.  For some reason, turning 26 made me feel old.  After this past weekend, it doesn't matter anymore.

I spent the weekend in Kasane.  It is in the north of Botswan, near the Zimbabwe border and is the tourist hot spot.  People from all over the world come to Kasane to see the wildlife.  It has the highest concentrations of zebra and elephants in the world...it also has the higest concentration of people with AIDS in the world. 

I stayed at the mission of St. Francis of Assisi with Fr. Marek from Poland.  He is quite a character.  Very politically incorrect and very intelligent.  He also has a great sense of humor and is probably one of the most gentle and humble pastors I've met in a long time.  The mission is very small and run down, but they are in the midst of completing a renovation project.  He has also created a recording studio in the church for the kids choir he has created to record CDs. I can't remember the name of the group in seTswana, but in English it means "Children of the Elephants" because there are more elephants than people in Kasane.  I'll talk more about these kids in a bit.

On Saturday, we left the thatched-roof house and drove to Chobe National Park.  We took a loaf of bread, butter, marmelade, cheese spread, and juice.  It was the most incredible experience.  I have seen all of these animals before...it was nothing new in that sense.  But what was incredible was to see them just grazing on the side of the dirt road...giraffes, elephants, buffalo, zebras, crocodiles (HUGE crocodiles), all kinds of birds, baboons, mongooses (or is that mongeese?), antelope, hippos, and even some honey badgers.  I can't even describe what it was like to just see them walking around, being themselves.  It was truly awesome.  And to see so much land that has VERY little human interference...the roads are all dirt and there were only a few structures (bathrooms).  Otherwise there was no sign of humanity.  It was breathtaking.  We spent almost 12-hours on the safari...I didn't get sick of the animals once.  They were so beautiful and majestic.  It was incredible.  The only thing I didn't see were the lions...I've decided to take that as a sign that I am meant to come back to see them next time.

The next day was Mass.  The people were wonderful, as I expected them to be, and very welcoming.  You'll never believe it, but I met a woman who comes to Reno every year for the Safari convention at the Convention Center.  When I told her I was from Reno, she said "Oh I know Reno!  I go to Little Flower on Plumb Lane each time I visit."  Now what in the hell were the chances that in Kasane, Botswana, I would meet a lady who knows Plumb Lane by name?  I was dumbfounded lol but we exchanged information, and I'm hoping we can connect when she comes up to town.  Anyhoo, after Mass, there were many young children hanging around.  Fr. Marek explained that this is their main outreach.  These children, the Children of the Elephants, are not Catholic, but spend almost all their time at the church because they have nowhere else to go.  Not because they don't have families (although a couple are orphans) but their families don't care for them.  Many of the young girls I met are regularly sexually abused by the men who hang around the mothers.  Some of the young boys were thieves and sniffing glue.  Some of the children have HIV from their parents.  But all of them have found a home at the mission.  The mission has started a program to provide them with food...for many, the only food they receive.  They take the kids to the library twice a week and they also try to do workshops to empower them for future careers.  They also just spend time with the kids and play sports with them.  It was truly one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen and heard. 

We took the kids to fish and play dodgeball (man did my body feel old and out of shape doing that! LOL).  Some of the kids seemed kind of sluggish.  When Fr. Marek asked them if they were ok, they said they hadn't eaten since Friday afternoon...this was now Sunday afternoon.  These kids were between 8 and 11.  I have seen hungry children before, but this seemed different.  I think it seemed different because these kids weren't hungry or in need because of a lack of resources necessarily, but because of a lack of care from their parents.  The parents simply don't care or are too interested in their own affairs (such as promiscuity, drugs, alcohol and dealing with AIDS).  The church is all these children have.  Fr. Marek even told me that some of the children were breaking into the church and sleeping on the pews because the parents were locking the kids out (God only knows what as happening inside).

When we returned to the mission, Fr. Marek gave the kids 4 loaves of bread, which they divided among themselves, and they ran off into the night...hopefully to beds.  I had to go into my room and cry.

During our time together, the children sang two songs for me...both of which I never have really liked, but now find a great beauty in:

"You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

"We Are the World" 

We are the world, we are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So lets start giving

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives

Its true we'll make a better day

Just you and me.

How many children, even in the US, need us?  How many children even in Reno would be singing these songs if someone cared enough to reach out?

Turning 26? Not terribly important.  Playing dodgeball with abused and neglected children?  Oh Happy Day!

Reflection #4 - Youth Rally

For the closing Mass at the Vicariate of Francistown Youth Rally - July 12, 2012  This Mass was accompanied by one of Francistown's seminarians receiving the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte, so the Bishop asked me to talk about vocation.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?  A doctor?  Teacher?  Police office? President?  I never wanted to be a priest.  My dream was to be an astronaught and to go into space (which is probably why I love the night sky here in Botswana - I can see the stars).  When I got older, I wanted to work in theater and before I entered the seminary, I wanted to be a social worker.  Those were my plans, but obviously God had something else in mind. 

Today we hear about the prophet, Amos.  The priest of Bethel, Amaziah, is complaining against Amos and his prophecies, and so he is telling Amos to leave; to go somewhere else.  But Amos replies that he is there because God wants him to be.  Amos explains that he was only a herdsman, a farmer tending sheep.  But the Lord took him from the flock and said, "Go."  So Amos went.  Where is the Lord calling you to go?  What is God calling you to do?

Today we are privileged to see our brother, Gaone, installed into the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte.  This is another step on the journey to priesthood and an important reminder that the duty of the priest, and indeed all of us, is to serve.  A lot of people today think that the youth don't care.  That you are superficial.  I don't think that's true.  I think the youth care very much.  I think you are trying to find your faith in God in a culture that doesn't support you.  I think you are trying to understand the Gospel among people who refuse to hear it.  That isn't easy.  But that is why you must make the difference NOW.  TODAY.  You must pave the road for the youth who are coming after you.  That is a huge responsibility, but it isn't impossible.

The second reading from Ephesians told us this: "For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose for which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, in heaven and on earth."  Christ has already cleared the path.  Now you must help tar the road.  One of the best ways you can do that is to model right behavior and good choices.  Many of you have younger brothers and sisters or cousins.  They are watching you.  They are learning from you.  Teach them to make good choices; to do the right thing.  And that goes for you parents also.  Your children may be influenced by culture, but they learn from YOU how to deal with those influences.  Be wise and good teachers.

I also think the youth today want to make a difference.  I think you want to have a meaningful life.  Not just one where you make lots of money or become famous or have lots of things.  I think you sincerely want to help others.  And although you want to be successful, the world out there says something different about success, doesn't it?  I hope you know better.  I hope you know that you can have no clothes, no food, no home, no money, no cell phone or computer, but still have everything, for if you carry the joy of God in your heart, you will want for nothing. 

Today I challenge all of you - young and old, man and woman, girl and boy - to have the courage to ask God, "Where shall I go?  What would you have me do, Lord?"  Your Church needs priests.  Your Church needs brothers and sisters in religious life.  Your Church needs caring mothers and fathers, loving husbands and wives, and chaste single people.  Your Church needs you to be who you were born to be.

When you were little, what were your dreams?  What did you want to do?  Where are you going now? *When God decided to make a countless nation, he chose a man with a low sperm-count and a post-menopausal woman.  When God chose a leader to proclaim freedom and lead the people to the promised lnd, he chose the man with a lisp.  When God wanted to slay the giant, he chose the small boy with a sling-shot.  And when God chose to be born of a human, he chose  young, unmarried peasant girl, who was a virgin.*  And so God has chosen you.  Not because of your perfection, but because you are wonderfully imperfect.  Not because of what you may do, but because of what you can.  Not because of who you might be, but because of you who you are right now.  Amos was a herder, Peter was a fisherman, Matthew was a tax collector.  Be brave.  Dare to answer God's call.  I can't promise you it will be easy, but I think I can promise that you will know joy.

When the Lord called Jeremiah he said, "Lord, behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth."  But the Lord answered him, "Do not say 'I am only a youth' for to all whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.  Be not afraid, for I am with you."  AMEN.



*This portion was taken from a reflection written by Fr. Mike Miller of St. Patrick's Seminary*

"Other duties as assigned..."

I remember when I worked for the Legislature and for the Supreme Court in Carson City, and how nice it was to have a regular day...the schedule was set and VERY rarely deviated.  My duties and expectations were set and also rarely deviated.  Ministry here in Francistown is anything but.

Last Monday, was a day of remembering the dead.  We left Francistown very early in the morning and went out to a village called Matangwane (I think that's how it is spelled).  We went to celebrate Mass and then bless a new tombstone.  The graveyard was quite interesting...You could see the disparity between those who could afford tombstones and those who could not.  The tombstone we blessed was quite elaborate and I'm sure very costly.  It was marble and it was huge!  But as it as for the patriarch of the family, I am sure it was quite fitting.  The "middle-class" graves were covered by a metal cage which outlined the casket.  On the front of the cage was a plaque with the name of the deceased.  Many had hung flowers on them or pictures.  There was something actually quite nice about their simplicity.  The "lower-class" graves were simply mounds of concrete.  No information on them, no flowers, nothing.  Fr. Sylvester called them "pauper graves" because the families could not afford the funeral and burial expenses.  Even in death, no one can escape money problems.  After the blessing, we went back to the house for a huge feast.  I have not seen that much food in a while.  One of the Batswana delicacies is a type of smashed meat called seswa (not sure if that's the spelling).  It's made either with beef or goat.  I really enjoy the goat!  I tried a little of everything, and one of the older ladies sitting behind me marvelled at my eating their traditional food.  Everything was delicious.  Afterwards, I was invited to sit with the Uncles (the elder men) and drink Chibuku, which is the Batswana beer.  It is made from fermented sorghum.  As I sat down and they passed me the carton, I could feel every eye on me.  I told myself that no matter what I thought, I would have to say I liked it....but I actually did like it!  It wasn't very strong or bitter.  I wound up taking 3 or 4 sips, which brought a round of cheering and laughing.  They gave me thumbs up and patted me on the back...I had become a Batswana man LOL.

After we returned to Francistown, Father informed me that we were going to another memorial Mass that evening for a young man who had died, for which he asked me to prepare a reflection.  This one made me nervous...with emotions raw, I worried I would not say the "right thing."  I prepared a very short reflection, which I shared from memory, rather than wrote.  When I saw the mother's face, she was shaking her head...I thought I had upset or offended her.  After the Mass, she approached me, and I thought I was in trouble.  She hugged me and told me that she had needed the words I said - they consoled her. 

Then came Thursday, a day to celebrate new life.  That morning, Fr. Sylvester and I drove to another village to celebrate a baptism.  Again, Fr. Sylvester asked me to prepare the reflection, another first for me (the other being the first time I preached at a memorial).  The baby was so beautiful.  Her name is Landra.  The mother let me hold her and she immediately fell asleep in my arms, holding the cross around my neck in her hand (I told her mom that it was a sign Landra was destined for religious life - to which she promptly replied "AMEN!").  We set up the altar right on the porch of the house and celebrated the Mass and Baptism right there.  It reminded me of why the Church is the people and not the building - a church building is certainly sacred and an important part of our worship, but it is in the community that gathers that Christ is found...not confined to 4 walls.  It was a truly beautiful moment, and I thanked God for the opportunity to be there that wonderful day.

Both of these experiences, new life and death, made me reflect on what ministry is.  It is about journeying with God's people in whatever way I can.  We are all called to this ministry - to be present to those around us, to walk with them, to love them.  St. Francis of Assisi always prayed that God make him a channel of peace...what more could you want to be?

       

Two weeks to go...

In 2 weeks from today, I'll be on my way home...I can hardly believe it.  When I stepped off the plane in Francistown on June 12, I thought 2 months would never go by.  It's a bitter-sweet thought, really.  I can't wait to be home with my family and friends and see the mountains...but I will VERY much miss Francistown.  The people here have literally welcomed me with open arms.  In today's Gospel reading, Jesus talked about who his family is...the people here have made me part of their family.  They've not only welcomed me into their church, but into their homes and hearts as well.  I will miss them terribly, but I also know I will come back one day.

I hope anyone reading this will seriously consider coming here to Botswana...not just to visit, but to have their own missionary experience.  The harvest is ripe here, and the people waiting for someone to reach out to them.  I hope I have opened a door for others...I promise that if you come with an open heart and an open mind, you will have an experience you will not soon forget.  Think about it...pray about it.  As Sr. Maria in Reno told me, Botswana called my heart...is it calling yours?