Botswana

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following essay is a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

John Kelley — Botswana (BCS)

African Legacy

I am not much of a writer, and I usually have certain difficulties relating stories to others, but for the sake of ensuring the continued efforts of the Experiment program, I will try to relate my experiences to you. It was because of this program that I was able to spend 5 weeks of my summer in Botswana, growing to love a country which at the time wasn't my own, a group of friends who at the time were not my own, and a family which at the time was not my own.

I should probably start by saying that the part of the program that will live with me forever, the part that sets this program apart from others, is the home stay. I spent 2 weeks living in the small town of Oodi, with the Moreetsi family. It was Kinolo, my mme (mother), who introduced me to the dish palechi. It was Kealeboga, my abuti (brother), who showed me around Oodi. It was Boipelo, my ausi (sister), who helped me learn Setswana (Ke itse Setswana, I know Setswana). I am somewhat of an introvert, so I was amazed at the end of the home stay when I truly did not want to leave, that I had come to love my family. I will never understand why the Moreetsi family took a clumsy, oafish, selfish American into their homes, but I will also never forget their kindness and their love, how by the end of the home stay I was Kinolo's little boy, how my little nephew Botho would come greet me when I came home from school. I will keep in touch with the Moreetsis and never forget how I became a part of another family.

Of all the things I learned in Botswana, about Botswana and about Africa, I think the most important lesson I learned was about America. I remember when it hit me that every action America takes echoes around the world. It was near the end of our home stay and I was across the street from my house talking to friends of my cousins and looking up at the stars when Rock asked me a question about the recall election in California. I was amazed that he had even heard about that. Later in the conversation, he asked if I had ever heard of Botswana before this trip and I truthfully answered no. I was embarrassed and worried that he would be angry with me. Rock only chuckled a bit and said that he didn't think I would have. Over the trip I was asked by many people what the state of affairs in America was. People would ask me questions with hope in their voices, and a little fear, thinking about how America could do so much to harm whatever country it was that they came from, be it Botswana, South Africa or even Germany. In the face of these inquiries I found myself, for the first time in my life, defending America, pointing out her good points, as well as her problems. It was in Botswana that I truly started appreciating America.

The Experiment gave me an opportunity I will never forget. I bartered with merchants on the streets of Gabarone, built houses in Chadibe, watched elephants in Kasane, rode the waters of the Okavango, loved in Oodi and made friends everywhere. Botswana is a beautiful country. The sky is almost always an almost impossible blue, a lovely contrast to the rust red earth you walk on. It was on this lovely canvas that my soul was repainted. I intend to return one day, to see my family again and wander the lonely Kalahari Desert. I hope others will have the opportunity to follow me.