tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16040742492035030132024-03-13T03:48:42.645-07:00Bulletins from Botswanabul*le*tin [bool-i-tin] noun
1.a brief account or statement, of personal news or events of my life as a Peace Corps volunteer, issued for the information of my loved onesTate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-30223595733470026572014-06-08T10:59:00.003-07:002014-06-08T11:09:03.263-07:00The Replacement <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Several weeks ago, a dear friend of mine came to visit and say goodbye. As a fellow PCV, she was asking me about how I was feeling about leaving soon... and bless her heart for asking, but everything just spilled out at once. Vocalizing the things that I knew made the feelings that much more real, and so, I cried with her as I told this story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This helps to explain the difficulty in me leaving. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Before any PCV arrives at their new site, the organization they are placed with is required to help secure proper housing. The nurse-in-charge at my clinic desperately wanted a PCV, but there was no clinic housing available. Because of this, she had to find private housing and asked her family if they would be willing to rent their house for two years. Lucky for me, they agreed, and I was scheduled to arrive on June 12, 2012. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Well, one week before my arrival, the woman who owned the house, Monica, passed away. They had the funeral for her the weekend before I arrived. I was unaware of the death until weeks later, leaving me bright-eyed and excited about moving in with a family. I did what I know best: I just loved. And played. And shared. I became a part of their family, slowly but surely. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNsOiruHZnc/U5Si7WAChHI/AAAAAAAAAU4/PqDX_fOPQ3k/s1600/IMG_2564new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNsOiruHZnc/U5Si7WAChHI/AAAAAAAAAU4/PqDX_fOPQ3k/s1600/IMG_2564new.jpg" height="217" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">me in front of my house</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I was new and exciting to them. I was something that distracted them. And together, we grew as a family. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">After learning about Monica's death, I asked the family what she was like. She was young (I think late 40's early 50's?), loved the kids, was very active, and missed by everyone. She sounded like a wonderful ray of sunshine, and I felt so grateful to be living with the family she loved so dearly. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Then ever so gradually over the two years, <b>I became the replacement.</b> The replacement daughter. The replacement sister. The replacement auntie. The replacement mother. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3R_lJtX_930/U5Sj13NTafI/AAAAAAAAAVA/X4QSQ6Di2Xk/s1600/IMG_2597new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3R_lJtX_930/U5Sj13NTafI/AAAAAAAAAVA/X4QSQ6Di2Xk/s1600/IMG_2597new.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">some of my beautiful family</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I filled the gap - however imperfectly - for each of them, in some capacity. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">My granny calls me her daughter - and boasts to everyone about how much she loves me and how much I help her. My sisters share their life stories with me - asking me for advice along the way. My kiddos come knocking on my door each day - Bula boitshepo (open the door, boitshepo!)... wanting to play. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">And now, after two delightful, yet challenging years, I've left them in Kang with the house empty for the first time. My sister sent me a message saying, "<span style="line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;">U cum nd make us proud nd I forget the loss of mi mum,,,now is hurting me". </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The house is finally empty, and I'm moving on to a new chapter of my life. The Peace Corps has been everything I wanted it to be and more... </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This morning was rough, to say the least. I left tears on everyone's shoulders. Granny wiped the tears from my eyes, my kiddos held my hands and walked me to the clinic, and I was sincerely touched by everyone who came to see me off. We all smiled at each other through our tears. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTIaK0eNp1w/U5SkU6ovmkI/AAAAAAAAAVM/WmugEUwa490/s1600/IMG_2570new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTIaK0eNp1w/U5SkU6ovmkI/AAAAAAAAAVM/WmugEUwa490/s1600/IMG_2570new.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">my little humans</span></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">And little Romeo was the last to give me a hug - - and he says in my ear, "Boitshepo, Ke batago doga." (I want to go with you.) While tears streamed down my face, I gave him another hug and kiss, then said, "Tshameka, ni ni. Ke da go go bona kgantele. Teboga!" (Go and play, ni ni. I will see you later. Run!) And with that, he took off smiling and running to catch up with the rest of the family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I'll see you all again soon, I promise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">You're all a part of me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Boitshepo o le rata lotlhe. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Sala sentle, ritsala tsame. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
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Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-53468331398171622442014-05-26T11:39:00.000-07:002014-05-26T11:45:00.655-07:00A Labor of Love <div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just can't get over what an incredible family I have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am SO grateful for each and every little thing that you do. And I am SO proud to call you my family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reve (my sweet stepfather) decided he was going to make reusable sanitary pads for the girls in my village. He got the templates to make the cloth pads from an NGO called Days for Girls... and he went to town! He recruited help from my mom and my aunt terry as well. They worked tirelessly to track down fabric, sew for hours on end, and ship these beautiful homemade kits to Botswana. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After long discussions of selecting the right girls, I had the chance today to distribute 44 Days for Girls Kits to girls at my Junior Secondary School (the other 6 went to women in my family here). The girls who were selected were identified as the ones most in need.. orphans, students registered with the social work office, etc. I sincerely wish my family could have been here to see the twinkle in their eyes and their excitement to receive these homemade treasures! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_2Hb87vyxg/U2tDrCBT3XI/AAAAAAAAATE/1kv2pymdt38/s1600/ltai,+happy+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_2Hb87vyxg/U2tDrCBT3XI/AAAAAAAAATE/1kv2pymdt38/s1600/ltai,+happy+girls.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">happy girls! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a long process... and very well worth it! These girls now have reusable pads that will last for years with proper care. Many of these girls face economic issues on a daily basis, so this is just one less thing for them to have to worry about. The girls thanked me profusely, wanted me to pass along my thanks to my family & everyone left with a smile on their face. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YC3gf2a-0Fw/U2tDeDCiTVI/AAAAAAAAAS8/rk_lOc8KmnI/s1600/dfg,+group+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YC3gf2a-0Fw/U2tDeDCiTVI/AAAAAAAAAS8/rk_lOc8KmnI/s1600/dfg,+group+pic.jpg" height="211" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">photos with the girls who received the kits and their teacher who helped me organize the distribution!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone involved in making such a big difference in the lives of these young women! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV</span></div>
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Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-6256119977579765742014-05-26T10:07:00.003-07:002014-05-26T10:08:48.576-07:00God-Given Cheerleaders<span style="font-family: inherit;">This evening when I set out for a run, I was feeling a bit down. I'm bummed to leave this place and start a new chapter... so my mind fills up with all kinds of worries and insecurities. I felt tired before even leaving for my run, so I expected my mid-run slump. But the more I started to feel like quitting, and the more I worried about the future, the more surprises I received. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God-Given Cheerleaders. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvuyMrqv3YY/U4N0eDI91NI/AAAAAAAAAUY/v9GEVpfWAzc/s1600/IMG_1624new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvuyMrqv3YY/U4N0eDI91NI/AAAAAAAAAUY/v9GEVpfWAzc/s1600/IMG_1624new.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tiny humans kept running out from their houses to greet me, yelling, "DUMELA, BOITSHEPO!" Friends kept appearing along the way to share good news about their business I helped them start. The sky was changing colors to paint a vibrant mural for me. My beautiful village was giving me the strength I needed to carry on and to know I've made a difference here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was delightful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was reassured that God has - and always will - provide me with the cheerleaders I need to keep me going. And that is a beautiful thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you to all my cheerleaders out there, you know who you are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span>Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-37147784819272938792014-05-24T00:34:00.002-07:002014-05-24T00:34:45.942-07:00Bana Bame <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL28_m93g1I/U4BJm62Nz_I/AAAAAAAAATw/VPWh8IQGHm4/s1600/ayanew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IL28_m93g1I/U4BJm62Nz_I/AAAAAAAAATw/VPWh8IQGHm4/s1600/ayanew.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bana Bame, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moving away
from Botswana will be very difficult for me, since this means we will be very
far apart. But I want you to remember something: I’ll always carry memories of
you close to my heart.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs84kB_t-jI/U4BJwy1BxYI/AAAAAAAAAT4/fj_YQM4pSPU/s1600/kiddos+2new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs84kB_t-jI/U4BJwy1BxYI/AAAAAAAAAT4/fj_YQM4pSPU/s1600/kiddos+2new.jpg" height="400" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I watched you grow.</b> I held your hands
as you learned to walk. I experienced joy when I heard you say my name for the
first time. I kissed your boo-boos, took care of you when you were sick, handed
out endless amounts of band aids and sweets, and I smiled down at you when you
fell asleep in my arms. I shared all my meals, played with you in the yard,
colored pictures with you, and read you the same book over and over again. I
forced you to ask nicely for things, give high fives, hugs and kisses. I helped
you with homework, taught you to cook, and encouraged you to ask questions
about the world around you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvbFzGDVhA0/U4BJ4UH3tGI/AAAAAAAAAUI/50B0v6MaLs4/s1600/romeonew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvbFzGDVhA0/U4BJ4UH3tGI/AAAAAAAAAUI/50B0v6MaLs4/s1600/romeonew.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>You knew exactly how to turn my bad days
around, subtly helping me find the beauty in each day.</b> You didn’t like to
be disciplined. You didn’t like picking up your toys. You knocked on my door
each and every day asking to play. You taught me how to be thankful for what I
have. You challenged me and showed me what love was all about. You invited me
to be a part of your life. You asked endless amounts of questions and you
learned some questions don’t have clear answers. You met my friends and you
loved playing with my kitty. You were eager to help with anything I was doing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGRqkhzx-0A/U4BJxUSTb1I/AAAAAAAAAT8/ZyuLj832hkw/s1600/kiddos+1new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NGRqkhzx-0A/U4BJxUSTb1I/AAAAAAAAAT8/ZyuLj832hkw/s1600/kiddos+1new.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>We are a family.</b> We have fun together.
We are partners in crime. We make mosadi mogolo laugh, and sometimes I think we
annoy her too :o) We nap together. We laugh until our tummies hurt. We sit on
the floor and drink tea. We snuggle on cold days and learn new vocab words. We
make big messes in my house and then we clean it up. We are a team. We love
each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bana bame,
ke ratjago thjathja. Thank you for loving me, too. You’ll always be a part of
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boitshepo ya
go <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">* Bana bame,
ke ratjago thjathja (My children, I love you very much)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">* Boitshepo
ya go (your Boitshepo)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-8858975154396224162014-05-23T12:46:00.004-07:002014-05-23T12:49:21.035-07:00Let's Talk About Sex <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One year of planning, $2,500 from donations, 50 village women, 4 counterparts, 5 Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV’s), 2 venues, a healthy dose of stress, a splash of last minute meltdown… Stir to mix well. Bake for four days in sweltering 100 degree Kalahari sun and what you have is 50 vocal and empowered women! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) camps are trés popular in the Peace Corps world; they are wonderful events to put on and be a part of. Hundreds of girls throughout Botswana have been energized and empowered, but what about their mothers and grannies? In a grown up style GLOW camp, five PCV’s empowered adult women from the Kgalagdi North District in two villages over four days. Let’s Talk About It: Leadership and Empowerment for the Next Generation as it was a mammoth achievement for us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It all started one year ago in the village of Tshane during a Month of Youth Against AIDS event. A community discussion and panel were being held when a mosadi mogolo (old woman) stood up and said, “We don’t know how to talk to our kids about HIV/AIDS.” The old woman talked a little bit more about the cultural practices when she was growing up and how they don’t address current problems. The brain storming began that evening over pizza and wine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because Kgalagadi North is a large sparsely populated district, we decided on two separate workshops, one in Kang to cater to Kang and the surrounding area and one in Hukuntsi for women from Lehututu, Tshane, Lokgwabe and Hukuntsi. Each workshop would be two days long- a full day on Friday then a half day on Saturday so the women could still spend time with their families. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What about funding? Initially we wanted fund our workshop 100% locally. After several unsuccessful meetings with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture we decided that a Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP) would be our best choice. For the 25% community contribution required by the PCPP, we used donations in the form of labor and materials. It took months to get the PCPP on the Peace Corps website, but within two months we had P19, 000 pula in our bank account! We were ready to go!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The basis of the workshop was to give women knowledge (and power) to share the information they learned with their families and communities. For sustainability, we chose to make a notebook full of information for each woman to take home and share. Several boxes of wine, a pan of enchiladas, 10 glues sticks, and countless paper cuts later, we had 55 notebooks full of handouts and space for note taking. Making the notebooks was a labor of love, and it was cheaper than buying binders. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy1Ei0Q1UFQ/U2tAqlBlXGI/AAAAAAAAASg/dQ9hFlOqwP8/s1600/ltai,+intros+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy1Ei0Q1UFQ/U2tAqlBlXGI/AAAAAAAAASg/dQ9hFlOqwP8/s1600/ltai,+intros+day+1.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inviting the women to make affirmation envelopes and to sign our empowerment poster</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To advertise for the workshop, we put up fliers throughout Kang, Hukuntsi, Tshane, Lokwabe and Lehututu. Potential participants filled out applications to weed out those who just wanted to come for a free lunch and a t-shirt. The application included questions about challenges women face as parents in Botswana and how the participant would use the information learned in the workshop. The fliers generated so much enthusiasm that we rearranged our budget to accommodate 50 women instead of the original 40 that we had planned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The workshop was organized so each session built upon the information discussed in the previous session. We opened the workshop with a session about communication, where we covered basic communication styles, listening skills and conflict management. We then gave the women homework: to have a conversation with their child or spouse that evening at home. After communication, we focused on the meat and potatoes of the workshop, how to talk to children about sex. A large portion of our PCPP was money to buy every woman a copy of Power Parents. This book was written by previous PCV’s who served in Botswana, designed to address the issue of talking to children about sex, specifically in relation to the culture in Botswana. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cv70ha7B1a4/U2tA6ixeT0I/AAAAAAAAASo/k8x_V-kF_OI/s1600/ltai,+teaching+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cv70ha7B1a4/U2tA6ixeT0I/AAAAAAAAASo/k8x_V-kF_OI/s1600/ltai,+teaching+day+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facilitating sessions at our first workshop in Kang</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During lunch we screened the STEPS film One Love One Life and had an awesome discussion about multiple concurrent partners, stigma/discrimination, and intergenerational sex. We wrapped up the first day with a session about financial management and gave the women their own budget books, donated by an NGO in Gaborone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On day 2, we opened with a communication follow up, discussing the women’s experiences talking to their kids the night before. One woman explained that when she tried to tell her young grandchildren about childbirth, the children insisted that babies are born when a woman vomits her child out of her belly. After hearing that, we were reinforced in our conviction to teach women how to talk to kids about sex and how to protect themselves about dangers like HIV. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Workshop in Hukuntsi </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We spent the next few hours talking about Gender Based Violence (GBV). We discussed symptoms of child abuse, what to do if a child/friend reports abuse, and Botswana sexual abuse laws. We demonstrated GBV warning signs with role play scenarios, including jealousy and explosive temper, and the women had a chance to participate in a heart-wrenching activity called “In Her Shoes”. To lighten things up after the heavy GBV session, we led a short guided meditation. The ladies also learned about stress management skills and goal setting techniques, to help improve their lives, as well as their children’s. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 2 ended on a high note, STIs and condom demonstrations. Who doesn’t like talking about sex and playing with condoms? There was a short ceremony, where each woman was given a certificate, a hug by each PCV, and an envelope full of affirmation notes. The months of stress, the many meltdowns, and the hours on the phone were all worth it when the women, one by one, sang and danced their way up to receive their prizes. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FdasHltLM0/U2tAVsa9DlI/AAAAAAAAASI/fcTCcAvKZi4/s1600/ltai,+end+of+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FdasHltLM0/U2tAVsa9DlI/AAAAAAAAASI/fcTCcAvKZi4/s1600/ltai,+end+of+day+1.jpg" height="128" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about condoms, participating in a GBV activity, and celebrating a successful workshop! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After reading our own affirmations and the feedback that we received from the women who attended the workshop, we are confident that the workshops made a lasting impression here. Many days PCVs feel like we haven’t made an impact, but when you stand in a room with 25 women singing to God in appreciation of your hard work, you can go back to America knowing that you did something amazing and lasting. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating our successful workshops! </td></tr>
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Love & Light,<br />
TMV<br />
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<br />Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-74340387941663980452014-05-19T05:43:00.001-07:002014-05-19T05:43:20.048-07:00Third Botswana Birthday<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">25! A quarter century young... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was my third birthday in Botswana. Now I have been four ages in
Botswana: 22, 23, 24, and 25. Typing that out really makes me realize how long
I've been here! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I spent the day with the people I love the most in my village: my family!
The kids helped me blow out my birthday candles and we played games together in
the sand. I got hugs, love, and cards from people all around the globe. Skype
allowed me to connect to my loved ones back home and hear them sing me happy
birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was absolutely delightful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But something I love more than all of that, is my desire to spend time in
my village. I've come to love the people in my village and the life I've
established here so much that I prefer to spend birthdays and holidays in Kang,
living simply. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I spent my birthday just the way I wanted to... in Kang, Botswana as a
Peace Corps Volunteer, surrounded by people I love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1eWokG2Jus/U2tCnl4vdeI/AAAAAAAAAS0/KAWIXNtrcx8/s1600/birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1eWokG2Jus/U2tCnl4vdeI/AAAAAAAAAS0/KAWIXNtrcx8/s1600/birthday.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-89153749481495086402014-05-14T07:54:00.000-07:002014-05-14T07:54:46.050-07:00A Fond Farewell to Bots 12 <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Bots 12.... my original training class, a group of stellar individuals, a cohesive unit. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived in Botswana as strangers and we're parting as a close group of friends - - dare I say family? We've endured all the ups and downs together. We've laughed, cried, celebrated, and mourned together. We left our homes to come and try to help in Botswana. And although I'm quite biased, I must say that I am very proud of all we've accomplished. </span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Meet my wonderful Bots 12 family </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In March, we all gathered one last time as a group in Maun, Botswana for our Close of Service Conference. We had the opportunity to reflect upon our past two years, discuss future opportunities, and say our final good-byes. The conference was very bittersweet. I'm not sure when I'll have the chance to work so closely with such a fabulous group of human beings... so I know I'll always cherish the time we did have together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had time for fun too, of course - - the Peace Corps arranged for us to go out on a boat trip on the Delta and they organized a traditional dance group to come and perform. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQmOC7IFGFA/U2s9py58OhI/AAAAAAAAAR4/H-1D3o5hW2Y/s1600/cos,+boat+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQmOC7IFGFA/U2s9py58OhI/AAAAAAAAAR4/H-1D3o5hW2Y/s1600/cos,+boat+trip.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">enjoying one last view of the delta</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We also discussed all the big kid stuff that comes along with closing our service - - administrative details, how to sell our service to potential employers, resume/cover letter advice, etc. We all stood on the edge together - - the edge between the life we've established for ourselves here and the unknown that life holds for us in the future.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7AerUyqpI8/U2s9oliMq2I/AAAAAAAAAR0/fze5Pn5oUWQ/s1600/cos,+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7AerUyqpI8/U2s9oliMq2I/AAAAAAAAAR0/fze5Pn5oUWQ/s1600/cos,+friends.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">genuinely wonderful people</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our close of service conference went by quick, just like our two years together as Peace Corps Botswana Volunteers. Bots 12 will be in my heart forever, along with all my memories from this remarkable experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All my love, Bots 12. Thanks for everything! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
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Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-61322372065697715002014-05-13T11:58:00.001-07:002014-05-13T12:05:09.438-07:00Coast To Coast <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A long overdue post. I seem to be doing more of that these days - - I apologize. I have been so busy! So let's backtrack... to January! </div>
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My lovely friend, Kate, came to visit me for a whole month. I first met Kate at the University of Hawai'i where we both spent our freshman year of college. Despite us both transferring for our sophomore year, this gem of a woman has remained one of my very best friends. I'm convinced we would have a great time together just sitting in a cardboard box... HOWEVER, this is a blog about our ultimate adventure, from coast to coast. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rmL0ZdRZ4u4/U3JhpiDDUVI/AAAAAAAAATY/onUfPsTxNPo/s1600/17-Southern-Africa-72dpi-high-2500new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rmL0ZdRZ4u4/U3JhpiDDUVI/AAAAAAAAATY/onUfPsTxNPo/s1600/17-Southern-Africa-72dpi-high-2500new.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a map our our destinations </td></tr>
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I met Kate in Johannesburg to start our coast to coast adventures. We also met up with another friend and Peace Corps Volunteer, Ashley, to join us on our first leg of the trip. But first, we explored Johannesburg during the day before our bus left in the evening. We went to the Apartheid Museum and Kate received a crash course education on the history of Apartheid in South Africa. The museum was very well done and I wish I could have had more time to walk around... there was a lot to see and learn! Poor Kate was feeling really tired part way through the exhibits, but we carried on! From there, we went to the Lion Park outside of Johannesburg. We got to drive around and see several types of lions, fed some really friendly giraffes, and drum roll please..... we played with baby lion cubs! They were exceptionally adorable. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDPhxG6wgew/U2s1F-lEOMI/AAAAAAAAAQs/DAqbM-Ne17g/s1600/joburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IDPhxG6wgew/U2s1F-lEOMI/AAAAAAAAAQs/DAqbM-Ne17g/s1600/joburg.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the Apartheid Museum and the Lion Park in Johannesburg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After our day trips in Johannesburg, we boarded the bus for our first stop: Maputo, Mozambique. Welcome to public transport, Kate. Our first bus ride was about 10 hours and she got to experience the joys of sketchy border crossings at 3 AM. We arrived safe and sound around 7 AM and spent the day sorting out some boring administrative details which I won't go into. Let's just say that we were certainly longing for some helpful banks and customer service! We moved on up the coast to Tofo, after another five or so hours on a bus, and wound up in a delightfully beautiful location. It was my first time to see the Indian ocean and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The water was turquoise blue and the temperature was about the same as a lukewarm bathtub. Simply amazing. Ashley, Kate, and I spent our time lounging in the sun (much to Kate's liking), eating fresh fruit, and sipping on cocktails as the sun went down. Sounds really rough, huh? </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">delightful Mozambique memories</td></tr>
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From Tofo, we traveled further north to Vilankulos. We played in the ocean, enjoyed the beach, and explored the local marketplaces. The main highlight? A day trip to snorkel out by Two Mile Reef. While it wasn't exactly what we Americans would call a guided tour (AKA we were dropped off on an island with a cooler of food), the girls and I made the most of it and really enjoyed ourselves. We also hiked up to the top of the dunes on the islands to look out upon the reef and the Mozambique coast line. Really remarkable stuff! Oh, and while snorkeling, my scalp was severely burnt. You'll hear more about that later. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUbqMiiVsW4/U2s1ExE0h6I/AAAAAAAAAQo/PWD2dV63esI/s1600/moz+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUbqMiiVsW4/U2s1ExE0h6I/AAAAAAAAAQo/PWD2dV63esI/s1600/moz+1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Play time in Mozambique with Ashley & Kate</td></tr>
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Sadly, we all boarded a bus again after about a week in Mozambique to head back to Botswana. It was time to show Kate my sweet village of Kang! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqO8SciTvDs/U2s4aJWqoYI/AAAAAAAAARE/xrzY63rFF70/s1600/kang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqO8SciTvDs/U2s4aJWqoYI/AAAAAAAAARE/xrzY63rFF70/s1600/kang.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate in Kang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kate got the full tour of Kang and all the kiddos immediately fell in love with her (it's easy to do). I showed her a little bit of my life as a volunteer, although it's difficult to actually get anything done with a visitor around. And that is quite a beautiful thing because we got to enjoy other adorable moments. She helped me organize all the reusable sanitary pads my family sent with her to make kits for the girls at the school. She experienced movie night with my family and we appropriately watched Lion King outside under the stars together. Oh and remember that sunburn on my scalp? Kate was a trooper and she also spent that week picking thumbnail sized skin flakes off my head and slathering baby oil on top. It was a really entertaining week. Just ask Kate :O)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, we took off for our next country: Nambia. We stopped to see my friend TJ along the way, another PCV who lives close to the Namibian border. Windhoek welcomed us with a delicious meal - Kate tried all kinds of game meet: zebra, ostrich, kudu, etc. - and then we celebrated properly by going to a </span>Karaoke<span style="font-family: inherit;"> bar. Kate rocked it! After Windhoek, we went to Walvis Bay to kayak with some sweet seals and check out the harbor. The rest of our time in Namibia was spent in Swakopmund. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwaJPq9Eums/U2s5eCwWwhI/AAAAAAAAARM/AvIqXrtS514/s1600/namibia+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwaJPq9Eums/U2s5eCwWwhI/AAAAAAAAARM/AvIqXrtS514/s1600/namibia+1.jpg" height="128" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nambia, round 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Swakopmund, we met a fun local guy who actually met some of my other Botswana PCV friends. He was our own little personal guide, showing us all the best places to go. Check him out in the photo above - - this guy was nuts. He could dance like a crazy man with a beer on his head without spilling a drop! Oh the people you meet... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We soaked up the sun on the beach for a few more days, although it was MUCH colder than in Mozambique. The highlight? Skydiving! Kate and I first went skydiving for our 19th birthdays in Hawaii, so we decided it was time to go again. It was breathtaking to see the Namibian desert sand dunes lined up right along the coast. We had an amazing time - and celebrated after our dive with chocolate and beer. Just like everyone should. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbyykaYcpJ0/U2s6TUPF-kI/AAAAAAAAARU/nyAveLW3T74/s1600/namib+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbyykaYcpJ0/U2s6TUPF-kI/AAAAAAAAARU/nyAveLW3T74/s1600/namib+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Namibia, round 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From Namibia, we endured some crazy travel stories that are too long to type out - - so we'll just say that we made it back to TJ's house. After an evening in Karakubis, we were back on the road, hitching to Maun, Botswana. I wanted Kate to see the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Kate met a few PCV friends staying in Maun and went on her first game drive! We had good luck and saw all kinds of wildlife - - giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hippos, warthogs, monkeys, elephants, tons of birds, and even A BABY LEOPARD! It was a lovely end to our trip together. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQw1OqxI3P8/U2s7df7ckDI/AAAAAAAAARg/sWDGzTSI_Ic/s1600/bye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQw1OqxI3P8/U2s7df7ckDI/AAAAAAAAARg/sWDGzTSI_Ic/s1600/bye.jpg" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of time with Kate in Bots! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We traveled back down to Gaborone, ate some yummy food, and flooded the airport with tears. I always hate to say goodbye to Kater -- especially after we had such an amazing month traveling together! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And my final statement - Kate is a trooper. She endured a lot of crazy things on this adventure and she really just went with it. If you ask her, I'm sure she'll tell you I gave the PG rated account of our travels... but I'll just leave you to hear how crazy things were from her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it folks! A month of fun with one of my best friends. I sure am a lucky woman! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span>Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-61104251437473784192014-04-03T11:54:00.001-07:002014-04-03T12:02:24.857-07:00Made My Day<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a text
conversation I had today that just melted my heart (I left the spelling exactly
as it was, because that just makes me smile too..) Especially in a culture that
doesn't express gratitude very well…</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*
* * * * </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">ME: That was so nice
of you to help out at the event! I'm happy to hear it went well and you had fun
too. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">FRIEND: I try, it's
just like u guys (Peace Corps), I always wanna do what I can to help because
u've been selfless enough to come here & help us out & u work so hard,
u've such a big heart & I wish u the very best in all u do… </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">ME: You just made my
day :o) thank you! You are such a gem. This community is lucky to have you! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">FRIEND: I mean it
though, every time I see u guys, I'm like, wow, they endure so much just to
help us, it humbles me, u're amazing. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*
* * * * </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a few words
made my day. It was such a sweet thing to hear… in a thankless job, it's so
delightful to hear any kind of appreciation for what I do. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And to top off my
day… I spent the afternoon surrounded by my family I love so dearly. I played
with the sweet lil cherubs, went on a walk with my sister, and had a surprise
visit from my auntie.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk5uNf8O7Aw/Uz2sHvEG_GI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/9AlLurEPxSc/s1600/IMG_0374new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rk5uNf8O7Aw/Uz2sHvEG_GI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/9AlLurEPxSc/s1600/IMG_0374new.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morning play time at my house </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9iqyVK8Ivk/Uz2sMZVEBqI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qRqZH3ffJNg/s1600/IMG_0375new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9iqyVK8Ivk/Uz2sMZVEBqI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qRqZH3ffJNg/s1600/IMG_0375new.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good morning, (my not so little) Ayanda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_dnE106PbY/Uz2sQz30zSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/jkXS1zUKYog/s1600/IMG_0381new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_dnE106PbY/Uz2sQz30zSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/jkXS1zUKYog/s1600/IMG_0381new.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the sweetest thing to come home to -<br />
Mama snuggling her great-grandbaby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YCM7f468tE/Uz2siK1RH-I/AAAAAAAAAPo/9CHYW1QqOzQ/s1600/IMG_0396new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YCM7f468tE/Uz2siK1RH-I/AAAAAAAAAPo/9CHYW1QqOzQ/s1600/IMG_0396new.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our new tiny human we love & adore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJIWBUzOnIE/Uz2snu1smxI/AAAAAAAAAPw/mA3pUy1AYOU/s1600/IMG_0399new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJIWBUzOnIE/Uz2snu1smxI/AAAAAAAAAPw/mA3pUy1AYOU/s1600/IMG_0399new.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">silly Romeo </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9J8mH4REIo/Uz2sqZnbSpI/AAAAAAAAAP4/NXsuT5XPk1c/s1600/IMG_0422new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m9J8mH4REIo/Uz2sqZnbSpI/AAAAAAAAAP4/NXsuT5XPk1c/s1600/IMG_0422new.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my sweet auntie home to visit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As things start
winding down around here, I continue to remind myself that my job is to live,
learn, and build relationships in another culture with the freedom to explore
new things. And I think I'm so lucky… because I'm living in this moment - this
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - that many people never get to experience. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My absence on my
blog means one thing: I'm savoring all these precious moments and faces. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My day was made… by
the sweetest and most simple things. I hope your day was too! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-84429922445364337162014-03-23T07:47:00.002-07:002014-03-23T07:49:01.155-07:00A Gift to Myself <div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A gift that will
keep giving. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A gift that will
transform. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A gift that I'll
always carry with me. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm leaving the
Peace Corps and giving myself the gift of YOGA. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO8bcBfDdh4/Uy7z_OTNH_I/AAAAAAAAAO8/zqyH2wm2g7w/s1600/676new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uO8bcBfDdh4/Uy7z_OTNH_I/AAAAAAAAAO8/zqyH2wm2g7w/s1600/676new.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've decided to
attend a 200 Hour Yoga Teaching Training Program in Rishikesh, India. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The four week
program runs from mid-June to mid-July. I will be attending the program with
one of my favorite volunteers I served with here in Botswana, and I believe it
will also be a great opportunity for us to sift through our emotions of ending
our Peace Corps service.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll be pushed and
challenged, attending classes six days a week and abiding by a strict schedule.
I will learn more about yoga, meditation, and human anatomy. I will receive
proper training to become a certified teacher. It will be a welcomed change of pace
from my life as a volunteer. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've always dreamed
of doing this, and I'm beyond thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This will be my
belated 25th birthday present. A celebration of my success as a Peace Corps
Volunteer. The chance to live out another one of my dreams. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so incredibly
grateful!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-1195448293362723072014-03-04T10:36:00.000-08:002014-03-04T10:36:34.524-08:00100 Days <span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's all I have left in my service in Botswana. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">People keep asking whether it feels bittersweet... and quite honestly, I don't quite know how it feels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm wishing for more time. I'm unsure of what the future holds. I've changed so much since I've arrived in Botswana. I worry that I won't like America anymore. I am afraid of letting my memories of Botswana fade away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But mostly, I just can't believe that I only have 100 days left. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to keep fighting for my community. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to be an advocate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to listen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to spread my love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to tell people I believe in them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to squeeze in all the hugs and kisses I possibly can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to read stories to the little ones. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to enjoy the African sunrises and sunsets. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days left to sit with my thoughts about my service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It may sound like a long time to you, but goodness, I wish time would slow down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">100 days is not enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span><br />
<br />
<br />Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-65579494577670481752014-02-15T00:18:00.001-08:002014-02-15T00:18:10.838-08:00What Love Looks Like <div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy (belated)
valentines day! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've spent a lot of
time the past few days thinking about Valentines Day. It's a funny day. I mean,
really… I understand that some people like being showered in flowers,
chocolates, and lovely presents. Some people love feeling spoiled by the person
they love, and rightly so. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But that's just not
me. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think love looks a lot different than that. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is so much more
than romantic. Love is found in all areas of life, if we're looking for it. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is accepting
your own flaws, as well as others. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is the twinkle
in the eye of someone who loves you when they see you. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is soaking up
the silence between two people, comfortable in each others presence. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is taking the
time to help teach a new skill. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is helping to
do the chores. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is the daily
presence of someone in your life. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is
communicating without words. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is celebrating
the successes and comforting the failures. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is sweaty,
dirty little fingers wrapped around mine. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is watching the
sunrise and the sunset each day, knowing my Creator painted it for me. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is hugs and
kisses, every day. Not just on valentines day. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is blind. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is the best
kind of laughter that brings tears to your eyes. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is knowing that
each person has entered the story of your life for a reason. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is a daring
adventure. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is expecting
nothing in return. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is laying on
your back staring up at the stars. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is seeing your
loved ones after you've been away. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is feeling your
heart smile. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is cuddling
with your favorite furry friend. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is giving more
than you receive. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is writing your
own life story according to your own heart. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is validating
the self worth of others. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is scattering
your dreams with the wind. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is empathizing
with what others are going through. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is promising
yourself to be better. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is being aware.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is sharing
everything you can. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is continuing
to believe. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is exploring
without hesitation. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is refusing to
let the bitterness in the world keep you from loving more. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's just a taste
of what love looks like to me. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kg7fPvkMrhc/Uv8iivRFWOI/AAAAAAAAANI/utGIjKaRE5w/s1600/for+blognew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kg7fPvkMrhc/Uv8iivRFWOI/AAAAAAAAANI/utGIjKaRE5w/s1600/for+blognew.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Love is a verb
- it ain't a thing - It's not something you hold - it's not something you
scream - When you show me love - I don't need your words - yeah love ain't a
thing - love is a verb." -John Mayer</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I'm so blessed
to have so much love in my life! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-12237368106340697452014-02-10T21:35:00.000-08:002014-02-11T04:54:58.346-08:00The Magic of Mirrors <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hopefully you all know of Romeo by now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He's my little heartbreaker. My family here calls him my husband - -
because I told them I won't love any man here (taken!)… but they know I'm in love with him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the lucky few who have met him… you know what a doll he is. I truly can't even use words to describe it. He's this precious little bundle of joy that was dropped down from heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I have an entirely different relationship with Romeo than I do with the other kiddos. The other kiddos have an interest in learning English & talking to me. Some of them just talk to hear their own voice (ayanda!). But lil Romeo is a man of few words.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since day one, Romeo has been sweet, respectful, and attentive. If I asked him to do something (in English or Shekgalagari), he would do it. But never has he bothered with talking to me. I used to watch him talk to the other kiddos or his grandmother and wonder when he would ever begin to talk to me… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And ladies and gents - - the time has come. Romeo speaks to me now! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Slow at first…. Just a simple - BONA, BOITSHEPO! (look, boitshepo)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then…. CATSE YA KO E KAE? (where is your cat?)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And we've progressed to talking about all the animals in books. He'll list the animals, I'll ask him to point them out, he'll tell me what the animals say… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just precious. And why now, after all this time does this sweet lil 3 year old start speaking to me? To pull on my heartstrings… I swear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But the best part of all came today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Romeo LOVES my mirror I had hanging on the side of my fridge. He has taken it down and plays with it now… and I love catching him admiring his reflection.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xU37dIJSHQ/Uvmyl3haxuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/QL6j2FbDx5k/s1600/IMG_9222new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xU37dIJSHQ/Uvmyl3haxuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/QL6j2FbDx5k/s1600/IMG_9222new.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpaKKFGBalY/Uvmxl52hSII/AAAAAAAAAMU/rBz-CFElEqY/s1600/IMG_9210new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpaKKFGBalY/Uvmxl52hSII/AAAAAAAAAMU/rBz-CFElEqY/s1600/IMG_9210new.jpg" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This new toy has opened up a whole new avenue of discussion. He's less shy about talking to me when we talk in the mirror. It's a game! He'll hold things up in the mirror in front of us and talk about them. He'll hold eye contact in the mirror. He talks and talks and talks! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V6P2UmhvqCM/Uvmx4eHcuQI/AAAAAAAAAMg/2NZEafR3hNI/s1600/IMG_9213new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V6P2UmhvqCM/Uvmx4eHcuQI/AAAAAAAAAMg/2NZEafR3hNI/s1600/IMG_9213new.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4J0ajXgeP24/Uvmx5h4XrII/AAAAAAAAAMk/iKHydKdKHFw/s1600/IMG_9215new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4J0ajXgeP24/Uvmx5h4XrII/AAAAAAAAAMk/iKHydKdKHFw/s1600/IMG_9215new.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A simple joy, I know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But goodness, my heart just overflows. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And after putting his shoes on to go home and go to bed, a simple "i lub you, Boitshepo" just leaves me on cloud nine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These children are my world. Tiny humans are the best! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-81673971469081520432014-01-05T21:18:00.000-08:002014-01-05T21:18:09.852-08:00New Year, New Resolutions<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been thinking a lot about new year's resolutions. I think they're funny. Mostly because people make them, forget about them, neglect them, or work at them for a limited period of time. Last year, I chose seven new resolutions to live by. Seven that I just couldn't imagine life without. And I stuck to them. Of course, I posted them in my kitchen to see every day, but I can honestly say I lived by them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I'm not ready to let them go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So this year, I'm adding to the list. I'm keeping my old ones, because I think they made me try to be a better, more relaxed person, and I'll add my new ones to live by this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year is going to be a big one for me. I finally feel like I am aware that I'll be saying bye to this sweet place and familiar faces. I'll have 1/2 the year in Bots, 1/2 the year in the USA. It's a lot of change, a lot of good-byes, a lot of hellos, a lot of new beginnings. So here's my list: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Seek simplicity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Keep faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Notice more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Love harder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Stand strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Enjoy life slower. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Spend more time under the stars. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Treat others according to my character, not theirs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">* * * * * and now my new resolutions for the year * * * * * </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. No comparisons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Be calm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Embrace change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Savor precious moments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Believe in myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">14. Breathe through it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">15. Follow my own truth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span>Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-76107507480075556762014-01-05T21:14:00.000-08:002014-01-05T21:14:24.131-08:00Girls' Weekend <span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't been able to figure out exactly how to explain this wild, magical weekend... but my sweet friend, Mignon, did so perfectly. So, I'd like to refer you to <a href="http://botswanapeacebypeace.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-ultimate-girls-weekend.html" target="_blank">her blog post</a> if you'd like to hear more about one of my biggest adventures in Botswana. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span>Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-67723904027858328492013-12-28T01:00:00.002-08:002013-12-28T01:10:23.916-08:00Looking Back On 2013 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013 was a year of self growth. Of all my years on this Earth, I've never been challenged, pushed, or questioned more than the past year. Another year come and gone... Here are (a few of) my highlights of 2013. </span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYREuIZ9v7E/Ur1gQjZWv0I/AAAAAAAAAKE/zI2zWuBlBLA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYREuIZ9v7E/Ur1gQjZWv0I/AAAAAAAAAKE/zI2zWuBlBLA/s320/1.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>JANUARY 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">New Years in Germany with Michael and his family</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quality time back in my village : making cookies, playing with kiddos</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading all the sweet moments I wrote about in 2012, setting new years resolutions</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux9N1wWUq7Q/Ur1ipSs9UEI/AAAAAAAAALU/476juORH594/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux9N1wWUq7Q/Ur1ipSs9UEI/AAAAAAAAALU/476juORH594/s320/2.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>FEBRUARY 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My parents visit. Period. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGXG3_bdVmc/Ur1hPE5gAeI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ciymQzDOiPI/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGXG3_bdVmc/Ur1hPE5gAeI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ciymQzDOiPI/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>MARCH 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shakawe 5K event</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Evening walks with my family in Kang</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Visiting the Okavango Delta & Tsodillo Hills </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRubXj_7_0Q/Ur1gmKCeqqI/AAAAAAAAAKU/bwTe7iB0FGk/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRubXj_7_0Q/Ur1gmKCeqqI/AAAAAAAAAKU/bwTe7iB0FGk/s320/4.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>APRIL 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Celebrating ONE YEAR in Botswana</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Trip to the Tuli Block</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Local highlights: starting new youth groups, hail storms, etc. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yea7sxplls/Ur1iOKYaPbI/AAAAAAAAALE/7s--1yBgaKQ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yea7sxplls/Ur1iOKYaPbI/AAAAAAAAALE/7s--1yBgaKQ/s320/5.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>MAY 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My 24th birthday </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Girls GLOW camp at Matsha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Steinmetz 10 K event in Gabs </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--I_15olKka8/Ur1hguuV67I/AAAAAAAAAKk/DRXnOXyLlGI/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--I_15olKka8/Ur1hguuV67I/AAAAAAAAAKk/DRXnOXyLlGI/s400/6.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>JUNE 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shekgalgadi Language Week at my house</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boys GLOW camp at Matsha </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The President visiting Kang</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mid-Service Training with Bots 12 </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmZd_kwNRIg/Ur1hxkN4u0I/AAAAAAAAAKs/o7hAzBxtUvg/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nmZd_kwNRIg/Ur1hxkN4u0I/AAAAAAAAAKs/o7hAzBxtUvg/s400/7.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>JULY 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My supervisor's new baby girl </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Khama Rhino Sanctuary </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saying good-bye to some delightful friends </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCU7iQ6wZY/Ur1iCJ4LaZI/AAAAAAAAAK8/7vDj-uhyyc8/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihCU7iQ6wZY/Ur1iCJ4LaZI/AAAAAAAAAK8/7vDj-uhyyc8/s400/8.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">COLORADO. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Visiting my family, my grandparents, my friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mountains. Muddy Buddy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Michael's visit </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Goodhope GLOW camp </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Girls Weekend Trip to Chobe/Moremi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Helping Jan say goodbye to Kang & welcoming a new volunteer </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tt33g3Pzi8Y/Ur1gUyuTulI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Zbm0NB8RKos/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tt33g3Pzi8Y/Ur1gUyuTulI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Zbm0NB8RKos/s400/11.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>NOVEMBER 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Starting our new garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Quality time around my village and in my community</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saying bye to graduating students I mentored/tutored </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnOU1JlfX7s/Ur1h1-G1-RI/AAAAAAAAAK0/gmH_k7kp4MA/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnOU1JlfX7s/Ur1h1-G1-RI/AAAAAAAAAK0/gmH_k7kp4MA/s400/12.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>DECEMBER 2013</u></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Visiting Tsabong, to see my good friend and ride camels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preparing for Christmas/Christmas in my village</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Staff Christmas party/ Staff weddings </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">* * * * * </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A year. 365 days. That's nothing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Time flies. I loved 2013. 2014 is going to slip away just as quickly. Enjoy the last days of 2013! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring it on, 2014. I'm excited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
<br />Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-69446604579229225892013-12-28T00:38:00.004-08:002013-12-28T00:38:21.858-08:00Exploring With Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A long overdue blog post : Michael's Trip </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a crazy, whirl-wind two weeks in the States in August, Michael flew back to Botswana with me to stay for a month and see my new life. We had separate flights to South Africa, but we were able to meet up in Johannesburg at the airport and fly the last leg to Botswana together. It was a huge relief to see him at the airport... it helped a lot with my transition back to Botswana. I had to say goodbye to friends and family - - but not quite everyone. At least his goodbye was delayed for another month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon arrival, we were just.... exhausted. I can't quite explain it. We got back to Gaborone and fell asleep at 4 PM. We didn't even move until the morning when we headed back to my village, and even getting up to get on a bus felt like a huge amount of effort. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was so happy to see home. So happy to hug & kiss my little ones and finally introduce Michael to all the people I love and care about here. I paraded him around the village, introducing him to more people than he could possibly remember. I showed him all the silly, mundane parts of my life - - like hand-washing clothes (something he was NOT fond of), cleaning the endless amounts of sand in my house, etc. We just took it easy, got lots of rest, played farkle, made plenty of delicious homemade meals, and enjoyed my quiet village life. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSLGhDHQwVE/Ur1eHxjavdI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Gbf7Hs9reTQ/s1600/20131215123754039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSLGhDHQwVE/Ur1eHxjavdI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Gbf7Hs9reTQ/s400/20131215123754039.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">introducing michael to my village life</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After spending some time in my village, we packed our bags and prepared for a road trip we had been looking forward to for months. We took a bus to Johannesburg where we rented a car and the journey began... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first stop was Lesotho. Lesotho is a small, landlocked country inside of South Africa. It's mountainous and a fave vacation destination among Peace Corps Volunteers. Having a rental car was very nice for me, as I'm used to being crammed into whatever form of public transportation is available. Our tiny matchbox car was great... but maybe not so great for the mountainous pass we had to endure on our way to the lodge. Two wheel drive wasn't the problem, it was the lack of clearance under our car that made us cringe. Regardless, we somehow made it to the lodge in one piece... and our car did too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stayed at a lovely little place called Malealea Lodge. It was an adorable place to stay and the owners give a LOT back to the community, which of course makes my Peace Corps heart smile. We opted for two mini-adventures while staying in Lesotho : a pony ride to a waterfall and a hike to see rock paintings. I personally loved seeing elevation after living somewhere so flat! Although it was winter time and crops weren't in harvest, I was in love with the beauty of this country. They speak Sesotho there and it's very similar to Setswana spoken in Botswana, so it also made me happy to be able to pick up on a lot of what they were saying. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhKs8bHRNyA/Ur1dj0O9Z9I/AAAAAAAAAJI/FxwUVYsNopU/s1600/20131215124504240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhKs8bHRNyA/Ur1dj0O9Z9I/AAAAAAAAAJI/FxwUVYsNopU/s400/20131215124504240.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After Lesotho, we headed out for our next destination: the garden route in South Africa. From Lesotho to Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa was quite the day of driving... but Michael handled it like a champ. (also - let's point out that he only scared me <i>a few times</i> while driving in countries that drive on the left side of the road. he did a far better job of driving than I think I would have done... well done sir). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I may have been the happiest woman alive when I saw the ocean. WATER. Water, folks. I can't even explain. After all this time in the desert, water was just a delight. We checked into our backpackers, soaked up the lovely view of the beach, and headed out to meet up with one of his friends from back home. Randomly enough, Michael has a friend from CO that was living in Jeffrey's Bay volunteering with Christian Surfer's. We had dinner with her at a cute restaurant and I absolutely loved chatting with her about what she was doing there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She recommended that we stop at Tsitsikamma National Park & I'm so glad we did. The next day, we drove along the coast to Sedgefield, our next stop. The views were breathtaking. I feel a bit guilty that I got to enjoy it more than Michael since he was driving - - but we did stop along the way to soak it all in. We enjoyed some delicious meals, beer, and time playing at the beach. I really can't complain. :o) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urrJS6UXEf8/Ur1doUrrX7I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/k1VjqjKctdc/s1600/20131215133141503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urrJS6UXEf8/Ur1doUrrX7I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/k1VjqjKctdc/s400/20131215133141503.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">the garden route</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next up was Cape Town. Goodness, we crammed a lot in. Michael stuffed his face with sushi the first night & we had an early morning the next day. Somewhere along the line, I let Michael talk me into shark cage diving. It's something I doubt I ever would have done on my own... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived around 6 AM to take the boat out to what they call "seal island." It was chilly (don't forget it's winter) and the water was choppy, but Michael was determined. We saw the island covered with hundreds of seals & we spent some time in the early morning watching for sharks to attack. I was a little disappointed at first, but really, I doubt I would have gotten in the cage to dive if I saw a great white feast on a seal first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made Michael wait for everyone else to dive first, mostly because it made me feel better to see them come out alive. The crew got us all fitted in wet suits and weight belts to weigh us down in the tank. I don't think I've ever felt more vulnerable. <i>Oh hello, shark. I'm a rubbery, weighted down human... aka a fat, blubbery, rubbery, seal that you enjoy eating.</i> Michael is stoked. I'm petrified. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were able to use respirators so we didn't have to come up for air. But goodness, Michael was down in the tank for quite a while before I was able to convince myself to be completely submerged. I had to fight all human instincts to get in the cage. But once I managed to get into the cage and anchor my feet, we had quite the show. Great white sharks are GIGANTIC. and terrifying. and slightly dumb looking... but that didn't fool me. My heart was racing as I sat in the cage next to the man I love, watching a shark that could eat us alive. It was insane. and wonderful. and I'm thankful Michael talked me into it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the morning shark shenanigans, we had a relatively normal day for tourists. We went down to the Cape of Good Hope, saw the African penguins, and headed back to Table Mountain to end our day. We took the cable car to the top, and the view from up there was just breathtaking. Exhausted, and feeling very alive, we had another sushi evening & and relaxed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day, we went to Robben Island & explored the area of Cape Town and near Lion's head. I enjoyed learning more about the history of apartheid in South Africa. Cape Town was good to us. We really enjoyed ourselves! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a few more days back in Kang before we left for the weekend to go to Maun. I wanted to be sure that Michael saw some of the wildlife in Botswana, so we booked a day trip into Moremi Game Reserve. Animal viewing is always a hit or miss... but we got really lucky. He even got to see four slumbering lions after a feast - - complete with blood stains on their fur. It was just the two of us with a guide, so we had a very personal and informative day. I'm thankful we had such great animal sightings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After our trip up north, we had to get back to Kang, pack his bags and get ready to send him back to the states. It was a very busy couple of weeks... and the time really flew by! </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwKSf7bdl1M/Ur1eDPAjBoI/AAAAAAAAAJg/u6stK83mGoE/s1600/20131215134953046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwKSf7bdl1M/Ur1eDPAjBoI/AAAAAAAAAJg/u6stK83mGoE/s400/20131215134953046.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was, of course, a flood of tears at the airport. Good-byes just never get any easier. But I am extremely thankful to have such a loving, supportive man in my life. He has really helped me through a lot of this experience and believe me when I say it hasn't been easy for either of us. He's a trooper. It was a fabulous month, exploring the world with the man I love. I love you MAC :o) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-6754015464995055102013-12-27T01:43:00.000-08:002013-12-27T01:43:10.649-08:00Your Heart Is What Carries Your Home <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">a delightful reminder from a dear friend of mine... </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">if only the world could be full of people more like her. Thank you for making my heart smile & reminding me that my heart will safely hold my home. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">* * * * * </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">my dear TMV,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know that I am thinking of you always.... These last six months will be hard for you, for sure, home is where you make it and you have made one where you are loved and cherished, where you are understood and understand, where you love the traditions and life and where the people from your origins don't understand. But amor, after the transition, and when you come back to this other world that loves you, please remember that you are loved no matter where you go. You have a family wherever you go.... Your family next door and in Kang right now and your peace corps volunteers, and your family and friends here all across the US. Your Kang family is going nowhere, just as we are not. You're stuck with us ;)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I guess what I am trying to say is that during this </span><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #222222;">Christmas</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, during these holidays, please remember how cherished you are, <b><u>please remember that your heart is what carries your home.</u></b> It will be hard, undoubtedly.... And hard every day. Things you will never forget while at the same time trying to move on with life.... That's an impossible thing. But with a New Year will come endings and beginnings.... And all of us will be with you that entire time. Right there to listen, to be a shoulder or an ear, or to drive to good times and burn our tongues on fries.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You inspire me daily.... You are incredible and brave and you give a world with an open heart and open arms.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Merry </span><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #222222;">Christmas</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, happy holidays, happy new year.... I love you always.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></span>Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-16391388189081577462013-12-26T00:08:00.003-08:002013-12-26T00:08:53.456-08:00A Sweet & Simple Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year, I stayed in my village for Christmas day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as I woke up and made coffee, I had these two sweet little ones at my house, sharing my oatmeal breakfast and coloring for hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following a lazy morning, I went to visit a dear friend of mine who is back in the village from studying at University. I stopped by to bring her daughter, brothers & sisters coloring books and craft supplies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After visiting my friend and her family, I headed home to make sugar cookies with the little ones and play around the house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Romeo came over with his brothers - - all excited about their new matching attire. Dress shoes & all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Loved on this sweet little one... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fussed over all the kiddos who were just so darn proud of themselves for how well they can clean up....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And headed out to the local kgotla for the traditional Christmas choirs. I stood with my family & community watching several local choirs sing and dance the day away... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And ended up back at home, enjoying a traditional Tswana dinner with a delicious dessert, chatting with the family in the living room, cuddling kiddos to sleep in my lap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My Christmas was complete with a Skype date with Michael and my family as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Sweet, simple, perfect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No big fuss over presents... just rejoicing and enjoying time together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A Christmas I'll never forget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV</span></div>
<br />Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-16570631729580584642013-12-24T13:22:00.002-08:002013-12-24T13:22:57.152-08:00Home for the Holidays <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It all started this morning... with a cup of coffee and some cloudy weather. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was suddenly blessed with an overcast morning to go and transplant the last of my seedlings to my garden. Thankful to not be working in extreme heat, I removed my beloved seedlings from inside my house and prepared to uproot them and put them in an entirely new environment. For weeks, I've nursed seeds (both inside and outside) in an attempt to start a garden for my family next door. Each member of the family has helped clear the yard, prepare the soil, build shade, and water the small seeds. Even the tiniest of humans have carried cans full of water with both hands, only to beam the brightest of smiles when a few successful drops of water reached the seedlings. A garden is a lot of work. Especially out here in the desert. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So as I'm transplanting the last of the seedlings today, I sat back in wonder of how remarkable plants really are. I physically pulled these plants up out of the comfortable, happy environment it once had and moved it to a much more hostile environment. So frail, so vulnerable, and yet so strong. Tiny, tiny roots grow into big, strong roots. Despite being uprooted, they will get a grip again, keep growing, and fight to keep the plant grounded. As I looked at these tiny roots, I smiled to myself, and <b>gave thanks for my own ability to uproot myself and carry on</b>. My soul rejoiced. Those tiny little plants... that was a me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And here I am, less than two years later, with my roots fully intact. After removing myself from all the material comforts and precious relationships in my life, I was vulnerable. I was showing my roots. I desperately needed some sun, water, and time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made the decision to stay in my village over Christmas and New Years this year. It's a decision some other volunteers don't quite seem to understand. Although I value my friendship with other volunteers, my heart longs to be home for the holidays. And now, at this stage of my life, Kang is home. Somewhere along the way, I've received enough love and nourishment to allow me to put my roots down here. I've been accepted into the lives of another family. I've witnessed the first steps of the kiddos. I've heard them say my name for the first time. I've had the granny call me her daughter. I've watched several family members cry at the thought of me going home in June. I've celebrated birthdays, cried at deaths, and laughed at life with them by my side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This family has provided the proper environment for me to grow. Each one of these people have given me the strength to put my roots down. They are the reason I'm so grounded here. And the reason it's going to be so painful to uproot myself again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Setting down my roots here has opened my heart, challenged me to love harder, and allowed me to grow. While I'm here, I will soak up every last bit of love, laughter, and friendship I possibly can to help me with my next chapter in life. And so, here I am... HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Home to hug the kiddos, make Christmas cookies, play in the yard, cook together, and spend time as a family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Merry Christmas from Botswana, everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
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<a href="http://home-improvement-review.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/home-is-where-the-heart-isannapolis-home-remodeling---female-owned-companyrenovate-o8s69x3r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://home-improvement-review.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/home-is-where-the-heart-isannapolis-home-remodeling---female-owned-companyrenovate-o8s69x3r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-8253511951266937392013-12-15T06:34:00.003-08:002013-12-15T06:34:42.320-08:00Currently {December}<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been very absent from blogging as of lately. It's not because I don't have the time either... I think I am just stuck. Writer's block. I decided to grab a list of verbs and describe what's been going on in my life this month (and some time before that). As I chose verbs, I realized I picked a lot of happy-feel-good-self-growth-kinda-words. And I think that's rather fitting. Here's an update on me: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Accepting </i>that I certainly do not have the power to change some things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Admiring </i>other Peace Corps Volunteers who pour their heart and soul into our work here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Acknowledging</i> my shortcomings. And making peace with them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Appreciating</i> all the beautiful blessings in my life; lessons, opportunities, people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Believing</i> that there is a higher purpose for all of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Challenging </i>my previous believes and stances on life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Clearing </b>a space in my heart for all that is to come in life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Compiling</i> video clips of the cutest, sweetest, most wonderful kiddos who have stolen my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Crying</i> because I'm heartbroken over the daunting task of saying good-bye to loved ones in Botswana. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Delighting </i>in the Lord and His work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Developing</i> a plan for how to get the most out of my last six months here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Enjoying</i> the clouds that are currently bringing the temperature down a few degrees. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Entertaining </i>Peace Corps Volunteers passing through my village for their holiday adventures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Expanding </i>my mind with new readings on my Nook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Feeling</i> like I can breathe again. Feeling like myself again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Forgetting</i> all the times I've let myself down and all the things I cannot change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Forgiving </i>myself for my imperfections. Forgiving others for theirs too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Gushing</i> over Michael and how wonderful he has been to me the past two years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Hoping</i> to leave some kind of lasting impact on the people in my community. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Hurting</i> from ignorant conversations with men about Gender Based Violence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Ignoring</i> the sand that constantly blows through the windows and doors. My house is never clean. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Imagining</i> life back in the states and what it might look like for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Laughing </i>at the TV show <u>New Girl</u>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Learning</i> that no one has all the answers or right moves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Leaving </i>Botswana in less than six months. Yikes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Listening</i> to the playlist I've compiled for my video montage of the kiddos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Longing</i> for some real produce selection and the money to afford it. My diet is highly unbalanced. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Loving</i> each and every person in my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Missing</i> my family, friends, and boyfriend during the holiday season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Mourning</i> over the violence and hatred throughout the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noticing</i> that life is much more simple than I ever imagined. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Overflowing </i>with joy, love, and compassion. I just love people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Painting</i> a beautiful picture of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Playing</i> with my beloved kiddos, each and every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Pondering</i> about how to fix the health care system. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Realizing</i> that someday, there will be an imbalance of my yesterday's and tomorrow's. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Rejoicing</i> that I have learned so much about myself and life at such a young age. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Remembering</i> all my sweet friends fighting back home fighting against cancer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Standing</i> strong, standing still. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Steering</i> my life in a direction I'm excited about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Teaching</i> patients at the clinic how to take responsibility for their own health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Thanking </i>my lucky stars for this life of mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Thinking</i> about how life is a never ending to-do list, and that's a good thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Trying</i> not to melt in this lovely heat in the Kalahari Desert. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Understanding</i> that everything really, truly happens for a reason. Nobutseriously. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Waiting </i>patiently for all the pieces to fall into place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Wanting </i>Kate to hurry up and get here so we can spend a month traveling, talking, and catching up! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Welcoming</i> all life lessons, no matter how frustrating or annoying the situation may feel at the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Worrying</i> about how I'm going to cope with my transition in June. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Writing</i> more often and more honestly. Promise. :o) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXjuJsJNYdY/Uq29y9vxDII/AAAAAAAAAG8/DPrgBK8BxG8/s1600/IMG_7834new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YXjuJsJNYdY/Uq29y9vxDII/AAAAAAAAAG8/DPrgBK8BxG8/s400/IMG_7834new.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-3922369147158509572013-12-03T00:52:00.003-08:002013-12-03T00:52:58.545-08:00Unchanging Foundations of Love <span style="font-family: inherit;">"We do not do it alone, of course. We are companioned through life by those few who are strong when we are frail, wise when we are naïve, certain when we are unsure. Underneath it all, holding us up as we change, are the people who love us. They make the present bearable and the future possible. However much we find ourselves in the throes of life, they stand by until we land again on solid ground, find ourselves again, get up in the morning ready to start over. Because of them, we stay steady on the path. <strong>They provide the unchanging foundations of love that enable us to risk change</strong>." </span><br />
<br />
- Joan Chrittister, from <u>Called to Question</u><br />
<br />
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to everyone who creates my unchanging foundation of love. I'm in constant awe of all the love and support and I genuinely wouldn't have the strength to be here without each of you. <br />
<br />
I am so incredibly grateful, so incredibly blessed, and so incredibly happy to be serving here in Botswana. This thank-less work may leave me feeling like I haven't done anything here, but in my heart I know I'm making a difference. I'm thankful for that. <br />
<br />
And I'm thankful for you. <br />
<br />
Love & Light, <br />
TMV Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-37392352795261167072013-11-10T07:24:00.001-08:002013-11-10T07:35:46.244-08:00Two Years in Two Lines<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been warned
about this. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew it was
coming, but I guess I just never thought it would be as bad as they say it is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I guess I figured I
would pull out of this feeling differently - - because, I just wanted it to be
that way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw a glimpse of
all of this when I was home in the states. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
People wanted to
come visit me, they wanted to say hello. They wanted to see their shiny, fancy
friend back from the Peace Corps. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"How's
Africa?"</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
"I don't know
how you do it. Isn't it so sad?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
"Do people die
all the time?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
"Are you living
in a hut? … what? They have electricity?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Let's start off with
the fact that Africa is a CONTINENT. How's Africa? I don't know. But I could
tell you about Botswana. And yes it's sad, but it's filled with so many success
stories. And…. Oh. Ok. Right. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">End of attention
span. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People think that
they want to hear about what I'm doing. Of course they ask questions, but most
of them are so superficial there's no way it paints a clear picture of my
service. And usually, after a few cut & dry questions, the conversation
fizzles out. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I do isn't
always pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's emotionally
exhausting, physically challenging, and mentally demanding. The decision to be
here is one that I make every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've
mentioned that I love it here and that's no lie. I love that I have the
opportunity to try to make a difference. I love that I'm welcomed into a
culture that was foreign to me just last year. I love the life-long
relationships I've built with some very special people here. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my blog is only
a small taste, a small glimpse of what's going on with me. Unless you've taken
the time to email me, pick up the phone, or write a letter, you most likely
don't know me anymore. You know the old me that is a part of who I am today, but
you aren't seeing what I see when I look in the mirror these days. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've changed. A lot.
My perspectives, my values, my dreams, my fears… they've changed. In 19 months,
I've changed for the better. I've become broken. I've been put back together.
I've felt alone. I've rejoiced in unity. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why am I saying
this all now? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm starting to
think seriously about my future after my Peace Corps service ends, which means
updating resumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means job searches.
It means putting a lot of puzzle pieces together. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It means that not
only did I have to figure out how to put together sound bites of my service for
friends and family at home, now I have to turn two years into two lines on a
resume. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can I describe
all the children I play with at the OVC (Orphans & Vulnerable Children)
Center? How can I explain the stories of heartache the youth experience in
child-headed households? How can I write about the patients we have lost at the
clinic? How can I communicate my own personal growth? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's frustrating.
And heartbreaking. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
When I go home, this
is all going to be the past. Memories. No one else will fully understand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as I'm trying to
turn my service into a few keywords, I will also be writing furiously in my
journal, compiling video clips into a montage, and documenting all my favorite
photos. I will be trying to find ways to keep my service alive so that when I return
to the hustle and bustle in America, I won't forget. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time is too
precious to me to forget. And please, when I'm with you, ASK. Ask me - -
anything. Each of you have moved on with your lives and things have changed.
Believe me, I have a LOT of catching up to do with a LOT of people when I come
back. But I'm just one person for you. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's share our
experiences together to keep them alive. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kafu6mZoGRk/Un-kuk5NG2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/z7K9xGRD__E/s1600/this+lifenew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kafu6mZoGRk/Un-kuk5NG2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/z7K9xGRD__E/s320/this+lifenew.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love & Light, </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TMV </span></div>
Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-12406222015635658842013-11-05T11:53:00.000-08:002013-11-05T12:05:30.235-08:00Forever Homesick<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Oh
hey. It's me. I promise I didn't forget about you… I just got busy. And lost in
thought. Truly, lost in those swirling, twirling clouds of hopes, dreams,
fears, ideas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">But
I'm back. I feel like I can breathe again. It has been a whirlwind, to say the
least. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A
quick rundown for you: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">August 5-20: Visiting the good ole' US
of A</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">August 20-22: Traveling to Botswana</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">August 22-September 16: An epic visit
from Michael, traveling through Lesotho, South Africa, and Botswana</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">September 16-September 26: Wipe my
tears, pick myself back up</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">September 27- October 1: GLOW Camp at
Good Hope Senior Secondary School</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">October 2-11: Recuperate. Or try to.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">October 12-16: Help my site-mate pack
up & close her two year service as a Peace Corps Volunteer</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">October 17-24: Girls weekend in Maun
area, fix hard drive on old computer, see other volunteers</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">October 26-7: Weekend visit from Ashley
to check in</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">November 1-3: Host small fellowship
gathering at my house</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">November 4: BREATHE.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: middle;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">· </span>November 5: BREATHE. Repeat. Try to
catch up on life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">That's
a lot (in case you were wondering).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
lot for a Peace Corps Volunteer who is used to a slower pace of life. A lot for
a woman who has been through every emotion in the books while bouncing back and
forth between homes. A lot for any human who has any desire for self reflection
and growth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With
that being said, I'm tired. Tired, and oh-so-very happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
today, I'll update you about America. Stay tuned for the rest…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It
was a longgggggg trip. With every bus, taxi, and plane I stepped onto, I
realized just how far I am away from home. I realized how much land and ocean
are between me and the ones I love. I was tired when I arrived in Denver late
at night, but the urge to pass out quickly diminished when I found my best
friend waiting for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoQmc3c0wzs/Unk7XqesZvI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Igz36FRdpxI/s1600/20131105145729544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EoQmc3c0wzs/Unk7XqesZvI/AAAAAAAAA6o/Igz36FRdpxI/s400/20131105145729544.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lizzy and Michael
both came to meet me at the airport - - and Michael graciously told Liz she
could have the first hug since he had seen me over the holidays. My sweet best
friend who never cries flooded me with tears within minutes of my arrival.
Words just don't describe how precious that moment was to me. And to be back in
Michael's arms… ! My world just felt right with the two of them there with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I spent the next few
days settling in, remembering how to drive again, and hugging and kissing my
family. My mom constantly worried about me and how I was adapting to the
culture shock… but truly, besides the strange robot humans who sat in front of
mounted i-Pads at the JFK airport, I was doing really well. Home just felt like
home. It felt so normal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My mom offered to
host an open house for friends are family to come say hello. It was a beautiful
day, full of good food and company. Thank you to everyone who came, it was such
a blessing to catch up with each and every one of you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqQphKThaSY/Unk8Us091HI/AAAAAAAAA6w/AisPPP2pvRY/s1600/20131105150638192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PqQphKThaSY/Unk8Us091HI/AAAAAAAAA6w/AisPPP2pvRY/s400/20131105150638192.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had the chance to
visit with family who came in from out of state - my dad's family came from all
over to say hello and gather for a few days. It was a great chance to say hi to
everyone and spend some quality time with my niece and nephew who are growing
up so fast. And of course, I'm thankful for all the conversations I had with
everyone who came to say hello. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjNVHyh0Bok/Unk83pPmgoI/AAAAAAAAA68/Kkq0TGI1TRI/s1600/20131105151009516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjNVHyh0Bok/Unk83pPmgoI/AAAAAAAAA68/Kkq0TGI1TRI/s400/20131105151009516.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
for the first time in quite a while, I got to feel like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to feel like Liz's best friend. I got
to feel like Michael's girlfriend. I got to feel like who I was before this
crazy Peace Corps ride. But I got to feel it in a whole new way… and this time,
I liked it all even more. I live for all the little things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like giggling with my best friend and helping
her give her kitten a bath. Like pouting with Michael and watching him sleep on
my bed while I pack my bags again. Like playing with Kai and Quinn, and
catching up with their beautiful parents. Like baby puke on my arm and
cocktails just because I want to (and because I can). </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84GXCkm8Qlg/Unk9VIxPcuI/AAAAAAAAA7E/7ckb97Wy-p8/s1600/20131105152018067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84GXCkm8Qlg/Unk9VIxPcuI/AAAAAAAAA7E/7ckb97Wy-p8/s400/20131105152018067.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I got to see my
mom's side of the family. I sat and chatted about the big, life-changing
things… as well as the itty-bitty details. I got to meet my cousin's sweet baby
girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played with my parents goats and
tasted their goat cheese they made. I wished my cousin well as she headed off
for her first year of college. I hugged and kissed my grandparents, thanking
God for their good health and spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cuddled with my momma and my brother on our living room floor. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-RBM8VWl1Y/Unk95DDgo7I/AAAAAAAAA7M/5QuAaihB_KY/s1600/20131105151205269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-RBM8VWl1Y/Unk95DDgo7I/AAAAAAAAA7M/5QuAaihB_KY/s400/20131105151205269.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQBdnyHB8qE/Unk-ZQm7wwI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Wzr3K2qt36s/s1600/20131105152539396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mQBdnyHB8qE/Unk-ZQm7wwI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Wzr3K2qt36s/s400/20131105152539396.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt loved. I saw
friends who came from all around the states to give me hugs. I soaked up every
little bit of love and happiness I possibly could. I made memories and listened
to the stories of how their lives were unfolding. I laughed, I cried, I smiled.
I just felt so damn lucky. My life is full of truly remarkable people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81eKmc_J96c/Unk_VInNI9I/AAAAAAAAA7g/KKB7mo7-0fk/s1600/20131105152852431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81eKmc_J96c/Unk_VInNI9I/AAAAAAAAA7g/KKB7mo7-0fk/s400/20131105152852431.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My heart was just
exploding with joy. It was like all these joy bombs were set off sequentially.
I was ecstatic to be home and see everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But then, there was
that one thing. That one thought that kept coming back to my mind… <span style="font-style: italic;">I miss Botswana.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had feared that
happening, but I never prepared myself for what that would mean. I was home,
back in the states, full of love and sheer joy, but I was still homesick. I
missed my little home in Kang. I missed my family. I missed the sweet children
running barefoot in the sand to give me hugs as I come home from the clinic. I
missed the quiet lifestyle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then it hit me:
I'm going to be homesick...forever. I have two insanely beautiful homes, full
of people whom I love and admire. I can't complain - - I have the best of both
worlds, it just so happens that they are half a world apart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My heart is always
going to have two homes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And so with half my
heart, I boarded the plane after another round of tearful goodbyes. I boarded
the plane to go back to my new home, knowing that the game has just begun. I'll
always be somewhere in between everything I love. And for that, I'd say I'm lucky.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love my life. I
love you all. I love it in Botswana. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Peace Corps Win.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And to add to the
joy, I got to see my sweet friend Kaile in New York and Michael's mom in
Frankfurt on my way back to Botswana.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceseygKaTeo/UnlASXw74eI/AAAAAAAAA7o/0jhFeP7mvjQ/s1600/20131105152327840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceseygKaTeo/UnlASXw74eI/AAAAAAAAA7o/0jhFeP7mvjQ/s400/20131105152327840.jpg" width="266" /></a>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a full trip.
Full of love, faith, healing, and clarity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Forever homesick
isn't the worst thing to be… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love & Light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TMV </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1604074249203503013.post-54491815078802963002013-09-23T02:29:00.001-07:002013-09-23T02:31:25.899-07:00Things break down <p>I haven't forgotten about blogging. </p>
<p>I was home in Colorado for two weeks, brought Michael back with me to Botswana, traveled around southern Africa with him, said our good-byes, and went back to life as a normal Peace Corps Volunteer. </p>
<p>Surely, I have a few things to say, right? </p>
<p>Believe me that I do! </p>
<p>But things break down. I broke down emotionally when I had to leave my loved ones again. My adapters broke. My hot water kettle broke. An electric pole broke leaving my village without electricity for a period of time. The water was gone. And then.. My computer broke. </p>
<p>At least i'm thankful to have access to internet on my smart phone. It's amazing how much I use my computer for work and contacting loved ones. I will be ordering a new one, but it will be several weeks before I have it in my hands and get back to blogging, sharing pictures, working, etc. </p>
<p>It's kind of a blessing to be forced to have down time and reflect. Reading, writing, and sleeping more will be good for my soul after all my whirlwind adventures. </p>
<p>And even though things are breaking left and right.. And least my spirit hasn't. I'm happy to be in my sweet lil village, and amazed at how few months I have left as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Until next time... </p>
<p>Love & light, <br>
Tmv </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uNAiXQWw6Pw/UkAJ-6RipaI/AAAAAAAAAFM/qDTbu9C775w/s1600/IMG-20130921-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uNAiXQWw6Pw/UkAJ-6RipaI/AAAAAAAAAFM/qDTbu9C775w/s640/IMG-20130921-WA0000.jpg"> </a> </div>
Taking apart my laptop... Attempting to fix it (fail). Tate Van Winklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02095205152362122015noreply@blogger.com0