November 8, 2009

• My Candle in the Corner Day……T.I.A style!

  Most people have a statement here in Africa called, “T.I.A”…….meaning this is Africa!  Well…..it’s TIA for me today as my internet has been down for almost 4 weeks now and I am at a cafe where I can’t seem to download any pictures into my blog!  I am also posting this a whole day early because of our internet situation so, I am trying not to panic and know that ya’ll will understand……after all, it’s just a day in my life!  

  Without further ado…….

   

  My husband Kevin and I have been serving as missionaries in Maun Botswana with an organization called Love Botswana Outreach Mission (LBOM) for almost 6 years.  We have two children Andrew (almost 3) and Piper (7 months)…..both born in Botswana!  We love Botswana….it’s our home and it’s an honor and a privilege to serve in this amazing country!
  

  (Photos are what i have uploaded in my blog already from a day at our African Momma’s House in September.)
  

  

  
  

  

   
  

  
  

  
  

  Botswana is a part of Southern Africa and is landlocked by Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Botswana gained it’s independence in 1966 and has enjoyed more than a century of peace and tranquility since then.  The population of the country is roughly 1.8 million in a country about the size of Texas! Kevin and I have set up our home in a small (but hoppin!) village called Maun. (Population roughly 10,000)  Maun is located in the North West portion of Botswana, just before the famous Okavango Delta.  Maun is known as a major safari hub so really we are able to get many supplies and have a nice selection of grocery stores to buy from.  As a result of the safari industry, tourism makes up the majority of the country’s economy however diamonds and cattle are also a major factor as well.
  

  
  

  We’ve been privileged to serve with a ministry called Love Botswana Outreach Mission, under the leadership of Jerry and Jana Lackey (who are from Houston Texas but have served in Botswana for over 20 years!!!). Love Botswana’s vision is to “Launching Leader’s Build Nations”.  Training nationals to reach their own is the most effective way of ministry and thus much of what we do as missionaries is specifically that. 

   

  Love Botswana has many aspects of ministry…….Church (both local and rural), School, Outreach, Youth and Children’s ministries, HIV/AIDS programs, Orphan and Vulnerable Children Programs and much more!  In a country where the HIV/AIDS rate is 1 in 4, this means every second counts. Not a day goes by where we’re not affected by this staggering figure!
  

  

   
  

  
  

  All aspects of Love Botswana center around one thing……PEOPLE! I could write all day about all that this amazing ministry does!  For now though, I will refer you to the website if you want to know more….www.lovebotswana.org 
  

  
  

  
  

  Kevin and I have worn many different hats over our time at Love Botswana, but we’re currently serving as directors for Missions Immersion, Love Botswana’s 3 month internship program.  The program is designed to give those who are are interested in full time missions a full time experience on a short term level!  We literally immerse our interns into every aspect of what Love Botswana does.  Our hope is that on completion of the program that they have a good idea of what missions is and whether they continue to serve at LBOM, or go elsewhere, that they will be equipped.  The program is still very new, but we’ve really enjoyed it and so far it’s been successful!

  
  

  I’ve chosen Botswana Baskets as my giveaway as this is one thing that is truly unique to Botswana.  Baskets are handmade and weaved using various materials, even things such as carbon paper to add color!  Natural dyes are also used from various plants as well.   All baskets are functional and have many usages in the home…..even carrying water!

   

  I am featuring 5 Botswana baskets that can be used for virtually anything.  The two larger baskets at the top were made in a village called Etsha 6 where LBOM has a rural church.  The smaller 3 baskets were made by local women in Maun.  (Her baskets have even been featured in shows and shops in New York City! She is a very sweet lady and makes beautiful baskets!)
  

  
  

  
  

  Due to the fact that I cannot post pictures…..you’ll have to hop on over to Heidi’s site and view the pictures there!  Sorry about this……TIA right?   View pictures HERE  Also you can go to my picasa account and view the Botswana Basket there as well.  Click Here

  
  

  In addition I am adding a book called “Patterns in the sky” that gives a story about how certain basket patterns were created and named. 
  

  
  

  We thank you for taking a look and supporting the Candle in the Corner Giveaway!  We value your support and prayers!!  Please feel free to snoop around on previous posts…..I just post about my life in Botswana as a mommy missionary!  Thanks also for your patience with this post!

   

  **If you would like to know more about Love Botswana please feel free to contact me for more information…sarahwitt@lovebotswana.org  

   

   

  • 6:01 am
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