Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Updates From Botswana - November, 2016
My dear friends:
It has been way too long since I last put an entry in here I know. Being in the states in September and part of October and then hitting the ground running when I returned has influenced my schedule considerably. And too electricity has been iffy a lot of the time so it has been hard to keep my phone and tablet charged so I can use them when I want to. Running water is not always available either. I do have good clean water in a bucket beside my kitchen sink but that is inconvenient. We have been having lots of thunder and lightning, and rain and when we do you can count on the fact that we will be without electricity for a while. Last Friday I was to fix supper for the parsonage family and because we had had a storm the night before I didn't have electricity until 2:30 in the afternoon. So we ate a little later than usual. I had planned to fix my meat in my crock pot but it wasn't getting done so had to put the crock in the oven to finish cooking. It wasn't as tender as I wished but they all seemed to enjoy it anyhow.
The heat has been extreme too. Several days in a row we had temperatures 100+ 104 and 106 degrees!!! Two weeks ago I was to give the morning message in the pastor's absence and when I got home it was 104 and went to 106 shortly. I had also led Children's Ministry too.
The children are all so precious and I am so proud of what they are accomplishing. For a while they were straggling into Sunday School at all kinds of times and some missing out on things i wanted them to learn and know. So I offered a prize if they got there on time. That did the trick. Sunday school starts at 10:00 but there is apt to be several children there at 8:30 and on. One Sunday there were 21 there a little past 8:30 Amazing what a sucker will do. And then they are learning the 23rd Psalm, the Beatitudes, 100th Psalm, 10 Commandments, the books of the Old Testament and New Testament and many other key things from scripture that they need to know. I also give a bigger prize when they can quote any of these for me. And then they stay for church too and then walk to my house to get one or two cookies!!! And yes my cookie ministry is still very active only now I have to have enough cookies for the whole church on Sundays!!! I'm sure the grocer appreciates all the butter, flour and sugar plus other items I purchase for them!!
Our little church is growing and every week now it seems we have new faces which is encouraging. I think most of you know we worship in a tent with a dirt floor. We really need a building. I/We are praying urgently about this need. It looks impossible but I do believe in miracles so I am praying for one. There is a burned building on a plot of ground very close to where we worship now that seems ideal to me but we can't find the owner of the land to see if he would be willing to negotiate with us. Help us pray about it. I think it would be a real encouragement to the people if they could witness God working in a special way for us.
I am still teaching Math and English and Bible each week. Had a cooking class last week and another one this week.
It looks like my my special project by the name of Thibo is going to go to a Bible college and university in Swaziland come January. He is so excited and thrilled and I am thrilled for him. This is a huge step for him but God has transformed his life and it will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds and how God uses him as well. He has little money at this point but is believing God to supply his needs. There is registration, books, travel, clothes and many items to consider to get ready for this. Some of you keep asking what can we do to help your ministry? If you feel so led you can ear mark money for him and it will be used 100% for his needs. Send money as always to my son, Wendell Brown, 1030 Ridge Dr., Circleville, Ohio 43113 who deposits in my account and I can get it out of the ATM here!
I wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Of course, thanksgiving is not celebrated here. I will be at a women's retreat here this week end. I am glad to have something special to do then I won't miss so much what is going on with my families in the statesl
I appreciate your concerns, prayers and gifts for me. I am amazed at God's goodness, and the way He takes care of me and supplies my needs. I hear of people I don't even know who are praying for me.
Amazing!
You all, everyone, are very special to me. I am very blessed !!!
Elizabeth Brown
in care of Wendell Brown
1030 Ridge Dr
Circleville Oh 43113
Box 14
Bokaa Botswana Africa
Sunday, July 24, 2016
More from the land of Africa!
My dear friends,
I don't know where the time goes...it seems I turn around twice and it is time that I should communicate with you again. I do keep very busy and even I am amazed at the strength and energy I have at my age. God keeps helping me and answering prayer and I am just thrilled to be a part of Kingdom work in Botswana. I wish I could give you specifics here but I dare not right now.
About 3 weeks ago someone broke into my house and stole my laptop and my tablet. I was just sick about it. ..the idea that someone was in my house while I was sleeping is not a comforting feeling!!!! a church in the states provided money right away for me to get a tablet. I was so grateful because I felt kind of shut out from the world so to speak. If it were not for this tablet I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing now for you. Keeping in touch with my children and grandchildren is very important to me too????
The weather is always a big subject to discuss around here. ..right now it is cold. It is not zero and it would not be terribly cold in the states but when it is in the 40's and no heat in the houses it is very cold. Some people in a fellowship in the states provided money for me to purchase 2 small heaters and it is such a help. I am so appreciative!!!
I still teach cooking and sewing as needed. I teach math and English and music. I lead a women's Bible study. I am teaching a group of ministers a course on living ethical lives and how to Shepherd and lead their congregations. I spend a lot of time studying!!!! People come to me for prayer when something special comes up in their lives. Just yesterday some one came and asked me to pray with her...she was applying today for a job. Also a special friend of mine (he's 22 yrs old) is seeing a specialist Dr today in the city and has constantly been keeping me informed as to what is going on and wanting me to constantly pray for him.
The month of September is a special month here in Botswana. It marks 50 yrs that Botswana has had its independence. ..huge celebrations all over the country will be taking place. I will miss it all since I'm going to the states in Sept and some here are unhappy that I won't be here for it. I did not know this when I scheduled to go to the states. Today even there is preliminary activities and celebration starting. They are running and carrying the torch across the country and they are coming through our village of Bokaa today. My pastors wife will be carrying it part of the way through here. I have my Botswana 50 shirt and jacket on to go watch the parade etc. The people here want me to wear this shirt and jacket when I go to the states. They said we want everyone to know you are from Botswana! :-)
I have 2 special prayer requests...if you do not know....we worship in a tent and a dirt floor....it is very cold this time of year and attendance goes down a little because of it. They need a building. ...I have been encouraging the people to pray and ask God for a building. We don't know how it would be possible ...no one here has the money but we believe God when He says all things are possible if we believe. So I ask you to help us pray about that.
The other request is personal...pray that I can learn the setswana language.
I can communicate with the older people if I know their language. Most all younger people can speak English. I know lots of vocabulary but putting these words into sentences is a whole other issue. The other day we were looking at a negative sentence. ..I asked my coach what makes it negative...my coach said ...never mind there is none ma Brown, that's just the way we say it.....?? way back when I was in school I studied 3 other languages and they were easy subjects for me and I loved those classes...maybe it's my age ...I don't know.:-)
May God bless everyone of you!
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
I am blessed because of you.
Elizabeth
P. S. just as I signed off they were getting close to my house so I stopped and went out to watch everything ...such pomp and circumstance and ceremony...then they took pictures. Since I had on the Botswana 50 shirt and jacket they came and got me and put me right in the front middle of the pictures. And I was told again today when I go to America this is what I'm to wear home.
I don't know where the time goes...it seems I turn around twice and it is time that I should communicate with you again. I do keep very busy and even I am amazed at the strength and energy I have at my age. God keeps helping me and answering prayer and I am just thrilled to be a part of Kingdom work in Botswana. I wish I could give you specifics here but I dare not right now.
About 3 weeks ago someone broke into my house and stole my laptop and my tablet. I was just sick about it. ..the idea that someone was in my house while I was sleeping is not a comforting feeling!!!! a church in the states provided money right away for me to get a tablet. I was so grateful because I felt kind of shut out from the world so to speak. If it were not for this tablet I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing now for you. Keeping in touch with my children and grandchildren is very important to me too????
The weather is always a big subject to discuss around here. ..right now it is cold. It is not zero and it would not be terribly cold in the states but when it is in the 40's and no heat in the houses it is very cold. Some people in a fellowship in the states provided money for me to purchase 2 small heaters and it is such a help. I am so appreciative!!!
I still teach cooking and sewing as needed. I teach math and English and music. I lead a women's Bible study. I am teaching a group of ministers a course on living ethical lives and how to Shepherd and lead their congregations. I spend a lot of time studying!!!! People come to me for prayer when something special comes up in their lives. Just yesterday some one came and asked me to pray with her...she was applying today for a job. Also a special friend of mine (he's 22 yrs old) is seeing a specialist Dr today in the city and has constantly been keeping me informed as to what is going on and wanting me to constantly pray for him.
The month of September is a special month here in Botswana. It marks 50 yrs that Botswana has had its independence. ..huge celebrations all over the country will be taking place. I will miss it all since I'm going to the states in Sept and some here are unhappy that I won't be here for it. I did not know this when I scheduled to go to the states. Today even there is preliminary activities and celebration starting. They are running and carrying the torch across the country and they are coming through our village of Bokaa today. My pastors wife will be carrying it part of the way through here. I have my Botswana 50 shirt and jacket on to go watch the parade etc. The people here want me to wear this shirt and jacket when I go to the states. They said we want everyone to know you are from Botswana! :-)
I have 2 special prayer requests...if you do not know....we worship in a tent and a dirt floor....it is very cold this time of year and attendance goes down a little because of it. They need a building. ...I have been encouraging the people to pray and ask God for a building. We don't know how it would be possible ...no one here has the money but we believe God when He says all things are possible if we believe. So I ask you to help us pray about that.
The other request is personal...pray that I can learn the setswana language.
I can communicate with the older people if I know their language. Most all younger people can speak English. I know lots of vocabulary but putting these words into sentences is a whole other issue. The other day we were looking at a negative sentence. ..I asked my coach what makes it negative...my coach said ...never mind there is none ma Brown, that's just the way we say it.....?? way back when I was in school I studied 3 other languages and they were easy subjects for me and I loved those classes...maybe it's my age ...I don't know.:-)
May God bless everyone of you!
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
I am blessed because of you.
Elizabeth
P. S. just as I signed off they were getting close to my house so I stopped and went out to watch everything ...such pomp and circumstance and ceremony...then they took pictures. Since I had on the Botswana 50 shirt and jacket they came and got me and put me right in the front middle of the pictures. And I was told again today when I go to America this is what I'm to wear home.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
June 13, 2016
Link to Photo Gallery
I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update my blog....to say I have been busy is accurate and maybe even an understatement. But it is wonderful...I love what I am doing and I am thrilled to be a part of the work of God's Kingdom in Africa. I marvel that I am able to do all I'm doing at my age. God is so good.
I have 2 more that I am helping with English plus the one I have had and I also teach and coach him in math. I teach piano and have one more student since my last post. I am teaching sewing...cooking here and there and I am constantly making cookies...and I have a women's Bible class...so with preparation time and the classes I keep busy.
First of all let me say that it does get cold in Africa. ..much colder than I anticipated. Today the low is 46 and the high for a little bit in the afternoon of 61. Today the 61 seems even colder because the wind is blowing constantly. It keeps howling around my house and I wonder at times is it going to take my roof off...I'm sure it will stay in tact but it does sound pretty vicious at times.
No one has heaters in their homes. They just wrap up and deal with it. I guess I'm a wimp but I finally bought a little heater last Monday. It doesn't help much but does take the edge off a little. I also had to buy sweaters to wear and a jacket. I'm told it will get colder...we are not in the middle of winter yet 😡 We worship in a tent with a dirt floor and that is cold now to sit in there for church services.
There are some young pastors who are preaching in some of these small villages and have no education. I have been asked to teach them on a weekly basis how to preach and lead and shepherd their people. It is a huge task for me but I know God will help me. I have been moved way way out of my comfort zone. Here they think that because I was a pastors wife for so many years that I would know how to help them. I would appreciate your prayers for me that I can help them and make a difference in their lives.
The pictures that I am sharing are from a week end I spent in Lerala. It is a village about 4 and a half hours north of where I am I Bokaa. It was a wonderful week end. I almost felt I went to another country. It was so different there and the people are hard to reach because they worship their ancestors.
But we had a successful week end anyhow with God's special presence.
On Friday morning I was up at 5:30, breakfast at 6:00. 7 of us from Bokaa went along with others from Gaborone. At 8:00 we were at the roadside waiting on our bus to take us there. It did not come until after 10:00. On the way we stopped at Mhahalape and got a bite to eat. I had been wanting a really good hot dog but couldn't find one here but when we went to the deli at a grocery there they had what they called a cheese griller. ..Oh my...it was sooo good!!! and satisfied my yen for a hot dog.
Around 3:00 we arrived at Lerala. We got all set up. The others all took mattresses or sleeping bags to sleep on the floor. Because I was the oldest one in the group I had a bed there to sleep on. I so appreciated it. They were so kind to me but I pretty much kept up with everyone.
We brought our own food so they began preparing that. But 7:00 was to be our first service and supper wasn't ready so we ate after service at 9:30. We had meat, rape and porridge. Rape is similar to spinach or kale but has a different flavor and cooked so that it doesn't have any body to it.
Saturday up at 5:00...prayer meeting at 6:00. Breakfast after that. I was served buttered bread, boiled egg and pork n beans. Service at 10:00. Lunch at 1:00 was meat rape and samp (samp is like our hominy).
In the afternoon we canvassed the area. We divided into groups of 2 or 3 and made calls in the homes. I so enjoyed that. There were 3 of us who went together. I was able to converse with many of them and talk to them about the Lord and invite them to our services. We were treated kindly but held at a distance too. One man we met on the road stopped and we asked him if he knew about God and he said I know there's a God but I don't know much about him. We told him about the plan of salvation and invited him to our services. I felt so sorry for him. We needed longer with him. He had such a kind face.
I should say I was instantly received by the people especially the children because I took 2 bags of homemade cookies. They were like the people of Bokaa, they knew very little about homemade cookies. ..it was a real treat for them. The children instantly became my friend and I had such fun with them.
I was a novelty too because I was the only white person in the group.
Sunday up at 5:30...pack at 6:00 and get ready to leave. Went to breakfast and was served buttered bread and jam, 2 hotdogs and tea.
Sunday school ...service at 10;00...Lunch at 2:00...chicken, goat meat,beef stew,
Cooked sweet potato, beets, slaw and rice!!!. And huge servings of it all.
Left for home and got in at 8: 00.
I want to tell you about our services...you get 40 some Botswans ladies singing a capella, singing parts and it is gorgeous. In the open building we were in it sounded like 100 ladies singing full voice. A neighbor to where we were heard the music and she said she felt something inside her telling her to get her problem child to the service. A girl of 14. She was very pretty but had a very troubled look on her face. At the close of the service her mother took her to the front and I realized about right away we were dealing with demon possession. We prayed and prayed with her and finally she was delivered. ..she looked different. The next day more of her family came and her grandparents and others were saved. The girl herself gave testimony and was so grateful to the Lord for what He had done for her. The Holy Spirit was definitely at work. Other people were helped in the services. Sunday morning we had a huge crowd and people just kept coming forward. It was wonderful.
I know this is way too long but I could write so much more. The Holy Spirit abides in Botswana. ..and I thank Him almost daily that I am here and part of this Botswana family...they are my family on this side of the ocean!!!
Thank for your prayers for me. All of you my family and friends are very special to me.
With loving appreciation
Elizabeth
Psalm. 32:8
Sunday, April 3, 2016
To my faithful friends who keep praying for me. How I thank you!!!! Without your prayers and interest in what I am doing I don't think i would be as effective. I feel like you all are a part of this ministry too. I keep getting moved out of my comfort zone and I get asked to do things I would never be asked to do in the States. It is both exciting and scary at times but somehow God gives me the strength and the know how to do what comes to me.
We are coming into fall here and it is soooo much more comfortable than it was for a while in the hot summer months. At times we still have issues with running water and electricity but God has given me the ability to take it all in stride.
God has given me such a love for these people. They are wonderful!!! They are kind and loving. They have become my family on this side of the ocean. Some call me mother, mama, ma, or mamy (that's the way they spell mommy). Even people who dont attend church faithfully or at all come to see me and are interested in what I am doing. I am praying that somehow God would help me to help the whole village of Bokaa...I am told there are 5000 who live here...I haven't seen them all but hope to in time.
I am working hard to learn the Setswana language and have come a long ways but still have a ways to go too. If I ask what word in the sentence is for "you" for instance my coach tells me, "Ma Brown, it isn't like English...it is just the way we say it in Setswana. There is no word for word translation.
I brought the game Skip Bo with me and oh my, they love it. Since they have very little to entertain themselves with it is a winner. I have had people 2 or 3 at times stop by and want to know if I have time to play a couple games with them. I usually do because it is another way for me to interact with them.
My cookie ministry is something else. Now it is no longer just the children...adults will say "ma Brown, can I have a couple cookies". I have never made so many cookies. I now buy flour and sugar in bags that are bigger than your 10 lb bags! And in 2 or 3 weeks I am back to get more. They like my muffins too. This week I have made banana bread to serve to my Bible study ladies. One thing that is strange to me...there is no all purpose flour sold here that I have seen...it is either cake flour or bread flour.
I had a wonderful Easter... Several churches meet together for what they call Easter camp, beginning on Thursday night, then all day Friday, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning and Sunday dinner the last thing before going home. We did not stay on the grounds since it is only a 35 minute drive for us. The speaker was Rev Patrick Pauls from Cape Town in South Africa...He was outstanding. He does not speak Setswana, only English, so services had to be translated but that is not a problem...Many are able to do that.
The African people cannot be still, stand still, or do nothing when there is music. They have to move and they take literally what the Bible says about praising the Lord with song and dance. Some are super charged but they are humble, in love with Jesus and want others to know Him as well.
Each morning started at 6:00 with devotions then breakfast....we would get there for breakfast. We were served either tea or coffee and plain loaf bread...no butter, no jam or jelly, just bread, no sweet rolls etc. I never heard one complaint. That's just the way it was. I did see many eat 4 slices of bread! Lunch and dinner was HUGE portions of either rice, porridge or samp (samp looks and tastes like hominy to me) meat and vegetables. By HUGE I mean a full half or more of the plate has the starch on it and it is heaped up too. I have seen these tiny thin young girls eat huge plate fulls and I wonder where they put it all how do they stay that way. Saturday night though it was like breakfast...something to drink and plain bread. I never heard anyone say is this all we're having? It was what we had and what they ate with a grateful heart.
I had a lady stop by my place this morning and tell me she has a friend who is quite depressed who called her for comfort. My friend said I told he take her Bible and if nothing else just hold it and say they name Jesus and He will help you. My friend is a new Christian and growing in the Lord. I am working with a young man trying to encourage him to go on to school and make something of his life...he has such potential. I have had many answers to prayer and God keeps stretching me as I work with these people.
Pray that I learn the Setswana language easily. This 78 yr old mind doesn't always work like it used to. And pray that I am effective in whatever comes my lot to do. Many days I get up thinking I will do thus and so and my schedule gets all turned around .
I love you all and am so grateful for you my friends.
In His Steps
Elizabeth Brown
Monday, February 15, 2016
More Updates
Welcome to my blog...my story...
God is at work in Bokaa and I am so happy to be a part of what is happening. The people are precious. They are so kind to me. In addition to teaching I have a lot of company and I love that too. I have young friends and that makes me feel young too. I try to keep homemade cookies on hands...that seems a to always be a winner. This week some of the adults have asked me for some cookies too. I told my own children I am going to go broke just buying ingredients for my cookies...lol
The service this morning was wonderful. ..more new people...special music, testimonies, children's choir and a message of compassion by the pastor. Eight I think it was went forward at the close. One in particular went forward whom I have been working with and counseling. I have high hopes for him. A lady I have worked with also was there. She had quit using snuff which was a huge deal for her.
My women's Bible class is quite a challenge. Having never been in a small group like that before they are progressing well. The questions I pass out for them are very simple and even then I have to do a lot of explaining...and just when I don't know their questions God literally drops thoughts in my head to help them. It is a amazing. I'm so glad to be serving an awesome God.
My English student who is 43 yrs old is actually doing very well. When I came hello and good by was about all he knew..but now he can actually carry on a conversation with me or anyone in English. He says God brought me to Botswana for him. I give all the praise to God for that because I had no idea how to start and again God was there and helped me.
I have started working with a small adult choir...that is a challenge too. They love to sing but often the harmony is slightly under where it should be in pitch. We won't be making a trip to the US anytime soon...lol
God is at work in Bokaa and I am so happy to be a part of what is happening. The people are precious. They are so kind to me. In addition to teaching I have a lot of company and I love that too. I have young friends and that makes me feel young too. I try to keep homemade cookies on hands...that seems a to always be a winner. This week some of the adults have asked me for some cookies too. I told my own children I am going to go broke just buying ingredients for my cookies...lol
The service this morning was wonderful. ..more new people...special music, testimonies, children's choir and a message of compassion by the pastor. Eight I think it was went forward at the close. One in particular went forward whom I have been working with and counseling. I have high hopes for him. A lady I have worked with also was there. She had quit using snuff which was a huge deal for her.
My women's Bible class is quite a challenge. Having never been in a small group like that before they are progressing well. The questions I pass out for them are very simple and even then I have to do a lot of explaining...and just when I don't know their questions God literally drops thoughts in my head to help them. It is a amazing. I'm so glad to be serving an awesome God.
My English student who is 43 yrs old is actually doing very well. When I came hello and good by was about all he knew..but now he can actually carry on a conversation with me or anyone in English. He says God brought me to Botswana for him. I give all the praise to God for that because I had no idea how to start and again God was there and helped me.
I have started working with a small adult choir...that is a challenge too. They love to sing but often the harmony is slightly under where it should be in pitch. We won't be making a trip to the US anytime soon...lol
Also a boy who shows great talent for playing the keyboard is is in Jr high. He leaves the house at 5:30 am and his first class is at 6:30...he gets home in the eve to eat dinner then he has lots of homework so he has no time for practicing and of course he has to practice to learn and progress. We are working on how to solve this problem.
The picture is of me and my little friend Jennifer. During the preaching this morning she came to me wanted on my lap and it wasn't long till she fell asleep...she had one of my cookies in her hand. She has a 5 yr old sister I dearly love too. She told her mother she wants to go to America with mama Brown when I go!
4 weeks ago now I guess it is...I went to an all night prayer mtg for several churches in the area...it started at 9:00 on Friday evening and went to 5:00 Saturday morning. I had no idea what to expect. It was held at one of the churches in the city. There were at least 300 there... families came with their children and babies and stayed the entire time. Of course the children, went to sleep after a while. There was singing, dancing, whistling, someone had a fog horn and other strange noises but to them they were praising the Lord. There was several times of prayer and I heard 5 sermons from different ones in that 8 hours. I keep getting taken out of my Comfort zone. At the close of the meeting they wanted mama Brown to pray. And again God was there to help me.I never felt sleepy...but when I got back to my house at 6:00 in the morning I crashed.
Electricity goes off often... if there is thunder and lightning it will go off and other times we have no idea why. I can't always bake or cook when I need to.
I have told you I think that I finally had running water....it has been wonderful. ..
Not a lot of pressure but nevertheless it was there. Well the last 3 days we are back to carrying water in buckets to have what we need...I have asked but no one seems to know why.
Wednesday Thursday and Friday this past week, I was sick...I kept going when I really didn't feel like it. Cold, flu, achy, headache, etc The pastor's vehicle had a major problem last week so I didn't get to do my usual shopping last Monday. The part has been ordered. He wanted to find a way for me to go to the Dr but I didn't want to cause a problem so I said it will get better and I will be OK. Friday afternoon my friend, Mercy, called me and I didn't have much voice to talk. She asked her boss at work if she could leave early to take me to the Dr and he let her. So about 4:20 she comes to my house wanting to get me there before they closed.
And then she also took me to the city on Saturday so I could buy the groceries I needed. She is a special friend. ..I enjoy joy being with her. I have grandchildren her age but she says she enjoys being with me. She is good for my ego...lol
The Dr was very nice and didn't mind my coming like that. Get this....a dr visit and 3 medications cost me the total of $19....I could not believe it. Would you like me to spell it...it is not a misprint....nineteen dollars in American money. The 3 meds were antibiotic, allergy pill, and the most HORRIBLE tasting cough syrup I have ever put in my mouth...but after 2 doses of antibiotics and cough syrup I was remarkedly better!!!
I am so thankful for all of you. ...thank you for your prayers and concern and just knowing you are there thinking of me and praying is so comforting.
I do have two prayer requests: next Sunday I am to give the morning message.
And I am trying to learn Setswana the language of Botswana. ...I will just be more effective if I can communicate with more of them.
May God bless each one of you!
In His steps
Elizabeth Brown
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year from Botswana!
To all my dear friends!!
Christmas and new years days are now history and we face another year. My Christmas was wonderful!!!! I fixed a typical american chrismàs ,dinner for over 20 people..food they had never tasted but all seemed to enjoy. I fixed turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and noodles, sweet potatoes, some vegetables and lots of desserts of homemade candies and cakes and pies etc...these people here in the village give very little attention to Christmas . No lights no gifts exchanged no getting together with families.
On Christmas Eve I had the pastor and family over and gave them gifts. It was so new to them that the pastor recorded it all. He has 2 boys who are 11 and 12. There was a special kind of tennis shoes they were wanting and I was able to get for them. I wrapped them in Christmas wrapping and also wrapped some other little goodies I know they like and put them in their shoes. They were ecstatic! They all kept saying they had never had a Christmas like this before. I gave pastor and wife a fan for their home. ..I don't know how they have lived this long without one!!! Their 5 yr old grand daughter has been with them the whole month of Dec. I gave her a black doll and a new dress. When I gave them to her she literally didn't know what to do with the packages...the boys helped her unwrap them. She was very pleased when she saw what they were. I have a group of 4 and 5 little ones who come to my door often wanting a cookie. I got each of them a coloring book and crayons. They were thrilled with them. In our world of plenty it's hard to wrap our minds around such poverty and how so little can bring such joy.
The day before Christmas Moses, my student I am working with to learn English, stopped in to tell me that he is so thankful I came to Botswana. He said I know God sent you here for me...he said I am growing every day in my study and in my walk with the Lord. I had no textbook to get started with...I decided to use the book of John for our text book and make a Bible study out of it too....that way we were studying the Bible plus learning tenses, verbs, -articles, nouns and pronouns etc. It has to be a God thing because I didn't quite know what to do at the beginning.
We had the first for the church a Christmas eve service. We were small in number but pastor conducted it like there were 100's there. New years eve we also had a service from 10:00 to midnight. Good attendance for here. Such singing and dancing and whistling and fireworks. Here fireworks is everywhere at 12:00.
On new years day the pastor butchered a goat. In the afternoon one of the boys brought me goat liver ...it was actually very good. But in the evening they brought me a plate of innards, heart, kidneys and I don't know what else..I ate a couple of bites...and froze the rest. I'm not sure about that.
Then later they gave me a big roast... enough to feed a lot of people. It is in the oven now. I think it will be pretty good. I used spices etc. and used a marinade sauce I made and onions and carrots. I hope it is good. Oh and the biggest news I am so thankful for is that I now have running water in my home. After going 2 months without it I am very appreciative to have it.
This month I will be teaching English and music and holding cooking and sewing classes and leading a Bible study. I have company every day but that's OK. I enjoy them. One lady, her son has been in jail she wanted me to pray for him. Another lady stopped in one day and wanted me to bless her car! All kinds of interesting things come up. Many are steeped in their traditions. They think everyone goes to heaven when they die so why do they need to go to church. Pastor wants me to help him teach others what the Bible says. There has been new people coming and we are making a little dent in their thinking...but it will take time and a lot of prayer. I am making friends with a lot of them and I am so pleased that they want to be friends with me. Your prayers are appreciated!
I am so happy to be in His care and doing what I can for the people here
May God bless everyone of you
I hope you have a wonderful new year.
My love to you all
Elizabeth
Photos:
Christmas and new years days are now history and we face another year. My Christmas was wonderful!!!! I fixed a typical american chrismàs ,dinner for over 20 people..food they had never tasted but all seemed to enjoy. I fixed turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and noodles, sweet potatoes, some vegetables and lots of desserts of homemade candies and cakes and pies etc...these people here in the village give very little attention to Christmas . No lights no gifts exchanged no getting together with families.
On Christmas Eve I had the pastor and family over and gave them gifts. It was so new to them that the pastor recorded it all. He has 2 boys who are 11 and 12. There was a special kind of tennis shoes they were wanting and I was able to get for them. I wrapped them in Christmas wrapping and also wrapped some other little goodies I know they like and put them in their shoes. They were ecstatic! They all kept saying they had never had a Christmas like this before. I gave pastor and wife a fan for their home. ..I don't know how they have lived this long without one!!! Their 5 yr old grand daughter has been with them the whole month of Dec. I gave her a black doll and a new dress. When I gave them to her she literally didn't know what to do with the packages...the boys helped her unwrap them. She was very pleased when she saw what they were. I have a group of 4 and 5 little ones who come to my door often wanting a cookie. I got each of them a coloring book and crayons. They were thrilled with them. In our world of plenty it's hard to wrap our minds around such poverty and how so little can bring such joy.
The day before Christmas Moses, my student I am working with to learn English, stopped in to tell me that he is so thankful I came to Botswana. He said I know God sent you here for me...he said I am growing every day in my study and in my walk with the Lord. I had no textbook to get started with...I decided to use the book of John for our text book and make a Bible study out of it too....that way we were studying the Bible plus learning tenses, verbs, -articles, nouns and pronouns etc. It has to be a God thing because I didn't quite know what to do at the beginning.
We had the first for the church a Christmas eve service. We were small in number but pastor conducted it like there were 100's there. New years eve we also had a service from 10:00 to midnight. Good attendance for here. Such singing and dancing and whistling and fireworks. Here fireworks is everywhere at 12:00.
On new years day the pastor butchered a goat. In the afternoon one of the boys brought me goat liver ...it was actually very good. But in the evening they brought me a plate of innards, heart, kidneys and I don't know what else..I ate a couple of bites...and froze the rest. I'm not sure about that.
Then later they gave me a big roast... enough to feed a lot of people. It is in the oven now. I think it will be pretty good. I used spices etc. and used a marinade sauce I made and onions and carrots. I hope it is good. Oh and the biggest news I am so thankful for is that I now have running water in my home. After going 2 months without it I am very appreciative to have it.
This month I will be teaching English and music and holding cooking and sewing classes and leading a Bible study. I have company every day but that's OK. I enjoy them. One lady, her son has been in jail she wanted me to pray for him. Another lady stopped in one day and wanted me to bless her car! All kinds of interesting things come up. Many are steeped in their traditions. They think everyone goes to heaven when they die so why do they need to go to church. Pastor wants me to help him teach others what the Bible says. There has been new people coming and we are making a little dent in their thinking...but it will take time and a lot of prayer. I am making friends with a lot of them and I am so pleased that they want to be friends with me. Your prayers are appreciated!
I am so happy to be in His care and doing what I can for the people here
May God bless everyone of you
I hope you have a wonderful new year.
My love to you all
Elizabeth
Photos:
My English student, Moses, and father of Joseph and Abraham
Khumo on the left is pastor's son and so helpful and protective of me. I am giving him piano lessons. The girl is the pastor's granddaughter. Her name is Precious. She was here for the month of Dec. The older boy is called To To but his given name is Lot. He is in college and here for Christmas break. Pastor also has an older son, the father of Precious and a younger son named Bothel.
Some of the ladies who helped prepare the Christmas party for the church.
The lady down front is Moses' wife...very nice.
Sweet boys
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