Forest Hill

The Passionist Community are located in Forest Hill, next to Kgale Hills and is located in South East of Gaborone, Botswana. 

I thought I would take a moment to post some photos for you all. Its a beautiful place that is so very passionist, design for the people, for spiritual renewal at its best. 

The small traditional retreat houses sit on the back of a section, near the 'woods' and the main road. The area in its day would have been isolating, with no sounds of human life, cars or anything to alter nature. Sadly, times have changed and it is now on the edge of the city with society at its front gates. Today it has a threw fare for walkers, which opens up a new danger with individuals walking off the track to the property to take advantage of any chance to steal they have. Its rather sad and disheartening while at the same time one can not judge as who knows what I would do in their situation of having nothing apart from what wear which often is barely anything…. 

Arriving here each morning the sun creeps through the trees making its presents known. I remove the everlasting sleep from my tired eyes and walk from the church through the garden to the kitchen. Just enough to gather my thoughts and feel the crisp morning glowing air against my skin. Often this small journey was not done alone rather with companions who shared in the journey. Freshly brewed tea and toast adds smells of pleasantness to the air along with the sharp smell of summer mix in the air. Sitting in the morning light listening to the loving sounds of community gathered around left me feeling like I was in paradise, sharing a meal at the Lords table. 

The soul of the retreat center is the people, who come and go yet always leave just a small inch of themselves. Its peaceful air lingers holding onto you for just a moment longer before demands find you heading for the front gate. 

The sense of history is all around, with memorial plaques hanging to trigger memories and reminder to offer prayers to them in thanks and celebration for what their hands had done and soul guided them to produce from the seed the Lord planted. 

The green in the color catch your eye as a reminder of the Lords power to all through life giving living water. Its a place that one could easily find themselves surrendering over to the Lord on retreat, and finding Him at every turn. A very special retreat house I must admit. 

The garden plants - 

Memorial - 

Front Yard - Area - 

Outside Prayer Area

OH AND FAMOUS ANT HILLS - Start and finish - WOW

Note - their ants are about 2cm long, there is a community that build this hill, not just one ant and I was informed that they take time - like six to nine months even longer. I think the older they are the lighter color they get. Still its impressive!!