Thanksgiving Mass

Rising up we head to The Good Shepherd Parish in Phakalane,  to join in a celebration mass. The choir were in amazing form, singing throughout the mass. It was so lively and full of spirit, something that at times our 'european' mass misses with its ritual base instead of lively spirit base. 

I was touched to see the priest sit on the steps during communion to allow the children to come up and be blessed, also a special blessing for all those who have birthdays in June, together at the front for the congregation to sing and wish every blessing upon them. 

It was an amazing atmosphere and wonderful to be apart of the parish on this day. 

Pulane's Sister was there to join in the celebrations also. Afterwards we all stood around outside in the sun talking and meeting others while Pulane was once again given numerous wishes and blessings. Beautiful day. 

     

Straight after the mass Sr Anna was taken to the airport, leaving a sense of not having much time to say farewell and express my pleasure in meeting her. 

Sr Angela, Botshelo and myself return with the two girls who came from up north to collect their bags and take them to the bus deport in order for them to return in time for study the following day. It was wonderful to meet them, and hopefully continue to communicate with them. Their journey this far has been blessed with trails like all of us, yet they are strong young women. Please keep them in your prayers. My apologies for not having photos for them for you to see. 

While back at the house Sr Angela, Botshelo and myself had coffee and got the opportunity to talk. The others were still at the airport, yet to return. The conversation touched on the project that I was going to see, poverty in terms of context and culture. It was one of those moments you have to pinch yourself as I sat there listening and talking to two wise women who have witness so much and nourish that seed the Lord has planted. I eagerly awaited to see first hand what their school and project was like, putting all the stories, facts and history into a physical picture, interacting and witnessing. 

On return from the airport it was decided that we would all go out for lunch, after much debate about where, it was decided to go somewhere we could get some traditional food as well as western. I have to confess that I did speak up to express it was a little strange to come all this way to Africa to go out for Italian or likes of, after all we are in Botswana - embrace!! Im not certain my opinion was shared, yet we did go somewhere which had traditional food. I had the national dish of seswaa. It came with either pap (maize) or I had bogobe, plus cabbage. Generally speaking it was nice, it was super filling and have to admit felt like I eat a months worth of meat in one dish. My body would not know what hit it! 

Following this we return home for cake and coffee continuing the conversations, covering so many topics it was hard to keep up at times. 

As the evening came to a close, save to say we were all tied and set for an early night.