Naming a Travel Mate

So, I am here in Gaborone, Botswana attending the University of Botswana and a special travel mate suggested I give her a Setswana name. Not only are we travel mates from the U.S but are birthday twins (May 10th).

Her American name is Victoria.

I told Tori at the Braai (barbecue) that she brings positive energy and an optimistic perspective to everything. Even when I want to be frustrated and stressed about time in a slow paced environment, she genuinely looks on the bright side of things. Her positive energy is contagious and her spirit is very sincere. This is why I named her Boitumelo which means Joy/Happiness. She brings joy. She brings happiness. In the short amount of time that I've known her, I have been touched by her kindness and authentic concern for others. She offers her support and assistance not because she wants anything in return but because she cares.

The second name I chose for her is Setunya.  From what I read initially, Setunya meant flower/ bloom. Tori's positive attitude makes her similar to a flower. On any occasion, she makes things look better and smell better. I also chose this name because I wanted to charge Tori to love herself and not be afraid to blossom into the wonderful flower she is. We need to see her colorful peddles because it is from her peddles that we see joy. And I'm sure her closer friends and family can agree that she contributes positively to the happiness of others.


And what Mma Bianca shared with me at the Braai made the name Setunya more special.  Mma Bianca told me that Setunya is not just any flower. It is a specific flower. It is Henna. For those who don't know, the powder form of henna is turned into an ink and used to draw art onto a woman's body. Many people refer to them as henna tattoos. Henna can also be used as a hair dye. This flower has the power to enhance beauty and bestow smiles onto blank faces.

Tori, I hope you like the names I have chosen for you. Never forget that you are special, awesome and all that other good stuff. :) In the meantime, while we're here Lets Conquer Africa! In a good way :)





















Images from Google

My Fourth Day in Botswana

January 16, 2015
5:07am
#jetlag

Yesterday (1/15/15) was monumental. I was enlightened in so many ways.

The lecturers during orientation were electrifying. One professor called herself a "cultural feminist" and that radical feminism had no role African culture because it assumes patriarchy is synonymous with oppression. But the african family system (at the bare minimum) consist of three "circular homes"- the Lands, Cattle post and Village. So it would be impossible for oppression to exist if the women were in control of the lands, the men were in control of the cattle post and the children were in control of the village.

Another professor asked a question to the class that made me extremely uncomfortable and borderline angry. I kinda sorta snapped...just a little. In addition to asking us our race and ethnicity, she asked us what our class was. Since I overstand social constructionism to be a form of social stratification more than economic stratification, I was reluctant to answer the question.

But I decided to participate and regurgitate America's truth about me..."I am CONSIDERED lower class".  Everyone was either "upper or middle class". I was the only "lower class student" in the class. That hurt man. Having to refer to my status as lower class because of an income amount.  I personally measure people by the goodness of their character  So,  I know upper class citizens are no better than lower class citizens. But society identifies us according to class and race. What is your class?

Our third workshop was led by a dance teacher from Zimbabwe. The information he gave me about African Gumboot Dancers blew my mind. And I need to learn more before I reveal its connection to stepping as it relates to this country. But just know, a million books should, could and would never give you the truth about a people. In order to learn the people's truth, you must speak to the people. After that workshop, I knew/know God is and has led me to my own truth. I am right where I belong. Everything is in me and one truth that I thought was in the gold mines of South Africa is right here in Botswana. I searched for truth and I found it.

Friendship. My friend is here with me because Botswana is his home. Not too long ago, he was walking in my shoes. He was in the states going to school and adjusting to a new culture. Now I am walking in his shoes, going to school and adjusting to a new culture. God has made us sensitive to each others differences and embracing of each other's similarities. Our respect for each other is genuine and our intentions are pure... free from trickery. When you surround yourself with good people, good things will always happen.

My fourth day was life changing.

Why am I in Botswana?

I am doing a study abroad program for the spring semester of 2015. I will be studying at the University of Botswana and interning at the Botswana Baylor Children's Center of excellence. While in the Southern Region I am also on a mission to learn the traditional roots that influenced the African American art of stepping.