Let the adventure begin! Family & friends, I hope you enjoy my postcards as I explore the country of Botswana.

Botswan a Land of desert, delta, and savannas Physical Map of Botswana The Kalahari Desert Elephants hanging in the delta Okavango Delta

Hi, all! Botswana is amazing! After traveling some to get to my destination I was able to see the true beauty of this country. Landlocked by South Africa to the south, Namibia to the west, Zambia and Angola to the north and Zimbabwe to the north and east this is a extremely dry country. It’s also in the heart of the Kalahari Desert which you could only imagine helps with the dryness and the heat. March is close to the end of the summer here but temperatures are still above 100°F! I’m dying! They say a dry heat isn’t bad but if you ask me… 100°F is 100°F! The only relief in the form of water is the Okavango Delta (world’s largest inland delta) which is more like a swamp than a body of water. Here I already saw elephant, hippo, Cape buffalo, and crocodile. Interesting fact… there are more cattle than people in this country. Store that away, maybe you’ll be able to use that on Jeopardy some day! Be well, me :)

Botswan a We’re landlocked so it’s not sea glass. Where beauty is mined.

Hi, again! Today I had the fortune of touring a few of Botswana’s natural resource industries. As you can see, diamonds are one of them. It’s the resource that actually saved them from financial ruin. After their independence from Britain in 1966 Botswana had very little and depended on Britain for financial help until they mined these beauties. Once diamonds were discovered they were able to gain control of their economy and improve their infrastructure along with other natural resource industries such as copper, nickel, skins & hides and textiles. These are their major exports. Sadly, they need to import food even with all the cattle! You may have guessed that they had a good relationship with Britain who only ruled them because Botswana asked for their aid against rival African groups. Independence was peacefully given and they now have a multiparty system. The people elect the National Assembly who selects the president who can only hold office for 10 years.. There is also a House of Chiefs which is made up of the leaders of 8 major tribes. They advise the government on ethnic matters. Be well, me :)

Be well, me :) Le kae? This means” how are you?” I just had the most inspirational day! I had the opportunity to visit Stepping Stones International. It is an after school and community outreach program serving orphans and vulnerable kids ages I discovered that when the AIDS epidemic hit Botswana was hit hard. Two out of every five adults are affected by the disease. The economy has taken a hit because so many people are even more dependent on government funded health services. This has slowed the economic progress of the country but even worse, it has caused so many children to become orphans due to the loss of their parents. However, hope it here! Stepping Stones International has provided youth who otherwise would be forgotten with a place to go for support. This has truly been one of the high points of my visit!

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Selika “good bye”, Botswana and the Okavango Delta