Explanation of the flag of Botswana
The colors on the flag correspond to those on the national coat of arms. The blue represents water (the motto on the national arms is PULA, meaning "let there be rain"). The white-black-white bands depict the racial harmony of the people as well as the pluralist nature of the society. They are inspired by the coat of the zebra, the national animal.
Nick Artimovich, 1 November 1996


See my photos and travelogue!

Africa Links

Allafrica.com
Allafrica.com's Botwsana page
Africa Pundit blog with news and comment

UPDATES

June 9

When I got the report from Habitat about the generous contributions from family and friends, I was very touched. 

So first off, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!  Your support is greatly appreciated.

As I write this evening, my journey is set to begin in about three weeks.  I'm very excited to have this opportunity.  I thought I'd take this opportunity to share with you a bit more about what is ahead.

The Itinerary:

I will start off from LAX on the morning of June 26 Thursday.
Our team will meet at JFK in the afternoon of June 27 Friday.
LONG PLANE RIDE to Johannesburg (capital of South Africa) then a short plane ride to Gabarone (capital of Botswana).
Sunday morning 29 June, we take ground transport to Serowe.
June 30 to July 8 - We build.


I'm told the houses will be simple and a team of our size and number of workdays should be able to complete 1 1/2 homes.

July 9 - Ground transport to Maun
July 10 - July 11 Rest and Recreation at Okavango Delta!
July 12 - July 13 LONG PLANE RIDES Maun - > Johannesburg - > JFK - > LAX


*** Please pray that we will have smooth and safe travels.

Dollars and Cents:

When I decided on this project, I determined an amount of my own funds, I was going to put toward it.  The balance would come from generous supporters like you.  And in my mind, if the numbers didn't add up, I'd kick in the remainder.  Through your generous support and that of others, we actually have a little more than we need!

"Hard Money"

About 50% of the cost of the trip is air travel.  The distance we will travel was brought home to me when I was told the flight back home from Johannesburg to JFK is a bit over 18 hours!  Add to that the JFK to LAX flight and the Maun to Johannesburg leg, we will be in the air a LONG time!  8-)

37.5% goes to local transport, lodging and food. 

12.5 % goes to materials and services for home building.

"Intangibles"

I suppose a good accountant could figure out the monetary value of the volunteer labor our 13-member team will provide.

And of course, the really priceless aspect of the trip is to work side by side with the Botswana people. 

When I think about how in some ways we are different from them, I'm reminded of what John F. Kennedy once said, "in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet.  We all breathe the same air.  We all cherish our children's future.  And we are all mortal."

*** Please pray that we will have a humble heart of service and a spirit to give to and receive from our hosts.

Thank you once again for your support.  I plan to write to you again just before I go and when I return.  I'm told the internet has reached Botswana but whether the specific locations we will be have ready and reliable access remains to be seen. 

Take care and be well and God bless.

May 12
Some have asked: how many houses will we build in Botswana?
Past experience says our team should be able to finish 1 1/2 homes. The homes are simple... basically four walls, a floor and a roof.

Another question asked is: where does the money go?
Of the $4000, about 50% go to air tickets to and from Botswana. 37.5% go to in-country expenses (food, ground transport, lodging). 12.5% to building materials and funds to support the Habitat's Botswana office. The "intangible" is the economic value of the time and energy of the thirteen volunteers. And in addition to the building of the house, we are building a bond with the people of Botswana that reveals God love through service.

U Dear Family and Friends!!

Hello!  How goes it with you?  I’m writing to you to share of an exciting opportunity that I will have this summer.  You may be familiar with Habitat of Humanity in its role of building affordable housing here in the USA.  What you might not know is that they form partnerships in other countries to meet housing needs internationally.  I will be joining a team that will work in Botswana from June 26 to July 13.

i Where in the world in Botswana?

Botswana is a land-locked nation in southern Africa.  It is north of South Africa, Namibia is to the west and its eastern neighbor is Zimbabwe.  It is about the size of Texas with a population of about 1.6 million.  It gained independence from England in 1966.  Botswana was once one of the poorest nations in Africa but with the discovery of diamond mines, the economic situation is improving.  Unfortunately, like most developing nations, the gains are highly uneven.  The unemployment rate has been estimated to be 20-40% and nearly half the population is at or below the national poverty level.

What city will we be based?

We will be in Serowe.  This village is notable in the history of Botswana as King Khama ruled the people from Serowe.  His grandson became the first president of Botswana.  Habitat has an office there coordinating building projects in the vicinity.

How long has Habitat for Humanity been working in Botswana?

H Housing projects began in 1992.  Since then over 700 homes have been built with volunteers in country working with teams like the one I’ll be a part of.  A typical home is made of cement blocks and flooring with iron sheet roofing.  The cost for each home is on average about $3770. 

Why am I going?

Habitat calls these trips, “Global Village Projects.”  Indeed, our world is getting smaller.  So when Jesus says, “Love your neighbor” that means people who have a need and not just right here but in other places.  As I turn 40 (gasp!) this year, the opportunity to do something worthwhile and go on a big adventure to mark four decades of life was not to be passed up.  I go on this trip with a spirit of adventure, a heart of gratitude, a desire to serve and an eagerness to learn from the people we will meet there.

How can YOU help?

I’m glad you asked!  First of all, I’d cherish your support through your prayers, encouraging words and thoughtful questions.  And second, if your circumstances allow and you feel so led, I’d welcome your financial support.  You can donate directly to this Habitat project by visiting https://secure.habitat.org/giving/gv.html or by writing a check payable to “Habitat for Humanity International” and send it to HFHI, Global Village, P.O. Box 369, Americus, GA  31709.  If you use the internet option, please enter the Project Code: gv3104 and my ID Number:  9016-0338 and if you would like to use a check, please indicate the project code and ID Number in the memo section. Click here for the support sheet which you can print out and mail with your check. THANK you for your support!!

How much will the trip cost?

The current estimate is about $4000.  This will cover our ( air transportation, lodging (Zzz!!!), J food, vground transportation and a econtribution to the cost of building materials.  Whatever amount you feel comfortable to contribute would be greatly appreciated!

Who will be on the team?

Our team comprises of people from all over the United States. If you want to see what they look like scroll to the bottom of the page.

I plan to develop this web page as the weeks go along and of course when I get back I'll post pictures!! Glad to have the chance to share with you about this adventure. Hope this little question and answer has helped provide you with some information about this project. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I hope you will consider "handing me a brick" on this project. It takes many bricks to build a home and it takes a team of volunteers and supporters like you to make it possible!

Sincerely,
Rene





The 13 member team going to Botswana with Habitat for Humanity.