I begin the story with my first day and my last day in-country. I arrived at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital city, the morning of August 16, more than 24 hours after setting out from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. I was glad to be there, pleased that I remembered enough from my first visit in 2008 to recognize landmarks. But I was also tired. Having made it through customs, I grabbed the handle of my suitcase and made my way to the front of the airport, curious about who would meet me and wondering in whose home I’d be staying that evening. As the door to the waiting area slid open I heard my name. Looking up I saw not one, not two, but a dozen women - six from the MU and six from the AWF, plus one grandson - waving and clapping. “Welcome home!”, the greeting committee cried. The tiredness I felt melted away.This gift of hospitality was overwhelming. It was clear, my work there on behalf of our diocese and the Episcopal Church Women was going to be fun!

On Sunday, August 29, at the request of the Rt. Rev. Musonda Trevor Selwyn Mwamba, Bishop of Botswana, I preached at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. With the help of Ben M. who translated my English words into Setswana, Botswana’s national language, I spoke of the faith and the mission that unite us, and the surety that comes in knowing we are all God’s children and are all equal in His eyes. The bishop’s invitation to me had been generous, and so was the welcome by the Very Rev. Dr. Mongezi David Guma, Dean of the Cathedral. After I took my seat, there was a sweet surprise: A song sung for me by the Cathedral’s college youth. (Click on the video to hear it all the way through.) The first day and the last day and all the busy days in between were the days the Lord had made. There were many reasons to rejoice and be glad.