New Xade

Two nights before I left the states, I was sitting at home in front o our computer, googling “Botswana Government” to dig up any dirt I could possibly find. This probably sounds like a strange thing to do (and for some reason “confessing” about it on a blog makes me feel worse). But I was just trying to get a more complete picture of a country that, for the most part, has only been praised by the media for its bold fight against HIV, for its peaceful history and democracy … Needless to say, I found only one major article in my “digging” – it was about a small resettlement village on the outskirts of the central Kalahari Game Reserve, called New Xade. Now, two months later, (coincidence, fate, who knows?) I am making a home in that very village.

New Xade thus far is a wonderful village, filled with amazing workers and residents. When I first drove into New Xade, the sun was setting and I could only make out the village building and houses – I don’t remember seeing anyone out. I do remember thinking “wow, I’m definitely in the CKGR” ( or at least right outside of it) – the single gravel road that takes you into New Xade makes its way through miles of desert and you’re simply surrounded by the horizon – at sunset its just breathtaking.

There is so much to write about New Xade but I’ll have to save that for next time. All I’ll say now is, I feel really blessed to be here, and while our friends here are in definite need of help and love, there is a lot of home and opportunity here… I guess much of my work here will be to inspire and motivate.