http://krhoney.snappages.com Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:33:19 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/04/17/oh-what-a-beautiful-morning http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/04/17/oh-what-a-beautiful-morning Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:33:19 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/04/17/oh-what-a-beautiful-morning
]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/03/01/for-the-one-you-love http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/03/01/for-the-one-you-love Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:57:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/03/01/for-the-one-you-love
In the late afternoon, after work, Keith took his two valentines, Elise and me for tea at a local hotel to celebrate and to enjoy the beautiful river view. While drinking tea, we watched the mischievous monkeys as they leaped closer and closer trying to steal our tea, waffles and cake. The waitress asked if we would allow her to remove the sugar packets as they are an enticement
to the monkeys. They love sugar.

So, ended a productive day, enjoying a peaceful or rather fairly peaceful tea fending off the
monkeys and visiting on the banks of the Chobe River. We hope you had as delightful a day!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/01/23/saying-goodbye-is-so-hard-to-do http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/01/23/saying-goodbye-is-so-hard-to-do Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:28:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2012/01/23/saying-goodbye-is-so-hard-to-do On January 13th, we said goodbye to Keifer and Lisa Honey as they boarded Air Botswana for their journey back home to the US. As we stood at the fence waving our final goodbyes, I was struck by how bitter-sweet this moment was. Lord willing, we will be in the US for Christmas 2012 and yet it seems a long time away!

Keifer and Lisa [...]]]> On January 13th, we said goodbye to Keifer and Lisa Honey as they boarded Air Botswana for their journey back home to the US. As we stood at the fence waving our final goodbyes, I was struck by how bitter-sweet this moment was. Lord willing, we will be in the US for Christmas 2012 and yet it seems a long time away!

Keifer and Lisa arrived on Tuesday, December 27th! We had a huge Christmas dinner at the house that evening and enjoyed exchanging Christmas gifts. However, their bags got lost in the US and only arrived the next day on the 28th, so that evening we had Christmas again! Thank you to all who sent gifts our way!

While Keifer and Lisa were here, we traveled far and wide. On Friday the 30th, we set out on our first journey. We visited Shakawe where our old house is still standing and being used as a private residence, as well as Ngarange where our old house is being used as a church building. In Xaxao, we attended Sunday morning service and were happy to see some familiar faces. The churches across the river have struggled because of death due mainly to AIDS and people, especially the young, moving away to find jobs.

Traveling to Shakawe took us through Namibia, where we were able to see and spend a night with old friends, Johnny and Elizabeth Miranda. In the old days, we would travel from Shakawe to Divundu and buy fuel and food from their garage and shop there. They were so surprised to see us and kindly invited us to stay the night in their guest room. As it was threatening rain, and we did not want to camp in the rain, we welcomed the invitation gladly!

Another favorite site we visited was Tsodilo Hills, the sacred hills of the Bushmen filled with ancient rock paintings. We spent a wonderful day there climbing, exploring, and reliving past visits to this enchanting place.
Once back in Kazungula, we took two days to wash clothes, rest and recover from our long
journey and begin preparations for a shorter one to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. There the fearless three Keith, Keifer, and Elise rafted the mighty Zambezi River and jumped off a 77 story high cliff on the gorge swing, the highest of its kind in the world! Lisa and I choose more sedate activities such as an elephant ride into the wild and shopping till we dropped!

We ended their trip with getting some important tasks done around the house that Keith needed Keifer to help with. They installed metal blinds above my stove to block out the harsh sunlight and put in a ceiling fan in our living room. There were several more projects but we decided to just rest and enjoy Keifer and Lisa’s visit which included a day in the Chobe National Park where we saw numerous animals and birds. Our day ended with an unusual sighting of three lionesses on the hunt and the big male lying in full view of our cameras watching! WOW!

Keifer brought a video camera with him and filmed their trip! Anyone who is interested in the video of their trip can contact him for a viewing.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/12/20/carols-by-candlelight http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/12/20/carols-by-candlelight Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:28:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/12/20/carols-by-candlelight
Our hearts were encouraged to see about 150 men, women, and children of various cultures meet to sing praise to God. This was the largest attendance of “Carols by Candlelight” ever! Praise God that His Word does not return void! Many who attended are not believers and we pray that the seed planted will take root and grow.

After the carols, cake, drink and candy were handed out to about 80 children who very patiently stood in line to receive these goodies.

Since this is the rainy season and we have rain almost every day, we had all been in prayer that the Lord would allow us to have this service in dry weather. He was gracious and held off the rain until the end of “Carols by Candlelight”!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/11/22/pula-pula-pula http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/11/22/pula-pula-pula Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:35:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/11/22/pula-pula-pula
After days of triple digit heat, the cooler weather of 66 to 70 degrees finds me [...]]]>
After days of triple digit heat, the cooler weather of 66 to 70 degrees finds me wearing a sweater. Yes, my blood is beginning to thin and I find it chilly to sit on the verandah while it is raining and the wind is blowing.

The local farmers are also rejoicing as the rain has softened the ground and added moisture for
their plowing and planting season. We pray it will be a good rainy season and that the crops will be plentiful this year.

Our yard is looking so refreshed after the heat. It is wonderful to wake to the sound of falling rain and see the grass and plants drinking in the water. In Botswana, a desert country, rain is highly prized. The currency is called “Pula” the word for rain. When one wants to call out a blessing, one shouts “Pula”! Yes, it truly is the life of this country and we thank God that we are having “pula” fall on our dry, dusty village.

Our daily prayers are that God’s mercy may be seen in His rain falling on the just and the unjust. We pray that we can be His people of blessing here in our village and bring the much needed love and mercy of God to these people whose spirits are dry and dusty from the lack of “living water”.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/27/hot-times http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/27/hot-times Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:05:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/27/hot-times
Thankfully, the rains should be starting next month and they will bring blessed relief. As a friend remarked [...]]]>
Thankfully, the rains should be starting next month and they will bring blessed relief. As a friend remarked recently if we remembered how hot October is each year we would all have left by now. So we are thankful for short memories!

The heat is compounded by a lack of water. Our village has been without water for a week. Thankfully, we have a water tank to help us through these difficult times. Supposedly, there is a plan in action to remedy our water problems. We will see.

One of the teachers at Noka ya Botshilo, the school where Elise teaches, said she is so tired of looking out at the river just a half a mile away and then down at her empty water tap. How, she asked, do we live on one of the greatest rivers and yet are constantly without water!

Pray for our neighbors who have no tanks and must walk a long way to get water. Pray also that this situation can be remedied in a proper way so that water shortages are a thing of the past.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/20/a-visitor-from-kenya http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/20/a-visitor-from-kenya Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:09:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/20/a-visitor-from-kenya Ben, the son of our friends Rick and Julie, has been visiting us for about 2 weeks. We have enjoyed his youthful enthusiasm for Africa and its people. When he arrived from Kenya, he had just gotten over a bout of typhoid. We took it easy on him those first few days but have now got him out at the small farm resource center clearing brush [...]]]> Ben, the son of our friends Rick and Julie, has been visiting us for about 2 weeks. We have enjoyed his youthful enthusiasm for Africa and its people. When he arrived from Kenya, he had just gotten over a bout of typhoid. We took it easy on him those first few days but have now got him out at the small farm resource center clearing brush in 102 degree heat! Needless to say, he and Keith really worked up a sweat! Thankfully, today is in the 70s since it rained all night and cooled down.

Also, Ben has been working on a tower garden experiment with old auto tires. That did not turn out so well, as it is difficult to cut through the steel belt that runs through the rubber. So next he experimented with the softer sides of the tires, but that ended up looking like some strange alien object. Back to square one on that idea.
It has not been all work no play. Ben has had some fun as well. One evening, we took him out to the river so that he could see the amazing sunset over the Chobe River and then an hour and a half later, the almost full moon rise. It was a lovely evening sitting by the Chobe listening to the hippos laugh as the sun set and the silvery moon rose.

This past weekend, he, Elise, and some friends went to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to see the falls, raft the Zambezi, and swing over the gorge. They came home Sunday evening exhausted but happy about a great time in the falls.

We will miss Ben but he has promised to bring his parents on his next trip. So we will be planning some exciting activities for Rick, Julie, and Ben on their next visit.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/20/difficult-diagnosis http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/20/difficult-diagnosis Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:55:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/10/20/difficult-diagnosis My neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Kachana have three children. The oldest son, Person, has been ill for a while. Mrs. Kachana had taken him to the doctor a few times and every time the doctor told her it was just something that would go away with time and gave her some medicine. Finally, Mr. Kachana on seeing his son wasting away before his eyes, [...]]]> My neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Kachana have three children. The oldest son, Person, has been ill for a while. Mrs. Kachana had taken him to the doctor a few times and every time the doctor told her it was just something that would go away with time and gave her some medicine. Finally, Mr. Kachana on seeing his son wasting away before his eyes, took Person to the doctor and insisted that the doctor run tests to find out what was ailing their son. Sadly, the diagnosis came back as Type 1 Diabetes. This has been devastating news for the Kachana family as this is not a common disease here in Kasane/Kazungula. In fact, the Kachanas were unfamiliar with it.

After nearly 3 weeks in the hospital, the doctor has finally been able to somewhat regulate Person’s blood sugar levels. However, his life and his parents have changed forever. A diabetic diet is challenging at best, but especially here where food that is not processed is not so readily available. Yes, there are fresh vegetables here but they are expensive as is beef or chicken. Most local people eat maize meal porridge with canned fish or a few boiled vegetables and occasionally beef or chicken. Bread, sweet tea, soft drinks, French fries and potato chips are also occasionally part of the diet. This will be a difficult transition for the family to find healthy alternatives for Person. Thankfully, Mr. Kachana has a very good job and is therefore able to buy fresh vegetables for his son. Please keep them in prayer as they learn to adjust to this new life style.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/let-us-be-light http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/let-us-be-light Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:49:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/let-us-be-light
Stephen one of our brothers at fellowship Wednesday night confirmed the story and said it was not really surprising as the place or community where [...]]]>
Stephen one of our brothers at fellowship Wednesday night confirmed the story and said it was not really surprising as the place or community where this awful act was committed is known for violence. Even its name is steeped in evil. . . Kupalemadi. . . "To scoop up blood."

There is such a darkness over this place and we are praying that we and those others who are believers in this place will shine with the Son's light to dispell this darkness. Please pray for the family of both the murdered woman and the man who committed this horrid deed. Please pray for us as we seek to minister here in this valley of darkness that we be His light of love to all who seek Him and to those as well who reject Him.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/birthday-blessings http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/birthday-blessings Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:46:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/birthday-blessings Last night at our mid-week Bible study, we celebrated our sister Dorcas’s birthday. She is a young woman who has become a dear friend to Elise and Carrie, being single and about their age. As a clerk in a fashion shop, she rarely is able to attend Sunday service, thus Wednesday night is special for her. Having found out last week that [...]]]> Last night at our mid-week Bible study, we celebrated our sister Dorcas’s birthday. She is a young woman who has become a dear friend to Elise and Carrie, being single and about their age. As a clerk in a fashion shop, she rarely is able to attend Sunday service, thus Wednesday night is special for her. Having found out last week that her birthday was this week, we decided to make her a birthday cake and celebrate at fellowship.

When Dorcas walked in the door to the fellowship room, we sang “Happy Birthday” and watched as she became very shy. We just laughed it off, thinking she didn’t care to be the center of attention. Later, after singing again and watching her blow out the candles, we enjoyed cake and coffee/tea together before diving into the Word. At the end of our time of study, we close with prayer after taking prayer requests. Dorcas began to speak and then was overcome by tearful emotion. Sitting beside her, I had heard two words, “My family . . . “ and then nothing While she cried and tried to speak, we all waited quietly. Finally, she was able to express that she would tell us her request next week.

After prayer, and telling everyone good night, we all started to climb in the truck to head home, when Carrie said, “I found out what Dorcas was going to say.” We instantly got quiet as Carrie told us that Dorcas was overcome with feelings when she saw her birthday cake. It was her first! She said her family had given her a few gifts now and again for her birthday, but she had never had a cake. Standing there stunned, Elise expressed what we were all thinking; “To us a cake is nothing!” What joy filled our hearts as we headed home! To think that baking a cake for a sister was a priceless gift of love!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/walk-at-your-own-risk http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/walk-at-your-own-risk Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:43:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/walk-at-your-own-risk Where our village ends, the bush begins. During the normal course of moving about our village, the frequent sightings of elephant, buffalo, hippo, impala, baboons, warthog, make us acutely aware of the fact that the community we live in is hemmed in by game park and forest reserve areas. There are no fences to keep the animals out and our [...]]]> Where our village ends, the bush begins. During the normal course of moving about our village, the frequent sightings of elephant, buffalo, hippo, impala, baboons, warthog, make us acutely aware of the fact that the community we live in is hemmed in by game park and forest reserve areas. There are no fences to keep the animals out and our village lies in the path that they must take to get to water, the Chobe River.

Sadly another life has been taken by the wildlife here in our village. Walking at dusk or after dark is especially dangerous as that is when the animals are on their way from the bush to the river to drink.

Just last evening an elderly man walking home crossed into the path of an elephant and was killed. This is the second death of a person by an elephant in as many months. Everyone knows that it is dangerous to walk the pathways at this time of the day, yet sadly many do.

One factor that contributes to this problem of walking about in the evening is drinking at the shabeens or local bars. Most of these open after work hours and stay open late. Those who frequent the bars often have a problem getting a taxi to take them home. So they walk. And sometimes that has tragic consequences. Drunkenness can be deadly here if a person is out and about after dark. How they need the Son to light their dark paths!


]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/taxis-taxis-taxis http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/taxis-taxis-taxis Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:32:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/09/16/taxis-taxis-taxis
Now in our village of Kazungula, we daily [...]]]>
Now in our village of Kazungula, we daily pass the private taxis on our roads. These taxis make up a good percentage of the traffic in Kasane and Kazungula. So much so, that in Kasane, the government has built them a nice central taxi rank with shaded waiting areas for the passengers. In a hot country like Botswana, any shade is appreciated!

Since Kazungula has no grocery store, bank, post office or general clothing store, the only choice is to drive, if you have a car, or catch a taxi to Kasane. In the evenings, when we come home, the road is full of taxis depositing people at their homes, many with bags of groceries or other goods only available in Kasane.

The Batswana are a people who travel frequently and if they are going to Zambia or Zimbabwe, the quickest way to the border is to catch a taxi. It is very convenient not to have to carry suitcases that far.

As there are so many taxis, some drivers try to distinguish their vehicle by painting a name or slogan on it. The most interesting so far that I have seen is “Killer” with a stuffed monkey tied across the front grill to look like road kill.

Currently, the trend is to enhance the taxi by placing large plush pillows in the back window box; however, that makes rear viewing difficult. Whatever it takes to make the vehicle memorable is what is important as hopefully next time the passenger will remember that taxi and use it again.


]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/midnight-snack http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/midnight-snack Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:20:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/midnight-snack
Huge footprints in the sand just outside our fence told the story. A lone, probably male, elephant had come to dine on our mulberry trees whose limbs were reaching over the fence. Well, no more they [...]]]>
Huge footprints in the sand just outside our fence told the story. A lone, probably male, elephant had come to dine on our mulberry trees whose limbs were reaching over the fence. Well, no more they aren't!

Reading the prints, Robert told me the story. The elephant had come silently on its spongey feet and eaten its fill. However, the neighbor's dogs objected and had upset the elephant causing it to loudly trumpet (which later Keith told me had awakened him in the night). Then it silently ambled back into the bush from whence it had come.

AND I SLEPT THROUGH IT ALL!!!!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/say-chee-tos http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/say-chee-tos Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:50:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/say-chee-tos
These big bags were extremely popular during world cup last year as one bag could feed a whole party!

These tasty treats also come in chili flavor which is quite HOT which means you need a giant coke. But don't [...]]]>
These big bags were extremely popular during world cup last year as one bag could feed a whole party!

These tasty treats also come in chili flavor which is quite HOT which means you need a giant coke. But don't worry they have those as well (20ounces cans) to put out the chili cheeto fire!




]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/stilettos-n-sand-photo-finally http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/stilettos-n-sand-photo-finally Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:38:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/stilettos-n-sand-photo-finally
]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/out-of-touch http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/out-of-touch Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:28:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/08/29/out-of-touch
This is just one small inconvenience of living here. We are thankful for a lovely home in a safe neighborhood and plenty of food and water, though presently we are boiling our water as it is dirty as a result of human contamination. Our water comes out of the river which also serves as the sewer for some of the business and homes in Kasane. As we are down river, it is wise to boil the water.

We are blessed with good friends and neighbors and willing workers. Recently, Mowa, our young worker, has been asking Keith about our beliefs in Jesus. Keith besides preaching and counseling is also studying with our friend’s children about the meaning of baptism and a walk with Christ.

Our agricultural plot is being planted with moringa trees and hopefully, in the future amaranth and neem. We are still waiting on the neem trees to mature enough for us to buy them from the government nursery.

In August we traveled to Gaborone, the capital, for the National Agricultural Show. It was a great place to meet and network with people involved in agriculture. Though we were disappointed in the size of the show, we were able to make some important contacts.

We then visited some Christian friends who are farmers in Ghanzi. Jan and Charlotte are old friends from Shakawe days who are currently farming and ranching in Ghanzi. They have a very successful chicken farm of which they gave us a tour. On Sunday morning we worshipped with their fellowship, an Afrikaans-speaking church and were so blessed by the Word and faith of their lives.

Next stop was Maun. I hardly recognized the town as it has grown so much since my last visit 15 years ago. Flying Mission allowed us to stay in their lovely guest house while we tried to find the man who was supposedly commercially producing moringa trees. However, we found out that it is a cooperative of several people growing and harvesting the trees. The leaves, when dried and ground, are taken in tea or porridge and provide a lot of nutrients for both healthy and the AIDS compromised individuals.

Finally, we headed home and found Elise and Carrie doing well. Elise had begun her 4 week holiday and was enjoying resting, relaxing and sleeping in! We also found the network down! So we have been OUT OF TOUCH!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/reading-for-all http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/reading-for-all Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:36:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/reading-for-all
Some of the sponsors for this wonderful gathering were the International Reading Association, the International Development Association of Africa and the Reading Association of Botswana. These organizations provided quality presenters. Other contributions came from the attendees themselves as they shared projects, workshops and papers.

I was blessed to meet some amazing men and women who are committed to helping Africans of all ages learn or better their literacy skills. For instance, around our table one evening we had people from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Canada, USA, and Botswana. Many attendees are Christians who are working with governments, NGOs, schools and other institutions in literacy.

Botswana is rare in that it sets aside and uses 30% of its total budget for education. Many local
teachers were in attendance because of the value the Ministry of Education places on education. The Lord led me to a Middle School teacher from Kasane who is becoming a close friend. We plan to work together with the other teachers here to encourage them and share what we learned.

The Chobe River College, where Elise teaches, asked me to look for reading curriculum for the school. I was able to talk with publishers’ representatives and bring back a few options for the school to review. Also, in September, I will hold a teacher-in-service workshop and share some of the information I received at the conference with the teachers of Chobe River College.

I am so grateful to all who support us. Because of that, I was able to attend and be blessed and hope to spread that blessing around to others!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/stilettos-n-sand http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/stilettos-n-sand Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:33:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/stilettos-n-sand
However, it is a task to keep one’s shoes clean and dust-free. Botswana is a dusty country as most of it lies in the Kalahari Desert. Sand is a daily factor with which one deals.
Recently, we attended an elaborate wedding with many attendants, richly garbed and shod. The bride in a gorgeous wedding dress with satin rose buds and wearing silver stilettos proceed down the ‘aisle’ which consisted of reed mats laid out so she could walk with little trouble and keep her shoes spotless.

Unfortunately, the attendants who also had on high heels were not offered a reed mat and thus stepped carefully as they navigated the sand. It takes some practice, but they were able to do it. One just basically walks on one’s toes and never plants one’s heels in the sand. Tricky, but doable. However, I have not tried and do not plan to, but I take my shoes off to these women who make it look effortless!!!

Even though we don’t know the couple personally, we were blessed to be invited by Mowa, the groom’s nephew who was in the wedding party. Since weddings are rare, it was exciting. Even though the wedding was based on the Western model, the loud music and lively dancing were definitely Botswanan. Our prayers are that this couple will stay faithful to each other, as divorce and infidelity are rampant here.

I have lovely pictures but the internet speed it so slow I was not able to download and show you!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/happy-4th-of-july-from-botswana http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/happy-4th-of-july-from-botswana Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:21:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/07/20/happy-4th-of-july-from-botswana
Many of the Americans around our fire are serving here with the Peace Corp and are working mainly with orphans [...]]]>
Many of the Americans around our fire are serving here with the Peace Corp and are working mainly with orphans and AIDS children. With our household and Bonnie, who is from Houston (Rice U.) working on her PHD, the Texans had the lead with a total of 5. Besides Texas, Oregon, California, and North Carolina completed the American group.

We had a wonderful evening of fun, food and fellowship! Many of these young people are not believers so we enjoyed sharing time with them and the Good News that we bring. Pray for these young people as several have no religious background at all.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/welcome-to-the-honey-hotel http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/welcome-to-the-honey-hotel Mon, 30 May 2011 05:57:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/welcome-to-the-honey-hotel
A friend who runs an afternoon program for school age orphans called to ask if we would host a young Peace Corp worker for a few nights. Of course, we were thrilled to be able to help. Octavius is a lovely Christian man who has signed on to work with the AIDS orphans here in Kazungula for the next two years. He is from LA and is no stranger to Africa having been in both Ethiopia and Kenya. We are excited to welcome him to Botswana.

This Thursday, we are eagerly expecting Carrie to arrive. It has been a long wait for her arrival and we are so excited to welcome her into our family and ministry.

Also, arriving in June is our neice, Melinda. She will be with us for 10 days and will help Elise with her sports program at school and with our Sunday school class.

Later in June, a friend of my nephew, will stop in for a few days. David is currently working in South Africa and will drop by to see the famous Chobi National Park before returning to the US.

August will bring a much anticipated visit by Ben, the son of our dear friend Rick. We are anxious to have him come and see our agricultural project as that area is one of interest to him.

These are the guests we know of , but the Lord may have other angels in mind to send our way!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/wedding-cake http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/wedding-cake Mon, 30 May 2011 05:48:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/wedding-cake Convicted that she must marry her boyfriend with whom she has been living, she has asked Elise to come to the wedding. As a gift, Elise has offered to make her wedding cake as Mpele has very little money and most of her friends are loaning her plates, cups, bowl, decorations etc. for her wedding.

So, Elise and I have been busy looking at various wedding cakes and figuring out how we will do this. Oh, and it will be a chocolate cake with white icing. Stay tuned and I will try to post pictures of our first ever wedding cake. I do fear word will get out and we may find ourselves making more in the future if we succeed!

Well, we did bake and decorate the wedding cake and it was a job. Being a chocolate cake, it took a lot of white icing to cover the dark cake. We used ribbons and fresh flowers to cover the flaws and it looked pretty decent for a first try. Mpele was so excited when I delivered the cake to the reception area.
Sadly, Elise and I both missed the reception as she was working and I was not feeling well. From 5 blocks away, we could clearly hear the dj and music so we supposed they were having a wonderful wedding reception and the next day it was confirmed by some who attended!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/visiting-victoria-falls http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/visiting-victoria-falls Mon, 30 May 2011 05:25:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/05/30/visiting-victoria-falls
It was especially good to see that the grocery stores had food in them. Over and over people reminisced about 2007-8 when the Zimbabweans were literally starving to death.

Elise and I spent one morning browsing through the curio shops for old time’s sake. Rather, we thought we were just window shopping, but the shop keepers engaged us in conversation and we heard about the terrible times of 2007and 2008 when people were desperately surviving. Again and again, we heard testimony about how God had helped them survive, how people turned to the Lord and faith sprang anew in the town like never before. Truly, we, Elise and I were the ones blessed that day and we thought we were just going shopping!

Another task while in the Falls was to procure a dining table and chairs. While available here in Botswana, they are hard to find for the right size and price. In Vic Falls, there are carpenters who custom make furniture. So we spent two days looking at the various carpenter’s shops and finally found one that seats 8. The great news was that it was on sale.

It has taken a couple of weeks to arrange the payment and transport of the table and chairs, but the good news is that table and chairs arrive today. However, several regulars at our table have stated that they will miss the elbow to elbow fellowship. Our current table sits 4 comfortably and 7 with no elbow room to spare!

Another reason for travelling to Vic Falls was to take Daniel, Amber and sweet little Mufaro to their new home for the next few months. We were able to transport a fridge and some other appliances that they had purchased here in Kasane. We will miss them as they are a lovely family and we were blessed to host them in our home. We look forward to working with them in the future.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/28/mentoring-the-younger http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/28/mentoring-the-younger Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:19:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/28/mentoring-the-younger
Daniel is originally from Zimbabwe, but has been living in the US and China for the last 10 years. His wife, Amber, [...]]]>
Daniel is originally from Zimbabwe, but has been living in the US and China for the last 10 years. His wife, Amber, is from the US and Keith met them while at the World Mission Workshop in Faulkner, Alabama, three years ago.

When they approached us to ask if they could live with us for a month and glean any knowledge or wisdom we have, we were humbled and blessed. It is hard to believe that we are the old folk now! It seems only yesterday we were young!

But what a blessing it is to be the old folks of Botswana! People here respect gray hair and wrinkled faces. The other day I was in the computer shop making copies and I was wanting to charge it to our account. When I requested that, the clerk asked the name of the account. Not sure, I replied that my husband had set it up just the day before. The clerk then turned to her assistant to ask her. She replied, "You mean the white man with the white hair?" Keith got a good laugh out of that when I told him later!



]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/28/sunrise-on-the-chobi-river http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/28/sunrise-on-the-chobi-river Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:11:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/28/sunrise-on-the-chobi-river
There was such a large gathering that we drew the attention of a passing tourist couple from Belgium who decided to stop and see what all these people were doing so early in the morning. It enabled us to share with them about the Risen Son.

We pray your Easter was as wonderful as ours as we all celebrate life, hope, salvation because of our risen Saviour.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/15/terror-in-the-night http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/15/terror-in-the-night Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:01:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/15/terror-in-the-night It was just after 12:30 p.m., when we were startled awake by a frightened and breathless voice. It was difficult to make out the words, but after the second cry, we heard, “This is Cheweru and we are surrounded by enemies!”

Recently, the tourist lodges and homes along the river have experienced break-ins by armed men. [...]]]> It was just after 12:30 p.m., when we were startled awake by a frightened and breathless voice. It was difficult to make out the words, but after the second cry, we heard, “This is Cheweru and we are surrounded by enemies!”

Recently, the tourist lodges and homes along the river have experienced break-ins by armed men. Who these men are or where they are from is not known. Stealthily, they come by dug out canoe in the middle of the night and enter the homes or rooms of the guests to steal valuables. Surprised by the staff, they have also attempted to rob one of the hotel safes.

To protect the community, a 911 radio network has been instituted that connects the lodges and individuals with each other through out the night. It has been very effective. The response to the 911 call last night was amazing. No less than 6 or 7 armed men of the community responded as well as police and the Botswana Defense Force, the armed forces of Botswana.

Thankfully, no one was injured, although the bad guys shot off some rounds while unfortunately escaping down the river. With the river in flood right now, it is difficult to search as there are many little side channels for thieves to hide. Hopefully, the thieves will be discouraged after such a response by the community.

It is comforting to know that we have a rapid response team available at the touch of a button should we need them. Thankfully, we live in the middle of the village and have the protection of neighbors and the many dogs that live around here. We are not afraid.

Every day what is most comforting is knowing that we have a direct 911 to the Master of the Universe, prayer that brings holy help when frightened or overwhelmed!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/15/a-real-office-at-last http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/15/a-real-office-at-last Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:44:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/04/15/a-real-office-at-last
Recently, while paying for [...]]]>
Recently, while paying for some supplies at the register, the clerk asked me if I need "to buy some time". My face must have looked a sight as I grappled with what he meant. Then it hit me! He means air time for my phone. Here air time is sold at most stores and the employees of this store have been taught to ask the customers as they are checking out if they need to buy air time.

That got me meditating on how I would love "to buy some time." But the reality is I only have "right now" What am I doing with "right now"? It is a sobering question.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/03/20/its-here-no-really-its-here http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/03/20/its-here-no-really-its-here Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:44:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/03/20/its-here-no-really-its-here
On Wednesday at 6 a.m. we were at the border where the bus comes from Lusaka, Zambia, to pick up passengers for the journey to Gabs. For 3 hours, we waited. However, the time was used to visit with the others waiting for the bus. Many were from Zimbabwe or Zambia and were heading to Gabs or South Africa on business.

While waiting, I was entertained by two events. The first was a young couple walking from the Botswana side to the Zambian side. They had evidently come over to shop. Their precious purchases were carefully ensconced in their arms: a 3 foot long bag of Cheetos (Yes, I kid you not, that is how LARGE the bag is!) and a satellite dish for tv reception. Yep, they were planning on a fun weekend!

Next, one of the ubiquitous taxis pulled up to let passengers disembark for border crossing. However, this driver screamed to be noticed. His taxi van displayed a stuffed monkey tied to the front bumper as if it had been road kill and on the side of the taxi painted in large letters the word, “Killer.” I burst into laughter! I knew I did not have the nerve to ride in his taxi!

Once on board the bus, we settled in for a long, hot, and exhausting ride. Thankfully, we did not breakdown and arrived safely at our destination about 8 pm. Since Mark was out of town, we caught a cab so Deb and KG did not have to get out at night. Our driver was a wonderful man who at one time had worked for one of the last independent (i.e. not government controlled) newspapers in Zimbabwe. When he wrote a piece on the corruption of the military, he and the editor were dragged from their homes and severely beaten and tortured for 48 hours. Taking his family, he fled to the peace and safety of Botswana and now has started producing a very chic magazine, titled Elegant Homes. He showed us a copy and it is very impressive, glossy and fancy. Keith and he had a meaningful visit as he expressed his desire to help the poor youth of this country. We wished him well in his new life in Botswana and hope to keep in touch with him and his ministry to

Thursday, we rose early to begin again the clearing process. Everything went well and on Friday, we cleared and emptied the container. It took 4 hours to do so,compared to the 2 days to load it. The customs officer in charge of our container was a member of the Broadhurst congregation we had visited last Sunday. She and I had a lovely visit as I explained each piece of wrapped furniture that was unloaded. By the end of the process, we had been visited by nearly everyone on the property. They were amazed at the size of the F350, marveling that they had never seen such a truck in Botswana, nay in Africa!

Finally finished, we set out for the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) so they could clear the truck and trailer. Their job is to run the vin numbers through INTERPOL to make sure neither are stolen. As we drove to CID, we were turning heads in the rush hour traffic. Keith went in with our clearing agent and I sat outside to wait. A number of people stopped and visited with me about the truck and trailer. One lady, a very professional woman, turned her car around in rush hour traffic and came back to inquire where she could buy such a trailer! We have her business card and promised to let her know if we begin manufacturing them. That is a possibility in the future.

After a quick stop at the Spicers, where many neighbors came out to gaze at the truck, we thanked them for their incredible hospitality, then turned our weary heads toward home. All the way out of town, people turned to stare, especially little boys and men.The trip home was long with several stops to sleep. Finally, at 9 a.m. Saturday, we turned into our driveway exhausted but grateful to be home.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/03/20/its-here-finally http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/03/20/its-here-finally Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:29:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/03/20/its-here-finally
Upon arrival, we began to purchase some household items that are not available in Kasane. On Sunday, we were so blessed to meet with the brethren here in Gabs and are amazed at how God is using them to bring glory to His name. The building was packed with believers of all ages and from many nations. Afterwards we found out that this mother church has planted three other churches in the surrounding communities. They have also trained some of the young Christian men from the churches we planted in Shakawe and Ngamiland to be preachers to other areas of Botswana. We are excited and eager to be partners with them in the Lord’s work here in Botswana.

Monday was a busy day running around Gabs in preparation for clearing and opening our
container on Tuesday. We were at a kitchen store looking at cabinets when we received a dreaded call. OOOpps! “A mistake had been made! Your container is still in the port of Durban, South Africa, and to make matters worse, a truckers’ strike is on and no telling when your container will arrive!” Ahhhh, Africa!

So we finished our business on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning set off for Kasane and home.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/valentines-day-in-botswana http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/valentines-day-in-botswana Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:45:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/valentines-day-in-botswana Every where we turn, there are flowers, candles, candy etc. to buy to express your love for your Valentine! The cinema had a buy-one-get-one free deal and needless to say, they sold out!
The local hotels were offering romantic weekend get aways and forget trying to get a seat at the nicer restaurants!
Wow! Africa has changed so much in the 15 years I have been gone. Sigh, I miss the good old days!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/our-neighborhood-new-stands http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/our-neighborhood-new-stands Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:37:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/our-neighborhood-new-stands We are situated on top of a hill overlooking the Zambezi River, not far from the Zambian and Zimbabwean borders. It is a beautiful area, full of trees and wildlife. From our house at night, one can hear the elephant and sometimes the lion. There are small houses and large houses intermingled as Botswana does not deed restrict but does [...]]]> We are situated on top of a hill overlooking the Zambezi River, not far from the Zambian and Zimbabwean borders. It is a beautiful area, full of trees and wildlife. From our house at night, one can hear the elephant and sometimes the lion. There are small houses and large houses intermingled as Botswana does not deed restrict but does require a proper house, i.e. cement wall, tin roof, doors, windows, and a proper sanitary system.

The most amazing aspect of my neighbors’ homes is that almost every single one has a satellite dish for television reception, which was especially important during the last World Cup which was held in South Africa. I am still getting used to the urbanization around me in this African village. Cell phones, vehicles, televisions, refrigerators, stoves are common place. Back in 1995, only the very rich had these. Now it seems most everyone does.

Recently, a Polish biker who pitched his tent in our yard (as we have no couch or bed to offer) remarked how civilized Botswana was compared to other African countries. He said, “You can even drink the water from the tap!” It is true! Botswana is very advanced due to wise leadership from the top. However, the AIDS infection rate is one of the highest per capita in the world. Yes, there is much improvement in their physical lives, but, oh, how much they need improvement in their spiritual lives!



]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/road-hazards-they-have-the-right-of-way http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/road-hazards-they-have-the-right-of-way Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:30:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/road-hazards-they-have-the-right-of-way
Last week coming home [...]]]>
Last week coming home late at night from Wednesday night Bible study, two huge hippos were leisurely crossing the highway. Because of their dark color, they were difficult to see. Thankfully, we stopped in time. They have right of way!

Daily, the cattle, goats, and dogs stand and lie in the middle of the road, totally unfazed by the traffic around them. Unfortunately, they too have right of way!

Besides the tire-sized pot holes that can cause a blow out or worse (It is absolutely necessary to have a spare tire at all times and no donuts, PLEASE!), we have living, moving road hazards that keep one alert when driving at all times. Thus, it is no surprise that it is against the law to talk on your cell phone and drive.

Happy dodging, ahem, driving in Botswana!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/howdy-neighbor http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/howdy-neighbor Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:27:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/howdy-neighbor “Howdy, Neighbor” in Setswana goes like this: “Dumela, bathu banna le rona!” (Literally, the people who live nearby us) Upon entering my neighbors’ yards, Elise and I announced ourselves with a “Koko” (pronounce cocoa) a verbal knock. Both neighbors were cordial, inviting us in to chat in the shade, [...]]]> “Howdy, Neighbor” in Setswana goes like this: “Dumela, bathu banna le rona!” (Literally, the people who live nearby us) Upon entering my neighbors’ yards, Elise and I announced ourselves with a “Koko” (pronounce cocoa) a verbal knock. Both neighbors were cordial, inviting us in to chat in the shade, as it is HOT here. We learned their names, their professions and a little about them.

Our nearest neighbors are a working mother, Anna, and her 4 daughters, Dorcas, Christina, Margaret, and Blessing, and various grandchildren. It is evident that one of the daughters is sick, probably AIDS. We see a stream of young men come and go, but none that seem to stay. SAD.

Dorcas asked Elise if she had a child as it is common for young women to have children out of wedlock. Elise replied that she had none and I responded that Elise does not have a husband. Dorcas looked at us and then stated that we must believe that a woman should be married before she has children. “Yes,” we replied. Later, I wish I had said, “It is because that is how God wants children to be born, within a proper marriage. And we want to please God.” At least, I have left the door open on that subject for many more visits.

The other neighbor, Mrs. Kachana is a Christian and her husband pastors a local church. She and her female relative another Mrs. Kachana, who was visiting, were delightful and full of useful information about the local schools and community. This area is rapidly growing and there is only one primary school. Mrs. Kachana told Elise and me that sometimes a teacher can have 70 children in one classroom. Thus she said the teachers are always complaining. Wow! So would I! This overcrowding results in many children not passing their classes because of the high student-teacher ratio.

The Kachanas also said there are many churches in this area, as one can hear the drum churches on several nights of the week. These churches usually meet and drum for healing late into the night. After a thoughtful pause, the visiting relative remarked that she often wondered why there are so many churches when we all worship and praise the same God. Good food for thought!

Before leaving, both sets of neighbors expressed delight and thanks that we, as foreigners would come and greet, visit, and speak with them in Setswana. Anna and her daughters even called us kind for doing such a thing. Pray for our neighbors that we can show them the Father’s love.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/how-blessed-we-are http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/how-blessed-we-are Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:22:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/02/15/how-blessed-we-are
He arrives on time with a smile and polite [...]]]>
He arrives on time with a smile and polite greeting. Mowa is nicely dressed, clean and works hard the four hours he is here. When I serve him tea, he prays with Keith or by himself when Keith is not present. This is new for him, since he did not pray before tea but has followed Keith’s example. Because he is a young man, it is better for Keith to pray with him culturally than me. Keith has since given him a Sestwana New Testament to read and study.

This morning when he bowed his head and prayed I was touched as I realized how blessed we are. His parents are dead and so he is living with a female relative who becomes abusive because of alcohol. Mowa says he stays with friends sometimes to escape the abuse. He is waiting for test results that may allow him to go to Junior Secondary School in Nata, a town four hours away. That would be great for him and enable him once he graduates to get a good job.

On Sundays he goes to fellowship with us and seems to enjoy it. As of now, he is not a Christian but is a seeker. Pray for Mowa, whose name means spirit, that we may show him the Good News of Jesus and the true Mowa or Spirit of God.

By the way, he is another answer to prayer. I have been praying the Lord would send to us those He would choose. As Elise and I were out walking one day, Mowa approached us and asked if we could help. I told him he must talk to my husband and he came the next day to ask if he could live with us! Keith asked him to bring his ID as it is common for the young men to seek employment in order to scope things out for the gangs of foreign thieves from Zimbabwe and Zambia. He is a legal Mostwana and a true orphan. So he is now helping around the house for a couple of days during the week. This gives Keith an opportunity to speak with him about many things, especially those of the heart and spirit.

I am learning to praise God in all things. We have been with out water for 3 days. It has been a test of my faith and patience. Last night I dreamed that when I awoke, water was rushing out of the tap. God answered my prayers this morning and water did flow from the tap. We have a huge water storage tank in the back yard since water shortages are common. But when Keith tried 3 days ago to open the faucet to let it flow, nothing came out. Apparently, this morning he decided to try again and after a few taps on the faucet, the water began to flow. God is good with or without water. (The water did come back on later in the day so we topped the tank and shut it off for another such time when we don’t have water.)

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/01/24/a-new-beginning http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/01/24/a-new-beginning Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:37:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/01/24/a-new-beginning
Well, we have been here two weeks now. It has been a busy time trying to get our house set up with some borrowed furniture. We have a table with four chairs, two living room chairs, a desk with chair, and two single beds and a camp mattress for Elise. Thankfully, there are closets where we can hang our clothes. So [...]]]>
Well, we have been here two weeks now. It has been a busy time trying to get our house set up with some borrowed furniture. We have a table with four chairs, two living room chairs, a desk with chair, and two single beds and a camp mattress for Elise. Thankfully, there are closets where we can hang our clothes. So life is good.

It is rainy season here and the rains have been good. Almost every afternoon we have a heavy downpour and this morning we woke to rain. Of course, everything is lush and green and so tropical. My yard is beautiful with all kinds of exotic plants and trees so we spend a lot of time out on the verandah in the mornings and evenings.
I sat in last Wednesday and Thursday for Elise at in-service. It was very enlightening as to the curriculum and staff. Chobe River College is a well-staffed private English medium school that offers a variety of subjects and activities. Despite its name, it has grades pre-school through 7th. Since English is one of the official languages of Botswana, most parents desire for their children to be educated in English as it opens the door to so many opportunities work-wise.
Elise arrived Thursday afternoon from the US and spent the weekend just resting and getting adjusted to Botswana time – 8 hours ahead of US time.

Sunday we met with the Kasane Christian English-speaking fellowship and were so encouraged by their faith and love for each other. Keith preached on being the embodiment of Christ in the community. Kasane is a difficult place to be a Christian. There are few Christians in this area. So it is hard for those who profess His name.

My first trip to our two very nice grocery stores was a pleasant surprise as I found things on the shelf that were not available 15 years ago in Botswana. . . for example, jalapeño peppers, American mustard, and YES!!! Philadelphia Cream Cheese!!! Wow is all I can say!

The cashier knows Elise by her Setswana name and asked what mine is. I told her Ma Tsina, Mrs. Honey, but she gave me another Neo meaning “gift.” So I now have a first and last Mostwana name.

The joy about shopping in Kasane is the creatures walking about the streets. Besides people, there are dogs, goats, donkeys and cattle, oh, and yes, warthogs nosing through the garbage trying to find something to eat.
The neighborhood kids know Elise from her work with the AIDS center and as we drive our streets they yell in unison.”Mutlalepula!.” On Thursday, a group came to the gate to see her. After visiting a while, Elise told them to come next Thursday and she would read them a story. So we are going to plan a little Bible school for them and see where that goes.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/01/24/we-have-arrived-finally http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/01/24/we-have-arrived-finally Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:26:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2011/01/24/we-have-arrived-finally Upon arriving in Dulles, [...]]]> Upon arriving in Dulles, we had plenty of time to make our connection and were soon winging our way to Africa. The first leg of about 8 hours we were fed and entertained. After an hour’s stop over in Dakar, we finished the last 8 hours of flight mainly sleeping. The bad thing about this is that it was day time so when we finally landed in Johannesburg, South Africa it was evening, but we had been sleeping most of the day. We stayed the night at a nice hotel adjoining the airport and after hot baths, relaxed. I eventually fell asleep, but poor Keith was awake all night long.
Our flight to Botswana left early in the morning, so we were thankful we were at the airport. With time for a light breakfast, I was able to see and marvel at the amazingly beautiful O.R. Tambo International Airport, (One of the most beautiful I have ever seen.) built especially for the World Cup this past summer which was held here in South Africa.
The flight to Botswana was barely over an hour. We arrived on time and went through immigration and customs with no problems. After a short wait, our ride arrived in the person of Mark Spicer, a pilot with Flying Mission who is now the director. He and his sweet wife Debbie hosted us for a couple of days so that we could get rested, especially Keith and catch the Saturday night bus to Kasane.
So we had a couple of wonderful days visiting, resting and touring Gaborone which has changed immensely since last I was here. Once there was one main shopping area, but now there are so many and more are being planned. I was shocked at the availability of goods. In a store like a Walmart, they even had a George Foreman grill! Yep! There was George on the box smiling! Wow!
Saturday found us getting ready for our all night bus ride to Kasane. Keith and Elise have ridden this bus many times, but for me it was a first. We boarded around 6:00 pm and shortly set out. For the first hour or so we had no seatmate so we had some room. The seats are tight and narrow so Keith had little room for his legs. However, soon we had a seatmate and Keith was sandwiched between us. It wasn’t too bad until at about 11:30 pm the bus made a strange hiss and Keith sat up. We had been trying to sleep. “Something’s not right,” he said. Sure enough the turbo charger had blown. So we limped along to the halfway point arriving around midnight.
At least we could get out. stretch our legs, oh and use the restroom after six hours! Not surprisingly, there was a mad rush to the bathroom! Unfortunately, it was a one-seater and there were many of us, besides the restroom attendant was charging 25 cents to use the facilities. Someone yelled, “To the bush!” and we all made a mad dash for a large unlit field behind the bus stop/filling station. Let me add that it had been raining the whole time! Dodging mud puddles not too successfully, we completed our task. Thankfully, I had worn a dress just for this reason. Welcome to Africa!
After four hours, the bus was fixed and we set off for Kasane. Overbooked. people and luggage filled the aisles. Thankfully, Keith and I slept and woke to see ostrich and elephant as well as the usual cattle, donkeys and goats.
About an hour and a half out of Kasane, “Hisssss” the turbo charger went out again. Thankfully, we were able to continue to Kasane though at a much reduced rate of speed.
Wow! It was great to get to Kasane after 16 hours on the bus! What a delight when the whole Kasane Christian fellowship group showed up to welcome us to Botswana and especially Kasane. After depositing our luggage at our house, which I got to see for the first time (EXCITING!!!), we joined them in after fellowship tea and cake at Heather Car-Hartley’s wonderful home. It is good to be back in Africa!

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/12/06/thanksgiving-in-december http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/12/06/thanksgiving-in-december Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:43:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/12/06/thanksgiving-in-december
Saturday, we all drove to Athens, Texas to have a Thanksgiving in December. Elise requested that we wait and have our family Thanksgiving when she arrived in the US. So on December 4th we ate a sumptuous traditional meal with all the trimmings and watched the Big 12 Conference football game to top it off.

Elise will be here until January 10th visiting family and friends and supporters. Her two years in Botswana , teaching at the Chobi River College, have flown by. She is looking forward to teaching first grade again next year, but is enjoying her break. We love having her here for a while, though it is getting chaotic for us as we are trying to pack up our house and ship our container by December the 16th. Our departure date is uncertain as we are waiting for our travel agent to find us cheap tickets which will be a challenge this time of year.

Our wish for all of you who support us in any way and who read my blog is that you have a wonderful, peaceful and safe Christmas with loved ones and a blessed new year. Lord willing, we will be in Kasane by the end of December or the first of 2011.











]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/11/18/preparing-and-packing http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/11/18/preparing-and-packing Thu, 18 Nov 2010 08:49:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/11/18/preparing-and-packing
Keith arrived on August 18 from Africa with our paperwork completed. We are now legal residents of Botswana, Africa. Praise the Lord! Since his arrival, we have been working on getting a container for all our belongings. We are taking our 4x4 truck and a trailer with all our goods, so we will need a special container [...]]]>
Keith arrived on August 18 from Africa with our paperwork completed. We are now legal residents of Botswana, Africa. Praise the Lord! Since his arrival, we have been working on getting a container for all our belongings. We are taking our 4x4 truck and a trailer with all our goods, so we will need a special container that is more difficult to obtain. While we are waiting on the container, we are busy packing up the rest of our goods and plan to start visiting supporters, friends, and family. Our hope, Lord willing, is to be in Kasane by Thanksgiving 2010.

Keith’s three month sojourn in Africa was extremely productive. Besides working tirelessly with several government offices to procure our paperwork, he began a prison ministry in Kasane, spoke at a memorial service for some slain policemen and a couple of funeral services, preached at a local fellowship, counseled and encouraged many. In his spare time, he repaired and painted our new home that some wonderful Christian people have allowed us to rent at present with hopes of buying it in the future. Best of all, he was able to be with our daughter, Elise, and encourage and help her in her ministry with the children. Now as we look to the future, we are eager to be there in Africa with her.

While Keith was in Africa, I was busy sorting, and packing our goods. I was also able to visit family and attend a nephew’s wedding in Alabama.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/11/05/shipping-is-an-ordeal http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/11/05/shipping-is-an-ordeal Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:21:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/11/05/shipping-is-an-ordeal
Wonderful news! Elise is coming home for Christmas. She will fly out of Kasane on November 26th and arrive here November 29th. Since we will still be stateside at this time, we are eager and excited to see her again. Keith spent the summer with her, but I have not hugged her neck in two years. Of course, her two bubbas are super excited too. We plan, Lord willing, to celebrate a late family Thanksgiving with her and our boys and their wives, and then have an early Christmas before flying out of here sometime in December.

How about those Texas Rangers! We sure enjoyed their run at the world championship. We were blessed through the generosity of Jerry and June Gilbert to experience the Rangers American League Championship game. What an evening! The Rangers beat the Yankees and played an incredible game!

Our Aggies have finally been able to win a couple and we are excited about that! Now if the Dallas Cowboys could get their act together.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/08/10/rejoicing-it-is-finally-issued http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/08/10/rejoicing-it-is-finally-issued Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:03:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/08/10/rejoicing-it-is-finally-issued
Rejoice with us! Our paperwork has been issued and we are officially residents of Botswana. Keith will arrive next Tuesday and then the whirlwind begins.

We will need to finish packing and shipping our container, visit supporters, and purchase air tickets.

It has been a year in waiting on the Lord, [...]]]>
Rejoice with us! Our paperwork has been issued and we are officially residents of Botswana. Keith will arrive next Tuesday and then the whirlwind begins.

We will need to finish packing and shipping our container, visit supporters, and purchase air tickets.

It has been a year in waiting on the Lord, but He is faithful and we are eager to be on our way to Africa.

For me, this summer has been filled with trips to see family, graduations, weddings, and reunions. I have kept busy but rejoice that Keith is coming back.

To all of our circle of prayer, family and friends who support us financially and spiritually and emotionally we give our thanks and gratitude for unceasing prayer in the matter of our paperwork.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/07/10/hoping-praying-prison http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/07/10/hoping-praying-prison Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:24:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/07/10/hoping-praying-prison
News from Botswana . . . Keith is hoping our papers will be issued this month. The board is going to meet next week or the next and will review our application. Pray we will be accepted and able to begin the move to Kasane.

Keith had a successful first meeting with about 125 prisoners at the local prison. He was [...]]]>
News from Botswana . . . Keith is hoping our papers will be issued this month. The board is going to meet next week or the next and will review our application. Pray we will be accepted and able to begin the move to Kasane.

Keith had a successful first meeting with about 125 prisoners at the local prison. He was well received and we pray that the Spirit will move to bring about a great harvest among these imprisoned souls.

I am presently visiting family in Arkansas. It has been a wonderful time to be with family as that will not be possible very often once we move to Kasane.

Thank you to all who are supporting us financially and through prayer as we wait on the Lord for our paperwork to be completed so that we may begin the move to Kasane.

]]> http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/06/29/waiting-waiting-waiting http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/06/29/waiting-waiting-waiting Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:50:00 +0000 http://krhoney.snappages.com/blog/2010/06/29/waiting-waiting-waiting
Keith is still waiting for our permits to be issued. As of now, the paperwork is still in progress and we hope to hear soon that the permits are ready. Tomorrow Keith will be meeting with the commander of the prison there in town. Again pray for this meeting as it will be key in our being able to establish a prison ministry [...]]]>
Keith is still waiting for our permits to be issued. As of now, the paperwork is still in progress and we hope to hear soon that the permits are ready. Tomorrow Keith will be meeting with the commander of the prison there in town. Again pray for this meeting as it will be key in our being able to establish a prison ministry which is greatly needed. Pray the Lord will allow the commander to find favor with Keith and his vision for this ministry.

Elise is doing well and really enjoying her first graders. She is looking forward to a break in July and a visit from her best friend from college who is coming to visit. The two plan to raft the Zambezi and bungy jump from the highest bungy jump in the world. Yes, she is fearless like her dad.

Keith has been busy teaching and preaching at one of the local congregations and counseling some of the young men and women there. Looking for every opportunity to serve the Christian community, he is very involved in local outreach.

Thankfully, he and Elise are now in our house and busy painting and repairing as it has stood empty a whole year waiting for our arrival. I look forward to "coming home."

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