Sala Sentle

I wasn’t expecting Friday to be so exhausting. I planned to pop into Tebelopele in the morning, mostly to do a few personal things on the internet, but also to say a few last goodbyes. Thandi and Good, however, surprised me with a going away party featuring Zebra-themed gifts, Tebelopele S.W.A.G., and some very touching thank you’s.

Amongst all the gift presentations, speeches, food, and hugs I had completely forgotten my arranges with Peace Corps to collect my bicycle. So I dashed home to find two very patient Peace Corps staff members (you know who you are) waiting for me. After loading the up the bike I dashed off to the bus rank to catch an afternoon bus Molepolole.

Being sick for the past month had prevented me from saying proper goodbyes to colleagues and friends in the village. But this particular trip was quite literally a last minute thing. Yet, to my surprise Beauty had my former officemates, loads of sweets, and cultural gifts waiting at arrival. Apparently, I’m very easy to surprise.

After more speeches, hugs, pictures, and thank you’s I dashed to the Molepolole Sports Complex to get in one last game of basketball, despite being physically and emotionally drained. Fortunately, things seemed just as they were a year ago at the court—same people, same worn out ball. For old time’s sake I made sure to sink a few difficult, fading jump shots and blow some very easy lay-ups.

As darkness crept in I ran outside the stadium to catch a taxi back to the main road. By the time I made it to bus stop it was already well past dark. Over the next hour or so I watched two or three packed buses zip past without stopping. Too make matters worse it seemed that 50 other people were trying to hitch rides into Gaborone at the same spot. I don’t know what was going on, but everyone seemed so tense. I realized I didn’t want to be standing there for another hour or two, so I made a mad dash to the next stopping vehicle, used a box out technique, and crammed into the back of a cover pick-up. Though it was late and I was quite exhausted I eventually made it home safely Friday night.

…

I think Friday marked a big shift for me mentally. For the first time I have a sense of completeness and closure with my Peace Corps service. I really want to thank my colleagues and friends for making me feel so welcomed and appreciated over the past three years. Today really meant a lot to me. Though I am ready to move on with my life, I think I will always feel like Molepolole and Botswana are my home. To everyone this side, I promise to come back sometime in the next few years, if only as a visitor. In the mean time, sala sentle.