Peace Corps in Botswana

Winter, 2010 East Meets West
Guest Author: Shannon Peace corps in Borswana

Dear Friends, Here's the most recent letter from our friends who are in the Peace Corps in Botswana. They welcome email if anyone wished to respond. Dear Bill and Sangha, First, I want to tell you that I visited Mat, as you call her, at the hospital yesterday and as far as I know she has been released by now. She is thin, but has good color, is no longer nauseous, and responded well to the treatment for pneumonia. Thanks for your thoughts and support for her. Little Levi is holding his own physically, but no one really yet knows what his brain function will be. Sometimes I think spirits who choose such a body, may be Bodhisattvas because some folks that I've met with such challenges are extemely loving and are incredible teachers. For the most part, the practice certainly makes managing the stress of change and confusion much easier. I'd have to say that for me it usually comes back to examining attachments to views. If I have an understanding that my limited knowledge and my perceptions color my experiences, I am less likely to place judgments on people and circumstances. When I free myself from judgments, both my thoughts and my understanding are if not clearer, certainly calmer. The culture here is very different. There are some differences that I accept readily, but sometimes I have to sit with my perceptions before I realize that they are just that, perceptions. When I am able to look deeply, I see the experiences that may have led to the cultural differences. Sometimes I fail to see that deeply, but can usually given time, just accept that they are only differences and refrain from making value judgments, and that is where right awareness comes into play. Steve and I work hard to support each other in right thought and understanding rather than allowing ourselves to fall into long gripe sessions about all that is wrong in Botswana. It is an easy trap to slip into! I think that it is hardest for me when in my perception, certain values may cause suffering to children. As you know corporal punishment is widely accepted here and sometimes used very freely in the schools. Children at my school have been beaten in front of the entire student body. There is also regular news of horror stories of excessive use of force in the schools. It is then I have to be particularly focused on right speech and right action. I agree that very often right speech can be silence, particularly when considering language barriers and challenges. As to right action, I have to keep in mind that there is no action that is right action unless it can be done calmly and lovingly, so sometimes, I opt for no action. Still, I find many opportunities to ask questions and quietly discuss one on one with Batswana our differences and perceptions. Those conversations I find very helpful. If there is a way to speak publicly about this without alienating myself from the community, I don't yet now how to do that, so I'm settling for one on one conversations, though sometimes I wonder if I'm making the best choice or if I should be more courageous in speaking publicly. As yet, I have no clear answer. The last of the 8 fold path, that I will address for now, is right effort. I find that most of my effort is focused inwardly in terms of managing the stress and gaining insight. Each day I am grateful when I am aware of my own thoughts, perceptions, and feelings. I continue to offer my skills and talents in my community, but there are times when I question the value of such efforts. I know that all behavior change is often difficult and takes time before we incorporate it into our thinking and our daily lives. It is easy to revert back to old habits. Helloooo Habit Energy : ) So sometimes my efforts at initiating and supporting behavior change here seem futile. Sometimes, too, I must ask myself, if when I fail to find the energy to put forth my best effort, if it is because I want the 'feel good rewards' of knowing that I made a positive difference. In reality, I know that in many respects, I am only a planter of seeds in this community. I will not be around to see them to maturity. I remind myself that planting the seeds is enough because it is all one. It is then I once again find the energy to put forth my best effort. Still at times it seems a bit like riding a seesaw. I am so very grateful for the practice and for the years of support the sangha has given us because it has helped Steve and I work together much more fruitfully. We have with only a few bumps in the road, been able to listen and support one another in the changes, confusion and stressors we face. Without our time with the practice, I think our relationship would be seriously challenged by this experience. I am grateful for his kindness, his patience, and his honesty. I know that he faces some unique difficulties because of his hearing, but he has done well in letting the practice guide him through them thus far. Shannon

Back to Current Edition
Search all WBM Times Articles