Sister Barber can only receive emails from her parents - so all of the rest of us get to send her messages the good old fashioned way- aren't we lucky?
I will post all relevant info that she emails on this site and you are welcome to leave comments that I will try and get to her - other than that - enjoy the our postal system!
I am looking into whether you can send postcards via pouch, or if it has to 1 sheet tri-folded and will let you know as soon as I find out.
Addresses:
Letters and Packages using International Postage:
Sister Ashley Barber
Private Bag X4
Ansfrere 1711
South Africa
*nothing over 20 lbs
Letters sent through the pouch:
Sister Ashley Barber
South Africa Johannesburg Mission
P.O. Box 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
*No enevelopes, single sheet of paper folded into thirds and taped at the top.
Check back weekly for updates!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Botswana
After learning where Ashley will be spending her mission I did a little research and found some good info at this site. Here is just a tad of interesting info on Botswana:
- "The very best part of Africa. Botswana, a country better known for peace and tranquillity, diamonds and beef."
-Geographical Info:
Botswana is a land-locked country dominated in geographical terms by the Kalahari Desert - a sand-filled basin averaging 1,100 metres above sea level.
Botswana is bordered by Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, Namibia to the north and west, and South Africa to the south and southeast. .
The Chobe River runs along part of its northern boundary; the Nossob River at its southwestern boundary; the Molopo River at its southern boundary; and the Marico, Limpopo and Shashe Rivers at its eastern boundaries. With the exceptions of the Okavango and Chobe areas in the north, the country has little permanent surface water.
The country is situated in the Southern African region and about two-thirds of Botswana lies within the Tropics.
The distance between the extreme north and the extreme south of Botswana is about 1,110 kilometres. It is 960 kilometres across at its widest. The area of Botswana is approximately 581,730 square kilometres and is about the size of France or Kenya.
The eastern hardveld, where 80% of the country's population lives and where its three largest urban centres are situated, is a wide strip of land running from the north at Ramokgwebane to the south at Ramatlabama.
The Kalahari Desert stretches west of the eastern hardveld, covering 84% of the country. The Kalahari extends far beyond Botswana's western borders, covering substantial parts of South Africa, Namibia and Angola.
In the north-west, the Okavango River flows in from the highlands of Angola and soaks into the sands, forming the 15,000 sq. km network of water channels, lagoons, swamps and islands. The Okavango is the largest inland delta system in the world a bit smaller than Isreal or half of Switzerland. The northeastern region of the Kalahari Basin contains the Makgadikgadi Pans - an extensive network of salt pans and ephemeral lakes.
Climate:
Botswana's climate is semi-arid. Though it is hot and dry for much of the year, there is a rainy season, which runs through the summer months. 'Pula', one of the most frequently heard words in Botswana, is not only the name of Botswana's currency, but also the Setswana word for rain. So much of what takes place in Botswana relies on this essential, frequently scarce commodity.
Seasons:
The summer season begins in November and ends in March. It usually brings very high temperatures. However, summer is also the rainy season, and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down considerably, although only usually for a short period of time.
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas, especially in the southwest.
The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.
Summer days are hot, especially in the weeks that precede the coming of the cooling rains, and shade temperatures rise to the 38°C mark and higher, reaching a blistering 44°C on rare occasions. Winters are clear-skied and bone-dry, the air seductively warm during the daylight hours but, because there is no cloud cover, cold at night and in the early mornings. Sometimes bitterly so - frost is common and small quantities of water can freeze.
Language:
Although Ashley's call is "English speaking, I'm sure she'll have to pick up a little Setswana:
Setswana is the national language with minor differences in dialects. However, English is the official business language and it is widely spoken in urban areas with most written communication being in this language. At the site you can click on different phrases to hear some Setswana and try and picture Ashley speaking in this language is quite amusing!
Culture:
Life in the urban areas has been most affected by western culture and increasing modernity. In the rural areas many traditions persist and ways of life differ from region to region. Some of the more obvious physical aspects of the different cultures have disappeared (such as traditional clothing, arts and crafts, most ritual ceremonies and some tools and utensils). Others remain important, however, such as cattle ownership, music and dance and the consultation of traditional healers.
Music and dance-
Music is the aspect of culture, which has perhaps best survived the onslaught of western influences in Botswana. Both traditional and modern music of numerous ethnic groups from southern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa are heard nearly everywhere you go - in shops, malls, houses, schools, cars, combis, trains, taxis and bars. Music, dance and singing are an integral part of everyday activities and modern-day ceremonies such as weddings and even funerals.
Batswana have incorporated their traditional music into church singing. The result is some of the most stirring, soulful music on earth. There are a lot of church choirs, in both urban and rural areas.
Religion-
Early tribal religions were primarily cults. The supreme being and creator was known as Modimo. Religious rites included the bogwera and bojale (male and female initiation ceremonies) and gofethla pula or rain-making rites.
Today, Christianity is the most prevailing belief system in Botswana, with well over 60% of the population. It was brought into Botswana by David Livingstone in the middle 19th century who converted Kgosi Sechele I (Chief of Bakwena) to Christianity. The main denominations are - Roman Catholic, Anglican, Zion, Lutheran and Methodist Christian Church.
Lots more info at the website on "flora & fauna" and other fun facts for those who want to know more - these were just the basics, so if you have time check it out!
~Natasha
- "The very best part of Africa. Botswana, a country better known for peace and tranquillity, diamonds and beef."
-Geographical Info:
Botswana is a land-locked country dominated in geographical terms by the Kalahari Desert - a sand-filled basin averaging 1,100 metres above sea level.
Botswana is bordered by Zambia and Zimbabwe to the northeast, Namibia to the north and west, and South Africa to the south and southeast. .
The Chobe River runs along part of its northern boundary; the Nossob River at its southwestern boundary; the Molopo River at its southern boundary; and the Marico, Limpopo and Shashe Rivers at its eastern boundaries. With the exceptions of the Okavango and Chobe areas in the north, the country has little permanent surface water.
The country is situated in the Southern African region and about two-thirds of Botswana lies within the Tropics.
The distance between the extreme north and the extreme south of Botswana is about 1,110 kilometres. It is 960 kilometres across at its widest. The area of Botswana is approximately 581,730 square kilometres and is about the size of France or Kenya.
The eastern hardveld, where 80% of the country's population lives and where its three largest urban centres are situated, is a wide strip of land running from the north at Ramokgwebane to the south at Ramatlabama.
The Kalahari Desert stretches west of the eastern hardveld, covering 84% of the country. The Kalahari extends far beyond Botswana's western borders, covering substantial parts of South Africa, Namibia and Angola.
In the north-west, the Okavango River flows in from the highlands of Angola and soaks into the sands, forming the 15,000 sq. km network of water channels, lagoons, swamps and islands. The Okavango is the largest inland delta system in the world a bit smaller than Isreal or half of Switzerland. The northeastern region of the Kalahari Basin contains the Makgadikgadi Pans - an extensive network of salt pans and ephemeral lakes.
Climate:
Botswana's climate is semi-arid. Though it is hot and dry for much of the year, there is a rainy season, which runs through the summer months. 'Pula', one of the most frequently heard words in Botswana, is not only the name of Botswana's currency, but also the Setswana word for rain. So much of what takes place in Botswana relies on this essential, frequently scarce commodity.
Seasons:
The summer season begins in November and ends in March. It usually brings very high temperatures. However, summer is also the rainy season, and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down considerably, although only usually for a short period of time.
The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas, especially in the southwest.
The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter.
Summer days are hot, especially in the weeks that precede the coming of the cooling rains, and shade temperatures rise to the 38°C mark and higher, reaching a blistering 44°C on rare occasions. Winters are clear-skied and bone-dry, the air seductively warm during the daylight hours but, because there is no cloud cover, cold at night and in the early mornings. Sometimes bitterly so - frost is common and small quantities of water can freeze.
Language:
Although Ashley's call is "English speaking, I'm sure she'll have to pick up a little Setswana:
Setswana is the national language with minor differences in dialects. However, English is the official business language and it is widely spoken in urban areas with most written communication being in this language. At the site you can click on different phrases to hear some Setswana and try and picture Ashley speaking in this language is quite amusing!
Culture:
Life in the urban areas has been most affected by western culture and increasing modernity. In the rural areas many traditions persist and ways of life differ from region to region. Some of the more obvious physical aspects of the different cultures have disappeared (such as traditional clothing, arts and crafts, most ritual ceremonies and some tools and utensils). Others remain important, however, such as cattle ownership, music and dance and the consultation of traditional healers.
Music and dance-
Music is the aspect of culture, which has perhaps best survived the onslaught of western influences in Botswana. Both traditional and modern music of numerous ethnic groups from southern Africa and sub-Saharan Africa are heard nearly everywhere you go - in shops, malls, houses, schools, cars, combis, trains, taxis and bars. Music, dance and singing are an integral part of everyday activities and modern-day ceremonies such as weddings and even funerals.
Batswana have incorporated their traditional music into church singing. The result is some of the most stirring, soulful music on earth. There are a lot of church choirs, in both urban and rural areas.
Religion-
Early tribal religions were primarily cults. The supreme being and creator was known as Modimo. Religious rites included the bogwera and bojale (male and female initiation ceremonies) and gofethla pula or rain-making rites.
Today, Christianity is the most prevailing belief system in Botswana, with well over 60% of the population. It was brought into Botswana by David Livingstone in the middle 19th century who converted Kgosi Sechele I (Chief of Bakwena) to Christianity. The main denominations are - Roman Catholic, Anglican, Zion, Lutheran and Methodist Christian Church.
Lots more info at the website on "flora & fauna" and other fun facts for those who want to know more - these were just the basics, so if you have time check it out!
~Natasha
#3
This week has been great. On Tuesday elder Jensen came and spoke to the MTC because this group has the 1000th missionary to come through the MTC. It was a really neat talk, but only lasted a little more than 20 minutes because we then went to the temple. The temple here is great. The gardens are really beautiful. I took lots of pictures and will send them sometime. So that was a great experience.
This week we also started practicing teaching lessons. My companion and I did really good. We really had the spirit there in our lessons and got one of our mock investigators to cry. It was awesome. I can't wait to get out there and really start teaching people who really need to know the truth. It will be awesome.
Also, so all you basketball girls know, there is a basketball court outside of the MTC, and so far I am undefeated. An Elder from Madagascar, Elder Randrianandry, and I have not yet been beaten, and I have not yet been beaten in 21. So, I am representing :), and I hope all you springville girls are doing the same, or you had better be!
I don't have much more time, but I just want all of you to know that the gospel is true, and if you endure to the end, you will find happiness. I love the Lord, and love doing his work.
I love you all and miss you very much.
Sister Barber
This week we also started practicing teaching lessons. My companion and I did really good. We really had the spirit there in our lessons and got one of our mock investigators to cry. It was awesome. I can't wait to get out there and really start teaching people who really need to know the truth. It will be awesome.
Also, so all you basketball girls know, there is a basketball court outside of the MTC, and so far I am undefeated. An Elder from Madagascar, Elder Randrianandry, and I have not yet been beaten, and I have not yet been beaten in 21. So, I am representing :), and I hope all you springville girls are doing the same, or you had better be!
I don't have much more time, but I just want all of you to know that the gospel is true, and if you endure to the end, you will find happiness. I love the Lord, and love doing his work.
I love you all and miss you very much.
Sister Barber
#2
Things are going great here in the MTC. It doesn't feel like I am in Africa because I am inside most of the day. We only get to go outside for a little bit, and can't really see much of the sights, so it hasn't really set in that I am in Africa, yet.
We have only had one full day of classes and training, but it seems like I have been here for weeks. The days are so long, but they are amazing. I have already learned so much about the gospel and myself in just the one day of learning. I can't wait to see how much I will grow in three weeks.
So Blake knows, I do not know if they have hookworms in Botswana, yet. But they do eat Mopani Worms, yuck. But the food here at the MTC has been great! It isn't anything I haven't seen before, except they have this sauce here called Chutney, it is like a sweet peach and apricot sauce, it is so good, you should see if you can get any to try.
My companion is Sister Nagirinya, from Uganda! She is a sweet girl. We will do well together. We have already learned so much from each other. It is a neat experience to be here in a place with people from so many different countries. There are about 12 of us Americans, and the rest are from African countries. It is fun. Way different from the MTC in Provo, that is for sure.
I would just like to end with my testimony that I know that this gospel is true and can change lives. God loves us all. I hope you all will remember that and strive to endure to the end. Love you, and miss you, and will write again this time next week.
Love,
Sister Barber
We have only had one full day of classes and training, but it seems like I have been here for weeks. The days are so long, but they are amazing. I have already learned so much about the gospel and myself in just the one day of learning. I can't wait to see how much I will grow in three weeks.
So Blake knows, I do not know if they have hookworms in Botswana, yet. But they do eat Mopani Worms, yuck. But the food here at the MTC has been great! It isn't anything I haven't seen before, except they have this sauce here called Chutney, it is like a sweet peach and apricot sauce, it is so good, you should see if you can get any to try.
My companion is Sister Nagirinya, from Uganda! She is a sweet girl. We will do well together. We have already learned so much from each other. It is a neat experience to be here in a place with people from so many different countries. There are about 12 of us Americans, and the rest are from African countries. It is fun. Way different from the MTC in Provo, that is for sure.
I would just like to end with my testimony that I know that this gospel is true and can change lives. God loves us all. I hope you all will remember that and strive to endure to the end. Love you, and miss you, and will write again this time next week.
Love,
Sister Barber
Finally - Updates!!
Sorry everyone for taking a little longer than intended for the first post - I couldn't remember the password Ashley set up - so I made a new blog then remembered I didn't have any way to tell most of you the new address so I had to wait for Sister Barber to give me the password again - and here we are! Here's what we have so far:
She made it to South Africa and said the flight was very long. There are only about 30 missionaries in the South Africa MTC so it is very small - but she is loving every minute of being there. She also found out that there are actually the Sister's don't serve in South Africa - but she will be spending her whole mission in Botswana. She's excited to finally be serving and will write more later. (Her first letter really wasn't more than an "I'm alive, things are good, here is where I will be")
More to come -
She made it to South Africa and said the flight was very long. There are only about 30 missionaries in the South Africa MTC so it is very small - but she is loving every minute of being there. She also found out that there are actually the Sister's don't serve in South Africa - but she will be spending her whole mission in Botswana. She's excited to finally be serving and will write more later. (Her first letter really wasn't more than an "I'm alive, things are good, here is where I will be")
More to come -
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