Botswana & South Africa

The intersection between Traditional & Bio-contemporary Healing

domzworld — Mon, 3 Mar 2014 23:24:00 GMT

When I proudly mentioned to Kopo that I was on my way to meet with a traditional healer, she was shocked and informed me I shouldn't tell people that's what I was going to do. As if it's a dirty, little secret she shares with me the taboo surrounding traditional healers. We briefly shared our perspectives and understanding of the matter, with her requesing I ask the healer why it's such a forbidden topic, why are people reluctant to speak about it in public, only to be whispered behind very secured doors. Doc and the driver for the morning arrived around 8:30am and we were off to Mochudi to meet with Dr. B.G. Setilo, Spiritual and Traditional Healer. We sat for nearly 2 hours listening to him speak about his calling, where he is now and future plans--an interview. He would have gladly talked on longer and shared more with us if it were not for doc being on a time crunch. I was encouraged to ask frank questions and I did. One burning question (other than the taboo of going to see a traditional healer) was why did he say he was afraid to die when he first began to speak. The time with him echoed the misconception and misinformation about Haitian's practicing voodoo or Spanish Caribbeans belief in Santería or the Yorùbá religion. This guys, Dr. B.G. Setilo, Spiritual & Traditional Healer is trying to get this to be a legit, recognized, monitored, accepted, licensed profession. Of course, I had to meet and interview him. All about integrative care. Trying to demystify & bridge contemporary and traditional medicine in a researchable & scientific way. He's righting a book about the two words and I suggested we collaborate on some articles as prelude to the book. He is very interested. Back at Hana by noon, laid in bed, thinking, finally nap came to me.

Tomorrow we visit Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital in Lobatse.

Madikwe Game Reserve

domzworld — Sun, 2 Mar 2014 23:08:00 GMT

The day was spent at the Game reserve on the South African side of the fence. Wow, how lovely, dangerous, and exciting the wildlife is. Tendai from Maroon Tours picked me up around 10:30am, entertained me with his life's story and the entire day was spent at the reserves. Such a lovely place that I wish I did plan to stay the night. I highly recommend this place. The game drive was roughly 3 hours, guided by the reserve staff in jeep including a stop in the heart of the reserve for drinks and snacks. I was happy! Tendai and I didn't head back to Gabo until nearly 9pm. The border was crowded and I witnessed the power of knowing people. I've always known it's not (just) what you know but who you know. This guy proved it as going and coming back he talked his way with the immigration people who are so used to seeing him that he was able to skip to front of the lines. Returning on the Bots side I was able to get through quickly but he had to fanagle to move through and bring some of his buddies that were stuck in line as well. This guy is very personable and really is a good fit for the job/business he has taken on. He has the people skills and personality. I wish him the best in his company. There was something familiar and comforting about him. There were moments that he actually reminded me of my Stevie Weevie! Ah, good friends! They manifest themselves in new people and provide the karmic energy to keep us safe.

Rainy Season

domzworld — Sat, 1 Mar 2014 23:50:00 GMT

I woke up to the sound of rain drops and what I thought were pigeons but instead were monkeys. Rain, rain, rain! I definitely didn't want it to go away. After I ate the breakfast Ma Margaret prepared for me, I headed out for a walk. I had intended it to be a long walk, emergency raincoat unwrapped, headed to Riverwalk which turned out to be less than 10 min walk. First stop, book store -- Executive Books. I picked up a folk tale book and traditions book (both thin, easy to pack and carry). Found myself at the Equatorial Coffee Shop people watching, thinking, writing in my physical journal and reading a bit of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (parting gift from Serina, my last practicum supervisor). With free WiFi from the coffee shop, instragram and sent emails. Serina, My, Cin and Liz (as well as RK) were on my mind and as I read a passage from The Prophet on "Joy and Sorrow" and sent them pictures of that passage since it seemed apropo to the turmoils we've been dealing with regards to depression, anxiety, frustration, ya know, the school and life stuff. I was feeling good and present sitting at the coffee shop. Yet, pangs of anxiety did creap in as I thought of tasks I need to complete for FGU. Determined to stay in the light, stay present, stay content a bit more, I watched people walk by, all shapes and sizes of all different ethnic/cultural/"racial" descent. Just another mall with just a bit more darker complexions around. So from leaving the guest house around 10:10 am, made it back around nearly 3pm. No agenda for the rest of the evening, back in my room, attempted a nap and just zoned out, mindlessly staring at the tele, with the sound of rain on/off in the background. That's all for the day. Doc had deadlines to meet and I had my mind to keep in tact. Hello March 1, 2014.

City Tour

domzworld — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 23:50:00 GMT

I spent the day on a city tour with Tendai from Maroon Tour Company (recommended by Doc). He took me around all aspects of the city, providing history and discussing social dilemmas. Sadly, we visited a part of the city which was highly disappointing but reminiscent of many other parts of impoverished countries, including the US. In this area, my heart ached over the number of little ones, what appeared to be ages 2-5 roaming the streets, gathering to play alongside the road (no distinction between road or sidewalk for there are no sidewalks). The kids were walking around, no parents in sight, just roaming. Little ones, newly born, for the most part. I was really irritated as Tendai explained the social/cultural concerns, HIV/AIDS epidemic and apathy that has developed amongst teens and young adults. HIV/AIDS is a huge problem in this country. Despite the number of campaigns about safe sex, posters of condoms all over, promotion seems to have fallen on death ears. A level of desensitization has occurred. Same old story of these young people with nothing to lose or care for. Although education is free even up to the uni level, it is not widely valued or appreciated. Here I am, coming into this country, stoked about being at a uni, touring, meeting, loving and soaking up the "cultural" knowledge and sadly, those sentiments aren't shared amongst my younger brothers and sisters. Yes, I know it’s the same crap in the states as well.

Baby daddy dramas occur here as well. Tendai explained it wasn't until recently the government allowed non married women to include the name of the children's father on birth certificates. If children were not born to married couples, the woman could not list the father's name on the birth certificate! Therefore, the burden of supporting the child fell on the government. But lately, that band has been lifted thereby putting in place a "maintenance" fine (child support) on men who aren't taking care of their babies. Looking for love in all the wrong places, cheap thrills, lack of self worth, self value, or self love...again same story different country. Sex is a commodity so some sell a bit of tale to get a few crumbs beyond what the government can offer; while others, looking for love and protection. From Haiti, US, Japan, Cuba and beyond, women are undervalued or undervalue themselves although they are the backbones of their countries. When the men have been away, fighting wars, the women were the ones left behind to build their countries, and thrive. Yet, we still are undervalued and the mind games continue.

The woman without a man and children is not a woman such as the man without cattle and son(s) is not a man. To that I write, I AM WOMAN ENOUGH! I refuse to be a statistic. I refuse to feel unworthy or unloved because I am in my 40's, never been married, and childless. I am WOMAN! I come from a long line of strong women. Yes, sadly that lineage does give more value to men, which is sheer hypocrisy considering many of the women in my family are or have been single parents and tyrants even with their "man" at toe. Those that aren't are far and few. Yet, they continue to revere men, placing more value on the men's head than their own. They raise their daughters and spoil the crap out of their boys and when their "boys" fall short of expectations they wonder why, what happened. Yes, there is definitely a tone of animosity in my last few lines. Don't mistake that animosity for hatred of men. I love men but I have certain standards that I do not care to compromise on!

The evening ended with doc and I going to dinner at Rodizio Brazilian Restaurant where we got to know each other a bit better, allowing me to explain why I've been "stalking" her since 2008. It’s with utmost respect and appreciation for the global work she is doing, representing in ways that far and few women of African descent are seen doing internationally!! Her family is of Cape Verdean/Brazilian descent. Just when earlier I was thinking how, when I go to Senegal I definitely must go to Cape Verde. The only other Cape Verdean family I ever knew of was my high school buddy Marc W.

Black Out!!

domzworld — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 23:47:00 GMT

Ahhhhh, Haiti!!! Oh wait, I'm still in Gaborone! So today was a very laid back day. Once again, waking up at 3am, unable to go back to sleep, I sat around surfing the net and pretty much being mindless, waiting for doc to come take me with her on her errands. Silly me wasn't paying attention to time or text and she showed up having to wait on me to get ready. I realy wanted to take the ride with her to the Ministry of Health office to submit the request for approval for her research. Even though she got IRB approval, must get the stamp of approval from the government. Such is politics! Anywho, we dropped of those papers, went to do some grocery shopping and I was back at Hana by noon. Desperately needing a nap, SLEEP, just went straight to my room and conked out. When I got up, went to chat with Kopo (receptionist? front desk?) for a few then back to the room I went. There really wasn't much else to do or that I was up for doing. Mind still very foggy. Not really interested in getting school work done so laid in bed, especially since black out hit the village (the village as in greenwich vlg, section area. not necessarily because the area is full-on village-y in the traditional sense).

So from 1 unter after 8 or maybe 9pm black out and all I could do is bring out the tablet and finish reading "Netsuke" while mosquitos ate away at me! The windows had to be opened because of the blackout in the area so no AC. Despite me spraying repellent all over, those darn mosquitos made their way up my nose! At least my crotch was spared. So, hence the reflection on Haiti! Having kept in mind the possibility Gabo could be similar to Haiti, I came prepared with flashlight, lots of repellent (not so helpful much), matches and other emergency items. Black out? So what! No problem. Although, Mr. Shin (sp?) did bring back portable laterns for all the rooms.

So Hana Guest House is/was the personal residence of this Korean family who own an electric company(?). Their 2 daughters are in their 20's, residing in Australia and the mom recently moved their to join them. Dad to follow at some point. For now, he has brought his younger brother to Gabo to learn the business and take over...as the story goes.

The house is maintained by Ma Honest, housekeeper; Ma Margaret, cook and housekeeping as well; Eric, the groundsman; Kopo, receptionist etc,; her husband Casy helps out from time to time (he studied engineering in Australia for 5 years and they have an 18 month old daughter, Mia), and Leti (sp?) the IT who hooked up the WiFi quite nicely. No complaints from me about the WiFi service at all. I'm able to get on my remote desktop and knock off some work work. Yes, I know! Crazy of me to be doing work work while technically on vacation. Whatever, that's how I am. Would rather do it then burden others. This way I can always take off work for such adventures without (much) qualms. Being able to work like this is my means of survival with the mundane. If only I can muster up the desire to get going on some homework. Those darn papers require more of me than I have energy or interest to give. Goodness, I'm living my eduction yet need to play this "game" Such is the price for wanting to stomp with the "big dogs". That PhD is universal so must put in my dues for it. That's all for now. Until next time.

Similar to the Blue Mango Lodge, Hana Guest House is quaint and cozy. I have a good vibe about the place.

I am truly blessed and grateful (and a persistent stalker...shhhh)

"Visiting Scholar"

domzworld — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:51:00 GMT

Wednesday was a very productive day!!! I was checked out of the Mondior by 8:30am, ready for Doc to come to pick me up around. She had supervision with a student at 9am so I wandered around the campus people watching. My summation of UB is that it's just like any other university in the states accept for the many black, beautiful faces. Having spent my life in predominately white universities, I was in awe by the many black, brown, biege faces around campuses. We were in the majority!!! I sat in the courtyard, discreetly taking pictures, trying to capture campus life. Once doc was done, we were off to her psychopathology class early for a "focus group" she had scheduled (providing students extra credit to meet me earlier and ask questions). There were roughly 10-15 students that came in early. By 11 am doc made announcements and I suppose by 11:15 - 11:30 I began my intro to play therapy presentation. It went well. I did not disappoint. Once my presentation was over, on to the day's lecture on anxiety & mood disorders. And with any other classrooms I've been in in the states, students were the same -- some engaged, some not.

Once class ended, we went for lunch at the staff lounge and doc introduced me to several faculty members as a "visiting scholar. After lunch was a meeting of the injury research team. Ahhh, POLITICS! Everything we do, every interest, must jump through hopes and face politics, including "research". That was my day. Once all that done, back to the Hana Guest House and slept. Jetlag still but getting better but I'm still waking up at 3am.

Appreciation

domzworld — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 07:03:00 GMT

Dr. M. really put some thought into making this opportunity thorough for me. Along with the following proposed itinerary there's hopes of visiting the diamond mine and police station. Much to my surprise, Dr. M. enlightened me about how different the mining industry is in Gabo and that it is not "blood diamonds". The possible visit to the police station stems from research work she is doing on traffic psychology (automobile).

Proposed Tentative Itinerary for Dominique Eugene

Global Mental Health Mentorship Visit with Dr. Nicole Monteiro,

Department of Psychology, University of Botswana

February 23^rd - March 8^th

Date Activity

Sunday Feb 23 Arrive in Gaborone, Check in to Mondior, Rest

Monday Feb 24 First visit to UB and Psychology Department- finalize

international fee and student access, introductions, short tour

Tues Feb 25 Psychology Department meeting; Visit with Prof Malete in

International Affairs; Independent exploration on campus

Wed Feb 26 Guest lecture in Psychopathology class; Explore Gaborone

Thurs Feb 27 Research meeting; Explore Gaborone

Friday Feb 28 Meeting with students; Research; Dinner

Sat March 1 Recreation - Lion’s park, Botswana Craft, etc.

Sun March 2 Recreation – Riverwalk, Village tour, etc.

Mon March 3 Visit Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital in Lobatse

Tue March 4 Visit traditional healer, Dr. Sithilo, in Mochudi

Wed March 5 Attend class, Research, Tea with B. Psych students

Thurs March 6 Meeting with Counseling Center, Seminar presentation

Fri March 7 Visit Psychology/Psychiatry Departments at Princess Marina

Hospital; Visit SOS Children’s Home

Sat March 8 Shopping/recreation

The Journey to Botswana

domzworld — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 10:15:00 GMT

When I woke up around 4:30am on Friday Feb 21, 2014 in Glendale, I was stricken with anxiety/panic over the fact that I'd be taken off to Africa for 3 weeks. I began hyperventilating as the shuttle rang they were there to pick me up. As much as I was looking forward to yet another adventure, the reality was a bit daunting because I'd be doing this trip on my own, for the most part. Back in May 2013 when this proposal to meet Dr. Nicole Monteiro at the U of Bots, this trip was to include Myisha. Sadly, she just couldn't join me. So, here I am on my own, once again. A matter of circumstances but if I don't end up doing trips solo, I won't ever get to do a travel since my buddies aren't always in a position to join me. So, lets recap since leaving LAX!

Slept most of the way from LAX to ATL, less than 5 hours. While waiting for connection at ATL, caught up on work work. ATL to JNB flight was 15 hours. I sat next to this young lady and her 3 y/o (Raymond) and 8 mos old (Vivian) and husband stationed in Germany. Her son has a spinal condition that's causing his spinal cord to atrophy. The doctors have no idea what's causing it but the little one uses a walker since his motor skills are damaged. When I initially sat down I was nervous being "stuck" next to little ones but when I remembered seeing the boy with his walker, I soften up. I'm glad I did. Sitting next to them wasn't bad at all although mom thought their behavior was worse than usual.

Flight to Jo'burg was uneventful for the most part. Although, I did sit next to this marvelous woman (Tosca)who spends most of her time between Jo'burg and Ohio. She owns a commercial pig farm in Jo'burg so we talked about that. She bought her ex-husband out of the business years ago and she's been the head honcho in a male dominated industry. She offered to give me a tour when I get back to Jo'burg. I'm really looking forward to it. A bit apprehensive at first since the farm is definitely free range. She told me how the regulations are different and much stricter. Eh, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and will take her up on her offer. I slept for most of the flight especially once my tablet was running out of battery while reading "Netsuke".

I arrived in Jo'burg around 4:30 pm Sunday, Feb 22, hoping I'd be able to lounge around the airport until my flight the following afternoon since I had not booked any place to stay the night but O.R. Tambo is not like Dubai airport. So, reluctantly I took the advice of the information woman and decided to stay at a hotel. Well, pleasant surprise! Found myself at this quaint, reasonably priced place about 15 min from airport. The owners are British (husband) & Ugandan (wife) — at The Blue Mango Lodge. I felt so comfortable there, after long talks with wifey and eventually hubb that I booked to return on March 14-17.

So, the following are other updates I posted on FB since the adventure began.

Flying out of ATL on Feb 21Umm, I was spoiled flying first class from NY on Monday! Now this flight to SA doesn't even have charger/USB outlets. Grrrr, I should have flown Emeriates Air! Travel brat, yes!

Dear Fielding Instructors, I really don't want to write any papers or post any assignments while I'm away. Technically, I am getting my edumacation hands on! Did I not mention I'll be at the Uni of Botswana? Grrrr! Back at airport for flight to Botswana and homework on my mind — feeling irritated.

I have arrived! Local time/date 10:11 am on Sunday Feb 23! Super excited but very sleepy & tired. — at Mondior Gaborone.

IIIITTTAAAIII!!! Massive headache all day. I can't recall ever being this jetlagged. Been sleeping all day & about to go back to sleep after only being up less than an hour. I brought all other types of meds with me but nothing for headache. Foolishly left it behind purposely because I rarely get headaches so didn't feel like packing more drugs. Grrrr! — feeling pained.

I was so foggy earlier that I couldn't post my excitement! I MET HER, I MET HER!!! After 6 years of correspondence I finally met the lovely, Dr Montiero and her adorable 3 year old daughter, Fati! She came by my hotel, took me for quick tour of UB and as jetlagged as I was I stumbled over my words, saying something foolish, "you look much better in person". What I meant was that the pix I've seen of her falls short.Yep, I was starstrucked in a geeky kind of way! This fabulous young lady is doing the global stuff I aspire to do. She is absolutely a BBBW!! ok, back to sleep for me, 4:37am (Monday). BBBW=Beautiful Black Brainy Woman!!

So later today, Mon 2/24, after Dr. M. finishes taking her mom on errands (her mom has been with her several months since her Senegalese husband has been away on business. Her mom leaves on Tues) she will come for me around 2pm, take me to riverwalk to get phone/sim card then we will hash out detail of rest of week. She made several suggestions last night, one being visiting the police station/officers since she is involved with the "traffic psychology" project and maybe going to visit a diamon mine. Time for me to get something to eat. I slept on/off all day upon my arrival with no interest in food since the headach was so overwhelming. (10:15 am, Mon March 24).

12 days to go, sad day

domzworld — Sun, 9 Feb 2014 13:28:00 GMT

With heavy hearts we say farewell to yet another family member. This morning our beloved Marie Luz has transitioned on. Despite this sad occasion we rejoice that our families will be coming together to put her to rest. See you all soon.

13 days to go!

domzworld — Sat, 8 Feb 2014 20:41:00 GMT

Finally trying to organize my thoughts, work on preparation for travels while trying to get school and work stuff done.