August 31, 2008 - a day at home

We didn't do too much today. Njale needed to go to the chicken farm in the morning and Anita and I slept in a bit. We were keyed up last evening and did not turn out the light until later than normal.

We went into Gaborone to the final day of the Agricultural Fair. The last day is mostly sales of goods by the exhibitors. Anita was hoping to purchase authentic Botswana clothing, and found two dresses to purchase. One she loves, and the other, well, let's just say she and Njale tried to return it, and the proprietor of the shop was quiet upset at the suggestion that Anita no longer wanted her 'beautiful' dress. We also purchased the new element for the hot water heater, and some more plants for the garden.











































When we got home we found that some people had stopped by to say goodbye - Sputnik, Njale's mother and the man who came to fix the hot water heater. Goodbyes with Sputnik and Mama were quite emotional - they both loved Brian deeply as brother and son. I represented his family and this made their pain fresh again. I was able to walk in the garden with both of them separately, and expressed my determination that this part of the Trennepohl family will not be forgotten, no matter how far way we are from each other.

Sputnik admitted that she found it difficult to be with me because I reminded her of the loss of Brian. He died so quickly and unexpectedly, that no one in Botswana or America was ready for his loss. She understood that I love all of them as family and we cried together while in his memorial garden. She promised to help me know when assistance is needed from those of us in America.

We all realize that Njale is a very proud woman and it is not easy for her to ask for help. While we have been in Botswana, Jim has been able to complete the refund for their tickets from last December through South African Airlines. Jim also has been able to negotiate a settlement on Brian's remaining health bills from his operations in South Africa. And I was just forceful enough to blast through the log jam holding back the pension settlement from the University. On our way to the airport on Monday, we met again with the man from that office, and walked out with 3 checks (for Njale, Sedi and Bone). Refilwe's will be filed with the courts with Njale as guardian until she reaches adulthood. This is supposed to be finished by the time I reach home, and the man is expecting an email from me at that time to confirm it's completed.

To bed early because of a very early wake-up call tomorrow.