Hey everyone! My name is Sydnei Jones and I am a setter on the Howard University Women's Volleyball team. Today was our fourth day in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Saying that I am having fun would be an understatement! I have truly enjoyed every part of this trip immensely. 

Today began with our visit to the U.S. Embassy in Botswana. The staff kindly greeted us at the door of the beautiful residence of the Ambassador of the United States Howard A. Van Vranken. Our team was treated to an array of brunch dishes on the classiest china I have ever seen.

After we ate, we were greeted and welcomed by various staff members from the embassy and the Botswana Volleyball Federation.

They spoke about our current friendship and relationship with Botswana, their hopes and dreams for the future of volleyball in their country, and their desire to strengthen the bond between the U.S., Howard University, and Botswana in the years to come.

I was deeply moved when I interacted with a staff member who was from my hometown of Pittsburgh. Discovering that she lived just 30 minutes away from me made the world feel so much smaller.

It meant so much to see someone from home all the way across the world. This experience truly put into perspective how small the world actually is and underscored the importance of connecting with and learning about others. 

After many engaging conversations and banter about who was going to win the game, we left Ambassador Van Vranken's home and headed to the second clinic of the trip.

The clinic was held at Tshiamo Primary School and we were instantly acknowledged by hundreds of beautiful children that were eager to get their hands on a volleyball. Meeting the kids and seeing how happy they were had most of us in tears. We took pictures and played volleyball in the sun until they had to go back to class. 

A couple hours later we headed to the gym to play the Botswana National Team.We were able to defeat them in three straight sets. The energy in the gym was ecstatic and the people really made the atmosphere amazing to play in. After the match, we all swapped jackets as memorabilia. 

Today was a full day with high emotions and every day makes me appreciate being on this trip even more. I am truly blessed and grateful that we are able to come back to the motherland!