Life in Swazi

Sanibonani (now from eSwatini) !!

Life in eSwatini has been a LOT different than in South Africa. From day one, we’ve been told that they don’t do things right or wrong here, just very different from what we’re used to in the states. I’m starting to understand what they meant— things like the king having 14 wives (the previous one had 70!), driving on the left side of the road, drinking unrefrigerated milk, toddlers roaming the streets all by themselves, and going off “African time” (which is basically getting there when you get there) are all the new normal.

Our living situation has also been quite a big change. We are now staying at a homestead that is a part of AIM. The luxuries of wifi, a washing machine, and aunties who cook all our meals are no longer available to us like at Impact Africa. I now hand wash every single article of clothing that I wear and cook meals with my squad in our tiny kitchen. I sure miss my friend Loli at Impact, but I have a new little friend named Yandi that I get to hang out with at our new homestead.

No wifi has meant spending quality time with my squad, journaling and talking to the Lord, and getting back into some running. Some of my squadmates and I run with our wonderful host Steven (we call him Babi) almost every morning at 5am. These runs have been ranging anywhere from 3-8 miles, and he plans to take us farther. The 4:40am alarm is hard, but the sun rise is ALWAYS worth it. We end every run with a timer picture.

After my run each morning, I usually make some instant coffee and eat some rusks. Rusks are one of the greatest things I’ve discovered here in Africa— they are these hard biscuit things that you dip into your coffee, and they are HEAVENLY. Don’t worry, I will be shipping some home for you all to try. After a quick rinse-off in the bathtub, I then transition into my quiet time. This usually consists of prayer, journaling, and reading Back to the Gospel (s/o Nicole!!), along with my Bible. Once quiet time is over, I quickly eat some instant oatmeal and rush to the car for ministry.

Ministry here mostly consists of visiting care points. These are places where young children go to school and where older children go after school. It’s a safe place for these kids to hang out and have a meal (sometimes this may be their only meal of the day). We get the opportunity to talk to them, play games with them, serve them, and simply shed the light of Jesus on some of their dark realities. eSwatini (formerly called Swaziland) has some of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the entire world, leaving many children without parents. It’s heartbreaking to know some of the kids we see on a daily basis are in this situation, but it gives us more of a reason to squeeze them a little tighter and love on them more intentionally.

I won’t say ministry is easy here. In fact, last week I found myself standing in a pen of cow poop, shoveling it up into wheelbarrows, and wheeling it a distance back to the care point’s garden for fertilizer. But, I will say that it’s been pushing me in my faith and teaching me how to rely on the Lord more. He’s been making little heart changes in me so that I can better serve His people here (and Nashville, and wherever else He leads me). The language barrier, physical labor, and extreme heat are all very draining, but the Lord has been our strength through it all.

(P.S. in case you’re wondering, yes, this is ALL poop we are standing in!)

A sweet reminder I received from Him was through a little girl named Aphiwe. While pulling weeds in the garden, she sprinted over to me, jumped into my arms, gave me a big squeeze, and then proceeded to wipe off all the dirt from my hands and feet. In that moment, I was reminded how simple it is to show Jesus’ love. This little girl probably faces so much hardship at home, yet she took the time to show me (a complete stranger) unconditional love. Sometimes Jesus calls us to do exactly this. He calls us to drop whatever it is going on in our lives, for just a moment, so that we can love our neighbor better. Thanks Aphiwe for being such a light to me on a tough day— it was pretty cool seeing Jesus in you.

These next 4 weeks in Swazi are definitely going to be challenging, but oh so rewarding. Until my next update, know I’m enjoying my amazing community and chomping away on some lemon creams (my new favorite treat).

I love you all and so does Jesus 🙂