Swaziland is one of
the few true monarchies left in the world that is ruled by a king, and many
refer to it as, “The Kingdom”. Knowing that it is a country overwhelmingly
affected by AIDS, and predicted to no longer exist in less than 38 years, I
envisioned entering a land of depression, desperation, and hopelessness. I
could not have been more wrong.
The king of Swaziland
has 13 wives, each of which has their own home, expensive vehicle of choice,
and children to support. Therefore, polygamy is a common part of life, and the
wealth of the country is poured into satisfying the King and his family. There
are 3 flags to represent the country: one for the king, the queen mother, and
one for the country itself. Marijuana is a large export of the country, and
Swaziland is actually well known for their fine product, so it’s not uncommon
to pass the fields and farmers.
Shaddai children’s home around 3:30am after an unexpected and exhausting travel
day, and awoke the next morning for church. I stepped outside, inhaled the
fresh air from atop the mountain, and opened my eyes to the heavenly view
below.
church, about ten of the children were lined up at the front leading worship.
The rest were eager to meet us, so we joined them as they grabbed our hands and
curled into our laps. The worship was undoubtedly one of the sweetest sounds
I’ve ever heard. It was if the Angels in heaven were singing right along with
the children. Goosebumps rose on my arms and I couldn’t seem to wipe the smile
from my face. I looked outside the window and could still see the view of the
mountains and valley below. Truly this was evidence of the Kingdom of Heaven
here on Earth.
I didn’t know them
yet, but I knew their lives had not been easy. After all, they were orphans
living on a mountaintop in Swaziland, Africa. I realized in that moment that
these children were the future of the country. The Kingdom of Swaziland relied
on them, and the Kingdom of Heaven was pouring from them. As any other country,
I knew that Swaziland had its share of issues and struggles, but staring into
the eyes of these children, I knew the Lord had good plans for them and for
their country. They were filled with hope, promise, and the joy of the Lord.
I knew this was going
to be a good month.
“I
thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’ But it is the
spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty that gives him understanding. It is
not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.”
Job
32:6-9
