We’re still in Swaziland. The new June World Racers arrived last week and we have participating in training with them as well as training them and encouraging them. It has been fun to watch them and over hear conversations because it shows me how far I have come. I can look back and recognize the same questions, doubts, fears, etc that I had at the beginning of the year. I am confident that my trust in God has increased!
We have spent much of our time in training sessions and simply being poured into. I hope to write more about what I’m learning and processing as soon as I can figure out how to articulate it. During our off times, we are able to walk in town, use the Internet, hang out, play lots of ultimate Frisbee and football, etc. The other day, we were given the opportunity to go to a cultural village with a group of people to learn more about Swazi culture. We arrived there and as we walked up to the gate, there was a sign saying that you had to announce yourself by yelling, “E-kaya” then someone would come to you. Andrew yelled and a 29-year-old Swazi man named Paul was our tour guide.
Our tour guide, Paul, and I
He took us through their village and taught us about the culture. We learned many things. Some of those things include a Swazi man can have as many wives as he wants, but he has to pay a dowry for them. He told us that for a virgin girl, the price is usually 17 cows and if she is not a virgin, then the price is negotiatable. Some of the guys calculated it out and estimated it is about $6000 U.S. dollars. Each man has to make three separate huts for each of his wives – one to sleep in, one to cook in, and one to make beer in. The men are not allowed to drink the traditional beer until they are married. We were curious if the women get jealous, but he said no. I guess its just culture and that’s how it is. Paul also explained to us that instead of diamond rings, you give a woman a goat skin apron. Now, tell me that doesn’t signify love!
After touring the village, we hiked up to the largest waterfall in Swaziland. Of course, compared to Misol-ha in Mexico and other waterfalls we’ve seen, it was small, but still amazingly beautiful!
Me at the waterfall
Then, Paul walked us back to the village where we got to see and participate in an hour long traditional show. Young Swazi men and women came out and sang and acted out some of the history of Swaziland. It was fun to watch as they sang and danced. Part of their dance was to kick their leg really fast and high above their head. It looked as they were kicking themselves in their faces. Of course, we got to participate as well. They came around and pulled all of us out of seats to come and dance with them. It was a fun and informing day learning more about Swazi culture.
Part of the traditional dance program.
