Swaziland. It is a kingdom built upon the soaring mountains and sweeping valleys of Southern Africa. There a proud and dignified people people live in rural communities and bustling cities. Most of them are young, having hardly begun their life. Yet their fate even now seems sealed. Only a handful grow old and watch the decades roll by. For many of these young people, their lives will be cut short by AIDS, TB, or cancer. These deadly diseases run rife throughout the kingdom.
A sign stands next to a busily traveled highway. The beaming faces of a family gaze upon those who travel beneath them. It is an advertisement for death. It stands as a testament to entire generations cut low. Above their smiling faces, the sign reads "Plans Offering a Dignified Funeral For You and Your Family." How does one respond in the face of such certainty? This is a nation facing a bitter end. It's 1.1 million inhabitants will probably cease to exist by 2050 due to negative population growth. Today, they must plan for their entire family's funerals. With dignity, they stand and wait; a kingdom awaiting it's fate.
In the midst of this bleak picture, there lies the undercurrent of hope. A group of children run and play. Their voices ringing in the air. The breeze carries the hot scent of rice and beans boiling over an open fire. It's savory essence hangs deliciously and tempts them with the meal to come. Here, hunger is satisfied and love is felt. A hug speaks volumes. Full tummies gurgle contentedly with relief. This is one of many AIM and Children Hope Chest Care points that dot the kingdom's landscape. The children of Swaziland begin to glimpse the dawn of tomorrow.
