So when the race first started I would often have these moments where I would realize how absolutely far away I was from my “normal” life. Now that I’m finishing month 7 these moments rarely happen. But last week we were at the Bible College getting it ready for students. I was pumped! This is what I know, what I’m familiar with. I’ve been a part of New Student Orientation for 8 years as a staff and all 4 years I was a student. But I quickly realized that none of my experience or knowledge would necessary or helpful!
At ENC:
The weeks leading up to move in has the Facilities Office and Res Life Office working to make sure all the rooms are set for students. Everything gets thoroughly cleaned, broken items are fixed or replaced and an inventory is taken to make sure the rooms have all the necessary items (bed, dresser, mirror, desk, chair, etc).
At the Bible College in Xai-Xai:
A few local women and 6 missionary women (that’d by my group and our contact) show up a few days before students move in. We moved the mattresses outside to get them some fresh air. The mattresses are old and in bad shape. Some have bed frames; a lot don’t and just sit on the floor. That’s all the furniture. We then washed the walls with a mop, washed the bathroom sink and shower with a mop (the same mop) swept the floor and then mopped it (yep same mop again). We also killed various spiders and cockroaches and had to get some of the men to kill a snake who had made its home under a mattress (not a cobra but still not cool). We have to get water from showers in houses down the hill because these houses don’t have water yet. Or light bulbs. And some don’t even have door knobs. Also you have to be careful where you step because the lawnmowers have left presents (they use cows as lawnmowers and cows leave TONS of poop as presents).
At ENC:
Students sometimes complain about having a roommate or complain that the rooms aren’t the size of their rooms back home.
At the Bible College in Xai-Xai:
Most students are thankful for the above mentioned housing. In fact they feel blessed to be living with their family (husband, wife and anywhere between 1 and 5 small children) in a cement building instead of a reed hut and to have indoor plumbing instead of an outhouse. They all share the one mattress and feel blessed for that mattress; no matter its shape, comfort or smell.
At ENC:
New Student Orientation is planned months in advance with matching tshirts and tents. Letters and emails and phone calls are made to ensure students arrive at their appointed time.
At the Bible College in Xai-Xai:
New Student Orientation was postponed because some students hadn’t showed up yet. They haven’t rescheduled it yet.
At ENC:
Students have many options as to where they will sit and what they will eat in the Cafeteria.
At the Bible College in Xai-Xai:
Students know it’s meal time when they hear the bell being rung. The same ladies who clean also cook. They get water from a well and cook over a fire. The eating area is outside with bugs and lizards and has 4 picnic tables. If you’re late you eat on the ground. Everyone was handed a heaping plate of red beans and rice.
What a crazy reminder for how far away from home I am!
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So I leave super early Saturday morning for Swaziland!!! I've been told internet is going to be scarce again next month but I'll try to update as often as I can!
