Month 5 is a shorter month for Z-Squad: we're only here in Swaziland for a mere 23 days before heading off to Romania. [We were originally going to be in Bulgaria for Month 5, but, there's been a route change.] After the very hot and dusty month in Mozambique, we weren't sure what to expect upon arriving here. Much to our surprise, Swaziland is lush and beautiful. Our ministry site is located in the mountains and the scenery is fantastic. At night, we have to wear sweaters and snuggle up in our sleeping bags. Who knew we'd be cold in Africa? In the summer?!? What a welcome change from last month!!!
Team Ignition is here with two other teams from our squad, working at the El Shaddai orphanage. There is lots to do here, and my time so far has been spent playing with the toddlers, painting classrooms, and cleaning. The kids are sweet and the classrooms are dirty. (Okay, sometimes the kids are dirty too!) Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, and it's predicted that the country will die out by 2050. Three out of four babies here don't make it to their first birthday. The people here are so tranquil, and the country is so beautiful, the statistics are hard to believe. It's a reminder to me that things aren't always as they seem.
SUPPORT UPDATE: If you've wanted to support me financially and you haven't done it yet, now's the time. The final deadline for money to be in my account is March 1st, which is less than 6 weeks away. You can donate by clicking on the “Support Me!” tab to the left, or, you can go to my blog homepage to access more information. If you've already donated, thank you! If you can't donate but have been blessing me with your prayers, thank you!!!
I have some random thoughts that never seem to find their home anywhere, so, I might as well share them here. Enjoy!
-Bugs in Swaziland are really really really big. Gross.
-On the World Race, if you have to choose between looking clean or smelling clean, always pick smelling clean. At home, if you have to choose between the two, don't leave your house.
-It's amazing how much of a staple eggs and peanut butter can become in your diet. Separately, not together. (At least, not yet.)
-Despite what our American advertising would have us believe, McDonald's is NOT found worldwide. You know what is? KFC! However, even that's deceiving, because KFC doesn't serve their biscuits worldwide, and really, what's KFC without their biscuits? I know what: Disappointing.
-Chapa rides in Mozambique were nuts. Chapa's seat 16 people. I was in one with 31. Additionally, we had a bus ride in which people literally threw fists to get on and off the bus because it was so crowded. (This is a normal everyday occurrence.) I may have thrown a few elbows. You gotta do what you gotta do.
-I miss cooking for myself. I will try to remember this when I get home and want to throw a frozen dinner in the microwave.
-Cows, goats, chickens. The rest of the world is used to having these hanging out outside of their homes.
-Cats in Asia are really ratty looking. Cats in Africa are really clean.
-We were told that we can't go hiking on a certain part of the mountain here in Swaziland because of a giant boa constrictor that's large enough to swallow a calf. Duly noted.
-When 20 people share a bathroom, awkward situations are bound to happen. What is awkward Month One of the race gets surprisingly less awkward by Month Five. Also, toilet paper is a hot commodity.
-Americans seem to have a reputation for giving high-fives worldwide.
-You know you're on the World Race when a trip to the grocery store become a treat you're looking forward to all week long.
-Along those lines, there have been times when watching the flies land on the fly strip has been entertainment. Sad, but true. And don't deny that you haven't done something similar at home.
-Drip-coffee is the most amazing thing ever. Worldwide, you will settle for various instant-coffee-type-substances. Starbucks, where art thou?
-Having a pair of work gloves on the race would be so, hmm, handy that I even had a dream last night that I got a pair.
-Month One on the race, it took me 3 weeks to adjust to my new surroundings. Last month, maybe 3 days. This month? Like, 3 minutes. Not sure it can get much faster than that.
-It's true, on the World Race, you learn to fall asleep anywhe……. zzzzzzz…..
Cold Shower & Coke Count: 29 & 16
