Let’s be honest. Before the Race, I didn’t know much about Swaziland. As in, I didn’t know it was a country. However, as I researched each country on my route before leaving, this small nation quickly became the one I was most excited to visit. There was something different about Swaziland. It was in such a bad state that it is predicted to not exist by the year 2050. So, I prepared myself to see perhaps the most amount of suffering and hopelessness here, while also holding high expectations for what God was doing.
Now that I am here, part of me doesn’t want to leave! From the people, landscape, and ministry; here are 8 reasons why I love Swaziland (in no particular order).
- The Kids. There is a playground, school, and church where we live. Therefore, I awake every morning to kids running and screaming outside my window. Throughout the day they come to our door and ask for toys. My favorite request is for balloons which they are obsessed with. “Hey! Hey! Please. Borrow Me Some Balloon?” I never get sick of making funny faces at them as they peer through our kitchen window. Or the cutest thing, when I’m weeding and my 6 year old friend comes and takes the shovel right out of my hand and tries to help me. The kids are sweet, fun, witty, and keep you hopeful. As I pray over every child I hold (many are bare bottomed), I am filled with joyful expectation of the plans God has for their generation.
- Being Mistaken as a Local. I can’t explain the number of times people begin talking to me in Siswati (the local language) only to realize I don’t understand anything they are saying by my blank stare and confused look. They stop and say, “you speak English?” “Yes,” I reply. “Wait. You’re not Swazi? Where are you from?” “Nope. I’m American.” “But you look like me. They have people that look like me in America?” “Yes. Lots!” “Whoa!” They pretty much all go that way, but I will say one of my favorites was after a women learned where I was from said, “Oh yeah..America. Obama! When do you go back to Obama?!”
- The Landscape. Swaziland is a beautiful country and we are in the most rural part. We are surrounded by mountains and umbrella trees. The sugar cane fields add another hue to the many shades of green. The sunsets are vivid and breathtaking while the night sky..well, is vivid and breathtaking. I’ve made a habit of watching the sunset and it never fails that one of the kids comes to sit with me. I talk and pray with them and sometimes it seems like the Holy Spirit is translating as they smile and respond at all the right moments. My team made a home on the playground as we drag out mattresses at night and lay under the night sky which is covered with stars. We see many shooting stars as we chat, watch movies, and pray.
- The Animals. Like the kids, the animals keep you on your feet! I’ve come to enjoy chasing chickens out of the house, getting out of the cows way when jogging, “awwwing” at the cries of baby goats, and being greeted by a donkey as I walk out the front door. Not to mention the creepy turkeys that chill on the playground and scare us as we head inside after enjoying the stars. I’m still not used to that:) On our day off we also see zebras, impalas, ostriches, and crocodiles at the place we get wi-fi.
- Hitchhiking. So, I never hitchhiked before this month. I never had a desire to, but it’s become a little addicting. There’s a blog to come about this, but for now I’ll just say, I appreciate that it almost always means a free ride AND meeting people who are willing to share their stories. Oh yeah. We hitchhike on our days off to the only restaurant and wi-fi spot in town. And no, I will not do this when I get home.
- The Greetings. Greetings are a big deal in Swaziland. One of the first things we learned about the culture was to take time to greet everyone near you. The standard Swazi greeting:
Sawubona (I see you)
Yebo (Yay-Bow) (Yes, I’m here—Also used as slang “yes”)
Unjani? (How are you?)
Ngiya phila (I am fine)
Why did this make the list? I love the heart behind it. To stop and acknowledge another and to be “seen” is such a beautiful thing. It’s as simple as that.
- Gogos. “Gogo” means grandmother in Siswati. These women are mostly single caretakers of relatives and orphans. Due to HIV and other factors, many kids are left without parents. If it weren’t for Gogos they would be completely abandoned. During our home visits we often meet with Gogos bringing them words of encouragement, prayer, company, and meeting practical needs with food and water. Not to mention, it’s often Gogos leading worship and praise dancing during church. Their joy in the Lord and perseverance is uplifting. As my grandmother played such a crucial role in my life, I hold a lot of respect for these women and the burden they carry.
- God is Here. You look at the facts and it’s easy to see why hopelessness is a spiritual stronghold here. Swaziland has many challenges, many of which I shared here. Honestly it’s in the one on one conversations we have with those in dire circumstances, yet choose to follow Jesus that show God’s presence. In a nation where it would be easy, comfortable, and simply okay to follow other gods (e.g. witchcraft, ancestral worship, etc.), people are finding deep comfort, peace, and hope because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it’s incredible to see the kids we get to teach so excited to learn about Jesus. God has a plan for their generation and it is humbling to be a part of it. Overall, God is doing a mighty work in feeding the body, soul, and spirits of Swaziland. I am confident that this nation isn’t heading toward extinction, it’s just getting started!
So, that’s 8 things I love about Swaziland. I hope it gave you some insight into my experience here. Next week, we’re off to Botswana for month 9….WOW!
Personal Fundraising Update:
I am now raising funds for personal finances to help with my transition home. This money will be used to cover known expenses including: housing and food costs, airfare to Seattle to sort/retrieve personal items before moving back to Illinois, school loans, airfare to Seattle to sort/retrieve personal items before moving back to Illinois, and transportation (personal or public).
If you have any questions about this please contact me by clicking on the “EMAIL ME” link on the left side of the page. If you are able to give in any amount, please send visa gift cards OR make out a check or money order to “Sha’terika Perkins” and send to:
Christalyn Grantier
c/o Sha’terika Perkins
3239 S. Hudson St.
Seattle, WA 98118
