Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

I can't tell you how many times I've asked myself that question since getting back.
Was I actually just in Nsoko or did I make it up? Do I have an insane imagination and came up with a million details and memories to play back in my mind? Or was I really truly there?
 
Obviously, I still can't believe that I was able to go back. The place that meant so much to me for over 3 years; a place I'd literally had dreams about; the place and the people I couldn't get out of my head even from 9800 miles away. The place that had been more than just a "place" from the first day I was there in 2009. 
 
This time around, I left after Christmas, traveled alone, arrived in Johannesburg early in the morning, and met up with Zech (my now-fiance!) and Marygrace (a girl from my team in 2009). Together we journeyed up to Nsoko, Swaziland and then spent about 18 days  in the village of Nsoko. Our winter, mind you, is THEIR summer. I have never, until this point, experienced an African summer.
I can say now that I have – and that I survived.
 
Here's my summary of the events and critters that have forever shaped my life – from my most recent journey to Nsoko:
  1. 100 degree temperatures (with outrageous humidity)
  2. A major freak rain/thunderstorm that succeeded in both flooding the house AND knocking out electricity
  3. Same freak storm kind of electrocuted Zech (its truly a sad, sad story that involves a tin cup and disgusting rain water)
  4. Saw that the storm had uprooted power lines out of the ground – power stayed out for almost a whole week
  5. 2 blown tires
  6. Spiders the size of my hand – demons, I tell you
  7. Giant beetles
  8. Ants from hell
  9. Flooding. Heat. Constant dehydration, primarily BECAUSE of the heat
  10. Getting sprayed with nasty giant-spider juice

The heat/humidity mixture rivalled that of India's, when I was there in August of 2011. My human limits (in regards to temperatures) have been met. 

But Nsoko and I  aren't through.

If I could, I'd put into words just how wonderful it was to be reunited with my friends. If I could, I'd paint a picture in your mind that would help you understand my reasons for going to this village and loving every moment. I'd give you a hundred reasons – there are at least that many. The time, while there, mercifully did NOT fly by. I had assumed it'd go by incredibly fast, but perhaps by God's grace, I was able to enjoy every second (minus the times I literally did not think I could move another inch because it was so hot!). 

One of the gogos, whom the three of us know, was in great need. She takes care of multiple grandchildren, and probably some who aren't even related to her. She lives in a simple house, and in the heat of the day, it wasn't odd to see this elderly Swazi woman taking a nap on the little porch of her house. Imagine that, a 70 or 80-yr old lady, just laying down on solid concrete for hours! And no matter the odds that are stacked up against her – from sweltering summers to facing the merciless impact and spread of HIV; not knowing where next weeks food will come from, listening to her grandkids tell her that they are hungry and being unable to provide so they can sleep with a full stomach – regardless of all these difficulties and countless more, this Gogo is always smiling. She has an unwavering faith that God will provide, and God has provided. Not only in food to get them by, but in peace, love for others, and joy.

After a few visits with her, I concluded that I have been blessed just by spending time with her. Hearing her say, "Oh I am very happy. Very, very happy," over and over, even after a little one (probably 3 or so) told her, "Gogo, I am hungry," and the little chickens she owned crowded around all of us (also hungry), and even as she told us of the tragedies in her family and the heartache of her children's problems in addition to everything else, her joy was contagious. And the way that she accepted and loved us, just a few American kids – is astounding. 

I have been told that I am a "better person for doing things in Africa", or that I'm better because I "love the unlovable", but I pray that this is not what you believe. I am drawn to a place with a complicated mosaic of deep-rooted problems that are only further complicated by poverty and disease. The more I meet people in Swaziland like gogo Agnes, the more I realize that I'm actually very selfish. The Swazis, to me, are some of the most genuine, inspiring, and stubborn people I know – I see them, and the children, and I see a Swaziland with great potential. Beautiful hope. I love them, and it's simple – they are the most lovable people I've ever met.

God's given me a direction to move towards, and slowly but surely, I am. 

This blog serves as a thankyou to all of you – for reading, praying, and donating so that I can move forward. I promise you, without your help, it'd be almost impossible. I know for certain, that those prayers have encouraged me and pushed me forward even when things got difficult. Being able to fund the trip I took this last December in about a months' time seemed impossible – but many of you listened, and gave what you could. And I was able to go. 

This trip energized my soul, if that makes sense. Almost like how it feels when I pick up a guitar and play after not touching it for months, or how it feels to truly be at rest and complete peace. It was a great blessing to be able to return after so long, to be where I belong. I can't thank you enough. 

For as long as I have this blog (not sure how long it'll stay open and active since I am no longer traveling in the World Race), I will update the big things here. Thank you all for your love, and support. 

Stay subscribed for new stories to come 🙂

-Becca