There is a saying missionary’s use in Africa. It’s simply just “T I A” which means, This is Africa. When we first arrived in Swaziland, this was a very common phrase for us to use. We would use it when the water would run out mid shower and you would have soap running in your eyes, or you got home from ministry after children wiped snot in your hair and your feet looked like you ran a mile barefoot in ash. But as time went on the meaning behind the phrase T I A became something completely different. It went from picturing the 112 degree weather we would have the next day to seeing my friend Denis smile as we talked to him at the tire store as he tried to make enough money to feed his family. It switched from dreading going to a care point to get climbed on all day and have nasty things put in my hair to hearing the laughter of the kids who all they want that day is to be held for once or hearing Sanaleswia saying Niaca tanza (I love you in Siswati) as the bus pulls up after a long day of ministry and not wanting to say goodbye. It went from being worried about meeting someone with AIDS to the honor I feel when someone trust me enough to ask for prayer for them and their children’s diagnoses. From the men I meet driving the khumbi or Lolo and the other women we have met and become friends with at SaveMor or even our homeless friend who can’t speak English, but will always tell us different verses to look up in our bibles. This is what I’ll imagine of when I think Africa. Not lions or malaria or any of the other things the world warns you about. Swaziland became a home to me. Not just another stop on my adventure not just a check on my list of countries I’ve been to but a home . A community of people I’m proud to call my family. From our host David and Jenna Towns to the prisoner I’ve met and had the privilege to be able to speak to on Tuesdays. Africa from when we arrived 3 months ago is not the same as it is now. A place that I thought would be my least favorite country we would live in quickly became a home that I can’t bear saying goodbye too. A home that will always be in my prayers. A home where I know I can come to and see a friendly smile from Lolo at her IceBlock Stand at SaveMore. A home that will always have a place in my heart. This Is My Africa.
