When I stepped into Swaziland, I stepped into a promise. God had already laid Africa on my heart, specifically Swaziland. I went into it wondering if it would meet my expectations, and without forcing myself to appreciate or enjoy it, I naturally did so. I was blessed. I was in my prime. I was thriving.
I think this was the case because instead of comparing my giftings to the giftings of others on my team, I stepped into the way God works through me, which is typically through relationship, blessing, and encouragement. I made connections with people and pursued those connections and any opportunity God gave me to bless someone, I acted on it. It was ok that ministry didn’t always look the same for me as it did for others on my team.
I mentioned in a previous blog that Katie and I connected with a waitress named Nancy and we would visit her multiple times throughout the week. Nancy told us if we kept coming around, at the end of the month she would give us Swazi names.
Something I noticed right away in Swazi is that all Swazi names have incredible meanings. When we met someone, they would tell us what their name meant. Last names have meanings too, and everyone knows the meaning each person’s family name carries. They have to learn the meanings of different family names in school. I treasure the name I was given.
My name is Nobantu. The mother of happiness and love. I was given this name because of helping children and because I like people. Nancy said it means I am likeable, friendly, and welcoming. She said, “they like you for what you are.” When I stepped into Swaziland, I stepped into a promise. If God used me to spread happiness and love to even just one person, that is enough for me. I can’t help but hope my time with Swaziland isn’t over yet.
