My favorite person in Swaziland is Florence. I met her on our first Sunday in Emkhuzweni at the Nazarene church we attended. She stood behind the podium leading songs and the order of the service. She was dressed in an ivory suit, ivory heels, and an ivory head wrap highlighting her beautiful dark skin.
Amy and Sara with Pastor Florence
When she introduced herself to our teams after church, she told us she is the pastor. I found that quite interesting. Even though she had been leading the service, I still thought it odd for a woman to be a pastor in Africa. But, as the weeks went by and I spent time with Florence, I realized what a calling God has put on her life as a spiritual leader and witnessed her gifts.
Florence has a bright disposition and immediately makes those around her feel loved. She is funny, really funny. Her smile spreads from ear to ear and her laughter roars from her belly. I was drawn to her.
The first occasion I spent quality time with Florence was after a Wednesday afternoon prayer meeting. She invited Liz and me into her home, right next to the church building, for a visit. Once settled inside her cozy dining room, she offered us each a banana. We talked and talked.
At one point in the conversation, the discussion turned to marriage and family. I didn’t know how old Florence was, but I guessed somewhere in her 40’s, and I knew she was single. I wanted to hear her story and know why.
She shared about her childhood, teen years, and young adulthood; they were not easy. When she met God and her life changed, she became sold out for Him. For the past twelve years or so she has been in ministry and pouring all of her love and time into the people of her church and village without any thoughts of dating or marriage. And then she told us about Goodwin.
Florence became like a giddy schoolgirl when she told us that she has officiated many weddings over the years, but in April it will be her wedding! Goodwin is also a pastor, but lives in South Africa. She met him through the Nazarene church pastors’ network. He has pursued her and loved her well, and has asked Florence to be his wife. My heart was so full of joy and excitement for this woman who has never been married before to experience God’s blessing and love for her through the gift of a good and godly husband.
The day before we left Swaziland, Florence had a meeting with Goodwin and some other church leaders in a nearby town. I had expressed how much I wanted to meet Goodwin, and so she arranged for him to come by our compound that day. I loved meeting him and seeing them interact. It was precious.
As I was packing the next morning, I came across a white sleeveless blouse with a crystal design that a fellow racer had randomly given to me at month 2 debrief. At the time that Imelda gave me the shirt, she told me that I may meet someone who will be blessed by the blouse and to feel free to give it away. I thought it was somewhat strange for Imelda to have even brought the shirt with her on the race because of its dressy design. But as soon as I saw the blouse in my bag, I realized it was meant for Florence! I was really excited to give it to her. It’s a perfect blouse for Florence as a bride.
Florence stopped by our last morning in Swaziland to say her final goodbyes. When I showed her the blouse and explained the story, she was so happy and grateful. She held it up and modeled it while posing for a picture! I am reminded how God is in all the details of our lives, even in the small things like a beautiful white blouse with lace and crystal design for a bride in Swaziland.
