Swaziland was full of transitions. We transitioned from Asia to Africa as well as transitioning from Team Leader to a Raised Up Squad Leader, along with 2 other of my squad mates. Because we were training that month with our Alumni Squad Leaders, our ministry looked different because we would jump in where needed on the days we went to ministry. For the first half of the month, we were training with 3 teams in Manzini. I was able to be a part of a Christmas Party where there were dancing, dancing, and more dancing, eating, singing, and handing out of cabbages for gifts for the kiddos and their families. We also worked with Care Points within Manzini, coming along side the teachers there and working with the kids.
In between staying with the 3 teams and moving on to the next 3 teams in Nsoko, we were able to visit a beautiful Children’s Home called El Shaddai. It was a well needed “retreat” for us raised up squad leaders as well as our alumni squad leaders. We were able to rest and train with amazing views on top of a mountain and witness the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen. A part from being “rained-in” for a couple of extra days because we couldn’t get down the slippery, muddy mountain, El Shaddai was a gift from God for it’s peaceful, serenity feeling.
After leaving El Shaddai, we headed to the other 3 teams in Nsoko (Anchor Center). The ministry here included pre-school assisting, manual labor, home visits, Christmas parties, and afternoon care point visits.
Nsoko started the holiday season for us. I knew being away from home was going to be hard. Missing family, friends, cooking, turkey, stuffing, pie’s, I could go on, but I think you get it. We had 2 incredible families (SEC fans I may add), the Sprag’s and Malloy’s, who welcomed us into their home and treated us like family. Crystal and Josh invited us over for steak, warm, pressured showers, and a flat screen to watch a movie. And for Thanksgiving, we feasted. We had it all. Everything from home and possibly even more! Even though we weren’t home with our family and friends from the states, we were definitely surrounded by family and friends amongst our squad and the people in Nsoko. We had a ball eating, eating, napping while watching Thanksgiving episodes of “Friends”, and playing football in the backyard.
Swaziland holds a special place in my heart and the people there I miss so much already!
