Swaziland
First off, I just want to say how much I love Africa. If you ever have the opportunity to come here, do it! You won’t regret it. The people in Swazi are so friendly and were happy to welcome us to their beautiful country. It was very mountainous and we came during their rainy season which means it was green and gorgeous! It’s was very encouraging to go to a spirit filled church each week and meet new people that are so passionate about God.
I worked with two different ministries last month. Three days a week I went to Hope House, which is a very well run hospice center for people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, disabilities, and people who’s time on this earth is coming to an end. I received so much joy every time I visited Hope House and I met some absolutely amazing people that love life and, despite their circumstances, find reasons to smile every day. One particular family touched my heart in a very special way. A pastor, his wife, and his daughter had contagious joy that I was so blessed to experience every day. I was welcomed each morning with a big smile and a warm embrace from Figela (his daughter) and his wife, GoGo (it means grandmother in Saswati). The pastor had cancer and some other complications but he had two amazing women that took great care of him. Each day we would pray for the pastor ad fellowship with his family. This family loves God so much and does everything for his glory. Smiles are instantly contagious when you’re around them. They don’t just see your glass half full, they fill it all the way up. Their situation isn’t great, they don’t have much, but I’d say they are the luckiest, wealthiest people I have ever met. They find their joy in seeing the best in people and having a grateful heart for all that God has done for them. I was so humbled each morning I spent with them. They were my family away from my family and I’m so grateful that God put them into my life.
At the Hope House, a group of friends and I visited the patients and caregivers, encouraging them, worshipping with them, and simply making them feel loved. Alyssa and I would bring our Ukulele and guitar and put on a worship concert for everyone or just sing silly songs with the kids. Our mission was not to heal these people, our mission was simply to love them and make them feel important. Oddly enough, every time I left Hope House, the patients are the ones who have made me feel special and loved.
My second ministry was visiting care points that AIM has placed in villages for children throughout Swaziland. Twice a week we helped put on a Christmas party for around 350 kids. We were able to play with the kids and watch their short Christmas program that usually consists of choir singing and small skits. After the program we served the kiddos a special Swazi Christmas meal (Cole slaw, Beet slaw, Potato salad, rice, and pork). While they were eating we peeled and bagged cabbages to give to the children’s families as a Christmas present along with a bag of hygiene products and cookies for the kids. The cabbages in Africa are three times the size of any cabbage you would find in the US so it was quite comical to watch 5 and 6 year olds tottle off with a cabbage that is half the size of their body.
I feel very blessed and humbled by the ministries I worked with last month. I also had the opportunity to stay with two other teams at the AIM office. I had a real bed and we had a kitchen where we cooked our own meals and a delicious Thanksgiving feast! Yayy! It was a great month of community and fellowship with my new Free Bird team.
Random Fun Happenings in Swazi: I got to sing with an African Choir. I saw a wild crocodile. I swam under a beautiful waterfall. I almost got attacked by a monkey and her baby. I had a lovely Thanksgiving with my new G-squad family 🙂
Now off to a new country, with a new team, and new adventures! J Stay tuned for more of #laurenslifein11
