I can still remember the first day in Swaziland. It was raining hard, which made traveling up a hill on a dirt road difficult. The van was unable to make it to our destination due to dreary weather conditions the first night. Stuck in a ditch, trying to drive up the slope in a 20 passenger van+ trailer full of packs= fail. We spent the night in the van, having flashbacks to training camp when we slept on a school bus. The last leg of traveling included a combination of walking and hitching a ride in a van moving at a snail’s pace trucking through the mud. Arriving to the destination was a sweet, wet, tiresome victory rewarded by a warm welcome of orphans.
We also each had a orphan as our buddy to hang out with and pour into throughout the month. Towards the beginning this sweet and spunky seven year old drew my attention, his name was Madita. Some of the best moments we had were spent playing steal the cabbage (card game), watching movies or drawing. He was the typical boy and loved to play soccer with the older boys. Weekly boys movie nights were one of his favorites- his eyes were glued to the screen while he held his bag of popcorn- saving it for later.
Christmas was a blast for all of the orphans. Santa came to visit and handed out toys to the kids. Including toys, clothes, and shoes. Special events also included making and decorating Christmas cookies. They smiled from ear to ear and were hyped up on sugar for the rest of the day.
We filled the sky with fireworks on New Year’s Eve and pretty much every pair of eyes, including the babies, reflected their glow and joy. It was a great last night with the orphans and a wonderful beginning to the new year. Pulling out of the drive January 1 was a three hour process, vans were delayed coming up the hill. During the three hour wait we were able to relax, and enjoy eachothers’ company, before the squad was split into two different vans. When we said our final good byes, little hands waved furiously and some even ran after the van.
The kids softened our hearts just by being themselves. Despite their rough, desolate backgrounds they loved and trusted us throughout the month. Sometimes they would shut down, cover their face or walk away from you as you were wanting to help them out. Perfect depiction of our relationship with our heavenly Father. I remember growing up trying to solve my problems on my own and constantly having my own agenda, disregarding any assistance offered from others. Often times we have our own plans and disregard that God may have something else in mind. Although I was suppose to pour into him, he helped teach me a lesson of our relationship with God. God is always there for us, even when our back is to Him.
Public education in Swaziland is poor and has a need for teachers who truly have a desire to teach or feel led to serve in Swaziland. This has been presented to me as a possibility for my future. The atmosphere at El Sheddai Children’s Home was full of joy and peace. I still have not received solid confirmation, nor has God closed the door. If it does become a reality it would include a two year contract, living in a small house with a kitchenette, surrounded by God’s protection.
