Dear Pre-Swaziland Me,
The Kingdom of E-Swatini offers so much more than you could ever imagine that I do not even know where to begin. You were correct when you said that it was going to be hot as heck here, that African sun does not mess around. The maxi skirts have not been the most enjoyable thing to try and run around in but you get used to them eventually. Make sure when going out anywhere, so the two places we can visit, that you always wear good walking shoes or have a lot of time to wait because you’ll never know when a kumbi will actually arrive or if they will kick you out and make you walk. Know that when you think you are at your hottest and you couldn’t possibly sweat anymore, there is always a chance for it to get hotter. And keep your windows shut, the bugs and animals that will crawl into your room are not friends that you want to be having a sleepover with. Always keep an open mind because you never know when you will have to pack up and leave and travel to a new location for who knows how long. Know that all the children that you meet will want to have their photo taken with you and to tell you that they will yell “Shoot me!” at you. They will talk about you in Swahili and then ask you a silly question probably about the number of goats you do or do not have at your homestead. Try to stay clean as best as you can but know that the African red dirt will built up everywhere. Don’t forget, when you get there, stock up on popcorn kernels from the local SaveMor, that will help you get through the three months here. And last but not least, do not forget to have a great time! I hope you enjoy your three months there!
Sincerely,
Present In Swaziland Me
Dear Post-Swaziland Me,
The Kingdom of E-Swatini offers so much more than you could ever imagine that I do not even know where to begin. The African sun here is so hot but the tan lines you get from it are ridiculous. My teammates and I tanned one weekend at one of the missionaries house, Leo, that we stayed at. We had the opportunity to cat sit for him and his wife for a week and they had a pool! We were able to jump right in there after ministry and it was such a blessing. We lived all squad for the three months and everyone had such fun and unique skirts so we all switched around skirts and worn one another’s clothes. I had a blast just getting to wear new outfits everyday and feeling good and clean. Do you remember how on multiple occasions after leaving Nesala everyone who went with would be waiting at the Kumbi stop for hours but it was always a blast to play music and talk to one another and see how many times we could get honked at. Or, my personal favorite two, getting kicked out of the bus at a Savemor and waiting more hours to find another kumbi to take us back or when we got out at the wrong stop but turned it into an evangelism day. Usually at night it cools down and we are able to sleep pretty comfortably but this past week it was hotter than I could have ever imagined. I showered three times in a day! On my second trip to the farm it got so hot one night that multiple people from both teams woke up and we took showers at one in the morning and we ate apples and bananas and watched Lilo and Stitch. Do not forget about all the amazing children that you got to hold, play with and have conversations with at the Ngunya care point. Remember the shepherd that we had, Phindle (Pan-de-lay) and just how she taught us to know that our strength comes from the Lord and that she is a “strong African woman” and that you are “a strong American woman”. Also, remember that we got to witness our kids win first place in the African song category during their singing competition. Even though the compound may seem a little grey, literally, remember how amazing it was to have your own bed to sleep on every night and to have showers and power after the first month! Pick up kernels at your local SaveMor for fun movie nights where we all will make way more popcorn then we can eat and watch movies alone together with teammates. Last but not least, remember to love hard and do not be afraid to get your heart broken for what breaks the Lord’s. Swaziland is a beautiful place and a piece of me will always be here with all of my new friends. This was the place where I found to just truly let go and let God take a hold of my future and of any worries I may have. Don’t forget how this place made you feel.
With love,
Traveling to Nepal Me
Hey everyone, thank you so much for keeping me and my teammates in your prayers. Please continue to pray for safety as we are traveling to Nepal these next few days. We will arrive there late Monday night and will be living there for a month! I cannot wait to update y’all on what is going to be happening there! Love and miss you all !
