(I was only able to spend a short time in Swazi, but because I enjoyed it so much I thought it still deserved a mini top 10 list.)
SWAZILAND TOP 4
4 Things I learned in Swaziland…
1 – Most Swazis live on homesteads. Sometimes these are a small collection of houses and other times they contain numerous dwellings and lots of extended family. On one hand I’m not sure I’d want to live with my grandparents, parent, and children all on a little plot of land, but on the other hand, the Swazis do have community living down to an art.
2 – Swazi kids love to be held and racers are all to happy to oblige. Whether it’s a brief stint in your arms or an all day affair, it’s sure to bring a small to their little faces.
3 – Aids is a major problem that is effecting the whole country with around 44% of all adults infected with HIV. Whether you’re an adult who’s been tested positive, a grandparent raising your grandchildren, or a child who’s lost a parent, there is no one left untouched by this cruel virus. A few of us got to sit with a group of HIV positive women and hear some of their stories and some of their concerns. It was heartbreaking and eye opening. Please keep these women in your prayers.
4 – The swazi kids, although plagued by tragedy, are full of life and joy. Their lives are tough, much tougher than I had it as a child, yet they persevere and continue on smiling and enjoying the little pleasure that life brings them. (like singing “Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah” and playing “Simon says”) It was such an encouragement to see their positive attitudes in spite of their circumstances.
