It’s crazy to so say that I am a 3rd of the way through the World Race. I have just finished my first three months in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland).
As I have been processing through all that has happened. I have come to the realization that I have been living for the LAST THREE MONTHS with 43 other teenagers who are between the ages of 18-20. I have ate with them, shared a room with 20 other girls. I have went to the bathroom and showered beside all of them (this is due to the fact that we have no shower curtains or doors that are attached to the walls. We have all got close whether we wanted to or not).
Here’s a story that came out of the no-shower situation; The short-story is called; ‘Rice or Lice?’
Shortly after coming home from ministry, I head for the bathroom because it was in fact time for the relief. In order to get to the toilet, I must first maneuver my way around our unattached door, while also trying to jump over the puddle that is forever being replenished by the curtain-less showers. Once I have reached my point of destination, I sit down and begin enjoying my “alone” time on the toilet, that is in stall that has no covering. All the while Anna is combing her hair in front of the mirror (yes we now have a mirror, but no curtains, makes sense;).
Suddenly Anna begins to panic, and begins saying “what is that? Is that Lice? I can’t get it out!” The next thing I know, Anna runs into my stall, puts her head down so that it is just above my lap, and starts pleading for my help. All the while I’m still pants down, peeing! At this point I just laugh and start looking for this so-called lice ( which I’m pretty sure does not exist in Swaziland), and what do you know? It was not, in fact lice, but rather a piece of rice. At this realization, we both burst out laughing.
That concludes my short-story of the time Anna thought rice was lice. The End.
Now back to what I was originally talking about, squad living. Living in such a large group can have it positives and negatives. Some positives are things like: always having someone to hang out with, almost always being able to find someone who wants to do somewhat of the same thing. There is a large variety of gifts, so that we can all love and serve one another in many ways. Also you get to hear of all the testimonies of God, and what He is doing in so many different individuals, usually never a dull moment.
However, on the flipside of that, when one person gets sick, its spreads. When something happens it disperses like wildfire (which could be either good or bad). When one person destroys a kitchen utensil or throws away something that they weren’t supposed to, everyone get reprimanded. If everyone begins to leave things laying around, before you know it, the entire compound is covered in personal items. Or when the kitchen doesn’t get cleaned up, the whole squad is punished for it!
Living in community can be a very hard, yet so good at the same time! It can be one of such growth, because you must learn how to steward your mouth, possessions and many other things in order for there to be a Godly living environment.
Community living has reminded me a lot of the Israelite camp, because when one person sinned, everyone paid for it. However circumstances and actions are much different than what happened in old Testament times, and to a much smaller extent.
On the flip-side, I am much remined of the early church when I read in Acts 2:42, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.”
I’m am so thankful for the availability to worship with so many people who love the lord. People who are devoted to following Christ with all their heart!
In conclusion, as much as I have enjoyed squad living and all that entails, I am very excited to be downsizing for Nepal. I have grown to love Swaziland and will definitely be leaving part of my heart here, but at the same time I am truly hyped about going to a new country.
If anyone has any questions concerning Swaziland, or my time here, please feel free to ask. ( I will try to respond in a timely manner, however it all depends on my WIFI situation.)
God bless!
