My Average Week in Swazi

First off, I am aware that this is my last week in Eswatini and I have yet to make a blog post about it…better late than never! Our schedule has been very busy, and we do not have access to much WIFI. On the other end, I have put pressure on myself to only write a blog post if it is perfectly worded and has a deeper meaning. Therefore, in my final moments on this trip, I want to use this blog as a journal where I can write about fun moments and how I have been doing. There will probably be many grammatical errors and typos, but I doubt you guys will mind 🙂

A typical week for me looks like this:

Monday: Monday is our “Ask the Lord” day, where we go into the town of Manzini and see where God leads us. Sometimes this means walking on the street and meeting people, sometimes it means Bible studies in coffee shops, and sometimes it is straight up evangelism. In full honesty, I used to dread this day because it can seem a bit overwhelming. Now that I understand its purpose, it is one of my most valued days of the week, as I get to practice what life will be like when I return home. No care points, no home visits, no construction, just living life as a follower of Jesus. The first time we had an “Ask the Lord” day, I wore shorts and a tank top because it was 80º out. That was my first mistake. After countless comments and marriage proposals, one man walked up to the only boy in our group, Levi, and asked him how much it would cost to buy at least one of the girls. Levi smiled, looked around, and responded, “They’re allll mine, and I am not sharing!” That awkward and hilarious encounter welcomed me into what Swazi culture is like. We started taking advantage of this attention, and when guys would whistle us over or tell us to come over by them, we would march on over. They would always smile, thinking that they had won us over, until we approached them and asked, “How can we pray for you?” We would continue the conversation by praying over them and asking God to change their hearts. LOL. Probably not what they were expecting. Looking back on the past few weeks, I can think of dozens of amazing, funny, and embarrassing encounters on “Ask the Lord” day, and I am grateful for every one of them.

Tuesday: Tuesday is the first day of the week where we go to the care point. The care point is a little under an acre of land with a small shed and half of a kitchen (cinder blocks forming a “U” shape with walls about 4 feet high and a floor. So not really a kitchen, but a cubicle of sorts). Two small (but mighty) trees provide a bit of shade, but other than these, there is nothing at this care point that blocks the hot sun or provides any shade. We start the day by going to the water pump and filling up buckets. We then water a nearby garden and fill up a few buckets of water for the cooks, Melina and Boyani. We fill two massive cauldrons with water and start a fire with some wood scraps that the kids bring to the care point on their walk over. Once the water begins to boil, we haul Manna Packs (from Feed My Starving Children) out from the shed. They contain a mixture of rice, soy, and vegetables, and we dump the contents into the cauldrons, stirring it with a stick that Boyani carved. The kids start showing up around this time, bowls in hand, and we play with them for about an hour until the food is ready. The kids form a big line in front of the “kitchen,” with the youngest kids first in line. They always sing a song while in line, banging on their bowls to make beats. Then, they all recite the Lord’s Prayer, and we begin portioning out food. This act is a combination of emotions, as it is so great to see how happy each child is to receive their meal, but it is also really frustrating and sad because I know that this is probably the only meal they have had since their last time at the care point. After everyone has eaten we hang out with the older kids and leave. The 45 minute bus ride is honestly such a good time to rest, listen to music, and snack on a banana or pb&j. Once we get home, we try to get showers in (depending on if the water feels like working that day) and whoever is preparing meals for the week will make dinner for everyone. We eat, have team time (a time where we get together as a team, give each other positive and constructive feedback, and have intentional time with one another), and then we usually play a game or watch a movie together. So far, Codenames, Hearts, and Spades, have been our favorite games, and me and some girls have enjoyed watching the Batman trilogy. So good.

Wednesday: Wednesday is very similar to Tuesday. Life is very simple, but it is very fulfilling and peaceful as well. Sometimes the repetition can get boring, but the structure is also very relaxing at times.

Thursday: Thursday, like every morning, we start the day off with a group devotional, go to the care point, and do a home visit. In other words, we take Manna Packs to certain homesteads in the community and sit with them, asking intentional questions, giving them someone to talk to, and praying with them. Sometimes they can be 15 minutes, sometimes they take hours. It is really beautiful seeing the different family dynamics and relationships of the community. Family is so valued here, and most homesteads have one or two rooms but host generations of families. The last home we visited had a handful of one room huts, and we found that 2 grandparents, 10 children, and about 14 grandchildren lived there. Despite their living circumstances, they were some of the most jolly, thankful, and welcoming people I have met. They rolled mats for us under a mango tree, and we sat with them for about an hour, it was really refreshing. After home visits, we return to the care point, help cook the food, and greet the kids. It is always such a joy seeing herds of children sprinting towards you with smiling faces and open arms. These kids are so special.

Friday: The only thing about Friday that is different from the other days at the care point is that we lead devotionals at the care point with the cooks and any adults that are around. We usually sing a worship song or two as well.

Saturday: Saturday is our adventure day, meaning that we can do pretty much whatever we would like (as long as we plan out transportation in advance). Sometimes this is going into town, sometimes it is going to safaris or markets, and sometimes it is taking a hike through the mountains. This is a really great day to let my energy out and not have to think too much.

Sunday: Sunday, the Sabbath, is a day of rest and peace. We usually attend a Swazi church (which can last either one hour or four) where we are normally asked to lead a lesson or sing worship. After the service ends, they normally offer a traditional drink or snack and spend time talking with one another. After leaving, we return home and I like to make a snack and have quiet time. This could be doing a Bible study, reading a book, drawing, or walking outside. The rest of the day is spent with friends, playing games and resting.

Okay, that was a lot. Sorry. Hopefully this gives a good idea of what my average week looks like, and I am excited to share more adventures and stories about what the Lord is teaching me. I love you guys!! God is good.