Last week I hit the road and ventured on my way to Swaziland!! I was attending a mini retreat with Alex and Jordan, and then had the chance to spend few days after visiting Jordan’s site.
I was nervous and excited for my travels; I had never traveled into another country on my own. I really wasn’t all to sure what I was doing, but I hoped and prayed for the best. The afternoon before I was leaving, a woman I teach confirmation class with offered to drive me, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. She drove my 45 minutes into town and 45 minutes back early in the morning just to help me get to where I needed to be. I was so thankful for her generosity and care. (Thank you Mama EU!) And the kindness didn’t stop there. During my five hour taxi journey, I made a friend, Solomon. Solomon told me all about his life and accompanied me the entire journey. He taught me all about the crops, trees and wildflowers we passed along the way. “It’s a beautiful place,” he said grinning ear to ear as we drove into the mountains. Once arriving in Mbabane, we shared a hug and good wishes farewell. I again, continue to be reminded to worry less, let go of control and trust in the overwhelming kindness of others.
My newfound friendship with Solomon was the perfect welcome and example of the the people of Swaziland. I couldn’t have been more grateful for constant hospitality from all the people I met along the way. Like Bongi who greeted me at the ELCSA office with a warm hug saying “You are welcome here,” and as I was leaving, “When are you coming back?” And Jordan’s host mom, Make, who reassured me that her house was God’s house and that I was always welcome.
Not only was I grateful for these beautiful people inside and out, I was amazed at the beauty of this country. Swaziland is filled with lush green mountains that wrap you with open arms. I was intrigued by vegetation I had never seen before and smiled at the content grazing cows in the fields. Living in Mabopane, I’m surrounded by people and noise all the time, and I love it to know end. But the quietness and peacefulness of Swaziland reminded me how nature can bring you pure serenity in seconds. And quietness, even though I don’t always like it at times, brings us peace to really listen.
While in Swaziland I had some amazing and memorable experiences:
Laughing to no end when we got lost and we’re kickin’ up mud on some back roads.
Walking for an hour and a half to Jordan’s community of Mankayane and learning more about his awesome everyday life there.
Being given a Siswati name by Jordan (Bongani) and his co-workers: Siphesihle meaning “a good gift.”
Harvesting beans with Jordan and his host dad, Babe, as he taught us the best way: fill a bag with stalks and hit it with a stick!
But a moment that I will never forget was in the evening on my last night in Mankayane. Jordan, Make and I were sitting on the porch watching the sunset and Dennis (host nephew) playing/herding the cows in for the night below us. Make was telling us more about some of her traditions and cultures, eating biscuits in between. As the coolness of night approached, she leaned over and asked me what had brought me to Southern Africa. Why did I want to be here? I struggled to find my words, there are so many reasons and even ones I’m still processing. In my head I thought about wanting to give back to the church, wanting to find myself, wanting to learn and share more about the world. But at this point, those things seemed like interview question answers from a year ago.
It was moments like these that truly brought me here. Sitting on the porch sharing biscuits with one another. Being present in watching the sunset, thankful for the day and not worrying about tomorrow. I’m here in Southern Africa because of people like Mama EU, Solomon, Bongi, Alex, Jordan, Make and Babe. I’m here to witness and experience the pure kindness and care people really do have for one another.
Being halfway through my year of service (can’t believe I’m saying it out loud), I’m grateful to go places I don’t know, welcomed by those who don’t know me, and never being the same.
Ngiyabonga Swaziland. Thank you Swaziland.
Walking Together 