How do you even explain going from one of the world’s nicest airports with sleeping pods, showers, and endless food options to the bush of Swazi? Easier said than done, I guess.
This first week in Swaziland (or Eswatini) has been anything but easy, but it’s already been so full. The drive from the Johannesburg airport to Nsoko was six hours of hills and valleys that seemed to stretch on forever. We dropped the boys off in Manzini the biggest city in Eswatini and then made our two hour drive south to Nsoko, where we’ll be living for the next two months. Here in Nsoko, there are really only two places to go. One is called SavMor, which is basically a tiny gas station, ATM, and grocery store all in one. The other is a local restaurant and lodge that has just about everything you could think of on the menu.
Our first day was packed with orientation and a whole lot of jet lag. Most people tried to stay awake and be productive, but I’ll be honest I didn’t make it. This week we started serving at our Care Points. A Care Point is a property owned by Adventures in Missions with a small church building, a playground, and lots of open space for playing. It’s essentially an after-school program where kids come to get a hot meal, play, and hear the Gospel. Our Care Point shepherd meaning the person who oversees the Care Point daily is named Happiness, and she truly lives up to her name. She’s incredible. So full of joy, kindness, and patience.
Our ministry days are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The kids don’t arrive until about 2:00 p.m., so our mornings are usually spent doing yard work or helping cook meals. Once the kids arrive, it’s pure energy. They’re little bundles of joy always dancing, laughing, playing soccer, or asking for pictures. I’ve loved spending time with the young adults around my age, too. They’re hilarious and have already taught me five new dances. And of course, I can’t resist holding all the newborns.
The hardest part of the first week has definitely been adjusting to a new schedule, a new time zone, new food, and a completely new environment. But even through 90 degree days and constant change, the Lord continues to show up. Every night I come home tired but surrounded by smiles and stories that make it all worth it.
Weekends here look a little different. Saturdays are “adventure days”, where we either have a planned excursion or head over to the restaurant for a meal together. Sundays are for church and Sabbath, but this week our pastor was out of town, so there was no service. I won’t lie I took full advantage and slept in until noon (oops). The Lord has been teaching me so much already. Back home, October and November are always such busy months full of holiday prep, fall festivities, and constant plans. But this fall looks completely different. It’s quiet. Still. Lots of waiting and listening.
As hard as it can be to sit still, it’s also such a blessing. To be free of distractions and plans long enough to just sit with the Lord and wait on Him because I know He’s often been waiting on me. It’s a hard but holy kind of stillness, and I know it’s time I’ll never get back. I miss home more and more each day and definitely miss the ease of calling friends and family whenever I want. But I also know this is exactly where the Lord wants me to be. And because of that, I will rejoice and be glad. I know this season is preparing me for what’s ahead, and I’m grateful for every part of it the hard, the sweet, and everything in between.
Hi! This blog is from week on of ministry!! I will be uploading 3 other blogs from my time here in Swazi over the next few days!!
What an amazing update! I love the pictures. Such a different way of life there. It looks so peaceful ❤️ Thinking about you and praying for all of you.