Quick Swaziland Update
Hey folks, things are rolling down here in Southern Africa.
We spent two days in Bulembu and that was a great experience. I know of nowhere else where people are being so intentionally about truly holistic development. Their work encompasses infrastructure, enterprise, community care, social, political, etc. It also helps that the area is absolutely unbelievable. I kept being reminded of my days in northern Idaho. We will post pictures soon.
Today we left the most mountainous region of the country and headed down to the lower hills and the capital city of Mbabane. We visited two schools and an orphanage for abandoned babies. Every meeting so far has been encouraging, yet completely different. There are so many options and in some ways, we each could see how they could play out to be something amazing in the next few years. We are trying to stay focused though knowing that our primary task must be getting a feel for things here rather than looking for that one specific option, because while things are not as fast paced as in the west, things change very quickly.
We were also able to touch base with Peter, our friend that we met while he was teaching in the States. It was great to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar country. We then checked in to our lodging for the night and were a bit worried when the owner had us follow her out to the “apartment” and kept driving further and further away from the city. We finally ended up on the outskirts of town on a hill overlooking the city. The nightlights were incredible.
We then ended the day by revisiting the orphanage from early in the day as they were hosting a going away party for two of their volunteers and invited us to join them. We ate impala steaks and warthog roasted over the fire. The impala in particular was out of this world. Perhaps some of the best game I have ever eaten.
This evening we were able to video chat with Mikayla and Beth’s parents for a very short time. Our internet is pretty flaky, but it was great for the few minutes it worked. It has been hard being away from her – some times more than others.
Tomorrow we are visiting an AIDS clinic and a teen club for HIV-positive youth. Then we might do a bit of the touristy things and will end our day in Hwane. We are staying with a couple who used to work at Bulembu. In fact, they were the first people in Swaziland we ever connected with. It should be a great time. Sunday should be a bit more relaxed (and the next time we will probably have internet) and then Monday begins 3 crazy days packed with meetings.
I am getting more used to the driving, but it is starting to wear on it. Overall the Swazis are courteous drivers and rarely honk, but I have earned a few blows as I am trying to get used to things. Thank goodness for GPS. If I was trying to read street signs, we would all be in trouble.
We will try to do our best to keep you updated and to post pictures soon.