The last couple of weeks some of my teammates and I have been getting to
know some of the guys who play soccer a couple minutes walk from our homestead.
It’s been extremely fun getting to know all their names and to see them daily.
We look forward to going to see them every day. On Friday mornings we go to
their school and do devotions. Most of them act like they don’t know us because
they don’t want to be called up in front of the school to do something in a
skit or to answer a question. I guess one of the most exciting things about
going to hang out with them is that we’ve gradually been gaining their trust.
The first time we went on a walk and decided to stop at the soccer field they
shunned us for talking. Then they said “either play or don’t talk”.
The more times we visited they would delay practice for a little while so they
could talk to us and hang out. We usually bring music for them to listen to
before they practice and while they practice. We’ve had the chance to go see
where some of them live. One of the guys named Nathi showed us the things that
he’s most passionate about…his donkeys, then we made him ride them.
One of the guys Thulani always seems to have an injury…but we think it’s
his excuse he uses to sit on the sidelines and talk to us. He’s a compulsive
liar. He lied about his age, he said he has a twin, he lies about other peoples
ages. We always call him out on it and rarely believes the shady things he
tells us, but he has a good heart. He is extrememly loving to his little
sisters and is very protective.
They’re pretty persistent that eventually we’ll have a dance off with them
and they keep saying they’ll practice. It has yet to happen though.
One of the guys that showed up one day to sub for a player made an open
proposal to the girls on our team. Jess jokingly said “sure” in her
swazi accent. I’ve never seen Nathi as animated ever since we’ve known him. He
was jumping up and down and completely flipping out with excitement. Our
translators were with us and made it clear “not a chance”.
I’ve really come to love the community in Timbutini. Most of the people we
see in the area we also do ministry with at the nearby schools or carepoints. A
lot of the people also attend the Timbutini church. It’s great to see the familiar faces and know
their names.
I’ll introduce you to our friends!
