I live in a hut in Africa, with a thatched roof and all it’s glory.
I played with preschool children today but didn’t have a conversation with them because we don’t speak the same language.
I came home to a cow being butchered on the ground by our outdoor showers, the cow died while in child birth. The smell of the butchered dead cow is ripe and still lingering in the evening air.
I cleaned the outhouse today with bleach water and a broom hoping to eliminate some of the stench, but we all know it won’t be long until the heat of the day brings back the ripe smell of poop.
I live with 11 young North American women, 2 African women, 2 young African men, 10 chickens, 12 goats, cows, spiders, lizards, an occasional snake and a creature that poops in the kitchen nightly.
To some you might think these things sound kind of absurd, and when I compare it to my average day in the States it seems quite strange. Here in Swaziland it all seems normal, preferable no, but normal yes!
The smile on the childrens’ faces as you show up to play is priceless. The fact that three children felt comfortable enough today to fall asleep in our arms for a morning nap means a lot. I may not ever know the names of the children or be able to talk to them so we can both understand.
Despite all of this and the “abnormal� conditions of life I have love, two arms to hold, swing and throw kids over my head and I have the ability to pray.
My new normal is worth it when I see the smiles on their dirty brown faces.
Please consider supporting my time here in Swaziland and my work with Adventures in Mission… I still need over $7,000 in support for the year! Join the movement with your financial donation.
