So we have officially arrived in Swaziland!! Well actually we got here two days ago and just now got a day off… but it sounded better to start my blog off that way! We got lucky and only have a 14-15 hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa! I didn’t sleep on the plane at all… very bad idea! We stayed the night there and then woke up for a 5 hour-ish ride to Timbutini, Swaziland.
It has been amazing! We live in a house with a straw roof (always been a dream of mine to experience!). But, it has also been a huge culture shock. There is no running water, and bucket showers have to be the coldest, most difficult thing ever! I am so excited that I get to experience this though! It has really opened my eyes to how thankful I should be for what I would consider the “simple things” like running water, toilets, and chocolate. How have I not been thankfully for these things before?? It is so convicting.
Yesterday we went on what could be called “house visits.” We went to two Go Go’s houses (Go Go means grandmother). The first Go Go we visited had recently had a stroke and has difficulty walking. I was immediately struck by how joyful she was. Even her eyes just seemed to pour out happiness. She has to be the sweetest lady ever! It was a true blessing to be able to sit in her home and worship the Lord together (yes she got me to sing for her which if you know me I do not sing in public at all!!).
While visiting the second Go Go, we asked her if we could go get water for her. So, we took her huge water containers and carried them to the water pump (or bowl hole as they call it). Pumping water was a really fun activity (but for real it is!). The little kids were more than willing to help us! Carrying them back however was not fun. It again made me realize how truly blessed I am just to have running water in my home.
It has only been two days, but I have already learned so much about myself from the people here!! I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for me here!
