Observations of Swaziland

I'm here, the second country of my third continent. I'm in Swaziland. It's another world. No kidding. I thought Manhattan was another world. The feel of the sidewalks, following the shoe in front of yours, the shirtless models, the smells and screens from every angle, I thought that was different.

 Swaziland has dirt roads with cows going across them. Eating along the sides and crossing to the other side when they feel like it. It has "Supermarkets" with hand written signs displaying the costs. Women walk around with babies tied to their backs with blankets and huge baskets balanced on their heads. Chickens head's and feet are eaten. Normal houses aren't just guarded with fences and walls, but also with guards who sit there and open the fences to the communities and driveways until the people come home and they are off duty. A good chunk of the people don't have running water, and they have huge containers that the rain water is collected in.

The people are happy. A lot of them are believers. Our car is dirty, from all of these roads. We've gotten so used to bumping around on crazy roads, being on the highway almost feels strange!
We've learned to be thankful for things and I've learned to not judge why a person should be happy, and what they should expect. So often we want to fix a problem that is only a problem to us. Running water is a gift, yes. Being thankful for available water is a bigger gift. Using what is there, happily, and being faithful and thankful in every circumstance is a gift.

There are so many happy, hard working people here and in SA. I have seen so many people ironing, doing dishes, mopping, sweeping, doing everything with their whole hearts. People care about what they do, and how they do it. There is a good kind of pride and a stamina in the hearts of the people that resonates with me. People are not looking at what others are wearing, or judging by what kinds of things people have. They are just living, not looking back. I do like it here. I like seeing things I don't expect to see, and tasting new things, and suprising young Mothers by playing with their kids. (But I've done that everywhere else too!) I especially like that everyone speaks English! Thank the Lord!

Thanks for reading and for praying!

Katie