Another beautiful day in Siteki, Swaziland. The temperature, smell, and overall ambiance is very reminiscent of a typical fall afternoon in the states. As this is still in the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere, the sun sets around 5:30pm. As I write this, I recognize my need for haste as we still must walk 20minutes back to our accommodations once we leave.
On the whole, this trip has been an awe inspiring and eye opening experience. The surrounding countryside is speckled with small homes that resemble broken down mud and brick huts. Juxtaposed to this life are homes of a bygone era that look fit to be Tuscan villas with its many stories and levels cascading down the hillside. The hard part is determining which kind of lifestyle we should live while here in Swaziland. Currently we stay in a beautiful rondavel which is perched atop a mountain with vast swaths of fields, valleys and hills for as far as the eye can see. This lifestyle is no doubt very comfortable and enjoyable, but if we stayed in this lifestyle for the duration of our stay, would we feel as if we missed out on grasping a greater truth about African poverty? Seeing disparity at a distance is not what we came here to do! For this reason, we have decided to stay for a week or so in the rural community with people that do not speak our language and live in homes that we would not even allow our animals to inhabit. I hate to put this so bluntly, but I must be this direct to portray the divide that we have encountered. I'll fill you in on our adventure as soon as I have more information about it.
As for our current lifestyle, on this Saturday afternoon Brad and Eric had the great delight of taking a tour around the rural areas of Swaziland via Dr. Pons private Piper fixed wing airplane, taking off from the estates own airstrip. While they were flying, I had the pleasure of taking a walk around the farm with some of the dogs (which have quickly become family).
Grace and I have been in discussion with the central government of Swaziland of which the Director of Social Welfare has asked that we assist two communities (one large, one small) in creating a psychological and social needs assessment which will be used in providing greater psychological and emotional care in the community. In addition to this, Grace and I have been asked to work with the police station and local communities counseling clinic as on-site counselors. We are so looking forward to this experience and I'll keep you informed on its progress. As for Brad, he is still teaching math and science at the local mission school and Eric is beginning to see patients and will be preparing to take over for Dr. Pons for a two week stint in October.
So much more to tell, but not enough light left to get home before the sun sets so I'm off!
Be sure to check out the pictures in the next few days as we will finally be getting some pictures and videos posted for all of our family and friends back home!
Much Love,
Ben
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