Once again, I am feeling as if I don't have much to write about. I know that sounds rather ridiculous, but true. I remember before leaving America to come to Southern Africa how much my thoughts were filled with adventure and spontaneous, life changing events being a part of my trip here. Not that this isn't a part of it, but that it simply isn't reality. The reality is that I do LIVE in Swaziland right now. Aside from living half-way across the world in a developing country, life on the field is, truthfully, rather normal. Don't get me wrong, God is doing some amazing things here, and it is awesome to see them unfold, but I must admit that my picture of what this would look like was far from what it actually is. Either way, I am more than satisfied with it. I am learning SO much here about who God is, and about the culture here, and about who God has created me to be. I am working with amazing girls in ministry and love seeing all of their smiling faces when we come to teach at the schools. They are such a blessing.

The trouble with ministry lately is that it is SO hard for us to successfully get all the girls to attend the classes each week. The schools, like any other, have a schedule to keep, and other things get in the way. So, if you are wondering if I have any prayer requests: this is it. I just desperately want to see the girls dig into what we are teaching them because I believe it to be critical information for young women, especially because they are living in Swaziland. It is a VERY male dominated culture, and many times during the lesson they talk about submitting to their husbands. It's as if this is the biggest issue that sticks out to them when we are teaching, which isn't bad--don't get me wrong. It's just that things such as virginity and abstinence are so much more important at this juncture in their lives (especially in light of the AIDS epidemic!). A lot of them are my age or older, and it has been interesting teaching people on the same level as myself.

I thought some pictures might be in order, since I haven't posted any since I've been in Swazi! (my apologies)

 

This is one of my ministry partners, Phumlile

Girls from Ngwane Central High School

Gugu and me with Phumelele girls

Some of my team mates =]

The sunset from our porch

Moyeni girls!

Girls from KC Academy accepting Christ =]

My teaching partner, Gugu

 

This is Swaziland =]