Sharing my journal

Ok, friends. I am home now and after celebrating 3 birthdays, getting over jet lag, starting our new school year and fitting in everything else that makes up my life, I am ready to start sharing my trip to Swaziland. As time allows, I plan to share my handwritten journal from my trip. I would have loved to have kept it up electronically, but internet was random and typing for long periods of time on my phone just wasn't fun. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy sharing my laughter and my tears during my amazing time. I apologize for being so far behind, but hope the wait will have been worth it.

Swaziland!

We finally made it to Swaziland Friday morning after a long day in the airport of London. We never got the chance to go into London because we had to first make sure we had a seat on the plane and by the time that was done there wasnt ime without running the chance of missing our flight. Since our arrival we have had a delicious cooked dinner and breakfast. After a good nights sleep in an actual bed we had the energy to enjoy a little shopping. The area we are in is beautiful, with prevalent reminders of the poverrty in this country. The carepoints we learned are closed on the weekends. Saturdays they have begun closing because the children and others travel far away to visit extended family which is too far for them to walk. Sundays are closed for church. Our work will begin in earnest on Monday morning, although I feel like we have done wonders for our local missioanries from Piney Grove. I cant imagine what it must do for their spirits to be surrounded by their home church family. Hugs from home can do wonders for the soul. A bag of home favorites (A-1, coffee, spices, dips) will keep their spirits up when we leave. We are having a fabulous time learning about the Swazi culture, trying to learn Swazi congenialities (like which hand to shake with and how to shake hands) I am excited to go to church tomorrow and participate in the Siswati service. Waiting to see how God continues to use us.

Across the pond

Well...looks like we'll be spending the day in London. So instead of a long flight with a night in Johannesberg, we'll be taking a shorter flight across the pond theough the night. Spend the day in London and sleep again on the way to Johannesberg. Works for me!!

Africa...here we come?

After an emotional goodbye with some sad boys, we were on the road. Camden was not happy I was leaving, which led Dylan to being upset. But I reminded them that I was their gift to the children of Swaziland. That they are sharing me with boys and girls that don't have a mommy.

Right now we are sitting in Washington Dulles airport having missed our connection to Johannesburg. The flight was delayed due to a late flight and then delayed due to mechanical problems. We're not sure where this journey is taking us from here, but it's sure to be good:)

906

906 pairs of shoes will be traveling to Swaziland. 906 people wikl now have shoes to protect their feet. 906 people will feel love from strangers:) 906 people will feel the love of Jesus.

Shoes and hearts....

Shoes and hearts....both were left today. There aren't words to describe the emotions running through church today. It seems like such a small gesture, to simply leave your shoes, and it is. For us anyways. I mean, Preacher Timmy was right on when he said that our small gift of shoes doesn't effect us much. We all have more shoes, many people right in their bags to replace the ones they left. Most of us in the car. But to an outsider, someone who wasn't in that building today to feel the unification this small act brought to our church, is indescribable. People of all ages came together to make a difference in another person's life. Isn't that what the Bible tells us to do. To give of ourselves, not so that we are hurting, but to share our blessings so that others can feel God's love too. To see children taking off their shoes and leaving them, to know that for some in our congregation, leaving their shoes was all they could do to make a difference. We all have to make a choice, to decide what is important to us. And if leaving your shoes is the most you can do, then you have done enough. The unifying factor though, is that we can all feel like we have made a difference in Swaziland. That someone in that sweet country will be blessed by the shoes we have sent. To know that our church will be walking around together in Swaziland...maybe not physically, but definitely in spirit.

Shoes (and hearts) for Swaziland

I can't believe how close Sept. 8 is! Only a week and a half away. It's unbelievable that the trip of a lifetime is just around the corner. I'm almost packed and we're still waiting on our supplies to arrive.

Today in church is sure to be an emotional event. We have been asking Diane what are some of the greatest needs of the community served by Children's Cup and time again she responded with "shoes". There are so many children who walk miles to reach the carepoints in search of love, food, and help that don't have any shoes. As a way to get the entire church family involved in the upcoming mission trip, Preacher Timmy has asked that everyone wear shoes that they are willing to give away. At the end of the service, everyone will take off their shoes and leave them on the altar, then in unity we will all leave barefooted just as those who are in Swaziland do. The children will leave their shoes as they exit to Children's Church. I don't think there will be words to describe this event, but I will try to get some pictures. It is our hopes that our church will feel unified in our efforts for Swaziland. They have been supportive in so many ways and hopefully this ceremony will help them feel included in our small team's experience.

I had hoped to wear my new shirt today, it reads Jesu uya kutsandza, which is Siswati for "Jesus Loves you!" It hasn't arrived, but I do think I will dress as I will in Swaziland today. Long skirt, tshirt, and of course I will be leaving my shoes on the altar, and for many more their hearts too.

The team...well most of it

Back to front: Mike Warren, Brand Blair, Dale Blair, Michelle Hankins, Dawn Byrd, Carla Smith, Sharon Smith, Kelly Young, Wendy Blair, Ashley Jones Not pictured: Heather Lee and Preacher Timmy Blair

8 weeks and counting

It's hard to believe we're only 8 short weeks away from this amazing journey! It seems like just yesterday I was praying about the decision to go. My heart is full from the outpouring of support from friends and family over the last week as work to gather the remaining funds for this adventure. There aren't words to express how grateful I am.

I am also in amazement of the encouragement I am still getting through God's word. I still have moments of doubt. Is this really what I should be doing? Should I leave my husband, my children to travel half away around the world to give myself to others? Is this still God's calling? The first answer to this has of course been the financial support I've received. One of my biggest doubts has been spending this much money. It's not for me of course, I realize that. This trip is for the children. But, just as throughout this whole journey, everytime I stress about finances, God shows me he's got it under control. Which leads me to last nights nugget from God. Ephesians 2:10 tells me "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This trip has never been in my hands, it's been a part of God's plan from the beginning. From back in my youth when the seed to travel and to do missions work was planted. I have been preparing for this my whole life, and didn't even realize it.

This weeks task has been to reserve the plane ticket. The plane, ahhhh. The one aspect of this trip I am dreading. I hate planes, and I am so glad to learn that I am not the only one in my group who has this fear. We can all hold each others hands during takeoff and fill ourselves with encouragement. Next month I will get my final vaccine and somewhere between the two I guess I'll schedule a physical.

Tonight though, the topic of our "Last Will and Testament" took precedence. The reality of death, or the possibility of it has suddenly become very real. Not just because of this trip, but because we need to plan for the future. We need to know that our children will be cared for if the time comes. This trip has just given us the push we need to take care of this.

Kid Blast Fundraiser

SWAZILAND MISSION TEAM WEEK

AT KID BLAST

100 Logan Ct., Angier 919-331-2079

Monday July 26 through Thursday July 29, 2010

Bring your kids to play while you raise money for Swaziland Mission Team.

20% of each admission will be donated back to Swaziland Mission Team. Also, for

every party booked with paid deposit, the team will receive $20. Buy raffle tickets

for a chance to win a free party!! (All raffle proceeds benefit the mission team)

Check out our website at kidblast-nc.com to see all the fun that is available at our

facility as well as the hours of operation.

Inflatable bouncers and slides, 9-hole mini golf, arcade, batting cages, concession stand.

(Pizza delivery from Two Cousins available)

General admission is $10 for children ages 2-12. Admission includes bouncers,

slides & mini golf.

Waiver and socks required upon entering. Please note we are not a drop-off

facility. Parents must remain in facility while children play.

Swaziland 101

Preparing to visit Swaziland

Cultural Information

1. Swazi are very warm and friendly people. All of the information below is an FYI. Please don’t be in fear of culture because for the most part Swazi don’t expect foreigners to follow all of their traditional rules.

2. It is considered disrespectful to look an older person in the eye when speaking to them/ being spoken to*

3. Women are considered immoral if they wear pants/ shorts when in public, especially at church ( for women) *

4. Always give/ receive things using the right hand. Some people use their left hand to wipe (after using the bathroom), so it is rude to use this hand when giving/ receiving things.

(Children’s Cup will make it a point to avoid putting you in such a situation)

It is expected that:

1. When you meet someone( you know) you greet them and chit chat a little (about the family etc) rather than just say ‘hey’ and walk away.

§ Relationships take priority over time in Swazi culture. It doesn’t matter if you are late or in a hurry, you must have some kind of conversation that goes beyond a greeting.

2. When you enter an office/ home, etc, you greet everyone (whether or not you know them).

§ Greeting is a way of acknowledging the people. If you do not greet them, you are pretty much ignoring them and being very rude.

3. Older people are given preference if there isn’t enough seating, etc

§ This is just a way of honoring age.

4. Men are superior to women
Women and children are regarded much lower than men in Swazi culture. Women will not usually address a group of men say in a church service/ meeting. The people working with Children’s Cup are mostly female and we have trained all of our male staff to treat women with respect. The Swazi culture is definitely male dominated. The role of women may seem shocking to some of you, please respect there way of life even if you disagree with it. The African staff feels that you need to earn the right/trust to speak into the lives of adult Swazis. Ben who has been in the country for over two years still has reservations about speaking in disagreement with the way they do things. It is important to make the distinction of what is biblical and what is our culture speaking. We as an overseas staff are working at speaking biblical truth in the country but we are still earning the right to be heard.

§ Older people are referred to as Mr./ Mrs. so and so and not by their first name

§ This is just a form of respect.

It is not unusual for:

1. a man to have more than one wife (the king has more than 10 wives)

§ Usually, a man will boast about having many wives because it is a sign of wealth. In order for a man to marry, he must pay the wife’s family dowry (usually in the form of cows). Having many wives is therefore a sign that one has many cows, which are a sign of wealth.

2. people to seek help from the Sangoma( witchdoctor) for health, family, work, and other issues

§ Traditional healers and witchdoctors are a big part of Swazi culture.(Unfortunately) When sick, unable to find a job, have children, etc, a lot of people will suspect witchcraft and will seek some form of witchcraft to ‘protect’ themselves. Ancestral worship is also very common. People believe the ancestors are watching over them and will do various things to appease them. Children's Cup is working hard to combat this as we work with the children at our Care points to understand God’s truth

3. It is usually difficult to tell young girls from young buys because young girls normally keep their hair short

4. Maintenance of long hair is an expensive inconvenience

5. Buddy System

No one should ever go anywhere alone.

One guy and one girl should never be alone.

Any number of girls (2 or more) should always have either a guy or a missionary with them. (This is because of the place that women have in society)

* More in the rural areas

*****It is absolutely unacceptable to say anything bad about the King. *****

Swaziland is a true monarchy and the whole nation still has lots of respect for the King. It is not a good idea to talk badly about the King in front of a Swazi. Just be careful when commenting on the political system because you can easily offend the people of this proud kingdom. Swaziland is a country with one foot in the present and one foot in the past. Traditional leadership (chiefs, runners, ect.) rule side by side with elected officials

Twelve Siswati Words

Siswati English

Sawubona (saw a bone a) Good Morning or Afternoon

Unjani? (oon johnie) How are you

Ngiyaphila (nee yah peel ya) I am well

Unjani wena (oon johnie wayna) And yourself

Ubuya kuphi? (oobooyah goopie) Where do you come from

Ngibuya e Melika (knee yah booya a May lee gah) I am from the United States of America

Ungubani ligama lakho? (oongoobahnee leegahmah lahgoh) What is your name?

Ligama lami ngingu Ben Rodgers (leegahmah lahmee neenoo __) My Name is Mr. Ben Rodgers

Yini ligama le kapani loyisebentelako What is the name of your Company?

Akabongwe Nkulunkulu (ahgahbongway koolukooloo) Praise the Lord

Jesu uya kutsandza (Jesu ooya goosan za a) Jesus loves you

The Incwala or kingship ceremony

The incwala, or first fruits ceremony, in which the king plays a dominant role, is the most sacred of all the Swazi rituals. It is held in December or January on a date chosen by astrologers in conjuction with the phases of the moon. The ritual begins with a journey by the “Bemanti” (people of the water) to the Indian Ocean to collect water and on their return to the royal kraal, the little Ncwala begins, preceeding the full moon. Youths then travel in groups to all parts of the kingdom to collect sacred branches of the “Lusekwane”schrub, a species of acasia. On the third day a bull is ritually slaughtered by the youths, instilling solidarity among them and a spirit of valour. The fourth day is the culmination of the Ncwala when the King, in full ceremonial dress, joins his warriors in the traditional dance. He then enters a special hut and after further rituals, eats the first fruits of the season. On the appearance of the King to his people, they may also eat these fruits with the blessing of the ancestors.

The burning of the king’s bedding and household items follows, thus cleansing everything in readiness for the New Year. Certain parts of the Ncwala may not be witness by outside people and it is advisable not to take photographs within the proximity of the royal cattle byre.

The Umhlanga or Reed Dance

The Reed Dance or Umhlanga is the year’s most colourful event, taking place at the end of the dry winters. In an eight-day ceremony, thousands of girls cut reeds, present them to the Queen Mother and put on a dazzling performance of dance and song. The reeds are used in the building of windbreaks in all the royal villages. It is not uncommon for the king to choose a new bride from the participants.

Attendance is not compulsory, but strong traditional values ensure that the number of participants, who must only be childless and unmarried, remains high. It is customary to take part in the Umhlanga an odd number of times, once, three, five even nine times for early starters. In the old days, only virgins were allowed to take part. Tradition has made way for the changing times, with more liberal attitudes towards early sexual activity, but the very young age of many participants guarantees that most are still pure.

For weeks, in the various Umphakatsi (chiefs’ homesteads), groups of young girls have been rehearsing their special songs and dance steps, coached (and scolded) by the grandmothers and older sisters. Finally the radio announces the official call from the palace for maidens, of all ages and from all over the country, to congregate at Ngabezweni royal residence. They come by foot or by bus, car, or singing with excitement packed on the backs of big government trucks. After registration, they are dispatched by the Queen Mother into two groups, the young and the old, to go and cut reeds in various locations some kilometers away.

In this season the marshes are drier than normal, allowing the girls to go deep into places where the tallest reeds grow. With their long knives they cut the finest plants, pull off the leaves and tie them into bundles. The next day they shoulder their reeds and march joyfully back to the royal village of Ludzidzini. After a day of rest, the girls don their dancing outfits and flock to the Queen Mother’s quarters to drop their bundles of reeds. They then walk to an arena where they give a three-hour performance of singing and dancing in front of the crowds. One of the favourite songs is about the gwalagwala (purple-crested loerie) the national bird that provides the brilliant red feathers seen in the hair of the princesses. On the second day they all do it again with the king in attendance.

Parallels can be drawn between the maidens’ Umhlanga and the boys fetching lusekwane during the incwala. Walking long distances requires endurance and team effort; it unites people towards a common goal. Carrying the biggest possible bundle of reeds or lusekwane branch is an individual act of devotion to the royal family. Dancing in front of a big crowd is a display of one’s skills and beauty whereas catching the bull shows both courage and strength. The two ceremonies can be viewed as a rite of passage although they may be repeated by an individual over several years.

Summary:

- The orphaned and vulnerable children we work with have a total dearth of love. Giving a child a hug, a smile, a kind word(in Siswati) or your time is important...it is better than giving them a free handout. Also understand that you are only going to be in Swaziland a short time. Its hard because sometimes we want to think that our efforts will save them…its more about being an example of Christ, lifting their spirits, and ultimately learning from them. A major part of going on a short term trip is that it forces you to re-evaluate your own life. The trip will take you out of your normal environment and ultimately open your eyes to a whole different country, culture and way of life. This helps you to get outside of yourself so you can reflect and let God speak truth into your life. It is important to process what you’ve seen, let it impact you and then bring it back with you to your home. That said, you can have a huge impact on these children and projects in the week/2 weeks you are in Africa. At Children’s Cup we believe that Jesus is the hope for these kids. We believe that he can work in a mighty way through y’all. I’d ask you as a team to come up with specific ways that you can make eternal impacts while you are abroad. It can range from leaving a building behind, to building a stove, to training bible club leaders, to having a focus on speaking encouragement into the lives of these kids. We believe that God works through big things and small things for his glory. I just ask you to think about…as I’m sitting across from 200 kids who don’t have parents, don’t speak my language, are really poor, and will be a world away from me in 2 weeks….what do I say, what can I do to show them Christ’s love. Ask this question, “ How can I make a difference in these children’s lives, how can I help them have opportunity, how can I help give them a chance in life.”

- We don’t know how this trip will impact you but we know that God can do amazing things in a moment…how much more amazing things can he do through you and to you on this short term trip.

If you would like more information on Children’s Cup please visit our website at:

http://www.childrenscup.org

A good site for info on Swaziland is:

http://www.swazi.com

Vaccines and Airfare

Last week I got the first dose of my Hep A vaccine, polio, and I need to go pick up the Typhoid vaccine from the pharmacy.

Paid my airfare deposit last night! We have enough to go at a group rate. Woohoo! This trip is becoming more and more a reality.

A nice surprise

I went to the gym this morning as usual. Really hadn't given much thought to my trip except that I put in a call to the doctor's about my vaccines. When I got there, a friend of mine approached me and pledged to donate $200 towards my trip. I was shocked and thrilled all at the same time. Financing this trip is my biggest stress right now. I am looking for anyway I can to raise some extra money. We were given the cost of airfare today...around $1700. From our meeting in January, we know the cost of room, board and transportation while there is around $1200. That's around $2900 just to cover the trip. That's a lot of extra cash for a single income family! I trust that the money will be there. It's just hard not to see that number without stressing. I am still sure that this is a trip I am supposed to make, and I couldn't be more excited!

Still waiting....

My birth certificate still isn't here from Moore County. I can't even process my passport until I get the certificate.

I also still need to find out about my vaccines. I can't seem to get it together when calling the doctor. They're either closed or at lunch when I can make the call. Hopefully both of these will be under way this week.

Passports and Vaccines

So the first leg of this journey is going to be getting my passport and vaccines. I have just sent in my request for a certified copy of my birth certificate. Word to the wise, call the county you were born in to get yours. The cost to get it from my county of birth, $10, to get it from Raleigh, $24.

I am also in the process of finding out what vaccines I need for this trip. According to the CDC I need Hep. A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies. So to start I called UNCG. When I was there I worked at the day camp in the summer time and had to get one of the Hepatitis vaccines but can't remember which one. What I found is that they no longer have my records. They purged them because I'm that old LOL! I guess my next call is to my general health doc and see what's current, what's not and then schedule the appt. Should be good times.

Deciding to go to Swaziland

This is the first blog to chronicle my plans to join my church on a mission trip to Swaziland, Africa Sept. 9, 2010-Sept. 21, 2010.

This trip is not a decision that I have come to lightly. There has always been a place in my heart to help children, and even more there has been a desire to go on a mission trip. I remember as a student in college seeing the commercials of children in third world nations, thinking how sad their lives must be, and how much I wanted to go help them. As I have gotten older and now have children of my own, the feeling to help has intensified. Most of you will remember that Daddy always had a soft spot in his heart for children, and he never stopped giving. Every Christmas we did Angel Trees and donated toys to Toys for Tots campaigns. He was always on the ball field not just teaching those kids sports, but loving on them. I will never forget a conversation under a tree at Wilder’s Grove. He told me how sad it made him to hear about children who were suffering, either at the hands of their own parents, or because they had no food or shelter. I have carried those values with me and am now trying to teach them to my own children. I would open my home to every child if I could just stop the tears. I would feed them all, give them clothes, toys, whatever it took just to see them smile. I can’t do that, but I can donate clothes to needy families, provide meals to those in need, help purchase school supplies and more importantly teach my children that we are all God’s children and that it is our responsibility to share what we have with those who don’t. As I started thinking about going to Africa, I realized that this wasn’t a decision I was making for myself, but that I was setting an example to my children.

Now for how my decision to go has come to fruition. It started a few months ago when I learned that my colleague was going with her husband to teach dance in Kenya. I expressed my desire to go and the seed was planted. Shortly after that, the couple from our church who are stationed in Swaziland came home for the holidays and to visit an ailing parent. While they were here, I had the opportunity to hear them speak on several occasions about their life in Swaziland, the work that they do, and most importantly the children they serve. As the seed started growing, I began to pray about whether this was something I should be doing. My preacher’s first sermon of the year was reminding that God all of us passions and talents, it is our job to use them to help others. At the time I thought He meant to go with Lisa to Kenya. My bible verses for the next few days were as follows:

1 Peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in it’s various forms.”

Epesians 1:18 “ I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…”

Galations 2:10 “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do”

As it turns out, others in my church were also inspired by the time spent with our missionary family, and a team has decided to travel to Swaziland to work beside them.

We will be traveling under the hands of Children’s Cup. More information about this organization can be found at www.childrenscup.org. I can promise that the pictures do not give a true story of the plight of these children. The children that we will be working with live in mudhuts. When it rains, their houses wash away. Some of them sleep on pallets just outside the gates of the carepoints. Most of them are orphans. None of them eat more than ONE bowl of food a day. Always the same beans and rice, the only thing that changes is the amount because some days there isn’t much food to be had. Some days there is no food to be had and the missionaries buy food for them. Disease, injury and this tough life has taken their parents, and there are 10 year olds (sometimes younger) who walk their siblings to these carepoints for food, a little shelter, medical care, and most importantly love. The children get school lessons each day, Bible study, and the older children are taught skills that will help them work or earn money as they age out of the program’s care. While there we will have activities for the children to do and to assist in the daily needs of the care points. Most importantly though we will share the love of Jesus, and help them to see that they are not forgotten.