A Visit to the Chief's Kraal
On Monday, our first day at Mpaka, we were closely observed by the "headman", representing the Chief of the district. He sat in a chair under a large tree and just observed. Until the demonstration of the chlorinator. . . This got his attention.
His presentation to the assembled group was quite enthusiastic. He welcomed us to Swaziland on behalf of the Chief. He said it was very unusual for American visitors to get their hands dirty in Swaziland. He said, in fact he had never seen that before. He also commented that it was good to see American women working alongside the American men. He said it would be good for Swazi women to see that. Maybe they would work harder. This brought a variety of reactions from our group, as you can well imagine. Luckily none of them damaged US international relations.
At that time he invited us to the Chief's Kraal. He said the Chief would want to meet these American visitors and would be very interested in the chlorinator.
He returned to the worksite on Tuesday to say we were officially invited. He said, all the women must wear skirts. Sue asked what the men would wear. His reply - whatever they want. They're men.
So today was the day. We left the Thokosa Centre early to be sure to arrive on time. Bishop Mabuza, ArchDeacon Lonorosa (sp. with apologies), Fr Charles and Fr Batha were with us. This was one of the most fascinating meetings that any of us have ever attended.
I will leave it for another member of the team to sketch this meeting out for you. There were many stages and phases that bewildered us. I'm sure you will hear many different reflections on what went on. But it seems that all ended well.
One part I will mention, I just have to, is that the Chief himself repeated the observation that "you people don't do this kind of work". I know this. You people don't do this.
He also mentioned his appreciation for the gift of the chlorinator, that would be available to the whole community, all of whom really need it.
He and many other speakers thanked us for coming and said that he hoped we saw a community that worked together to solve community problems.
More on this later, Paula
His presentation to the assembled group was quite enthusiastic. He welcomed us to Swaziland on behalf of the Chief. He said it was very unusual for American visitors to get their hands dirty in Swaziland. He said, in fact he had never seen that before. He also commented that it was good to see American women working alongside the American men. He said it would be good for Swazi women to see that. Maybe they would work harder. This brought a variety of reactions from our group, as you can well imagine. Luckily none of them damaged US international relations.
At that time he invited us to the Chief's Kraal. He said the Chief would want to meet these American visitors and would be very interested in the chlorinator.
He returned to the worksite on Tuesday to say we were officially invited. He said, all the women must wear skirts. Sue asked what the men would wear. His reply - whatever they want. They're men.
So today was the day. We left the Thokosa Centre early to be sure to arrive on time. Bishop Mabuza, ArchDeacon Lonorosa (sp. with apologies), Fr Charles and Fr Batha were with us. This was one of the most fascinating meetings that any of us have ever attended.
I will leave it for another member of the team to sketch this meeting out for you. There were many stages and phases that bewildered us. I'm sure you will hear many different reflections on what went on. But it seems that all ended well.
One part I will mention, I just have to, is that the Chief himself repeated the observation that "you people don't do this kind of work". I know this. You people don't do this.
He also mentioned his appreciation for the gift of the chlorinator, that would be available to the whole community, all of whom really need it.
He and many other speakers thanked us for coming and said that he hoped we saw a community that worked together to solve community problems.
More on this later, Paula
posted by Mission Team ~ Iowa at
9:21 AM
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