SwaziCompanions of Iowa

Sunday, July 30, 2006

On Safari at Hlane


Today we went to Hlane Wildlife Preserve. It’s the largest protected animal park in Swaziland. We were guided in 3 land rovers through 30,000 hectares. Believe it or not, there was a chill in the air today and slight frost on the grass this morning. We saw Impala, not the Chevy, the herd type. The guide explained that the “M” marking on their tush stands for McDonald’s – to the lions. One of the greatest sights, was to see 7-8 white rhinos – 5 of which were laying in the middle of the road. Their heads are HUGE, not sure how their necks don’t get stiff.

We were within 10 feet of a young male elephant. He had only one tusk, which the guide explained he lost one in a fight. It was fascinating to see him swirl his trunk around the tall grass, then kick it with his foot, so that he was not pulling up the roots.

We also saw a pride of lions, which blended perfectly with the tall grass. The guide pulled the land rover within 25 feet of these gorgeous animals. It was incredible. We also observed were warthogs and numerous birds.

We had lunch at the reserve, under a giant tree with branches that reached down to the ground, so it was like eating under a large, living umbrella. As we were eating, our treat was to watch the rhinos at the waterhole.

Afterwords, we visited the house that Fr. Charles is building. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking, with a view of a great mountain scene.

The extreme contrast in life here is almost indescribable. Fr. Charles and Arch Deacon, Lona Rosa are two of the nicest, compassionate men I’ve ever met. And yet, due to “random acts of violence”, we stay within the gates of Thokoza Church Centre in order to be safe. The mountains and valleys are absolutely the most beautiful on earth and yet the HIV/Aids rate for adults is estimated at 42%, which means nearly half of the adults will be gone within the next 5 yrs. ArchDeacon LonaRosa said he is burying 8 people per week from the parishes he oversees. It’s very tough on the priests And even though poverty is a huge problem here, you hear the people laughing together – often.

Going back in time – yesterday Sue showed her Godly play story to the children. It was the story about Abraham’s life. When she was done, she asked the kids what the most important part of the story was. A girl raised her hand and said, “To pray to God everyday”. Sue agreed and said that God always knows what’s in our hearts and he wants to hear from each of us, because we are all his children. HOW COOL IS THAT???

Another question: “How does this story relate to you and your life?” One boy said that he is now living here on earth, like Abraham was in the story.

That day we fed the kids peanut butter sandwiches and gave them stickers, which they put on the faces and arms. They loved both.

Something very whimsical that day. Stevie and I decided we would help the women do the dishes after lunch. We went by the fire where their children were. Their skinny puppy started a tussle with the rooster, which fluffed up it’s feathers. The puppy was winning the boxing match. The puppy also took on the goat, but the goat won.

Every day is a great adventure. Thank you all for your prayers. We all feel it and are very appreciative. Ohh and good news about our songs. We are sounding better together, as we will be called to sing on Wednesday, the night of our going-away celebration. Luckily, Meghan is very good at playing the Xylophone. Carla and Lydia have been practicing a great duet, “I’ll be a Sanctuary.”

One more week here….

Reflections by Cheryl

Riding through Swaziland. . .


Hi everyone, you who seem to be a world and a lifetime away. And yet all too soon our time here will be over and we will be re-entering our reality. But will we ever be able to leave this reality behind? Reading about the Third World is one thing; being here is another. So many things amaze me about this land and its people. Everywhere people are walking, so close along the road we hate to travel after dark because we fear hitting someone. Women with large bundles on their heads and a baby tied to their backs. And the cattle roam as if this were India. Brahma type cattle with mean looking horns, but they seem to get along with the young children who walk along for miles through the fields to their homes, unaccompanied by adults. Children here are given so much freedom here; it has to be building their sense of competency. They are also tremendous workers; they seem to assume if they are strong enough they will do whatever work they are capable of doing and feel proud of themselves for it; no whining here.

Houses are scattered over the hillsides, either on plots people have been able to buy title to (no further taxes unless it’s annexed by the city) or that the head man/local chief has given them. So that means plots can be separated by random spaces of open grasslands. Fields are brown now because it’s winter, but you can tell they know about terracing. I’m surprised that there is not a vegetable garden by every house, but maybe that’s what the “agriculturalists” are being trained to help people learn to do. With such a long growing season, one would think they’d be able to bring in something from garden to table about all year. But I don’t have energy for a vegetable garden after driving home from work, why should they after walking home. They grow tremendous cabbages here. We followed a pickup truck—called a van here—piled to a peak with cabbages for market, and not a one rolled off. We also see semi-loads of sugar cane, bags of raw sugar, timber, and oranges, most of which is for export rather than local consumption. When a chicken costs $3, you know most of the people are not eating meat, just lots of mealie meal.

Spring has been coming on, visibly during the past week, with new flowers coming into bloom, a purple magnolia like tree, yellow spikes of something, wild pears, royal coral trees. One good rain and I think the whole world would burst into green.

We went to a wild life reserve today, and I think Cheryl would like to tell you about that, so I’ll turn it over to her.

Beth

Thursday, July 27, 2006

The Chief's Kraal, part 1. . .from Lydia







Today we visited the chiefs home, or royal kraal (corral in America). It was very interesting. After our initial welcome, the Bishop and Ron made small speeches about why we were here and what we were doing in Swaziland. The chief also welcomed us there. When the Bishop asked if we could take pictures to take back to the US, the Chief said that they should be the ones asking to have their pictures taken so that the world could see more of Swaziland. Then the Chief and his council took us tour or the property. There was a small area where the warriors would meet with chief, then a small cow pen where a young boy tended the herds. Outside there was a large area where women were sifting sorghum. They told us that this sorghum is also food for the orphans. There were a few huts where the young men stayed when they harvested the sorghum and a place where the women prepared the food. The last place we visited was the house of the Chief.

On our way back to the welcome hall the Chiefs jester grabbed me and dragged me to the front of our group towards the Chief. He was talking in SiSwati so I couldn’t understand him, but a woman next to me said he was taking me to the Chief to be his bride. The Chief seemed very surprised at this news and laughed with the rest or us. At our farewell, as the advisor was thanking us for coming, the Chief leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Then the translator said ‘and I understand there is a young lady among us that has to stay here in Swaziland with the Chief’. Everyone laughed and when we went out side to go, I got my picture with the Chief. Mom mentioned that I would like to come back to teach at St. Augustine’s. I told him I would look him up and he said “You’ll find me here”.

Lydia

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

Behind the scenes at St Augustine's. . .from Sue

July 26
On our journey to the worksite at Mpaka each day we see so many interesting things.—today we discovered that they mark the road lines by placing white dots alongside a rope. They come back later with yellow paint to join the dots together. We see basket makers, tin smiths/people selling roasted corn on the roadside. Animals run free here—goats, cattle all graze on the side of the road. Children—even very young children walk along the roadside with cars whizzing by. This goes on all day and well after dark. Today we noticed a sign on a store for “23 Psalm Investment!”



We had a wonderful day at the worksite today where we go to make bricks. However today there were so many extra hands helping that instead of fighting for a shovel we had time to get to know our new friends. Whereas the first day my offer of help with cooking the meal was turned down—I think because we were guests—today my offer of help was accepted and I got to chop potatoes and beets for our lunch. While doing so I had my language lesson! Cheryl learned to carry a bag of oranges on her head.

When the St Augustine School children came for their lunch, Cheryl and I had a great game of football. Lydia played a game of basketball with another group of children, and tried to learn their rope-jumping game.

After lunch the children sang songs for us, and some of us danced while they sang. We were taught to dance as the Swazi people dance. After that, our resident dentist, Terry asked us to help him distribute gum to all the children. It was a great treat for them and they never knew they were cleaning their teeth!

Sue

More on blockmaking. . . from Gene




July 26

What a great day at the work site. We were making more blocks today and 5 or 6 children were trying to help fill the molds and pull the slipform off of the wet block. Several of the boys tried to pull the form off but just could not do it. I pulled it off and began making more blocks while they helped fill the forms with block mix. They again wanted to try to pull the form off of the wet block. A couple of boys tried again and could not pull the form. A little girl wanted to try so I let her have a turn, and lo and behold, she did it. We gave her a round of applause and filled the form for another block. The boys were even more determined to pull the form since they had just been shown up by the girl in the group. This time they were successful. I soon found myself standing back and giving them some direction on how to fill the form, shake it and then pack it so they could then pull the form. We applauded as they were successful in making one block after another.

I must admit that I was a bit annoyed at first as they were slowing the process of making blocks down by wanting to try but not being successful at doing it. After they got the hang of it and began making one block after another, I realized that I would be gone in a week but they would be here to help continue making blocks in the future for their school. We were so proud of their accomplishment. As Andy said, it was a Tom Sawyer moment.

Gene

Blockmaking 101


Step number one.
Move five wheelbarrows of sand to the mixing area.










Step number two. Add one bag of cement mix.
Step number three. Mix. Mix. Mix.




Step number four. Add 2.5-3 large buckets of water.




Step number five. Stir well.



Step number six. Load into wheelbarrow.


Step number seven. Cart to blockmaking area.


Step number eight. Shovel into molds.




Step number nine. Tamp down and remove the form.

photos, may be slow to load`



Beth went to church at one of Father Advent's parishes on Sunday. About half the population of Swaziland is under the age of 15, and so are the parishioners.

Andy and I were at St Luke's with Fr Charles. The chairman of the school development fund showed us the Anglican school there. Here we are in a typical classroom.

A few of the 500 interested parties look on.

All of the Anglican schools are full and they operate on very limited budgets.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Mpaka, a Meeting and the glass factory

Sanibonani,

This is a midmorning update from the Water Group, taking advantage of an unexpected opportunity to jump on the web.

This morning, most of the team climbed into the vans and head to Fr Batha's homestead for a half day of brickmaking. We are willing shoveller's, cement mixers and form packers, but we don't have the talent of our Swazi lead man. Many of the blocks we make fall apart when the forms are lifted. No problem, just try again! Andy thinks we'll have it down soon, maybe next Tuesday, our last day.

Many members of the group have made friends with Swazis at Fr Batha's homestead. Fr Batha established St Augustine and the women at his homestead prepare the meals for the children at the school. The feeding program at St Augustine's has been reduced to three days and they have been serving only meali meal due to ever more limited resources. So the children were not at school yesterday, but will be there today. We hope to help with the feeding program even while we are here, if this is possible.

The water situation is also not good. With very limited rain water remaining in the barrel, they have to use water from a nearby pond for washing and preparing food. On Monday our group demonstrated the chlorinator. They are using it now at Fr Batha's homestead. This was an amazing experience that will require an entire post. I will collect pictures tongiht to illustrate the text. I'll post the whole story tomorrow.

The vans are driven each day by Ron and Father Charles, priest at St Lukes parish of 5 churches. Fr Charles is a most remarkable man, as those of you who have met him know. Soft-spoken, quick-witted and possessing excellent English, he gets one of us going in circles each day. Small price for his help negotiating the plan for the day, and our many bright ideas, i.e. changes in those plans. One of our group thanked him for his patience. His response, "I am African. In Africa you must be patient. Otherwise you would be frustrated most of the time." Yes. But how do you actually do that?

Our stay here has been anything but frustrating, because of our gracious hosts. Father Advent has been called to University two weeks earlier than he had planned, so Father Charles is in the driver's seat, literally. The accomodations at Thokosa Centre are good and the meals are wonderful. We have been asked if there is anything we would like to see and do in addition to what has been planned. There is so much in the plan, we haven't requested any additions. Each afternoon on the way back from Mpaka, we have a side trip to a market or other attraction. Today the group that went to Mpaka will come back early for a trip to a glass factory and rug factory north of Mbabane. Our hosts provide these ideas and we ride along enjoying the scenery and then the places we are taken. The air is SO CLEAN and REFRESHING and the sunsets so SPECTACULAR, they cannot be described.

OK, so what am I doing here in Mbabane when most of the team is making bricks in Mpaka? Bishop Mabuza arranged for us to meet with representatives of two Ministries - "Geology and Mining" and "Environment and Tourism". Today we met with the assistant director of the Division of Geology and Mining. I was able to ask him about the survey operations they perform, about their use of GIS, and whether they use college interns to do the work of digitizing existing data. Hayley, Carla and Meghan were there and Thdebekile, the director of the HIV/AIDS program, was our Swazi guide. (I apologize for what I am sure is not the correct spelling of her name.) We were graciously received and got much information we could not have learned elsewhere. We also purchased a set of very fine maps. One thing we learned is that this division drills boreholes upon application and could perform that service at St Augustine's. There is a very long list of applicants and only two field teams. However access to ground water at St Augustine's, at some point, will not be a problem.

I must run now -- down the road, across the river and up the facing hill -- to lunch at Thokosa Centre.

Thank you to all the prayer partners, relatives, friends . . . who are supporting us. You are mentioned often at the table at the end of the day. We are, each and all, being nourished by the experience of this mission. This thought has been expressed by each member of the team. For me, the image is of working hard each day, but finding at the end, cool refreshing water drawn from a very deep well.

I stand in awe of our Anglican companions.

Paula

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

July 24 and July25

We spent our first two days at the "work site".....in Mpaka.......about 1 1/2 hrs. from the Center in Mbabane where we are staying. BIG breakfasts for workers! Met Bishop Mabuza, his wife Lucy @ St. Augustine's school.

Here Bishop Mabuza, Father Dent Mbatha, ArchDeacon Shongwe and Iris, the head-teacher tell us about the program.

We met the 4 teachers and about 100 students......3 classes ....52 preschoolers and the rest grades 1-2 ...we think.

Two classes inside the school......w/a few chairs and 1 chalkboard......a few hadmade posters lined the walls....w/alphabet, etc. The older students were seated on benches under a tree w/a chalkboard....next to the "kitchen"......a tent(about 10x10 ft.) where meals are prepared for the children.

We moved to Fr. Dent Mbatha and his wife Christine's homestead......where we were taught to mix sand, cement and water to form concrete blocks. The first day we had about 5 Swazi men and youth to instruct and help us. The second day.....the main blockmaker, Jack, was there. We had 2 wheelbarrows, 6 shovels (2 without hand grips) 2 watering cans and 2 metal block forms to make the concrete blocks. It takes 3-4 days for the blocks to cure.....w/watering 3-5 times a day.

The first day the children joined us at Fr. Dent's where we were working for dinner.....ar. 2 p.m. They had dried mealy meal, beans and bread and butter sandwiches. We were served mealy meal, rice, fruit and fowl Monday and beef, rice, and pasta w/a mixed fruit for desert. Christine, Fr. Dent's wife and Ntombie are our cooks.

Am Under the time gun!! More Later! Love and Peace!!! Stevie Shively :)

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Sanibonani from Swaziland

Our weekend arrival was very welcome - to us and to our hosts. It did mean we did not have access to the internet until now (Monday, 8:45AM). None of the phone cards have worked in Swazi phones. So this quick message is meant to say "we arrived in Jo'berg on a smooth and uneventful flight, happy to set our feet on terra firma in Africa!" We are all well and well settled in.

We enjoyed a wonderful warm welcome from our Swazi host committee and the parishes we visited yesterday. The Bishop hosted a welcome dinner at Thokoza last night and we were briefed on the HIV and education programs in the Diocese of Swaziland. We had each seen something of the situation they told us about.

We also toured the beautiful north country and the Maguga Dam yesterday.

When I sign off, we will be on our way to Mpaka.

Our plan from now on is to make daily posts to the blog between 4 and 5PM Swazi time. That's mid-morning in Iowa. Check back for more details and reflections from members Swazi team members.

Sala Kahle (good-bye and stay well).

Friday, July 21, 2006

Success

It's about noon in DC and we're awaiting the boarding call on SAA208. We all have boarding passes, the luggage has been transferred from United to South African Air, and there's actually a plane already docked at the gate!

We were able to talk to Mike before he boarded our original flight yesterday. So we know he and Gene and Ron are already in Johannesburg. Tomorrow AM we will be there too! We are certainly ready. Thanks for your supportive thoughts and prayers.

Yeeebo!

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Well, it isn't Swaziland



We are spending our first night of travel at the Dulles Hilton. Flat-screen TV, a spa-type bathing room, all the amenities. How did this happen?





The day started as planned, with the group of 15 convening at the United ticket counter in Des Moines at 4:45. Everyone arrived on time and there were no problems with luggage. We met Julianne, our “24/7” contact. Bishop Scarfe, Donna and Dave Oakland came to the airport to see us off.

We had a rocky landing at O’Hare and then nature’s fireworks really started. Lightning, rain, more lightning, more rain. Our 8:05 AM departure to Dulles and then our 11:50 departure time to Johannesburg came and went. Toni and Andy stood in line, negotiated with United gate agents, and covered all possible bases for alternative flights with South African Air. The rest of the group chatted, walked, read, slept, played cards and snacked on Keith and Holly’s stash of goodies, and maintained good spirits. .

We finally left O’Hare on our original United flight at 12:50PM and arrived at Dulles to start the game of finding alternate flights to Johannesburg all over again. At present we have “guaranteed seats” tomorrow on the flight to Johannesburg we should have been on today. But we don’t have tickets or boarding passes yet, so stay tuned.

We have plans for breakfast and a 9:00 departure for the airport to obtain the coveted boarding pass, proof positive that we are about to embark on our Swazi adventure.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Mission Team to Leave on July 20














Our mission team will leave on Thursday, July 20 for the flight to Johannesburg & then the six hour drive to Mbabane, Swaziland on July 21. Their mission in Swaziland will end on August 3. We ask your blessing prayers for their journey:

Living God, eternal Holy Spirit, let your bright intoxicating energy, which fired those first disciples, ignite our Iowa mission team in spiritual companionship with our brothers and sisters in Swaziland, as they work together to build St. Augustine's school for orphans in Mpaka, Swaziland. Amen.

Meet the mission team in the attached photo -- all but Mike Stewart, who will join the team from his new home in Tennessee. Kneeling front row left to right: Carla Horsley, Hayley Bright, Sue Genereux, Lydia Brown. Standing left to right: Keith Scherff, Terry Shively, Gene Warren, Paula Sanchini, Beth Robbins, Stevie Shively, Cheryl Valenta, Margaret Hansen, Meghan Felton, Ron Noah, Toni Noah, Andy Pettifor & Holly Scherff.

16 Iowans Set for Swazi Trip

Hailing from the southeast corner of Iowa to the northwest part of the state, the newly-formed Mpaka Mission team gathered on January 21 at St. John’s, Mason City, to get acquainted and plan for their July 20 to August 5, 2006 trip to help build a school for orphans in Mpaka, Swaziland.
Photos: Children from Mpaka, a village in the Swaziland lowveldThe mission team includes Gene Warren, St. John’s, Ames; Sue Genereux and Margaret Hansen, Christ Church, Burlington; Andy Pettifor, Beth Robbins, Cheryl Valenta and Paula Sanchini, Christ Church, Cedar Rapids; team leaders Ron and Toni Noah, Grace Church, Charles City; Lydia Brown and Keith and Holly Scherff, St. Mark’s, Fort Dodge; Ginny Ryan, Trinity, Iowa City; Mike Stewart, St. John’s, Mason City, and Terry and Stevie Shively, St. Alban’s, Spirit Lake.

The Iowa SwaziCompanions ask that you undergird our 16 missioners with your prayers. Pray for these people who are giving of themselves to represent our diocese in the important work of building a school and developing companion ties in Christ with our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Swaziland. Pray for them as they prepare for this vital mission, during their sojourn in Swaziland and on their return home. Pray as the Swazis will surely say to each of these Iowans, “We thank God for you.”

—Melody Rockwell

Quote of the Day

Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion looks out on the world, yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.
—Teresa of Avila

Twelth Night Festival at Christ Church, Cedar Rapids



O, come let us give thanks in the house of the Lord:
For the festive reception hosted on January 6, 2006 by the Roses and Sandbergs;
For the glowing candles, three magi, and star-led procession, and for the joyful singing and sermon of the Epiphany service;
For the 100 people enjoying the culinary miracle of turducken and trimmings perfected under Diane Pettifor's excellent leadership;
For the artistic transformation of the undercroft created by Susie Streit;
For Libby Slappey's laughter-promoting auctioneering that netted $5,000 and counting to build a school for orphans in Mpaka, Swaziland;
For all the many people who cooked, set up, cleaned up, signed up, offered meals for auction, bid at the auction, made generous donations, and participated in a myriad of countless important ways,
We give thanks.

—Christ Church Twelfth Night Festival Committee and Swazi Companions

St Alban's Children Donate to Swazi School


During November, the children of St. Alban's, Spirit Lake, worked on Operation Christmas Child, led by parishioners Elizabeth Ward and Vera Schmidt. A program of Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child involves children in a simple mission project in which they provide gift-filled shoeboxes for children around the world.

PHOTO: The children of St. AlbansIn December, the church school continued the theme of helping children in other lands. They made rain sticks and learned African folk songs, which they sang during the service on December 18. They also dedicated their church school offering ($35) to help build a school for orphans in Mpaka, a village in the Swaziland lowveld.

Other churches or groups wishing to give to the Mpaka school, a joint project of the Dioceses of Iowa and Swaziland, should send donations to Christ Church, 220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids. Write the words "Mpaka school" in the subject line. For more information about the school-building project, contact Melody Rockwell.

Quote of the Day

"I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person and learns from the other. Most of us have a lot to learn from other people."

—Eduardo Galeano

Mpaka Missions Meetings Scheduled

Mpaka Mission Meetings Scheduled
by Melody Rockwell

"The children at St. Augustine’s, Mpaka, deeply touched our hearts. These orphans presented the most extreme need we witnessed while in Swaziland." —Rev. Barbara Schlachter, November 2004

Interested in building a school for orphans in Africa? Want to learn more about our beautiful, but tremendously challenged companion diocese of Swaziland? Mark your calendars to attend one of the informational meetings scheduled this fall on Sundays at 2 p.m.

+ November 13 ~~ St. Alban’s, 23rd & Zenith, Spirit Lake

+ November 20 ~~ St. Stephen’s, 223 East 4th Street North, Newton

+ December 4 ~~ Christ Church, 220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids [DATE CORRECTED]

Toni and Ron Noah, experienced missioners from Charles City, will be leading these sessions. Come. Immerse yourself in photos, music and the history, geography, culture and political scene of our sisters and brothers in Christ in Swaziland. Be briefed on our new diocesan mission tentatively scheduled for July 20 – August 5, 2006 to help with school construction at St. Augustine’s, Mpaka, Swaziland. The school, an anchor building providing basic education and a feeding program for children, will also serve as an HIV/AIDS education facility, church, community center, and medical clinic.

If you are discerning whether God is calling you to Swaziland or wonder how you might otherwise support this diocesan mission trip, plan on attending one of the fall introductory sessions. The Noahs will inform you about the purpose of the trip, what we anticipate we will do in Swaziland next summer, roughly what the trip will cost and the time commitment to build the mission team before departure to Africa… & more.

Look for information about the upcoming Mpaka Mission meetings at the Global Mission table at the Diocesan Convention on November 4-5. Or, contact Ron and Toni Noah at 641-228-8126 or harimau@thenoahs.net. To become a listed member [Free! No charge! No obligation!] on the Mpaka Mission informational e-mail exchange, contact Melody Rockwell at 319-854-7393 or mrockwrite@netins.net. Also, continue to check this space for updates on the trip.

Brown-eyed children, wide-eyed children,
With beautiful brown faces.
Look up, children of the mother continent.
See the strangers, the unknown.
"Sing for them," say their teachers.
They open their mouths
And their songs open our hearts.
Their images sear forever on our eyes.
Their sounds ring forever in our ears.

Brown-eyed children, wide eyed children,
With beautiful brown faces.
Look up, children of Africa.
Smile for us.
We want to take your picture,
Capture forever the look on your faces—
Wistful, uncertain, bewildered, still hopeful.

The Jesus who said
"Let the little children come to me," says to us
"Now you have seen me.
You have seen the face of God and lived.
And what difference will it make?"


Barbara Schlachter

More Reflections

I still am waking up fully in Africa, before realizing I'm back in Iowa. The experience of Swaziland is deeply imbedded and vitally alive within, the images, sounds, touch and tastes still vivid. God was so profoundly and palpably present in Africa. As Barbara noted, "We have seen the face of God in Swaziland." This morning at about 3 a.m., I got up to ponder and write about why that might be. Of course, God is in Iowa, but why did I feel the holiness that is God less etherally, so tangibly in Swaziland? Certainly, the problems in Swaziland are more severe and clearcut. It is easier to see what God's call is in a very clarion, urgent way. Also, in Swaziland, the church and clergy and laypeople are on the frontline serving people in dire need. We witnessed courage, conviction, perseverance and generosity in large measure by our Swazi brothers and sisters. They provide a model of what it means to serve well beyond what is comfortable and convenient, what it means to live Christ's gospel message on a daily 24/7 basis. The other item I noted in my journal was the cultural static here in Iowa that too often drowns out our relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit -- our busyness, materialism, media onslaught... I want to name the meanings of our spiritual journey in Swaziland -- one by one, as carefully as I pulled the barbed thorns from the material of my skirt and the skin of my legs while on the Nisela Safari. I want to focus with intentional care and discernment on the ways the time in Africa pierced my soul, emotions, goals, prayers. And in naming those penetrating experiences, I hope to retain their presence in my life.

—Melody Rockwell

Thanksgivings

Deacon Pat Johnson read the following at our farewell dinner on Sunday evening, and she gave me permission to share her thoughts with you.
Karen


Bishop Mabuza,

At our welcoming dinner you thanked Iowa for everything we have done for Swaziland. We would like you to know what Swaziland has done for us.

You have taught us about generosity of spirit, courage, and great faithfulness.

You have showed us the meaning of true hospitality.

You have helped our spirits soar with your singing and dancing.

You have been an example of evangelical zeal and church growth.

You have opened up our world to find new friends halfway around the world.

You have broken open our hearts.

You have challenged us to see things differently.

You have helped us to remember how wide and broad is the depth of God's love.

Siabonga Kakhulu. [We thank you very much.]

—Pat Johnson

It's a Wrap

Obviously, we are back! The Iowa Eleven arrived on U.S. soil Tuesday afternoon and are all busy readjusting to American culture. You'll probably be hearing reflections from the others soon. For now, I'll just do a quick wrap-up of our final few days in Swaziland.

On Saturday morning at the cathedral in Mbabane, we attended the ordination of six new priests, two of whom were the first women to be ordained to the priesthood in Swaziland. Barbara Schlachter preached a rousing sermon on the roles of women in the church and in society, with some history of the struggle for women's ordination in the United States. She shared tales of the attitudes and obstacles she and other women faced, and exhorted men to support these new women priests as they face similar challenges in Swaziland. As she stressed that women and men are equally valuable, female voices rang out across the church in "amens" and other shouts and murmurs of affirmation, praise, and thanksgiving. It was apparent that the women present felt empowered by both the event and by Barbara's words. It was an historic day in Swaziland, and both women and men were still commenting on it in the days that followed.

On Sunday, our group split up and went our separate ways to visit various churches across the diocese. I was fortunate to be able to visit the chaplaincy at the University of Swaziland and had an enlightening conversation with one of the professors afterward about the political situation in the country. As you may know, Swaziland's government is the last absolute monarchy in Africa, and a rule-of-law crisis has been ongoing there for quite a while. A new constitution has been drafted, and professors at the university reviewed it and wrote papers in hope of holding a conference to debate the document. Of course, the government axed that idea and, from what I hear, any other attempts at group debate on the new constitution. Whatever complaints we may have here in the United States about academic freedom, and about freedoms of speech and assocation, things are far worse in Swaziland.

Sunday evening brought a farewell dinner at the Thakoza Center, the Anglican retreat center where we were staying. Thanksgivings, reflections, and good-byes were said, gifts and addresses exchanged, but we still had another day of learning ahead of us. On Monday, we met with Revd. Bheki Magongo and Glenda Mbambo, who run the Anglican Church's AIDS education program. Their presention was quite impressive, so much so that a description of their work deserves its own post. Tomorrow I will write more details here on what we learned.

A large group saw us off at the Manzini airport on Monday afternoon, and even though the airport security guard threw us out of the lobby because of our singing (the first Swazi to say a cross word to us!), we still managed to share heartfelt good-byes with all. After parting and waiting near our gate for at least half an hour, we were touched to notice upon boarding the plane that our Swazi friends were still watching for our take-off. In my heart I am still waving good-bye.

Our trip may be over, but this blog will continue on. Stay tuned for more thoughts and reflections, and for our ideas for moving forward to strengthen the companionship between Iowa and Swaziland. Your ideas are welcome, too. Just click the "comments" button below, or email us at our new email address: iowacompanions@yahoo.com.

Peace,
Karen

Day 8 in Swaziland

Friday morning started with a brief eucharist in memory of Jean's best friend, Norma Madison of Des Moines, who passed away this week. Norma was very excited for Jean to come to Africa.

Later in the morning, the group met with the Mother's Union in Manzini to learn about their orphan project, which Iowans have supported. Clementine Mashwama gave a presentation about their work, which focuses on four areas: life skills (i.e., sewing, cooking), bereavement counseling, HIV/AIDS education, and Bible study. The women have worked with the schools to map homestead areas to identify the orphans. Twenty-five "caregivers" meet with the students, ages 6-12. Students who have completed the program come back as volunteers. The meetings occur every fortnight. The availability of the building they use keeps them from meeting more frequently, and the women hope to have a building of their own one day to solve this problem.

In the afternoon we traveled to one of Fr. Charles's six churches, St. Mark's in Lundzi, located in the Usutu forest. The hour-long drive into the western highveld was bumpy, but it was nice to see pine trees and so much green. It was a perfect day, sunny but with cool mountain breezes.

Our mission was to paint the interior of a new church, but we started late and Fr. Charles expected we wouldn't have time to do much more than drop the paint off and leave. But Iowans started picking up brushes and pouring paint before he had a chance to suggest otherwise. In about two and a half hours, and with the help of several local boys, we had put a coat of paint on the entire interior of the church. Fr. Charles called it a miracle.

More to come on Saturday's ordination of the first two women priests in Swaziland, so stay tuned...

Karen

A Day in the Lowveld

We spent Thursday touring the lowveld, the region of Swaziland most affected by the drought. Swaziland is in its third year of famine, with about 1/3 of the population dependent on food aid, up from 1/4 last year. Swaziland's population is 1 million, and according to Fr. Michael, our tour guide, about 120,000 live in the lowveld. The region is heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. Those who are infected here don't live as long as in other regions, because treatment isn't as effective when people are malnourished.

The landscape we drove through was both stark and beautiful: dry, dusty, and hot, with flatlands and gently rolling hills against the backdrop of the Lumbombo Mountains. It reminded many of us of the American Southwest.

The government seems to neglect this area, perhaps because the rural people are traditional and the king does not have to work hard to keep their loyalty. We spent hours upon hours on some of the rockiest dirt roads I've ever been on. Looking from a hilltop, there were no paved roads to be seen.

We spent most of our time visiting three schools. Students in Swaziland must pay fees to attend school, whether public or private, and must also pay for uniforms and books. The government has committed to pay school fees (approx. $100-200 per student) for the 60,000 orphans in Swaziland, but has yet to come through on its promise.

The first school we visited was one supported by World Vision and is where Pat Johnson sponsors a child, and they were able to meet for the first time. We we return, you must ask for one of us to tell The Snake Story! (No time here, but it is worth hearing!)

The other two schools were Anglican schools. All three schools seemed to be struggling under their responsibility of educating the orphans without the government's help---one school has 49 orphans, another has 180 designated as orphans and vulnerable children. Most schools provide at least one meal per day, if not two.

The children we met all seemed very bright, though, and excited to meet us and learn about America or whatever else we had to tell them. Very hungry minds and great senses of humor. At two of the schools, students were forced to stand in line for 10-15 minutes in the heat and sun while someone told them who we were and what on earth we were doing there. They were SO patient and well behaved for this!

Our final stop was a visit to a small hospital. It is relatively clean and orderly. There isn't much room, though, and patients are allowed to stay for two weeks before being sent home again. Patients lie on the floors and in hallways, often on foam pads with no sheets. So many dying, and so many way too young.

This was a hard day for us, to see such suffering all in one trip. I'll close with Fr. Michael's words: "We thank God because they still strive."

Peace and love,
Karen

More Quick Comments

Hello, all! We are all still alive and well, and have been going, going, going since our last post. We'll have a full report soon, hopefully tomorrow. For now, we will post some quick comments just to let you know what we've been up to.

Our itinerary has changed a bit, but the trip to the lowveld, and our fast, are still on for tomorrow. Monday we visited Deacon Orma's orphan care project at St. Margaret's. The children greeted us with quite a singing performance. (Bishop Scarf and Donna repaid the favor by leading them in a few boisterous rounds of "Praise Ye the Lord," a children's song involving a lot of jumping and shouting.) Orma's project feeds over 50 children per day on most days. She shared their needs for more cooking equipment and staff. Afterward we visited St. Mathias, where Iowans helped build the priest's house six years ago.

Yesterday we visited Hospice at Home, delivered medical supplies donated from Iowa, and heard a report from the director on their work in Swaziland and their current needs. Then we visited a game reserve and saw some Swazi wildlife.

Today we went to Luve in the middleveld, where Iowans have sponsored a well and a garden project. We shared a gracious meal with Fr. Eric and his family, followed by a visit with the Shongwe family, who are sponsored by Iowans. (The eldest son Sipho visted Iowa in 1999.) The Shongwes are suffering a great deal after the death of the father and a daughter from HIV/AIDS. A second daughter and granddaughter have tested positive, as well.

We are seeing the effects of the drought in some of our travels, and it is pretty overwhelming. This afternoon we visited St. Augustine's orphan care project at Mpatha in the lowveld. The church there feeds 112 children one meal a day for four days a week, plus provides some schooling three days a week. The children seemed markedly less healthy in this desert region than other children we have seen so far.

Everyone on the trip is doing fairly well healthwise, so no worries. This is beautiful country and has been very warm, with some Iowa-like storms which hit the East and West but unfortunately skipped the lowveld.

We send our love and will report again soon.

---The Iowa Eleven

Hi folks! Yes we made it and it's been so intense that I'm glad you'll be hearing from a lot of us. To participate in two such different liturgies on two days was mind/spirit-bending. From grief and solemnity to bubbling joy, and in both, a deep spirit of gratitude.

First, about Archbishop Tutu. When they were censing him him, he was laughing; when they were singing a greeting hymn before he preached, he danced (subtly but unmistakably). And best of all, his sermon praised the African bishops present before he spoke about Bishop Mkhabela. And they are all heroes. We have a lot to learn from this part of the Church.

Lots of personal greetings and inquiries after Iowans, esp. the Noahs and members of other work parties. Special grettings to Charles City from Frs. Gregory Makubu, Sipho Shongwe, and Mandla Dlamini, who have included Charles City in their Iowa travels. Clementine Mashwama (George's widow) is flourishing and organized the fundraising for the new St. Thomas. From what I heard my last visit, for a widow to be living so vibrantly is a powerful witness for Christianity. God is good.

Love,
Kate Campbell+

Barbara, Gina and Melody are all fine, send their love to Christ Church and families and will write another day.


From Swaziland--
Everyone is OK--We are being treated royally. Planes were on schedule and we are very busy. Just want to send love. Miss you--fromn JEAN (McKinney)

We're Here!

Sanibonani! (Hello!)

We arrived safely in Swaziland on Friday evening but have been so busy ever since that we are just now getting to the blog. So far, our travels have included a 13-hour layover in Frankfurt, enough time for exploring and sight-seeing. We arrived in Jo'burg Friday morning and were greeted by Canon Charles Kunene, Archdeacon Gregory Makhubu, Canon Advent Dlamini, and Ms. Themba Yame Dlamini, the Diocesan Registrar (a role similar to that of our Diocesan Chancelor). We traveled overland through plains and mountains to Mbabane, a five-hour trip.

We spent Saturday at St. Christopher's in Siteki, a small town in the far northeastern part of the country, for the funeral of the Rt. Revd. Bernard Mkhabela. Bishop Mkhabela was the first Swazi bishop of the Diocese of Swaziland and was highly revered as a pioneer for the rights of Swazis. (Every speaker also mentioned his punctuality, so we can guess that he probably wouldn't have been too happy to know we were late to his funeral!) The 4 hour ceremony was highly attended and was officiated by five bishops from across the Province of Southern Africa and from Iowa. The sermon was delivered by none other than Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Yesterday, we joined the people of St. Thomas at Lomahasha, in the northeast corner of the country, as they celebrated the dedication of their new church, partially built with funds and labor from Iowa. This 5 1/2 hour service was also packed, and the singing and dancing could hardly be contained. Bishop Scarf preached, and Bishop Meshack Mabuza read a list of projects Iowans have done in Swaziland that surprised even us.

Iowa and Swaziland: Companions in Mission

The goals of the companion diocese program are twofold: (1) to strengthen the Anglican Communion and (2) to strengthen one another. Our diocese has been in companionship with the Diocese of Swaziland since 1990. Over the years, many of you have heard about Iowa Episcopalians traveling to Swaziland (or have traveled there yourselves) and have met Swazis when they have visited here.

Because of the dire economic, health, and political issues in Swaziland, the focus of our companionship is often on how we can help. Of course, sharing our resources with our brothers and sisters in need is an appropriate response to God's call to compassion. But our companionship is about much more than service projects. As partners, we join in mutual ministry across boundaries of geography and culture: As we minister to Swazis, Swazis also minister to us, and together we minister to the world.

Harold Frakes, a longtime friend of Swaziland from Trinity Iowa City, has a favorite quote from Mother Teresa: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Diocesan companionships help us to live into the idea that we Anglicans belong to each other, even as we struggle with our differences. May God continue to work through us all as we seek to fulfill the church’s mission “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP, p. 855).

Swaziland Trip, November 10–23
This month, 11 Iowans will join Swazis as they dedicate the new church at Lomahasha and ordain three to the priesthood, including the first two female Swazi priests. We will also visit parishes around the diocese, learn about the work of St. Margaret’s orphanage and the Mother’s Union Orphan Project, join two work projects, and tour several national sights. (See itinerary and list of travelers, below.)

Follow Our Travels!
Daily entries on this site will chronicle our journey. Comments and questions are welcome; simply click on the “comments” link below each entry.

Meet the November 2004 Missioners

Following is a list of those who will be journeying to Swaziland in November:

Katherine Campbell, priest, Grace Church, Charles City (2nd Swaziland trip)
Pat Johnson, deacon, St. Thomas, Sioux City (2nd trip)
Jean McKinney, deacon, St. Paul's, Des Moines (1st trip)
Paul Meginnis, laity, St. Luke's, Des Moines (3rd trip)
Karen Nichols, laity, Trinity, Iowa City (2nd trip)
David Oakland, laity, St. John's, Ames (2nd trip)
Melody Rockwell, laity, Christ Church, Cedar Rapids (1st trip)
Alan Scarfe, bishop, Diocese of Iowa (1st trip)
Donna Scarfe, laity, Diocese of Iowa (1st trip)
Barbara Schlachter, priest, Christ Church, Cedar Rapids (1st trip)
Gina Young, laity, Christ Church, Cedar Rapids (1st trip)

Tentative Schedule

WED, NOV 10 Depart from Iowa for Johannesburg, via Chicago and Frankfurt, GermanyFRI,

NOV 12 Arrive in Johannesburg, travel by van to Mbabane

SAT, NOV 13 9:00 a.m. - Funeral service for Bishop Bernard at St. Christopher's in Siteki
3:00 p.m. - Visit St. Augustine's orphan care project and garden scheme

SUN, NOV 14 Dedication service of St. Thomas Church, Lomahasha

MON, NOV 15 Visit Mlilwane game reserve, St. Margaret's orphan care project, national museum, national archives, cultural village

TUE, NOV 16 Lundzi Church – Here the group may participate in the painting of this new church, which will be dedicated by Christmas 2004.Visit Ezulwini handicraft centre and Ngwenya glass factory

WED, NOV 17 Visit Mother's Union opharn care project, Zandondo-Holy cross parochial district, Luve garden project

THU, NOV 18 Visit Hlatikulu, Mpandesane, St. Antony orphan care project, St. Augustine

FRI, NOV 19 A tour of the western archdeaconry

SAT, NOV 20 9:00 a.m. – Ordination service at All Saint's Cathedral

SUN, NOV 21 Farewell dinner at Thokoza

MON, NOV 22 Fight departs from Manzini to Iowa via Johannesburg, Frankfurt, and Chicago

TUE, NOV 23 Arrive in Iowa