From Carl Mann - Sunday, October 26
Sanibonani!
I was told to keep this short so I will see what I can do although there are two parts to what I have report.
First, as transportation coordinator and primary American driver, I have had the unique experience of viewing Swaziland through a windshield from the wrong side of the vehicle and the wrong side of the road, at least from an American perspective! I probably don’t need to go into much detail as that last line says it all. As we leave the hustle and bustle of the city each morning, proceeding through the last robots, (traffic lights), over the last of the speed bumps (they’re everywhere), and begin the ascent or descent of endless mountains and valleys, I say, “Let the insanity begin!” Seriously, I am considering a third career as a NASCAR driver. It took the better part of three days to feel comfortable enough to become as crazy as the local population in regard to operating a motor vehicle. This is one of few places on earth where it is perfectly acceptable to pass the car in front of you and immediately hit the brakes because there may be a very large bovine or goat taking a leisurely stroll across or down the middle of the road. And that is on the main four lane highway, possibly even in town! When one departs the main highway to travel to one of the various outstations, one finds them self on a road that we would consider a ‘level B’ road back home; teeth-rattling, bone-busting, and maintained once a year whether it needs it or not! But that all right because that’s the way it is. Let’s just say that the panel beaters (body shops) and breakdowns (tow trucks) appear to be keeping busy. OK, that’s enough about that for now.
The second part is in regard to the 40th Anniversary Celebration held yesterday in Manzini. It was a wonderful service containing a balance of traditional Anglican and culturally rich liturgics and music which lasted for a good three hours and a bit. And that was just the first part of the celebration! Then came the ‘Welcoming’ portion of the program which lasted just a little over two and a half hours! Suffice it to say that it was good practice for the return trip on the airplane. Aside from the length, it was glorious! The order of service was followed as close as possible but when ever a unforeseen break in the action occurred, somebody would break into song in the Makwaya style (traditional African) and before you know it we were up on our feet clapping our hands, singing at the top of our lungs, and movin’ to the groove thing! It was quite amazing, actually. It was a spontaneous, heart-felt, soul-clenching worship which was as natural as taking a breath yet still very Anglican in a sacramental way. Outward and visible actions radiating an inward and spiritual grace nearly beyond description due to its heavenly source and generation; literally an inspiration of the Holy Spirit!
This entire trip as been an honor and a humbling experience in which we have been received and accepted as brothers and sisters in Christ! My everlasting thanks to the congregation of St. Alban’s in Spirit Lake and the Diocese of Iowa for allowing me to be a part of this mission.
An off-the-cuff reflection: I believe that we, the team, have been ministered to by those of whom we have met in a far greater capacity than from anything that we have had to offer them , which is striking because we have accomplished a significant amount good by the loving grace and mercies of God!
On a personal note: Jane, if you have been waiting to hear from me, I love you and miss you, and the dog, and in that order. Mom, if you read this, so far there have been no international incidents but we haven’t left the country yet! To my congregation: I hope things are going smoothly, and I will see you this weekend. Don’t forget that we have All Saints’ Day service on Saturday, and the 3rd Annual Hunter’s Mass celebrating St. Hubertus on Monday.
Hambakahle!
Carl+
I was told to keep this short so I will see what I can do although there are two parts to what I have report.
First, as transportation coordinator and primary American driver, I have had the unique experience of viewing Swaziland through a windshield from the wrong side of the vehicle and the wrong side of the road, at least from an American perspective! I probably don’t need to go into much detail as that last line says it all. As we leave the hustle and bustle of the city each morning, proceeding through the last robots, (traffic lights), over the last of the speed bumps (they’re everywhere), and begin the ascent or descent of endless mountains and valleys, I say, “Let the insanity begin!” Seriously, I am considering a third career as a NASCAR driver. It took the better part of three days to feel comfortable enough to become as crazy as the local population in regard to operating a motor vehicle. This is one of few places on earth where it is perfectly acceptable to pass the car in front of you and immediately hit the brakes because there may be a very large bovine or goat taking a leisurely stroll across or down the middle of the road. And that is on the main four lane highway, possibly even in town! When one departs the main highway to travel to one of the various outstations, one finds them self on a road that we would consider a ‘level B’ road back home; teeth-rattling, bone-busting, and maintained once a year whether it needs it or not! But that all right because that’s the way it is. Let’s just say that the panel beaters (body shops) and breakdowns (tow trucks) appear to be keeping busy. OK, that’s enough about that for now.
The second part is in regard to the 40th Anniversary Celebration held yesterday in Manzini. It was a wonderful service containing a balance of traditional Anglican and culturally rich liturgics and music which lasted for a good three hours and a bit. And that was just the first part of the celebration! Then came the ‘Welcoming’ portion of the program which lasted just a little over two and a half hours! Suffice it to say that it was good practice for the return trip on the airplane. Aside from the length, it was glorious! The order of service was followed as close as possible but when ever a unforeseen break in the action occurred, somebody would break into song in the Makwaya style (traditional African) and before you know it we were up on our feet clapping our hands, singing at the top of our lungs, and movin’ to the groove thing! It was quite amazing, actually. It was a spontaneous, heart-felt, soul-clenching worship which was as natural as taking a breath yet still very Anglican in a sacramental way. Outward and visible actions radiating an inward and spiritual grace nearly beyond description due to its heavenly source and generation; literally an inspiration of the Holy Spirit!
This entire trip as been an honor and a humbling experience in which we have been received and accepted as brothers and sisters in Christ! My everlasting thanks to the congregation of St. Alban’s in Spirit Lake and the Diocese of Iowa for allowing me to be a part of this mission.
An off-the-cuff reflection: I believe that we, the team, have been ministered to by those of whom we have met in a far greater capacity than from anything that we have had to offer them , which is striking because we have accomplished a significant amount good by the loving grace and mercies of God!
On a personal note: Jane, if you have been waiting to hear from me, I love you and miss you, and the dog, and in that order. Mom, if you read this, so far there have been no international incidents but we haven’t left the country yet! To my congregation: I hope things are going smoothly, and I will see you this weekend. Don’t forget that we have All Saints’ Day service on Saturday, and the 3rd Annual Hunter’s Mass celebrating St. Hubertus on Monday.
Hambakahle!
Carl+
posted by Episcopal Diocese of Iowa at
12:54 AM
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