October 23, 2008 - John Doherty

October 23, 2008 – John Doherty

Rainy day with much cooler weather. We start the day with drizzle and mid 50 degree temps. The fog is thick so there are no views as we leave Mbabane.

Our first stop was Swazi Candles and Crafts. Beautiful handcrafted candles, woven fabrics, and batik’ed materials. We all bought many things. The Swazi economy was helped.

We next stopped at St. Andrew’s School. Lucy Mabuza is the principal there (she’s the wife of the bishop of Swaziland, Bishop Mabuza). There is much need there, books, etc. many people who work at the pineapple cannery live nearby. They have very little by the time they pay rent and food. There is little left over. The school is quickly improving. We meet the teachers and looked about.

Next we all stopped at an ATM for cash that we’ll need at the market.

We are stopping at Montega Cultural Village. Bishop Alan started a volley ball game in the back of the van. We discovered prices vary a lot store to store on some items. Glenda negotiated a great price on our entry fee.

We first walked up to see Montana Falls a double waterfall about <300m tall. Then we were blessed with singing and dancing by the Matsamo Cultural Group doing traditional music.

Twice blessed with the bishop and others dancing. The Shaman asked the Bishop back to his hut, but he declined because of our tight schedule. We learned a lot about traditional Swazi village living. Bishop was presented with a symbol of his being our elder.

Found out it’s about $1,000/year to sponsor a student to school. Lower levels can be less.

We stopped at the market. We were lambs at the slaughter. Once you entered a store they would bargain you into submission. I spent every Rand on me.

We next went to St. Mathias orphanage. Terry presented pharmaceuticals and toothpaste and toothbrushes. We did a music presentation about brushing. We saw the children getting their lunch. The got a bowl of beans and porridge. They ate with their hands. I asked and they said it was the biggest meal of the day.

Saw the billboard again about savings account at banks for a dignified burial for your children. How different than us, saving for retirement or for our children’s education.

We last went to St. Margaret’s orphanage. Bishop Alan came out of the van with a soccer ball. The boys and Alan played soccer for a while and the girls played a game. The group of orphans sang for us as we gave them stickers and gum. Then we did a dental brushing presentation. There were pictures and prayers.
If you did not believe that the power of Christ could change things, you would be in despair for the world and the people and children we have met today.

The revival was great. We got there late, maybe mid-service. The singing was soulful and the preaching dynamic. We were all called to be transformed people by the power of the Holy Spirit. At one point we all were saying our private prayers aloud. It was as if the tongue of God was upon the Cathedral Church of All Saints.