From MY Perspective

Because I am a young, black, female visiting Africa for the first time, Lanecia and I both feel that my perspective is appropriate to be shared.

Before this trip, I never expected to feel so welcomed and so connected to the culture and the land as I do. It is the most powerful and uplifting thing to personally witness and inhabit the land that my ancestors once did.

The culture, the land, and even the children have touched my heart in more ways than I ever thought possible.

Here is Swaziland, I see and hear the culture of American music and clothing are shifting into the Swazi society, but their foundations are still very present. Not only traditions like cows for marriage dowry (we now know that we each of the girls are worth 50 to 70 cows plus a monetary component), but traditions like accepting something...anything from another person with your right hand because it is the respectful way (disrespectful to accept with the left) and asking the elders permission for everything; something even as simple as eating dinner at a neighbors house must be approved by the elders.

These things, along with the Swazi Cultural Village dancing and singing, have made me feel like this is my homeland. However, I do miss home and my loved ones. But being greeted as "my sister" or "sissy" for short is so heart warming.

I am aware that I am not sure why the culture touches and warms me so much, but I'm not too worried about it. I know God will let me know when the time is right; I know that He is not done showing me and teaching me things I have not yet seen or expericanced.

As far as the rest of the work, we are progressing with our projects beautifully (some are even completed!)

I saw God today most prominently in the children. I have gotten past (but not over) the fact that we do not speak the same language, however I see God in the children's love and passion. All of the children I have interacted with and observed have been the most loving and the most receptive people i have ever met. They love us openly and we love them back...this very much so reflects my relationship with God.

Good Night ; )
Jamye