Tuesday

Day 3 - March Trip


Today we played at my husband’s favorite place in the world – eLangeni Community PreSchool.  The kids were overly energetic as usual which caused Dave to quickly need a nap.  He said he has no future as a preschool teacher although he enjoyed it.  Then we delivered food to our eLangeni high school students.  I was up way too late last night writing the blog, so today I asked the volunteers to contribute their two cents.

Hannah:
My favorite thing I’ve experienced in Swaziland so far is seeing the parallels in everyday life – the things people do every day whether you’re in the U.S. or here. Different cultures may be difficult to understand sometimes, but we can all comprehend the basics: school, work, eating, commuting… I loved being on campus at the University of Swaziland to pick up Lungelo and see the normal college campus buzz. I’ve also enjoyed being able to get to know the older kids like Lungelo that have been with Give Hope for a decade; learning where they’ve come from, where they are and where they’re going. They all have such bright futures! Then seeing the youngest kids in preschool, just starting their journey… everything is full circle and it fills me with hope!

Payton:
So far, my favorite part of the is getting to know the kids. When you see advertisements asking for donations to go towards Africa, you are presented with the typical trope of a child covered in flies who has been beaten down by life and has no hope. When you come to Swaziland and meet the Give Hope, Fight Poverty kids it is a totally different story. These kids know they want more and they know they are capable of achieving more. They are clever, they are wise, and they have really blown me away. Nosipho & Nomfundo are like a comedy team. Watching their back and forth was hilarious and they’re both extremely captivating.  Lungelo and Njabuliso’s achievements in school are so impressive. With every obstacle they could have just given up and said “forget it,” but they don’t! I have quit college 3 times and I have had nearly every opportunity in the world! Bongani seems to be a wise and philosophical young man. There have been multiple times where I have been slumped over in the car nearly asleep, heard him talking about something, and shot up just to hear him talk. These kids are amazing and I am so happy to have the opportunity to have met them. Also, Dancing Gogo is who I aspire to be when I grow up. 😉

Sage:
My favorite part of this trip so far has been learning about the Swaziland culture. Whether it is talking to the Give Hope, Fight Poverty kids about their everyday lives, delivering food to the rural homes, or watching a cultural Swaziland dance, I have learned so much. It is amazing to see and meet these people and to communicate with them to learn more about their lives and what life is like for them here. I have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know the older Give Hope, Fight Poverty kids who have been with the program for awhile. It’s really eye opening for me to see that the things I enjoy as a young adult in America such as movies are the same types of things they enjoy. They are amazing kids and young adults who have big dreams and are clearly working hard towards those dreams. Beyond that, it is amazing to see the reactions of the kids and families when they receive help from Give Hope, Fight Poverty. Even though I don’t speak Seswati, it is beyond clear that they are so grateful for the love, support, and help. It is only day 3 but my eyes have been opened so much already to these beautiful people and their amazing culture.

Dave:
I’d like to say there has been one moment from the trip that has stood out as my favorite moment, but the impact these first few days has had on me can’t be narrowed down to one moment in time. Every single conversation and chance to experience everything Swazi has been growing my heart bigger and bigger. I’ve learned life lessons from a grandmother nicknamed “Dancing Go-Go,” talking about Swazi college classes, playing with preschool children, and talking about motivation while piled in the back seat of an SUV. This trip has been a “total” experience, not limited to one thing. If I absolutely had to narrow my favorite moment down to one thing, it would be the people of Swaziland! Building relationships with the inspiring and intriguing children leave me with an open mind, open heart, and new energy.

Anika:
..is asleep. (Sorry Lucasz, I figured you’d want to hear from her but she said you wouldn’t be surprised to hear she went to bed early! Haha)

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