annie in swaziland

Day 12:

Today was a great lesson for the group to learn why it is impossible to create and adhere to itineraries in Swaziland.  It started with the errands we needed to run this morning.  The Allied Plastic shop was closed because of BushFire Music Festival.  I guess all of the employees decided they got the day off because some bands were going to be in town?  Then we were to spend the day with the Msibi family and up until last night at bedtime that was still the plan.  But today when I called as we were on the way, Nomfundo tells me that she is busy because the family is going to “somewhat of a wedding” for her sister.  Who? What?? Is Nosipho now “somewhat getting married”? Or is this her “sister”?  Then we were going to go to dinner at Njabuliso’s restaurant and sit in his section at 6 o’clock (we promised a big tip!)… but he called me at 5pm and told me he has been waiting all day and has been expecting us since 6AM and he is now off work. 

But never fear; I am the queen of plans B, C, and D through Z.  We had a wonderful day going shopping at the handicraft market for the group to buy souvenirs and then spent the day with the Maziya family.  It started with cards, memory, and old maid but soon we were doing their chores!  Philo asks Catherine to “sweep her yard”.  She was literally sweeping the dirt ground around her house with a handful of sticks.  Catherine kept asking me what she was to be sweeping and I just kept laughing.  Then Maureen, Alina, and Kait tag teamed Philo and Mazwi’s laundry – hand washing it and hanging it to dry.  I did all of the dishes…from the entire week…with week-old mealies stuck to the bowls and dead bugs inside.  How did I get the glamorous job?? Philo laughed the whole time we worked!

Now, as it approaches 6PM, we are getting ready to take Njabuliso and Lungelo to dinner.  As my time here in Swaziland is quickly wrapping up, I am sad to say goodbye to all of the children but happy that I get to say hello again so soon when I return with Emily, Jenny, Heather, and Casey next month!