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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