Would you believe me if I told you that last week as I was doing my quiet time I was disrupted by our neighbors slaughtering pigs with an ax? I wish I was joking, but it’s true. Once a week my ears are filled with the delightful sound of squealing mamas piggies. 

Would you believe me if I told you that as me and some of the girls on my squad were doing Zumba after ministry and some locals walked by and stopped to video and take selfies with us as we were dancing? Yep, that happened and it was super awkward for everyone. I’m sure the videos have already made it onto Facebook. 

Would you believe me if I told you that when I was reading by the pool here in Eswatini trying to get some alone time, that I had to jump up and run for my life as a donkey came through the fence and charged at me? And get this— one of the local ladies who live on the homestead with us came out to make sure if I was okay as she choked back laughter. She said, “it’s just a donkey my friend, it won’t hurt you”. Hm, okay yes ma’am let me just get out of the way just in case this one is feral. 

Would you believe me if I told you that my squad came up with a game at the beginning of our race called “shmorgus-board” which is a combination of dominoes, cards, and punishments and that last week the punishment was prank calling our families back at home? Sorry fam, Colton didn’t actually leave the race early to elope with Jackie and Emmery isn’t in the hospital right now. 

Would you believe me if I told you that the fortified rice and sour porridge we are serving to the children here at our care points is made in the US and the rice comes all the way from Stuttgart, Arkansas? I mean “Arkansas is the rice capital of the world” as my Meme says. 

Would you believe me if I told you that last week I held three brothers under the age of 6 covered head to toe with a disease that they are too young to understand is going to mark their life? Eswatini has the highest percentage of individuals with HIV.

Would you believe me if I told you that as hard as some days are living away from my family, that when this season of my life is over I am going to be absolutely heartbroken? I’ve experienced true community, deeper intimacy, and true freedom during this season. I know I am going to carry these attributes with me into the next season, but it’s bittersweet walking into the next chapter.

Would you believe me if I told you that Jesus wants to go deeper with you too? It’s true. Jesus came down from heaven and died on the cross for your sins. You are not too far gone for him and nothing that you have done can separate you from his love. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is, in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Sending my love from Eswatini,

XOXOX,

Katherine