For the past week or so, I have been staying out in the rural area (outside of Manzini).  it has been a great experience for me. The culture is quite different, and I have found that I am more fond of the rural culture.  As I have interacted with the Swazi people, I am reminded of how blessed I am and how much I take for granted.

Last week, I went with Katy (one of the other staff members here in Swaziland) to take a woman, Tulie, and her sick child to the hospital.  The small baby was so weak, it seemed like it could barely lift its arms.  We took them to a local clinic to get see a doctor and get some medicine.  We got pushed to the front of the line because Katy was a "sister" (sharing the same Swazi surname) with one of the nurses.  In about an hour, we were on our way.

Our stomachs growling, we headed to a local supermarket to pick up some lunch.  Katy and I grabbed a pre-made sandwich (costing about $1 USD each) and offered to buy Tulie one as well.  Rather than take what probably would have been a rare treat for herself, she quietly asked if she could buy a loaf of bread to feed her family. 

Tulie is a widow who is left with a family and HIV to take care of.  She was forced to marry her brother-in-law in accordance with Swazi tradition.  She does not love this man, and he refuses to let her youngest child stay on his land.  Daily, she fights battles beyond my comprehension.

God has been reminding me in light of this experience that he does, in fact, take care of His children even when we don't understand a situation.  Matthew 6:25-34... the sparrows, the lillies of the field, His children, they are all under His watchful eye!  Please pray for the people of Swaziland... that this truth may resound in their lives!