Friends are friends forever

Sunday, I got to spend time with one of my oldest and dearest friends. If you have heard me share about Swaziland, then you know the name Simanga. In fact, some of you know him as well. I have literally grown up with this guy. We have been through a lot together. He came to pick me up in the morning, and then we drove to his home - Thunzini. His grandparents are also precious friends of my family so I was really excited to see them as well. Unfortunately, gogo was out of town, but I was still able to see mkhulu (Simanga's grandfather). I was also able to see several of my friends and their families at church. For those of you who are familiar with this place, umfundisi Nkhosingiphile was there and preached. After church, I had quite an epic photo shoot with a bunch of the guys and enjoyed catching up.

Simanga’s grandfather with 2 little ones on the homestead

Greeting the church with Simanga translating

Umfundisi Nkhosingiphile : The pastor of Thunzini Baptist

With the bomake (women) after church

Hanging out with Thabani and Simanga

On the way home, we stopped in Nhlangano to drop off some people from church and to pick up another one of my friends, Mavayi. I was able to see her mom along with all 3 of Mavayi’s children, including the youngest that I had never met before. We took her to Manzini where she is in school now. Riding in the car with Simanga and Mavayi was beyond entertaining. They taught me about Swaziland and I quizzed them on their knowledge of the United States. We also had some serious conversations about future plans and dreams. So thankful for the time we were able to spend together. It’s amazing how despite differences in continents, language, culture, and skin color, we can still be incredible friends. PTL. :)

Simanga, Mavayi and I call ourselves “Triplets.” I am sure the resemblance is obvious.

Spending time with Amanda, Mavayi's oldest daughter

Another missionary friend, Julie, met Simanga and me in Manzini, and I stayed with her and her 10-year-old adopted Swazi daughter, Ellie. I had a blast with them and taught Ellie how to use a microscope and stethoscope. In return, she “put on a show” which included dancing to a Lecrae song.  

On Monday, I worked in Manzini at the Baylor satellite clinic there. When I got back to Mbabane, my friend, Sandile, came by for a visit. It was really good to see him, and I think I will get to again before I leave. Later in the evening, our 3^rd roommate, Andrew, arrived. He is an infectious disease fellow at Baylor and will be here for a month.

Today, I traveled to Piggs Peak with one of the Baylor doctors. We did gastric aspirates (TB testing for children) on a few kids from one of the king’s homesteads, which was pretty cool. Then, I headed out to do sputum collections and TB education with 3 Swazis on staff with Baylor. They refused to call me Hunter and instead called me Dr. Nomsa, which is my Swazi name. We had a lot of fun. Plus, finding the homesteads was an adventure in itself. No one has addresses here…all word of mouth and landmarks.

I know this is just a short update, but I wanted to send a lot of pictures. It has been a wonderful 4 days filled with seeing and making lots of friends. The Lord continues to grow my love for these people and this country. He also continues to remind me of His faithfulness, attentiveness, and willingness to respond to our prayers.

“But God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.” Psalm 66:19

(I suggest reading all of Psalm 66) :)

Hunter