Swaziland-Friday, September 5th, 2008

Today we were supposed to spend the day in the downtown area, but the news is all about the bombings.  Yes, there were TWO bombings.

One was in a trashcan at the KFC (yes, they have a KFC!) and one was at the bus depot-both across the street from where we were.

We decide to stay away from that area.  There are still protests going on and the celebration is tomorrow so we change our plans for the day.

But first, good news!!  At breakfast, Cindy tells us she got a phone call from the Heifer International people.  At their meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, they decided to begin projects in Swaziland.  Their first project will be with Orma's Fund!  Everyone is very excited, (and some of us are a little relieved.)  

Humor..it's a global thing!

Orma arrived at 9:30am and we leave to see the Rev. Mahalo. He has just gotten out of the hospital for back surgery, and is wearing a big back brace. His wife is a high school English teacher.  Rev. Mahalo has six parishes with 600 children. He spoke of not only single and double orphans, but also of "vunerable" children. His wife's students tell her that during school holidays (four times a year for two weeks each) they have nothing to eat.  (They usually get a meal at school.)  They said they go to the river and pull up grass and eat the roots.

We are able to videotape the interview.  They have a two month old grandson and we take turns holding him. We leave because we do not want to tire out Rev. Mahalo anymore.

We pass the stadium where the big 40/40 celebration is being held.  There were a LOT of people on the roads, and by the stadium.  Cindy says she has never seen so many people on her trips here.  And the country is much cleaner than it is normally-all due to this celebration taking place.

We went to the Baylor clinic to thank the doctor who visited the Care points.  She had recently given all the children blood tests for Aids. They were very happy due to only three children testing positive for HIV-a very low number. Those children will now receive help from the clinic.

We made our way to a local handicraft area called Gone Rural-which had lovely woven placemats, tablecloths, etc. Up the road we stopped and had lunch outside.  There was a breeze, which we were thankful for because the temperature was about 96 degrees.

From there we went to a local candle factory where I tried to make a piece of wax look like an elephant, and succeeded in making a coaster.

Now it was Fred's turn to shop, so we went to a local hardware store.  He needed a large measuring tape for the project. He was able to get prices for the materials that will be needed for the building.

Back at the Lodge for dinner, we reflect on children who have to eat grass to live, and happiness due to only three children having HIV.