Where else can you pet a zebra, have monkeys in your backyard, and teach by candlelight in your socks all on the same day?

Greetings from Tshaneni, Swaziland! Katy and I have been all over the country this week and will continue to travel even more. On Monday alone, we were in all four regions of Swaziland. Monday morning, we left Mbabane and headed to Nhlangano to take the six True Love Waits summer missionaries to their homesteads. We ate at KFC for lunch (yes, Swaziland has a KFC), and I introduced Katy to ice cream here- which tastes like birthday cake for the record. After lunch, Mr. Wayne Myers and Deborah Hoskins took the summer missionaries out to the rural area where they will be staying, and Monica Allen took Katy and me to Simanga’s homestead. As some of you know, Simanga and I have been friends for years and his grandparents have been so special to First Baptist Washington, so it was really good to see them. We spent the afternoon visiting with Simanga and his family and several of the youth from Thunzini Baptist Church came over as well. Make Mkhonta (Simanga’s grandmother) fixed us a traditional Swazi meal before Mr. Wayne came to pick us up.

Yesterday, we went to a high school to set up plans to speak at the morning assembly on Wednesday (this morning). In the afternoon, Mr. Wayne had his weekly TEE class at Mafucula (not to be confused with Macethuka), so he dropped Katy and me off near a school and we spent some time with the local children. We played games with them and taught them a Bible Story. There was not a translator for us, so that added an extra challenge. :) We were also able to have some good conversations with several of the youth from that area. We attracted a lot of attention. Still not too sure why…

This morning, we spoke at Lomahasha High School, which is close to the Mozambique border. There were around 400 students at the morning assembly. I gave my testimony, and Katy shared a brief lesson. We spent a few hours this afternoon driving through Mananga Game Park. We were able to see several giraffe, zebra, warthogs, impala, monkeys, and even saw a jackal. Also, the Mananga Country Club has a zebra (named Mr. Hobbs) that we were able to pet. Tonight, we had a Wednesday night service at Vuvulane Baptist Church. I briefly shared a lesson by candlelight in the homestead where the church meets each week.

We are headed back down to Nhlangano tomorrow and will do several Bible Studies in the surrounding areas over the next two days. On Saturday, we will travel back to Mbabane where we will be for the remainder of our trip. Thanks again for remembering us in your prayers.

Love, Hunter