December could possibly be the slowest month of the year in Swaziland. Schools close around the first of December and reopen mid January. The Swazi school year follows the calendar year; so many students anxiously await their results before school closes to see if they passed to the next grade. For kids finishing grade 7, they nervously wait for the newspaper, Swazi Times, to list all the students that will be progressing to high school (grade 8). This year the results were posted on December 30th. Interesting way to sell newspapers, huh? Many of our carepoint kids hold their breath until results are posted to discover how they will spend their next year of schooling.
In addition to schools being closed, factories, shops, container yards, etc. close for various periods of times throughout the holidays. It is SOOOOO different from the U.S., where there are extended hours for many stores due to shopping during the Christmas season. The slower pace in December is nice and we must admit we do not miss the stressful, crazy, busy whirlwind that many get caught in. With that being said, this holiday season was emotionally tougher as this was our second year to be away from our family and friends. Last year, Greg’s mom was with us for almost two months before returning home the first week of December. Her visit bridged the feelings of not being home for Christmas. We are thankful for a great community of dear friends here and we look forward to our visit to the states in February.
As we reflect on 2015, the homes visited during December are still fresh in our minds. Through a team effort, our entire Manzini staff visited 205 homesteads to share God’s Christmas gift with our local community members. Some visits were heartbreaking! Several families shared that they had eaten their last portion of food and had prayed that God would provide. Others shared how they had lost parents and grandparents this year and was struggling to survive. Many are looking for employment, but are not able to find work. The drought has also had a great effect on many communities.
Please pray for Swaziland! Pray for rain, good health, students to excel in school and for Swaziland to turn to Christ.
We look forward to 2016 and we thank each one of you that make it possible for our family to serve in this beautiful country!
Happy New Year!
Greg and Michelle
