July 9 - Journey to "Delaware"

In 2015, the Swaziland Relief team visited two very remote villages that we had never visited before.  No one even seemed to know the name of the villages we were visiting when we asked about it, so I temporarily dubbed our destination on Thursday "Delaware" and our Friday destination "Jersey."  So, on July 9 we got up early and began our journey south to "Delaware."

Our trip took us as far south as we could travel while remaining in Swaziland, less than a mile from the southern border.  We then traveled for a short stretch along a highway that parallels the border, and ultimately turned north onto a dirt and gravel road.  Just after turning off the road, we waited for about 15 minutes for a guide to arrive to show us the rest of the way to the village.

It turned out that "Delaware" is actually called Phangwini.  We were received there with a joyous welcome!  We arrived just as some men in the yard were dressing a freshly slaughtered goat for their supper that evening (yes, I have pictures; no, I won't post them).  Our team took over the small building for our medical clinic and a small circus-style tent for the clothing distribution.  As the team set up, Pastor Van Moore preached a message of salvation and hope to the people waiting. 

On this day, I joined the prayer chapel team.  Once people have visited the distribution center and clinic, they are invited to visit the prayer chapel.  There our team prayed for healing, blessing, deliverance, encouragement, and protection.  It was a blessing to pray alongside the rest of the prayer chapel team.

It was a short work day; there were fewer people in Phangwini than we had seen in any of the other locations, likely because of the remoteness of the location.  After the distribution was complete, and while the clinic was finishing up, our team members taught some of the kids games.  Some learned to bat a wiffleball, and others played ultimate (although with no frisbee, they used a rubber dog chew toy).

Long drive home afterward, with a late supper and a team meeting following.  Tomorrow we head to "Jersey."