March 10-11: The Beautiful Kingdom of Swaziland

As we crossed the border from South Africa in Swaziland we were immediately aware of huge change. Cows lined the narrow tar road. People greeted us with friendly gestures. The road began to gain altitude as we climbed to the top of Pigg's Peak.

Swaziland is one of three "kingdoms" in Africa. The King and Queen rule with great pomp and authority. Everyone speaks highly of their position and the unique status of the people. The land is owned by the King for the sake of his subjects. The money claims that "God is our Source" and people are not shy about their faith. Swazi has a high concentration of Christian influence with many missionaries and churches. The poverty level is unbelievable with over 50% unemployed and HIV rampant.

Our highlight was taking a tubing trip down some rapids in a secluded gorge. We had to take a bus, a land rover, and then walk to the entry site. Cindy was not too sure about this adventure. In total we had ten guides helping us with the tubes, the travel and the lodging atop the mountain at the end of the ride. It was a total blast. I must have spent as much time under the water as above the water. It was not the Apple River with some class 3 rapids (at one point only Cindy made it through the "washing machine" without tipping over - "Yebo, Cindy!"). As I reflect on the adventure, it was not entirely safe nor wise. At times I was pushed beyond any level of comfort. God was gracious to protect us and to provide for us. The guides became close friends. We were brought together as a family. The exhilaration was amazing - only to be followed by a mountain hike that left us exhausted. We stayed overnight at the top of the mountain in a community lodge that had been carved out of the rock. We were in a semi-cave and semi-tree house for the evening with our guides. They cooked us one of the best meals I have ever shared - a Swazi bbq and I choose to climb to the top of our "stone castle" and sleep on the outside with Andy under the stars and the "Southern Cross". I will have photos to show, but the images will forever remain in my heart. God's beauty, majesty, magnitude and glory cannot be covered when we stop to gaze upon His handiwork. From the smallest details - to the greatest creatures. He is the Creator of All.