The other day I went with Pastor Gift to visit a family who lives near Nsoko. We’ve been to their homestead a few times and we had some things we needed to talk with them about. When we got to the homestead of course they got out the best chairs they had and we sat under a tree and talked for a while.
They are farmers and have a plot of land they depend on for food as well as sell the extra for some income. They were lamenting the fact that some cows had gotten into their field and eaten or destroyed the crop. It is harvest time in Swaziland so this was a critical blow to their ability to sustain themselves. I asked if I could go with the father of the homestead to see the crops. He had just returned from there, but was willing to go back to show me.
One thing I should have learned in Swaziland by now is that when you ask where something is and the response is pointing off in the distance then is it nowhere near where you are! I thought logically the field would be right there at the homestead – like behind the house or something. Nope. We got back in the car (glad I had one) and drove for several minutes down roads little more than paths. Then we came to the river.
Since it was obvious we had to go across the river on foot, we asked if there were crocodiles in the river. The farmer laughed and said no – but in this part of Africa that is a serious question. When we made our way down to the bank there was a man bathing. He didn’t seem to mind at all and struck up a conversation while standing there in full bathing circumstance. We sat down, took off our shoes, and rolled up our pant legs.
While taking off our shoes I thought I should ask if I would need the shoes on the other side. Of course I was told no. Again, I should have learned more than this in my time in Africa. We waded across the river leaving the shoes behind.
On the other side we climbed up the bank and set out to walk to the field. It was sandy soil with the occasional burr. I got laughed at because apparently my “feet are soft,” at least not hard enough to walk over burrs without them sticking in between toes etc. I hopped along avoiding cow pies, picking things off my feet, and wincing at the burning sand. With my white legs and rolled up pants I am sure I was site rarely seen in those parts.
The field was about 500 yards from the river bank. I would estimate it was about 5 acres. The farmer had a fence around it but I guess the cows know how to get through the wires and large thorns that lay against the fence. The man offered to walk into the field but I didn’t think there was any way I was going to avoid those large thorns so I looked from a distance.
I asked how he waters his field – he said he carries a bucket of water on his head from the river. Can you imagine watering a 5 acre field with a bucket of water you carry on your head? Walking through hot sand with burrs? He said a few of the 11 families who have plots along the river have gas powered water pumps to water their fields. Sometimes they let him pump some water to his field too, but not very often. So while this man has a hard life he is fortunate to have land near the river. At least he can get water somehow to his field if he can keep the wandering cows out.
I thought about what it would be like if there was a cooperative between the 11 families to use each other’s pumps, guard each other’s fields, and manage their produce together to get better prices from the market. I wanted to spend more time with this family of 9 who live on little to nothing in mud and rock huts on a bare scratch of earth in the heat of the African sun. I wanted to thank this man for staying with his family and working hard in spite of the set-backs. I wanted to buy the guy a pump for his field. I wondered what would happen if a family in the US was able to be connected somehow to this family and encourage and support them.
In the picture you can notice several things. Of course this is the farmer walking across the river. This water is also what the community uses for drinking and cooking. What you can’t see are about 20 of the infamous crop eating cows lingering in the river doing their thing. Across the river you see two buildings. One is the home of another family who are fortunate to live right next to the river. Another building houses a corn grinding mill. They have a large pump that allows them to irrigate a lot of land on that side of the river. If you look very close on the shore you will see the man putting his pants back on.
Thanks, Scott, for a glimpse into the struggles of a Swazi family. And for your vision of ways to help. Can’t wait to be a part of all this! Praying for you and Marcia.
Thanks for the update Scott. Gotta say I had to laugh at you a little. On a serious side though I am constantly reminded how spoiled we are and how much need there is in Swaziland. Praying that the church will open it’s eyes, hearts, and hands to see and help.
Scott and Marcia.. Hello from the Flanegins (Rob & Tresa) and family in Colorado. We fondly remember our short time with you in Swaziland. Thank you for the reminder of just how difficult life is for these people, it is truly humbling to invision the daily stuggles. May God continue to break us and work through us. Thank you for being the hands and feet on the front lines. We will continue to pray for you as you minister amongst these people.
Great day-in-the-life blog, Scott. I always like seeing how Swazis live their life.
Another swazi experience that you will never forget! Miss you guys and am praying for you! I like your idea about the co-op. I wonder what problems you would come across… I’m picturing chief approval, old family rivalries flaring up, or some other unforeseeable problem, lol
You guys are so being slammed with Jan and my prayers. I have excitement running through me about the daily adventure and servant style living there. I have seen your legs, and I needed sunglasses to look at them. lol. Love you man.
I love this. It is so typical Swazi, but so many people don’t realize that. Thank you once again for sharing from your perspective. We appreciate it so much!