Africa part 2

The day after we returned from the safari, we jumped into the car for another road trip to Swaziland - about a 4 hour drive east of Johannesburg.  Swaziland is a small, independent country nearly surrounded by South Africa, also bordering Mozambique.  The drive turned out to be a bit longer than expected as about 3/4 the way there we were sent on a detour due to protestors burning tires in the road.  However, despite the extra hour in the car, we enjoyed it.  The drive was beautiful - miles and miles of rolling green hills and farmland with loads of wildflowers.  We got to see alot of South Africa from the car windows.

Right when we arrived, we headed to a small game reserve there to have lunch at a resturant with views of hippo's and crocodiles.  While there grandpa discovered a horseback riding game drive that he decided we needed to do.  The kids were estatic!  I don't think my kids have been on horses before.  This impromtu ride turned out to be a highlight for the kids.

 The terrain was beautiful and it was fun to see some different animals than we had not seen on our safari - mostly various DLA (deer like animals), zebra and warthogs. 

 For our second day in Swaziland, my parents had hired a recently return missionary from Swaziland to take us out to his village where he grew up.  Elder Mumba, and his 16-year-old sister, took us to visit his neighbors and some extended family who did some traditional Swazi dancing for us. 

 The Swazi kids loved seeing their pictures on the screen on the back of Ashlyn's camera.  We also passed out apples, oranges and candy that were a big hit.

 Elder Mumba took us to his home and we met his aunt who raised him and who is a well-known sangoma, or African traditional healer (what we would consider 'witch doctor').  She had so much personality and kept saying ''Hallelujah, Praise the Lord."  We even got to see her in action as she attempted to diagnose some pain in my lower back (apparently, I have an ancestor who fought in a war and killed someone and they are now haunting me).  It was fun to get to know this young man who is a fairly recent convert and  the only member from his village.  It was interesting to learn about the people of Swaziland as well as the growth of the church in this small country.

We retuned to Johannesburg Friday night and spent our final day and a half there visiting in and around grandma and grandpa's house.  We began our Saturday at the temple where Craig and I were able to do a session and Ashlyn and Dallin baptisms.  We also toured the church office buildings where my parents spend their days.

 Saturday afternoon we went to an orphanage to bring a picnic lunch to the children and spend some time playing with them.  This was another highlight for the kids - they really enjoyed connecting with and getting to know these children.

 We brought balloons, balls and jump ropes to play with.  Ashlyn polished the girls nails.  Most of the smaller children just wanted to be held and loved.  The kids had a hard time leaving - they really enjoyed bringing some light into these children's lives.

Our final day, Easter Sunday, we got to attend the ward my parents are assigned to and meet a few of the members they serve with each week.  We then headed to the airport for our long flight home.

 

We had such and amazing experience in Africa!  My parents did a a wonderful job planning it all out and taking us around.  We enjoyed the landscape, the animals, the people - everything!  This was an experience we will all forever remember.