There are many things about Swaziland that draw me in.  I love our staff who live there, giving their lives away everyday.  I love the beauty of the mountains when they are covered in the lush green of spring and summer.  The various brightly colored flowers on trees, vines, and aloes are delightful.  The blue skies and gorgeous sunsets take my breath away.  I love the smiles of the people and their soft spoken manner.  The worship and the dance awaken my spirit.  I am alive when I am immersed in the culture in the middle of the Manzini market on Thursdays or in a worship service, a night vigil, or a Luke Commission clinic. And I even enjoy the challenge of communicating in Siswati.

 

And then there is this precious little girl who gently places her hand in mine.

She quietly leans against me and lays her head on my knee. 

She never smiles and we don't speak with words. 

She rarely looks up at me but she hangs on tight. 

And I am drawn in to her. 

I can not resist her friendship or her longing for comfort and love and closeness.