Swaziland

After our two days at Kruger, we headed to Swaziland, a little country within the country of South Africa, to just relax and unwind.  We went the most direct route which is a very little used entrance into Swazi.  The drive up the mountains in SA was beautiful.  We had great visits with the border guards and they all wanted to know more about the Church so we left materials with them.  As we entered Swazi the guard told us to be careful on the road because it had some large potholes.  We went aways and soon came to potholes,  but they only lasted for a few miles and then it changed to a crumbled asphalt road.  Then it changed to a dirt road, and finally to a mud logging road for many, many miles.  We only saw a couple four wheel drive trucks, but we pressed on with faith.  At Pigg's Peak, we finally got back to paved roads.  It was all quite exciting.

We got to the Summerfield Resort and checked into our rooms.  They were very nice and spacious and have the traditional thatched roofs.  The Summerfield Resort and Botanical gardens is like a little tropical paradise.  It is the most peaceful, relaxing and beautiful place I have experienced.  They also have delicious food, and I have never had more relaxing meals in my life.  The people were all super friendly and accommodating.  The paths wind around through all the vegetation so you do not see all of the other buildings.  There are beautiful rocks and pools and running water by the restaurant that is so soothing and relaxing.  There are beautiful peacocks everywhere.

The next day we went to visit a Batik factory run by women.  Then we went to the candle factory and the House of Fire,  and some shopping.  We also enjoyed playing games with the group the one afternoon.  We ended our trip by attending the Ezulwini Branch.  It was the spiritual highlight of the trip.  The people were wonderful and had such strong spiritual feelings that you could feel in their talks and as you got visit with them one on one.

Sister Whyte, Sister Deamer, Sister Winn, and Sister Jackson at one of the pull-offs in SA.

The SA border guard was happy to see some people come through their gate to Swaziland.  He was very curious about the Church. They love Jesus Christ.

Our room with the thatched roof. 

Very spacious rooms with two large beds.

Catching up on some work in the room. 

The high ceilings with the beautifully thatched roof. 

 One of the peacocks strutting his feathers.

 Peacocks on the walls.

Peacocks on the rocks. 

Even peacocks in the Exercise room checking to see if they are still buff.

 Beautiful pools and fountains.

Flowing water is so soothing to the soul. 

Looking out at the lights on the water while enjoying dinner.

Two ladies from the village carrying their shopping home.

The Batik factory. 

One of the ladies applying the wax to the fabric for dyeing. 

Some of the handmade prints hanging out to dry.

My favorite batik print.

The two reverence children before the church meeting started. 

The Ezulwini Branch in Swaziland where we attended Church.