“Sawubona.” The cashier quickly double-takes to my face.“Did you just say ‘Sawubona?” “Yebo! One can’t stay in Swaziland more than a year and not learn some siSwati.” As I drive home with my chicken breast and bananas in the front seat, I can’t help but smile. Somehow, it still surprises me when Swazis aren’t expecting me to say hello in their own language- it’s just one word and it seems the base of politeness when living in another country. Their reactions range from silent looks to each other (did she just say that?), to giggles, to plain shock. It makes me think about how easy it can be to just show someone that you care, that you’re trying, that you don’t expect them them be anything but themselves. God did so much more for us by taking on flesh to be a part of our world. He showed us He cares, that he’s trying to have relationship with us. He takes us as we are, my little greeting pales in comparison to that. I know that I have a long way to go in my mindfulness of others, but I’m happy to start with “I see you.” (Sawubona) I pray that this year God keeps working on me so I can love others better. What are you praying for yourself? If you feel comfortable, feel free to reach out to us so we can be praying for you as well. As they say here, “Compliments of the New Year!”
