High School.  The word itself floods your mind with memories… of friends, cafeteria food, dances, bus rides, fashion statements, homework, (or not), finding yourself, being unable to find the floor in your bedroom, drama, romance, boredom, discipline, and freedom.  Perhaps these memories for you are vague, or perhaps you are forming them even now.  And in the meantime, high school in Swaziland is finally underway (the beginning of February in Swaziland is the equivalent of the beginning of September in the US).  The memories of high school that young Swazis are forming in 2008 are in many ways just the same as yours and mine… And they are in many ways completely different. 

The students begin each day at a large assembly where they offer SiSwati songs of thanksgiving to God (there is no separation of church and state in Swaziland).  They attend classes all day long in rooms lacking paint and posters.  They learn math, geography, English, and science.  Lunch is rice and beans.  The students learn, flirt, laugh, do homework, ask questions, date, dance, and gossip.  They get in trouble for playing games on their cell phones.  Most classes include students of mixed ages, as school is not a place they are necessarily able to attend every year.  Every student must pay school fees, which sadly leaves too many young people neglected, and others far behind.  Education is a privilege, and young Swazis know it.  Uniforms are enforced.  Girls and boys alike must have shaved heads to attend classes.  Students learn about AIDS before they learn about puberty.  They must pay for public transport, or walk.  They hang out and play soccer after classes.  It's high school.  In Swaziland.

It is also my place of ministry.  We have been grateful for the many open doors we have had this week.  We have spoken at assemblies, been invited to teach classes, and are creating some exciting curriculum.  Youth ministry in Swaziland is a unique challenge.  The students are young, but boast of more life experiences and hardships than most adults in the US.  The message we speak is simple, but powerful.  Our vision for these precious young people is that they will have their hearts and minds filled with purpose, passion, and an understanding of their individual, inherent value.  It is predicted that Swaziland will no longer exist by 2050.  It is evident that we (American missionaries) will not save Swaziland - neither physically nor spiritually.  Swazis will save Swaziland.  God is simply blessing us as he allows us to come alongside the young, mentoring them and loving them, teaching them to become leaders, and showing them that the weapons they need to fight against the odds are already in their hands.  Yes, God is good, and he is at work in this place.

And so, as you dodge traffic jams and snow storms, and as I dodge stray dogs, man-sized moths, and Swazi marriage proposals, please remember the youth of Swaziland in your prayers.  I am grateful to have each of you partnering with me. 

Walking by faith,

Katie Movic

P.S. please be sure to browse my photos - I try to add a few new ones each week. :)