"Running around like a chicken with its head cut off" has a
whole new meaning to me… because chickens actually do run without heads.  Here in Swaziland,
they do it in our front yard.

The excitement began 2 days ago when a Swazi family pulled
up to our gate in a pick-up truck, bearing a gift.  To be sure, everyone likes to say thank you a
little bit differently.  Some people
offer thanks with a nice card, others with a fruit basket, and still others say
thank you with a batch of homemade cookies. 
Here in Swaziland,
however, saying thank you generally involves something a little bit more, well,
alive.  Yes, the thank you gift was in
fact, a live chicken… and there was no handing it back this time.  Live chickens fall under the category of
"really nice gift," so we accepted it with gratitude.  The family drove away while we stood in the
yard with the massive bird in hand.  The
surprises never seem to stop...

After approximately 24 hours of contemplation, my team had
made a decision - we should eat the chicken - the Swazi way.  Luckily for us, 2  Swazi boys were visiting our home last night…
they explained that they are pros at the procedure, as any 12-year-old Swazi
boy ought to be.  So we gathered to
watch, and participate.  And yes, you
guessed it, our lively chicken became even more lively without its head… not only continuing to run, but flying as well. . . much
to my surprise!  When the bird finally
gave up its futile fight, it was time for the meal preparations.  After the feathers had been plucked, it was
my job to make our not-so-feathered friend into a delectable dinner.  Of course, Swazis don't waste any part, so
neither would we.  Everything went into
the pot - I'll leave the details to your imagination.  This was the freshest piece of meat I've ever
encountered.  Well, perhaps, this was the
only meat I've ever personally encountered.  Either way, it was an experience to remember,
and a skill I'm glad to have acquired. 
You never know when you might get hungry and your only food option is
still clucking.  Ok, so that's the most
unlikely thing I can imagine happening, but, that's the story anyway.

And in the meantime, when we are not cooking bird organs, my
team continues to minister here in Swaziland.  This past weekend, we had the opportunity to
turn our focus from the children and high school students to the moms and the
grandmas who spend their days and lives caring for the multitudes of orphans
here in Swaziland.  I am confident that these good and faithful
servants of the Lord were well-deserving of a day of appreciation (complete
with everything from new clothes, to relay games, and even KFC for lunch)!  In the midst of all the joy and laughter that
seems to flow constantly from these hard-working women, I seem to always be
reminded of the hardships which they face. 
Nearly all of them have experienced great loss - husbands, children,
siblings - all to the illness that is sweeping this tiny country.  Please continue to pray for the AIDS pandemic
and its effects on these women, their families, and communities.  Pray for their physical poverty and their
spiritual hunger that provision will continue to be available.  Pray for their ability to persevere under
trial and in the face of suffering.  And
finally, pray that they would experience the love and grace of God through our
relationships with them. 

Because the needs are great, but our Provider is faithful,
We press on.

Enjoying my last few weeks, (and sometimes chicken hearts),

Katie Movic