My dear friends (most of whom are braving a frozen February),

Blessings from the hotter half of the world!

I met a beautiful woman this week.  Her name is Dumshile (pronounced "doom-see-lay").  At 29 years old, she rests in her bed at the Manzini hospital, awaiting the same fate that has already claimed her mother, father, and sister.  The statistics are not in her favor, as over 75% of the young and old alike who are admitted into this hospital are infected with AIDS - the disease that steals family members, kills young people, and destroys hope. 

Talking with her by her bedside fills my heart with compassion as we share stories of childhood, discuss Swazi fashion, and laugh about my pale skin and her ridiculous hair cut.  In her eyes there is still a remnant of the hope that comes with youth.  In her heart, she carries the pain of loss and the fear of her uncertain future.  I have little to offer apart from my time, a little mango scented lotion to rub on her hands and feet, some fresh fruit, a few songs, and a prayer.  As I leave the hospital, I can't help but consider how separated I am from this young woman's experience.  And yet, I am reminded of the universal family that Jesus teaches us to become part of.  She's my sister. 

God has been gracious in bringing me to Swaziland for this season of my life.  He continues to teach me lessons in love, humility, patience, and compassion.  In a country where time seems to move so slowly, I have felt my heart begin to beat quickly.  I am moved by the plight of a people I hardly know… from orphans, to high school students… from young AIDS victims, to old men and women.  Jesus never promises his disciples an easy life; but rather, a life of full abundance, grace, and provision.  I'm living it. 

A prayer most Christians know well can be found in Matthew chapter 6.  One phrase in particular stands out in my mind: 

"Your kingdom come,

your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven."

Shane Claiborne in his book The Irresistible Revolution (which I highly recommend), explains that, "the kingdom that Jesus speaks so much about is not just something we hope for after we die but is something we are to incarnate now… what people are really wondering is whether there is life before death."  I'd like to suggest that whatever you've read in the Bible is more than an ideology to think about or material to make up songs about.  It's a lifestyle.  It transforms hearts and lives.  It crosses boundaries. 

May you and I become more than believers.  Let's be followers.  In Swaziland and America.

Until "the Kingdom  that Jesus speaks so much about" arrives,

Katie Movic