Christmas in Swaziland
(I begin pretty much every one of my blog’s bysaying something about how an update is way overdue, we’ve been very busy and internet has been slow or non-existent…so this one will be no different, because, as always, it’s true! I’ve actually tried posting this blog about 4 times over the last couple weeks…maybe today will be the day I’m successful! )
Please check out the new and improved Timbali Crafts website and buy lots of Chrsitmas gifts for your family and friends!!! www.timbalicrafts.org
Hard to believe we’ve been back in Swaziland for more than a month already. Ellie frequently asks when we can get on a big plane and go back to Grandma and Grandpa’s house and see all her cousins. Things are of course back in full swing with life and ministry here. Since the Thanksgiving holiday isn’t celebrated here, the Christmas season starts extra early, and we’ve already planned, prepped and pulled off two Christmas parties for the Timbali women, which included lots of fun, dancing, presents, and the key ingredient for any Swazi party: lots of meat! Last week I sent off 1200 Timbali purses to the US for Christmas sales. Ellie had her Christmas program at school 2 weeks ago, and now is on summer break until the end of January. We did take time to celebrate Thanksgiving by having 24 people from AIM teams over to our house! Pretty soon we’ll be able to slow down and really enjoy a relaxed Christmas season, which I’m looking forward to!
Let me say a little more about our Christmas parties…
Our first one was for the 55 women who sew for Timbali in the Engculwini area of Swaziland. Not only was it a Christmas party, but it was also an 80th birthday celebration for one of the women, Ruby Nkambule. In a country where the average life expectancy hangs right around 30 yrs, 80 is something to be celebrated. Regardless of her age, Ruby’s life is worthy of recognition…
Ruby grew up as a pastor’s daughter in the same area where she still lives. She worked as a school teacher for many years, and I hear her students loved her. She’s never been married, or had any children of her own, but has had up to 8 children in need of a loving home, living with her at different times. Currently she cares for 5 orphaned great neices and nephews. At 80 years old she still volunteers her time and energy at her neighborhood care point, helping to feed many children every day. Ruby likes to stir things up and cause a little trouble and a lot of laughs wherever she is. Ruby is my “swazi mother” and when my parents visited a couple years ago, the first thing Ruby said to my mother was, “I am number ONE! You are number two!” Sometimes when Ruby sees me coming to return some of her bags she has sewn that need fixing, she runs away and hides. When we play games at our retreats, she’s the most competitive of them all…and usually has to be reminded to play by the rules. Last year she won the limbo at one of our events!
Ruby really is a gem, and a great picture of someone who gives of themselves to help so many others. When the car I was driving was stolen last May, along with many of our possessions, Ruby gave me 50 rand because she felt so bad (that’s about $7 USD, and she makes about $70/mo). Last year Ruby was blessed by several American women who raised money to help build her a new 2 room home (her old one was literally falling apart) and I can’t think of anyone who deserved it more.
I’ll end with a few pictures…
Everyone wanted their picture taken with the Christmas tree we brought to the parties!
Many of the ladies came dressed in their traditional outfits, including me. I still just don’t quite fit it, do I? 🙂
Ellie at her school Christmas program. Cute.
This picture has nothing to do with my blog, but makes me laugh hard! Ellie drew this picture a couple weeks ago, and says “it’s what mom looks like when a bat gets in the house” (a frequent occurrence in our home!). I think she captured it pretty well…I hate bats! That’s Ellie smiling in the corner.
Thanks Julie for the update.
I pray the Lord would bless you and Ellie, beyond what you could think or imagine!!!
Great blog, Julie
Great job – sorry it was such a hassle to get up there but it is a treat for all of us to read, see pics, and laugh with you at your bat pic – I wish she would have given you red hair in the pic that would have been awesome.
Also thanks for having everyone over for Thanksgiving – I am sure it was a special time for all of them missing home!
This update has absolutely made my day! How precious and hilarious you are- and Ruby and Ellie and all of the Timbali co-op. It’s an honor to work with you Jules. You and Ruby really do go together as you are both highly treasured “ruby” and “jewels” by the LORD. I am missing you and Ellie today! Thank you for your persevering ministry and for sharing it with us!
Sorry about the blank post. Sometimes my fingers hit the wrong buttons.
So good to hear how things are going. I LOVE Ellie’s hair. I want Laila’s like that when she gets older. I hope you guys have an amazing Christmas.
Thanks for the update.
Laura
Hey, Julie!
I loved this blog. How wonderful! May the Lord bless you incredibly over there and although I don’t know Ruby, tell her Happy Belated birthday!!!
Hi Julie,
Great to hear how things are going and it was especially encouraging to hear about Ruby’s life. What a woman of God! Thanks for all you’re faithfully doing in Swaziland. I loved Ellie’s picture of you. Please come and visit all of us in Insbruck next time you’re off to the States. Love, Julie
I am so glad I visited your blog. I will definitely be following it from now on. I know of you through Megan (O., used to be H.) and we have also adopted from Africa. I am loving your story and can’t wait to hear more.
love,
lyndsay
This is a great blog, Julie. I was glad to hear about Ruby and her birthday party. Dad and I love the pictures; especially the ones of Ellie in her angel costume and you in your Swazi outfit. The pictures of Ruby and the other ladies are so good as well. Love and prayers, Dad & Mom
AWESOME update! As always, Ellie is a cutie. Thanks for sharing about Ruby – love hearing encouraging stories like that! BLESSINGS to you this Christmas!