“Kunjani” is asked at the beginning of most conversations in Swaziland. It means, “How are you?”. Every response we have heard this past year is “Ngiyaphila” (ng-ee-yah-pee-lah) which means “I am fine”. As in the American culture, people’s response is usually “fine”. We all know this is not always true, but regardless of the circumstances, that is what is verbally communicated.
Even the child standing in the dirt at the care point with no shoes, sweaty and fatigued from walking several kilometers to get his/her only meal for the day replies, “I am fine”.
Even the staff member who has been struggling to be a light in the midst of their homestead and community and they are on the brink of giving up, says behind a big smile on their face, “I am fine”.
Even after trying to get to church on Sunday morning, yelling at the kids, rushing out the door and speeding into the church parking lot. As you walk into the foyer, the greeter asks, “How are you?” and in your most convincing voice you answer, “I am fine.”
Why is “fine” our response?
Maybe we want everyone to think we have it all together.
Maybe we do not want to take the time to actually talk to each other.
Maybe if we say it enough times…we will start to believe it.
Over the past few weeks, God has allowed us to see those that are NOT fine. We have had the opportunity to speak truth into lives that need to be reminded that God has a plan for their life and let them know it is ok to admit they are not fine. Relationships are being formed which has been our prayer since we arrived in Swaziland. The Swazi culture is very private and people do not seem to trust easily. Baby steps have been made as we continue to patiently wait for God to open up the doors. Bottom line is that we need each other and we are humbled that God is using us to encourage others. You never know what others may be facing today.
If you are NOT fine today, let us remind you of a few verses from the Bible. God has given us a book of encouragement and sometimes we simply need to remind ourselves of His goodness and protection.
Ps 100:3 “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”
I John 4:4b “...greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world.
Psalm 107:29-30 “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”
Thank you, Heavenly Father that you are with us always, even when we are not “fine”!
Michelle and Greg
