Tag Archives: PCV

Day four: Another long Umhlanga march

Posted on September 6, 2017 by elliewick

Friday is the day of the return march to Ludzidzini Royal Residence. When I arrived, my group was already packed and we departed for the umphakatsi within a few minutes. I thought things would be happening soon, but of course, … Continue reading →

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Day three: Cutting umhlanga

Posted on September 4, 2017 by elliewick

Cutting reeds was definitely a day for the memory books. It started with many hours of waiting, which has become a common theme. Then the group of timbali that has most adopted me disappeared after getting ready. I had realized … Continue reading →

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Day two: The first day of marching at Umhlanga

Posted on August 31, 2017 by elliewick

No one told me there would be running. Wednesday started again at 5 a.m., so I could arrive at Lobamba at 6:30 a.m. Around 7:30 a.m. we lined up near the Royal Kraal for the opening ceremony. The queen mother … Continue reading →

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Day one: Registration at Umhlanga

Posted on August 29, 2017 by elliewick

Today started early at 4:45 a.m. because we were told to meet the bus taking us to Ludzidzini at 6 a.m. I asked my sisi for us to leave at 5:50 a.m. to walk to school so that we could … Continue reading →

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Let the dancing begin! It is time for Umhlanga

Posted on August 29, 2017 by elliewick

The integration activity of the year for young females is here. One year ago my babe said I should dance at Umhlanga with my sisi this year. Today it officially starts. There was a community meeting with the caregivers of … Continue reading →

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How I spent July’s PCV stipend

Posted on August 28, 2017 by elliewick

July was a much more expensive month. I took a vacation to Lesotho and Durban, and I had saved enough money that I was able to spend only $50 from my American account. Yay me! There was lots of good … Continue reading →

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A moment in my life: Running from mama cow

Posted on August 26, 2017 by elliewick

So many entertaining things happen in my life in Swaziland. These are the moments I will want to remember because they make me laugh, and they show insight into my daily routine. These moments are often hard to photograph and … Continue reading →

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How I spent June’s PCV stipend

Posted on August 24, 2017 by elliewick

June ended with two busy weekends of food preparation. I came in under budget in every category, which was great because I was going on a vacation the next month.

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Wednesday photo: How to iron a lihiya

Posted on August 23, 2017 by elliewick

As my family was preparing for a wedding of a relative, my eldest bhuti showed me the traditional way to “iron” a lihiya. A lihiya is a piece of fabric worn like a wrap-around skirt in traditional dress.  It turns … Continue reading →

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A moral dilemma about aid: Thulane’s story

Posted on August 20, 2017 by elliewick

I see needs everywhere I look in Swaziland. I see undernourished children. I see 18-year-olds in grade seven. I see gogo caring for seven children because their parents died. I see teenaged mothers. I see a room full of high … Continue reading →

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