Week 2: Bulembu

A Surprise Around Every Corner

In the 1920’s Bulembu was a thriving mining town. At that time it was also inhabited by the English. There was a fully functioning hospital, golf course, and theatre. I cannot help but wonder what Bulembu looked like in the 1920’s when every building was inhabited by people. Bulembu is far from being a ghost town at this point, yet one can easily see remnants of a once thriving 1920’s town, right here in Swaziland. The neighboring town of Jamieson Village, however, is completely abandoned, and I must say it is the essence of a true ghost town. To this day, the underground mining tunnels can be found and tracked throughout both of the villages. It is somewhat eerie.

I had the opportunity to visit with the workers of the Bulembu clinic last week. They, of course, are using one of the buildings that used to be part of the hospital run by the English back in the 1920’s. This hospital was also used recently, up until about 2001. My tour of the buildings was fascinating as old machinery, utensils, and other medical supplies were literally left in the place they were last used. It literally seems as if everyone vanished in the midst of working.

To say I was impressed with the running of the clinic is an understatement. Right now there are three Swazi nurses who take care of all the patients here in Bulembu. They take turns being on call 24/7. The clinic mostly deals with issues of dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and broken bones. But, I think, most importantly, they are able to help mothers who are infected with HIV by administering ARV’s (anti-retroviral’s) that help keep not only the mother healthy, but the baby as well. The ARV’s have the potential to take someone who has HIV and is in a very unhealthy state and bring them back to good health. The clinic does not have to purchase these as the ARV’s are given freely by the government. Although I am confident that the clinic is well equipped to deal with basic emergencies, if anything comes up that the nurses are not able to handle, there is an ambulance ready to bring the patient to the neighboring town of Pigg’s Peak where there is a hospital.

On Sunday I met again with the children at the BMS houses where many of the be:good foundation’s sponsored children live. Once again, it was a very exciting time. Sure enough, the boys who promised us a choreographed dance were ready when we arrived. Tables and couches were moved out of the living area and a mixed CD was put in. The first dance was done to T.I. and Rihanna’s song Live Your Life. There were two brothers who danced in unison throughout the entire song. These guys were incredible! They were popping and locking like I have never seen before. Their bodies were moving in ways that seemed physically impossible to me. Many of the movements were very robotic. It was incredible to watch. After that, they did another dance that involved mostly footwork. I don’t know how to describe it except to say it was like watching Usher, Michael Jackson, and Justin Timberlake all in one. After that, everyone wanted to show off their moves. It was an incredible time, and to top it all off, they have promised another show this Sunday with a choreographed dance with all of the kids from the two neighboring houses! I have no doubt they will put on a fantastic show.

When the dance party was over, we spent some time just hanging out with the kids. All of the kids have chores to help around the houses. We were outside by a fire that was made by the kids so they could cook corn on the cob as a snack before dinner. Maybe I was hungry, but that was the best corn on the cob I have had. I sat and talked with some of the older boys about America, soccer, and future aspirations. I am confident that many of them will accomplish the dreams they have in their hearts. In talking with one of the main administrators here in Bulembu the other day, he made a fascinating point that has stuck with me: Many of these children were discarded, rejected, abused, and left to be on their own. Now, they are getting one of the best education’s offered to Swazi children and are living in a town that is being rebuilt with the sole purpose of raising up the future leaders of Swaziland. Now, when I talk with these young children, I cannot help but see a future government official of Swaziland, a doctor, a teacher, or even a king. How amazing that the once dishonored are being lifted up to places of honor. This concept both blows my mind and excites me for the future of Swaziland. I am so happy and blessed to share a small part in this wonderfully counter-culture village of Bulembu.

Needless to say, my time thus far has been both fascinating and full of surprises. I can’t wait to see what other surprises Bulembu holds for our last week here…