The Album : Eswatini

This is Part 5 of a series called “The Album”. This is my playlist from Eswatini.

“Beethovens 5 Secrets” by the Piano Guys

years ago when I did ballet, I had a recital piece to this song. I loved this song then and I love it now. as I looked at the mountains bordering Eswatini and South Africa, the music had such power that overwhelmed me. the Lord created the mountains and the music. He created both to live together in harmony (pun intended)

“Bambelela (Hold on to Jesus)”

from being on the base, to being at care points, this song was constantly sung. the kids loved singing this praise song and doing the little dance moves with it and we loved sharing the message of the song with the kids. Hold on to Jesus.

“Elephant Love Medley”, Moulin Rouge Cast Recording

I got to share my love of showtunes with a friend of mine on the squad. I knew that if I just started playing Sondheim, they’d go running to the hills. you got to ease them into musicals with pop songs. Thank you Moulin Rouge for being an amazing gateway into showtunes!

“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

this is my happy song. this song can be screamed and danced to. Team Naya, Abide, Nissi, and Harvest loved this girl jam.

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins

right before I broke my foot for the second time, I could still move it and groove it. my junior year of high school my mom choreographed the jukebox musical based of the 80s classic. still remembering the moves, I taught the dance to Ruby, one of my leaders kids. it was a great afternoon, I felt like I was in my element teaching kids how to dance.

“Jesus at the Center/All Hail King Jesus” by Maverick City Worship

even though this song is often played at Chirstmas, I found myself playing it often during Encounter Weekend. on Easter weekend, my squad had a prayer burn and worship sessions for 48 hours straight. it was a beautiful time of encountering the Holy Spirit and reflecting how much the Lord has done this year.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

after being away from Kara and Arwyn for a week because of Parent Vision Trip, we wanted to spend as much time as we could together as a team. so why not have an 80s dance party? Kara and her backup dancers Emma and Arwyn gave an astounding performance in the dinning room.

“Rock and A Hard Place” by Bailey Zimmerman

people back at home know that country music and I are not friends. this fact made many of the country living squad mates want to change that. Jojo and Malachi tried to get me to like country music and while I liked a couple of songs, I don’t think I’m the world’s biggest country music fan.

“Thy Will” by Hillary Scott and The Scott Family

the last week of Eswatini was one of the hardest on the race for me. I had to say goodbye to two different groups of kids that I fell in love with. there was a lot of emotional things going on, I was homesick and honestly just ready to go home.

one morning I woke up really early so that I could call my mom. even at almost 20, I still need a mamas comfort.

after the call, I shuffled my worship playlist and this song came on. the lyrics pierced my heart. in that moment of hurt and grief, I just released everything to the Lord and surrendered my heart to whatever He wanted to plant and prune there.

“I know you’re good

But this don’t feel good right now

And I know you think

Of things I could never think about

It’s hard to count it all joy

Distracted by the noise

Just trying to make sense

Of all your promises

Sometimes I gotta stop

Remember that you’re God

And I am not”