It’s not every day you travel halfway across the world and come back forever changed.  In June 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Eswatini, a small but deeply soulful country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. To begin, I must share that in 2024 I encountered a life change – and was inspired by a friend to ‘look within’ and approach the next phase of my life with a renewed sense of purpose. My focus following this insightful recommendation, was to travel, grow and find myself. As it turns out, I didn’t choose Eswatini at random – it chose me.  During a trip with friends and family in late 2024, my cousin Jocie recommended considering travelling to Africa.  She shared with me incredible insights her employer ‘Heart for Africa’ was doing and recommended the trip. I felt compelled beyond any force I’ve ever experienced, to trust her judgement.  But nothing could have prepared me for just how deeply this experience would move me.  Together, Jocie and I embarked on a flight from Toronto – headed to Africa. 

From Johannesburg to Eswatini:  A New Chapter Begins

The journey began in Johannesburg, South Africa.  From there, I traveled into Eswatini with a group of amazing people I had never met before – fellow travelers from Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.  Strangers at first, we quicky bonded through shared purpose, adventure and an openness to learning from everything around us.

Our first stop in Eswatini was Manzini, one of the country’s main hubs, but soon we headed deeper into the heart of what would become the highlight of my entire trip:  Project Canaan.

Project Canaan:  A vision for the Future

Project Canaan isn’t just an orphanage – it’s a visionary, sustainable community that offers hope, opportunity and a future for Eswatini’s most vulnerable children.  Walking through the gates, I was struck by the sheer scale of the work being done here.  It’s not just about survival; it’s about dignity, education, growth and transformation. 

They’re building more than just a safe haven – they’re building a future-proof model of self-sufficiency.  The farm is expansive and impressive: cattle and dairy cows, chickens, fruit orchards, vanilla crops and acres of cultivated fields.  These aren’t just for local consumption, they’re laying the foundation for economic sustainability, with projects like vanilla aimed at the global export market.

Beyond the agricultural efforts, there are artisan initiatives where locals make jewlery, crafts and hand-made wood products which assist in revenue generation. The wood shop also makes furniture for the children’s residences. There’s even a fully operational mechanic sop, offering training and apprenticeships – equipping young people with skills for long-term employment. Every corner of Project Canaan feels alive with purpose. Every initiative is connected. It’s one of the most well-thought out models of sustainable community development I’ve ever seen.

But even with all the incredible systems in place, it was the children who stole my heart.

The Children:  Joy in the Face of Adversity

You can read about poverty or hardship. You can try to imagine what’s it’s like.  But nothing prepares you for the joy, resilience and spark of life you see in a child’s eyes when they are finally safe, fed and loved.

These kids at Project Canaan – some rescued from heartbreaking circumstances – radiated a kind of hope that I’ll carry with me forever.  Their laughter, their curiosity, their dancing!  Reminded me why this work matters so deeply.  It wasn’t just about feeling good as a visitor; it was about witnessing the result of long-term commitment and care.  These children aren’t just surviving – they’re thriving.

Later in Hhohho, we had the humbling experience of feeding children at a local church.  That day reminded me of the simple, profound power of community.  A meal shared, a hand – held, a smile returned – these were the real currencies of connection.

Hlane Royal National Park:  Nature’s Raw Majesty

Before leaving Eswatini, we visited Hlane Royal National Park for a safari, a reminder of the untamed beauty that surrounds this incredible country. The vast savannahs, the rustle of wind through tall grass, the majestic animals – lions, rhinos, elephants – wandering in their natural habitat… it all felt surreal. Yet, even am

The People:  The Beating Heart of Eswatini

What truly made this trip unforgettable were the people.  The staff at Project Canaan, the locals at the churches and the feeding programs, my fellow travelers – we all formed a web of connection that transcended geography and background.  The staff in particular stood out.  Their compassion, professionalism, tireless commitment were evident in every conversation, every action, every welcoming smile.  They are the true backbone of the organization, and meeting them was an honour. 

I met and travelled with an amazing group of people who have a heart of gold. For the duration of time spent together, this group became family, having shared an unforgetting experience. We shared stories, swapped laughter, sometimes we shed some tears together. We comforted one another under the African sky. I didn’t feel like a visitor. I felt like a part of something bigger – something profoundly human. Together our lives were transformed forever.

Final Reflections: A Life Changed

Shannon Guinard, 2025 Heart for Africa Trip Participant