Appreciation to the culture shock

When I thought of what I should title this, appreciation was what came to mind. Appreciation of what I have learned so far in Uganda. This is going to be somewhat humorous, but let’s just be honest this whole adjusting to the Ugandan culture has brought nothing but laughs.

-          Ugandans literally would be able to survive in any situation. People work from sun up past sun down planting, plowing, building, selling, washing, cooking, cutting, crafting, and so on. So far the kids have taught Kelsey and I how to wash clothes outside by hand and let them dry, how to peel potatoes with a knife, make posho, put grounds in hot water and stir for a fresh cup of java, form charcoal from bark on a tree, heal a wound with ashes, burn holes by a magnifying glass reflecting the sun, umm ya you get the point. Oh and did I mention these 17 children prepare and cook EVERY meal? Ya, they are pretty much little Betty Crocker’s running all around each doing their own job.

-          The children can play outside all day. Never once do you hear a child say they are bored. The simplest thing, rolling a tire with a stick can entertain the youngest child for hours. Playing “futbol” doesn’t stop just when you get sweaty or when your team starts to lose, it would continue all day if allowed. Chores are entertaining, and these children are always smiling about whatever task is at hand.

-          Worship here at the home is simply heart-warming. The first few nights spent here, I had tears falling down my face as Kelsey and I sat and learned what the nightly worship looks just like here at the home. Let me just give you a glimpse. Imagine for a second 17 children gathered in a small living area, the boys are playing the drums and guitar; the girls are dancing in two straight lines. The house echoes with the rejoicing of children’s voices genuinely praising the Lord. No they don’t just stand there; they dance, they shout, they sing, they raise their hands, they bow before the King; they WORSHIP the Lord. A child then speaks each night, standing before the rest of us reciting scripture and prompting with questions. Let me tell you, I feel guilty each night when I see how these children truly have a passion to know the word, love the Lord, worship him, and live each moment of their day for him. They actually have time, to sit down as a family each night and worship together and eat dinner together. Now that is something unheard of for us, but it is possible and the part of my day I look forward to most.

-          Individuality is acceptable. Although there are so many little chickadees running around here they all have their individual personalities and somehow they magically all go together. It is hilarious to watch these children interact. You have the children who keep to themselves, the ones who are definite leaders, the girls who steal the show, the boys who are absolutely hilarious and love to pull pranks on Kelsey and I, the lovey-dovey girlies who want to do your hair and lay in your arms, the leaders of each the boys and girls, the loud and rambunctious, and those who simply appreciate every aspect of all circumstances. To be a part of this controlled chaos, and praise the Lord they are so willing to let Kelsey and I bring in our own personalities and crash their oh so delightful family.

To be continued….

Now for a little tid-bit of what I have learned:

-Riding a boda is definitely something I should have had on my bucket list; we will pretend it was and say it is now checked off. Each day Kelsey and I ride the boda, which is like a smaller version of a motorcycle and risk our lives in Kampala traffic.

-It is true that pedestrians do not have the right of way; you have the right to get out of the way. The other day a car was reversing in to me and would have hit me if it wasn’t for Kelsey coming to the rescue and pulling me out of the way.

- If you ask the kids to run with you, expect to get a cut in your arm from them pushing you in the fence to do whatever to make you lose the race.

- With the boys, be sure to always be on guard because you never know when they are fibbing, pulling a prank, or being mischievous. And when it comes to Kelsey and I who constantly laugh at all they do, we definitely play the part of the fool perfectly.

- Shaving your legs can be done outside in a tub of water. Bathing can be accomplished by standing in a bucket and attempting to keep the most water possible in the bucket. Washing hair is easiest to be done in the sink.

- Having to flush the toilet by pouring in a bucket of water is not always…actually is never an appealing smell.

- Mosquito nets block out all air, especially when AC is not in the home. It is perfectly normal to wake up in a sweat each morning.

- Dinner is the time to devour as much food as possible. And let me tell you these kids know how to ration their food. Have you ever seen a child cram as much food possible in an easter egg, a wipe container, a jar, a plastic bag, or a water bottle? Well they are pros. And if the “aunties,” being Kelsey and I do not finish our food, you can bet those kids lick our plates clean. No food is wasted in this house.

- Letters from the girls are the most genuine and sincere. They brighten my day and cover the wall in Kelsey and I’s room. And the boys tonight…to catch a glimpse of their humor, gave the “aunties” a letter, we opened them and they were blank letters. Don’t worry Kelsey and I were feeling the love.

- Discipline is hard to come by at the school. And let’s just say, when it comes to teaching, if you think you have the hardest class in the US, you should have a taste of the classroom here. Whew, exhausting yet absolutely rewarding.

 

Ok enough of the jabbering. I am LOVING it here. Kelsey has become the greatest friend I could ask for, and we share so many laughs each day. We are the dynamic duo! God is teaching me so much, and I am learning to appreciate all parts of each day. I will try harder to keep up with this blog thing so it is not as long. But I will say, when you love the kids this much you can’t help but spend all your time with them!

 

What a mighty God we serve!!