Grasshoppers, Bodas, and Reflection

Oli otya!! That means how are you? in Luganda, the language of Bugandans who live in Uganda. Easy right?It has been a while and I think that is just how it will be. Some days it is easier to write than others. The last few days have been wonderful. I have yet to sleep solid through the night but it has been alright. The weather here is very humid and in the 70’s which of course makes it seem like about 80 degrees. But it really hasn’t been too bad. The breeze in the shade is always appreciated.

The roads are extremely bumpy all with potholes and a lot of them are dirt, except in the city. We joked today about how there should be a rule like the eat and swim rule. Do not drive/ride in a car within 30 minutes of eating. Ha. It’s probably not the best combo. The streets of Kampala, which is the capital, are full of so much traffic. I know how everyone talks of Atlanta traffic but its worse here. The traffic jams are a usual thing, there are no rules, and people are walking, riding their bikes, riding motorcycles right through the stopped traffic. It is a dangerous place.

The kids we have met are so cute. I just want to hug them all and not let go. They yell “bazoonga zooga” (not sure on spelling) which means white person. They smile, wave, and like to get that back in return. Everyone is so friendly. But not affectionate. It’s been a struggle for me not to talk to someone and grab hold of their arm or their shoulder to make sure they are listening (mom you know what I’m talking about). A long handshake is acceptable and means so much more than it does in the States. But I have to keep my Mandy hugs out of sight. :)

We had a language lesson yesterday and one again tomorrow morning. It’s been difficult to learn Luganda but most people speak English so you aren’t really fully submerged and forced to learn Luganda anyway.

Yesterday I went with Darla, the single missionary I am living with, and a Ugandan named Fred to visit a few highschools and speak with the “headmaster” or principle about World Bible School correspondence courses for the students. It was interesting. I also ate a yellow grasshopper. My friend Tommy bought a bag of grasshoppers for us to snack on and try. It was salty, flavorful, and too crunchy for me. The aftertaste was awful. But hey- I tried it and I now can say I ate one!

Today was a tourist day where we visited the Kasubi tombs where the last four Ugandan Kings were buried as well as the Uganda Musuem. We spent a lot of time at the Better Life Resource Center which is the facility sponsored by Churches of Christ in the States since it also is used for the church building. Many people come here for different things. There is a library, “café”, sitting areas, and tables for studying. Oh and tonight I had chai tea..real African chai tea. It was so wonderful. I loved it.

The most exciting thing that happened tonight was two Ugandan friends showing us back from the city to our house on the outskirts of town. We walked the busy busy streets of Uganda trying not to get hit by the various things coming our way, whether car, bus, motorcycle (called a Boda Boda), or bicycle coming the opposite direction that we Americans are used to (driving on the left side of the road). You just follow the Ugandans who stop traffic for you and help get you on public transportation and then to your stop. We are allowed to ride Bodas from the main road on the dirt roads back to our house. So tonight we finally did. Each Boda has one driver and one rider. So there were 8 total Bodas going down this road. Heidi, Hannah and I all sat sideways on the back while the guys straddled the seat. I have seen them be ridden both ways. Most girls ride to the side. The Boda drivers are crazy thus why we are only able to ride on the safe low traffic road back to the house. But it was so much fun and I laughed the whole time of course just cuz I enjoy it so much.

I am trying to just soak everything in. I am watching the missionaries very closely and asking so many questions. Jamie and Mark met over here in Uganda 3 years ago and have been married for two. Jamie is only 27 years old and Darla, single, is like 38 years old. I get to see both sides and figure out what is hard and what is rewarding and why they are here. It is neat to learn about them and try to see if this is something I will want to do in the future. But the bottom line is I know that God already has my plans laid out before me. I know that in due time, God will bless me accordingly and He will let me know what path I am supposed to take. But it has been nice to learn from both sides of the mission field, the married and the single. Whether or not foreign missions is what God wants for me or not, I am learning so much from this experience.

Well, I love you all.

Until next time,

Mandy