1. Always say hello.
Ugandans are so so so welcoming. Literally everywhere you go, “you are welcome” or “you are most welcome”. Ugandans are just friendly people in general, and many will give a polite wave or smile when you pass them on the street
And I have begun to really notice in coming back this time that almost every white person I pass on a "street" (in stores..etc) makes a deliberate intention to 'not' make eye contact with me. And I'm trying to figure out why that is.
2. Life goes on, with or without electricity.
It is not uncommon to wake up with no electricity, or to have the electricity go out at bed time and stay out till the next day at bed time. Still, life goes on. Not much changes except the careful usage of water.
3. You don’t have to have money to be rich.
Some of the happiest most generous and welcoming people I met in Uganda were not rich in possession, but rather were some of the poorest people who face many hardships, and suffering I had never laid eyes on....but oh, the treasure they held inside of their souls – joy, love, and peace from our Heavenly Father.
4. People with the least are often willing to give the most.
5. Moments would last longer if we would move slower.
Let me just tell you.....No one moves quickly in Uganda, and yet..everyone completes their daily tasks, and being productive happens without the stress and anxiety and rushing about (like chickens with their heads cut off) That is one thing I Love about Uganda.
Maybe, If we were to slowed down, we might find slowing down is one of the most productive things we can do?
6. The simple raising of the eyebrows can mean a dozen different things from a greeting, to agreement, or even telling someone to "come here."
7. A common phrase is "TIA" (This is Africa)
When you are driving through the city of Kampala and see a herd of cows waiting to cross the highway..."This is Africa"
Or when you see a 6 year old girl crying a tiny baby on her back..."This is Africa"
When the power goes out..."This is Africa"
When you see an entire dinning room set being transportation on a boda boda? "TIA"
8. When Someone says you "look smart" it means you look nice.
9. “Let me come” means the same thing as “I will be right back.”
10. “well done” is a typical Ugandan greeting "Jebole"
11. “Muzungu” means white person. If you’re white, get used to hearing it 800 times every time you walk outside. “Muzungu, how are you!?”
12. also, You will shake hands with at least 50 people a day.....after all.....this is Africa
13. You're time means more
You don’t always have something (material things) you can do or give to help someone in need, but that doesn't even matter in most cases....what you do have is you presence to give. Quality time spent with someone, listening and talking to them is just about the greatest things you can do for someone in Uganda. And they will cherish those moments with you for a long long time...if not forever.
14. God is the same God in Uganda and the United States.
God seemed closer and more real while in Uganda, but does this mean God is not as close or real here? I think no – God is God wherever you are. I do think we have more luxuries, distractions, and potential idols in our middle-class American lives. As a result, living a life devoted to God takes a more conscious focus on giving up of oneself – something that felt so natural in Uganda.
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