Final thoughts of Uganda

The colours – green for the lush plant growth, red for the soil and mud bricks, black for the colour of their skin.

The weather - not as humid as we expected as the temperature was moderated by the altitude (380m) and closeness to the mountains.

Frustrations – to hear of sick people referred to hospital still waiting for operations while a price is negotiated with a surgeon, people who are very sick but too scared to go to hospital because the practises are so risky, kids asking you for money, power failures and the unpredictability of.

Corruption – if you want anything quickly through government agencies you need to pay a bribe and wait, wait, wait while papers are shuffled around desks.

Cutting the visitor's cake at Bushikori church

Warmly welcomed and treated as “heroes”. There are over 7,000 registered non government organisations (NGO’s) many who are Christian who are educating the people here with schools, sanitation and hygiene, health and better farming practises.

Main street Mbale with the prominent clock tower

The dark side- living in a guarded compound because of burglary and violence/ armed guards at the bank, supermarket, chemist, and all official government buildings. Not wearing a necklace down the street as it could be ripped off you. Evidence of witchcraft with “charms” placed in houses and beads on children.

Hearing kids call out “Muzungu! How are you!” and laughing at their fascination with Rex's hairy arms.

Sadness at seeing the large bellies of malnutrition on the children in the villages, the poverty, the many orphans being cared for by very elderly grandparents or older siblings, the effects of malaria treatments in the red eyes of the Ugandans.

Enjoying eating somasas (John’s favourite take away food).

Waking early to the sound of the rooster who crows at four different times during the night. Being ready to be picked up at 7.30 by the Bushikori Bus.

Saying grace fervently before every meal not only as thanks but also for protection.

Washing hands before eating and after being in the villages and shaking hands.

Open air Butcher stall

Eating matooke (cooked green plantain bananas steamed in banana leaves) and liking it!

Our serving size! not their's

Marvelling at the size of the serves of food the Ugandans can eat!

Four wheel driving on/through village roads and tracks, bone jarring and bottom numbing!

Being a Millionaire when taking out 1,000,000 shillings out of the ATM (about $A720). Everything is paid in cash, no mastercard or visa here.

Christianity – Christian slogans on matatus (mini buses that are taxis) like “In God We Trust”(and surely you have to by the way they drive and overload with passengers) / “Jesus Saves”. Christian music being played in the cafes. Saying Praise the Lord when you greet someone. Meeting other Christians who have dedicated their lives to live here long term.

Laughing at funny sayings like “Would you like some passion?” (meaning passionfruit or passionfruit juice, which is very popular here) “Are we picking you?” (Are we picking you up?) “Use some colours” = Use your colour crayons/pencils. “Do you want a bite?” = Would you like something to eat? Their understanding is literal, so if you say “I need to see you” they lean forward and look at you!

Being amazed that the power is off because someone stole a length of the main cable.

Liane being scared stiff when riding on the back of a boda-boda (a taxi bike – a highly efficient means of transport and an easy way for them to earn an income) even though she was straddling not riding side-saddle like most of the women! (Sorry no pictures of that!!!!)

Facing the oncoming traffic.

Learning a few words in Liguisu (the local dialect) “Melembe” = Hello, “Orienna” = How are you, “ Kali Kali” = ok, “Wanyallanarbee” = Thankyou very much, “Watchenyala” = Well done. (Apologies for any incorrect spelling)

Rejoicing with the African singing at Church/when a new baby is born in the clinic/ when the power comes back on/ when you get an email or blog comment (don’t forget to check out the blog archives on the side bar for previous entries) / playing “cooking” with Annie and Emma/ with Lyn when a parcel arrives that has been in transit for two years!

Why did God send us here? Perhaps to see the awesomeness of His creation and that the needs to be wanted and loved are universal. Perhaps to show us how much He loves us, as we were treated as honoured guests, and that is how we will be treated (no matter our circumstances here on Earth) when all believers are seated at the wedding banquet up in Heaven. Rev 19:9