Lessons in Culture

April 10, 2010

Well, we woke up feeling a bit dehydrated and lethargic this morning. It being Saturday, we took our time getting going then took care of some paperwork. I started packing. We had made an appointment with Patrick, our premiere Ugandan volunteer, and his wife to have dinner. We owe so much to both of them for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of TGF. But then, if you heard their personal stories you wouldn’t be surprised.

Patrick and Precious are two dear, amazing people. Both were born in the country to “simple people, peasants”. Both still have family that lives in the country. Their lives were not easy, especially for Precious who was turned out of her home by her uncles and brothers (from other mothers) when her parents died. Yet both of them have continued to value education and helping others. A good portion of dinner was spent trying to understand all the people that live in their own home! Nephews, cousins, nieces, and a sister all reside with them ranging from 1st graders to adults. Some are supported by relatives and others aren’t. These family members have come to Kampala to get a better education. This young couple juggles work, school, and their eight dependents and yet never complains, always smiles, and manages always to have time to help TGF too! What inspirations they are to us.

My favorite part about traveling is learning the culture. Uganda is a country of tribes. Each tribe has its own language and traditional dress. Our dear friends Patrick and Precious speak the language of Buganda in the home because that can be understood by all. Patrick has mastered ten tribal languages, including his wife’s.

It is still common to have men with multiple wives (I know, our American men are trying to figure out if this is good or bad). We have heard stories from our friends here about being born to the first, second, or youngest wife. For one, he was born to the middle wife but was the favored youngest child. He lived with his father and his youngest wife. Yes, he said this was hard for his mother. Then there were the girlfriends. Good luck trying to keep all the family members straight. I think I am beginning to understand why everyone calls each other brother and sister!

There seems to be a shift toward monogamy, at least in the city. Some of our Gretta Scholars experienced difficulty with polygamist families where their mother and/or father died and they were turned out of the home by the paternal family. It is mind boggling to think of the culture shock for someone from the country, living in a hut, tending the garden and animals, then moving to a modern city.

With the war over, and stability returning to the country, Uganda seems eager to jump into the modern world. Everywhere we go though, people are asking for jobs and poverty is prevalent. I digress.

We had a wonderful evening with our good friends and took the opportunity to speak a bit about the next few years for TGF in Uganda. We were all excited. Many hugs and kisses later, we made a date to meet with Patrick tomorrow to debrief and plans to go dancing with them next trip (we told them about our fun Friday night)!

-Tania