Africa- First Impressions

Hey All!
So, I was planning on doing a video blog tonight, but for some odd reason my webcam is not working! So tonight I’m just going to jot down a couple things about the last 24 hours. I arrived in Entebbe last night (this morning) at 3 in the morning. O.o Teresha and Israel picked me up from the airport and I immediately loved both of them. We got a “hotel” which was really more like a hospitality home for the night so we could get some rest before heading more inland towards Jinja where they live. Best.Decision.Ever. It was sooo good to get sleep! We woke up, ate a wonderful breakfast, then headed out of town. 

I was FLOORED at how beautiful the scenery was. I always pictured “Africa” as being brown, dry, and hot.. Uganda is the opposite. It is so green and so full of life! One thing I quickly learned of was that there is a big Indian influence in Uganda. The main mark of this is that there are cows EVERYWHERE! In the streets, on the sidewalk, randomly laying in the middle of a field, etc. Apparently the Ugandans value cows almost as much as the Indians do. Interesting! Also- Ugandans use a lot of Indian spices in their cooking. YUM.

Another interesting thing was that all the taxis on the road were big huge vans.. and on the windshield of every van was some sort of Christian phrase; “God is Love,” “Jesus saves,” etc.. I mentioned this to Teresha and Israel and they told me that Uganda is mainly a Christian country; however, they have a lot of Islamic influence. Many people claim they are spiritually Christians, but are really more Islamic in culture and way of life. This has created a lot of issues within the Christian culture here. Also, many say they are Christian, but then practice witchcraft, see witch doctors, worship idols, and glorify ancestors. Because of this, the Ugandans have developed a different phrase to use. Some call themselves Christians, but others (Like Teresha and Israel) call themselves “Born Again Christians” meaning they have turned from all witchcraft, no not drink any alcohol, smoke cigarettes, worship idols, or ancestors. They were tired of having the Christian title be defiled by those who refuse to be completely changed, so they made a solution. I like it! In the States, this idea would never work. We would have WAY too many titles and subtitles (like denominations) so people wouldn’t be affiliated with those that don’t believe the exact same as them. I like the simplicity of the Ugandan Christian life.

Fun Fact: In Uganda, white people are called “Mzungas”

Another (not so fun) fact: Israel is one of 11 children. He knows for sure that 5 of his siblings are alive, but has no idea about the other six. When he explained he said “The other six… could be dead…probably are.. I will never know.” That is so incredibly sad to me! However, they said this is actually very normal in the old Ugandan tribes. Mothers have many children, and doesn’t always have the means to take care of them all together.. So siblings are often separated at a young age, and never see eachother again.

Last observation: I LOVE how Israel prays. He prays more sincerely than any person I have ever met; with the one exception of the orphans at the Mission in Mexico. He is so genuine when he talks to his Father. He is truly humble every time he goes before the throne of grace. Each time he prays, whether for a meal, or before a trip, he thanks the Lord for His mercy and His grace to “bring him where he is this day.” He is one of the greatest examples of being thankful for every moment he is given. He is aware of the magnitude of how vast the Lord’s love and blessings are. Right on!

Tomorrow is my first day on the job. We are waiting to hear from Erin, the girl I will work with in the school to see if she’s working tomorrow. If she is working, then I will work with her in the school. If she is not working, then I will go do home visits with a lady named Josephine. Either way, I can’t wait! 

Thanks, friends, for your continued prayers!

Love you all!

Gracie