Brooks
Flowers: We had been sitting in a circle of about 35 men and women for two days when it came time to say good-bye. Many of these people had traveled on a matatu for a day, some for two days to be together and discuss and learn more about making disciples and starting simple churches not only from us, but also from each other. At the end of different ones of us sharing our final thoughts and good-byes, one young man from the capital city of Uganda, Kampala, gathered all of the Ugandans together and suggested in their local language Luganda that they all give us flowers as a thank you. As all of them started reaching down, scooping up thin air and then offering it to us, I couldn’t imagine what in the world was going on or what my response should/could be!! As it was then translated to us, these very poor rural Believers who had probably never either given or received a bouquet of real flowers, continued gathering invisible armfuls of what I thought must be some of the beautiful flowers native to their homeland. How could we not open up our arms to receive them as they offered them to us with such enthusiasm and love!
Cults: There are many cults in Africa. Christianity is often intertwined with traditional beliefs and witchcraft. Many things that are confusing and strange to me are customary to the African. For example, in one cult, people are invited not only to water baptism, but baptism of the Spirit…by fire…literally, by real fire!!! Wood is placed on the bare ground and once the fire is burning, those wanting this baptism must walk through it to receive the Holy Spirit in their lives. Mmmmm, anyone interested????
Bathroom issues: Who knew??? When visiting the toilet at immigration, we were asked to pay 10 shillings. This is often the case where there is a public toilet, so no big surprise. However, we were then asked if when we were using the toilet (i.e., squatty potty), would we be using it for a “long stay or short stay.” The cost for short being only 10 shillings, but if we needed it for a long stay, then it would be 20 shillings.
Wives: When visiting with a Kenyan friend we often meet up with here in Kitale, Kenya, we learned a little more about his past. He is Ugandan but he and part of his family escaped the war in Uganda some years ago. As refugees they settled in Western Kenya and now this man has built a good life for himself as a driver for an oil company and supervising armed guards as they travel back and forth to the Sudan border. Turns out his father had SIXTEEN wives! Now, seriously, guys, could you manage more than even one??? He explained that his father had some land, so some of the wives had their own hut where they lived with their children. Peter’s mother was number 10 in the line of 16, so I’m not sure if this was good or bad, but I’m reminded once again that I’m pretty darned grateful not to have to share my fella with anyone else!!!
Bowing: I mistakenly thought that Ugandan women bowing low to greet someone they respect, either a man or an older woman, was on the way out, but sadly (in my opinion) no. Over and over Roger and I (and others) were greeted with the customary both knees bent and low curtsy with head bowed and hand reaching up and extended to shake the right hand of the one they are saying hello to. It is very, very humbling and awkward as an American unaccustomed to this kind of humility. I always want to lift them up and say, “Please, please don’t do that; we are equals; I am neither higher nor lower than you.” As a woman, you are not beneath, not the tail, but the head.
Clapping: On the other hand, I LOVE the custom of some tribes in rural areas…that of neither bowing, handshaking or hugging or kissing…just running up to you, standing very close and clapping and clapping with a huge smile to greet and welcome you!
In-laws: Customarily in Africa the relationship with your in-laws is a very, very big deal. For example, when you go to visit your mother-in-law, the daughter (or son)-in-law buys and saves their very best clothes to wear, something special and nice. Then, it is always expected that you will bring a very generous gift to her…like a large bag of maize or sugar, along with a respectable amount of shillings to help her. This custom is not only to show respect, but also to stay in her good graces, vying for first place in her heart above that of her other in-law children.
Showing Approval: Yesterday I learned a new way for a group to applaud for someone who has spoken or done something they especially like. You might want to try it! There is a leader who raises his hands over his head, but far apart. Then with his fingers outstretched, he waves his hands repeatedly very fast. It’s then he shouts out, “I am here, do you see me? I am here, do you see me?” As he continues moving his hands very excitedly, he invites everyone else to join him in this action by saying, “Where are you? Where are you?” In response, we all raise our hands and shake them, declaring, “We are here; we are here!” ever watchful for what we know is coming next. As the enthusiasm grows, all of the sudden, the leader leans into the one we are applauding for and brings his hands down, inviting you to simultaneously do the same. And, SMACK! We all give one huge, huge, loud CLAP! However embarrassed, the person being applauded must receive this applause with a huge and gracious, “Thank you!”
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