I’ve learned a lot about Luganda these last few days. I’ve been saying quite a few things wrong. Sebo for instance is “sir” or “boy” if he’s in trouble not just boy. Plus you wouldn’t call to a kid, hey boy. It’s rude. Gundi is the best word for that but it is all inclusive for "hey you," "thing," "what’s her bucket."
Sula- night
Jangu wanu- come here
Genda webake- go to bed
Wanji- yes
Ngabakilaba- obviously
Nsanyuse- I am happy.
Bonga- Rock. (can be used even with small children to teach them the fist pound we do in America.)
(Luganda vowels are always the same: a=ah like approach, e=ay like neighbor, i= e like meet)
Saturday, July 4: We loaded up to head out to Kayaga’s house. She is an auntie who has worked with ACC for so long. Currently, she is housing kids from the choir when they go on holiday. She also adopted two boys to add to the bunch. Her house which she built and designed herself was beautiful, full of color and wood work. It reminded me of a safari lodge or ski lodge with rhinos on the upholstery as opposed to moose. Jordan has bought some land in the area and Barnett’s house is next door to Barbara. He has a huge house that is sure to accommodate a great many people, all his kids and the ACC forever.
While the family went to Jordan’s land, Jami and I stayed at the house to help cook and chat with the older choir kids. Great conversations with Kate, Fatima, Herbert and Eve while Farida and Auntie looked on. While we rolled chapatti, we talked about the JOH tour and Jami tried to sing. Herbert told her she was bad and everyone pretty much agreed. The chapatti was just right and Kate told me I should use warm water to get it nice and sticky or at least to the right consistency. Once we got them all done and repeated a bunch since the dough was sticking under the sun we sat to talk.
Jami started by asking Uncle Steve’s question: What is your opinion about having aid workers come to their countries to work? Overall they thought it was good and necessary. There are just not enough resources to go around to all the people who need something and the government takes too much of a cut especially from big donors like other countries or World Bank or whatever. The problem too is that people can’t get a job without knowing someone directly or being related. Without those connections, there’s no hope of work. All these kids have the perspective of the west which has broadened their minds and hopes but unfortunately they don’t see it happening in Uganda. They also said much of the wealth and employment in contained in Western Uganda as opposed to being distributed amongst all the citizens of the country. Most of that wealth is remaining in the government official pockets. So really it comes down to a matter of networking, joining forces within a neighborhood and building out from there.
Jami helped me open my eyes to the goodness of what was going on around us and take perspective of the communities. We’ve seen the really hard lives, heard the stories, too, but we’ve also experienced the life of those who are making it, who are thriving beyond their needs and are able to give more to more people such as Kayaga. Her house will never be for just her or a few family members. It’s built for many with a big homemade wooden kitchen table for 10, lots of bedrooms, a good kitchen and plenty of space for others to read in one corner while playing a game in another. Also we see many people working the hard jobs and making ends meet and providing for their family.
Uncle Steve's question will surface again I'm sure. looking forward to those words too.
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