Day #7

5-26-09

We saw the effects of poverty up close and personal, today during the medical clinic. It was such a blessing to see the grateful faces of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, and children. While most Americans would have been grumpy and impatient with the disorganization and long lines, these people were so grateful to wait hours, simply to see a doctor.
Though I know the reasoning behind this is the fact they don't have a medical clinic nearby, I just love how grateful the people of Uganda are. Though they have no choice but to be simple, I desire to have that simplicity in my own life.
Somebody mentioned at Kate's house how nobody in Budumbuli had mirrors. I have a feeling this is quite common among people in villages. Even up here in Mbale, we have no mirrors. It's so freeing! I feel this is a part of the Ugandan's simple lifestyle. I wish so badly the American culture would adopt this.
I guess the most amazing thing about this is Ugandans are beautiful. And I think that has a lot to do with their hearts. As I passed out mosquito nets today, I looked into their eyes and saw such genuine love and gratefulness. I don't want to generalize, but I feel as though I would not so much as even been given eye contact from most Americans.
Another thing I noticed today about the women and children we met was how accepting they are of those who are different from them. Toward the end I was standing off to the side, observing those playing frisbee and futbol, and a few mothers and their children sort of approached me. Only one of them spoke decent English- Scovia- but I felt as though I had an entire conversation through her. One of the women wanted to know if I'd give her my hair and they all laughed as she pretended to "wear" my braid. Then, when the music began, they asked me to dance and Scovia showed me how to move my hips the "African way." It was just a lot of fun. In those moments I remember thinking to myself, "huh... I wonder if these women would accept me if I were to live among them." I feel as though many people from other cultures would not be quite as accepting as Ugandan culture appears to be. And who knows, perhaps it would be quite different if I were to live among them. It most certainly wouldn't be easy, that's for sure.