Family

Here in Uganda, and maybe for most of Africa, family relationships are the heart of one's thinking, choices, life. It is unthinkable to be away from the village with all the grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters. People save money, even not eating, so they can go home, not just for Christmas, but any long week-end. They go home, too, for each and every funeral, wedding, and many births (this more for sisters I think).

The fact that I have chosen to stay on in Uganda while my family moves back to the States is amazing to them. They comment that it must be God calling me to be here for what else could separate one from loved ones?

It is God's calling into this time in my life. But I haven't lost a family, I gained an even bigger one. People from church, especially those working here who are single, have called me and given me extra hugs. Melody even came by one afternoon, just to make sure I was alright. Nasser, my adopted son here, made a point of saying he was here for me. Florence, Rachel and Miriam are all keeping an eye on me and ensuring that laughter continues in my life.

Several families have agreed to share their children with me. I believe that couples have to have "date" time together and that is hard to come by here. Leaving kids with househelp isn't the best solution for an all day or an overnight, for the home rhythmns between Ugandan and western are very different. So I will have youngsters in my life sometimes, have many friends and allies to play and dine with.

Life is an adventure. I am always amazed at who God puts into my life and all the blessings that flow from that. It doesn't always come just from having people share my home either. There are so many ways of being, doing and seeing in this world. We never have to be bored. I look around around me and see such beautiful variety of people, of ways of being loving and caring. I am hungry to learn more.