People here in Uganda

I wish you could meet some of the wonderful people that I have come to know and appreciate here.

There are Ugandans who think nothing of walking for 45 minutes each way to work for 9-12 hours to earn $1 to $3 each day. They do this as a matter of course, without complaining or whining.

Many households have one parent (or grand parent) caring for up to 8 kids orphaned by the deaths due to HIV/AIDS. These adults attempt to provide shelther, food, clothing, education as well as instructions and training. When a family is blessed enough to have both parents present, frequently extended family need them to take in some of the little ones without parents. When either parent can find work to do, they jump at the chance to earn money.

There are preachers, real ones, who have left home and maybe family in obedience to God, to come and share with those here who have no hope in a better life. Some people are ex-pats who work with organizations trying to improve water, health, education, accountability, or prevent AIDS/HIV, air and soil pollution, etc. They may come, like missionaries for 2 years at a time, or it may be their life career. Each one comes with a hope of improving life for others in some way, making a difference now and in the generation to come.

And then there is the occasional retiree like my friend Melody who came to visit and liked it so much she stayed on. Now she teaches a values curriculum to young adults and young marrieds through the Church of Uganda. She is a dynamic, funny Brit, a retired pre-school teacher and one of my best friends here now.

My other best friend is Florence, sister of my heart, whom God sent to me about 2 ½ years ago. We visited back and forth. She attended house group at my place for a while and we prayed together. I have learned so much about Ugandan culture and values from her. She is a modern woman, single parent and bridges the old values from her parents generation while opening a more expanded life view for her kids. She is simply the most amazing woman I've had the pleasure to share space with in a long time.