Ugandan village a real community

My entire life I have dreamed of going to Africa. It has been well over three months since I departed from Canada and made my destination; Uganda. I still wait for the dramatic culture shock I was informed would happen. Perhaps Hollywood has helped me prepare for the unique African sights and experiences since it is what I imagined it to be.

First I would like to clear up that I did not come here with or for any North American organization. The reason for that is I wanted to actually experience Ugandan life, integrate into the community, and have no set schedule. A short day of volunteer work at the base and being shuttled back to a nice hotel for western food is not what I had in mind. My plan was not to be "protected" from Ugandan society but to live it. So, I came with Terra Moore, a friend who is very much involved with Ekyaro Kyaife, the orphanage and school that she came upon a few years ago. It is a Community Based Organization that works with orphans and vulnerable children. They aim to partner with the community and keep connections with whatever family the children have.

I live in Iganga town. It is a bit smaller than Yorkton but has a larger population. The most difficult adjustment coming to Iganga, even from larger, touristy cities in Uganda is that the local people are so quick to publicly distinguish our white skin. I am coming from the visible majority in Canada where racial profiling is not allowed and am now the extreme visible minority. At night I can barely even see the locals pass me by as my skin glows bright. Even though I try, I do not think it is possible for me to go anywhere unnoticed. For the first month, I had to mentally prepare myself with a deep breath before leaving the solitude of our secure compound. Once out, and walking through the neighbourhood, mobs of children would come out running and shouting to greet and latch on.

Ones too young to walk are not forgotten as they are sure to be picked up and carried over. They often chant, "Mzungu how are you! Mzungu how are you!" Most of the children do not even know what "how are you" means, but are more than pleased to get a response. This happens each and every time a mzungu passes by. "Mzungu" is the term that announces "white person". As a mzungu, knowing the fair price of what you wish to purchase is the key to avoid being cheated. Downtown and the market are hectic places but you can find great deals and get lots of fresh produce. Buying meat with the intention of eating it was a stretching experience for me. I am not quite used to choosing from meat that is covered in flies, some hair, and left dangling in the sun. Apart from the jaw work out, I can say it still tastes fine!

Another major difference here is the justice system. The people tend to take the law into their own hands. You could compare it to "old Western justice". One day, walking home, we saw a group of villagers surrounding a small house.

They had been chasing a thief and he had run into the house for shelter. A criminal running to the police is quite common here as it is much better to be caught by the police than by the village! When my friends back in Canada hear about these things, they assume that the area I am in is not safe. However, I feel safe. Where in Canada can a victim make a distress call and have an entire neighbourhood come to the rescue and see to it that justice is served?

Another reason I came to Uganda was to escape the hectic schedules and the petty formalities of North American society. I hoped to see that there was still such a thing as simple living and children that still had imaginations and respect. I definitely found what I was hoping for. There are children everywhere, wheeling discarded bike tires, playing in the dirt, carrying a sibling or a jerry can of water. You see women digging in their fields with a hoe, babies tied to their backs, and men of all ages walking their bicycle up a hill loaded twice the size with chickens, sticks, coal, baskets or pots. At night, the galaxies of stars blow your mind away as there are no street lights. You can hear the sound of the ice cream bike's high pitch tune amidst the cries; there is always a baby crying. The smell of rotting and burning garbage fills the air along with the odd whiff of jackfruit.

Living here has been such a blessing to me, most of all, the people of Ekyaro Kyaife. Each staff member is committed and works hard to teach, love, and bless the lives of every child. Teachers continue to spend time with the kids outside of the school schedule and build relationships with them. They will take time on the weekends and after school to play sports and games with the children. Currently, there is a big international dance competition and all schools are expected to participate. Both staff and students of Ekyaro Kyaife are committed and excited to be a part of this competition. They practice long and hard every day and continue to do so with an unending spirit of joy and enthusiasm. I love simply watching the children; getting to know their unique individuality. It is especially interesting to watch the little ones interact with their range of dynamics. Looking into their eyes I see curiosity, excitement, and often mischief. I have learned so much about each one. A girl named Shella is incredibly vocal and is usually the leader of the pack along with another girl, Giftie. Most often Giftie is organizing the young gang on a hunt for mangos or other tasty treats. She is known for a wide array of expressions and her fits of entertaining laughter with arms in the air. Ekyaro Kyaife is not just an organization but a family.

I thank God for each and every child of this wonderful yet humble place. As I look at each child's innocent face, I see absolute beauty. Whatever their background or circumstance is, they know as well as I that they have a future full of hope. This place is now a permanent part of my heart. Uganda has become another home to me. I know I will continue to be involved and will most definitely be back, maybe sooner than I first thought.

I was telling Paul, one of the directors, about Canada day, and was telling him about wiener roasts and how I thought it was too bad we couldn't do that... so ... instead we are going to have a goat roast! and try to have it so everyone gets to roast their piece of goat on a stick over a fire. Maybe we will buy bread to mimic hot dog buns.

We'll see how it turns out.