Differences

 Mom and Brit teaching the Primary 3 class how to make tissue paper flowers after a brief lesson on how THEY are the beauty of God.

The result of the instruction!

Oh, just me falling in love....

“Um, Tanya, there is a dead chicken right outside my hut and a rooster who is trying to eat it.”

Welcome to Monday morning at the Village, where life always carries an interesting flare quite different from life in America.  Here’s a little of what we’ve been up to following the quote above from Brittany this morning:

My over-zealous mother who makes all of us look bad with her discipline in exercising, got up for her morning run before anyone else. (I opted to use the light rain as an excuse to sleep in and went for my run a little later). She reports that a small track team of young kids formed as she ran along the path as the kids were enthralled with this mazunga (white person) running just for fun. Apparently there were lots of pointing and giggles along with the running.

Some construction is being done right next to the central compound where we stay as a new huge cement hut is being erected.  But if you closed your eyes, you would never know that construction was happening.  Mostly everything is done by hand.  For instance, concrete is being mixed by hand, with water being added to the mix with a sprinkling can instead of a large concrete mixer truck doing the job.  A much quieter and greener way for sure.

Brittany was pleased to be taught some Acholi dancing by some of the girls and apparently has come to the same conclusion as the rest of us mazungas who have tried this dancing- our body parts simply do not move and shake the way theirs do.  (If I could post a video on the blog, you would see exactly what I mean….and you would laugh as well).

Zach was introduced to a blatant cultural difference head on today.  In Uganda, it is customary and very normal for two men (non-homosexual) to hold hands as they walk.  And Zach was privy to this experience first-hand today (no pun intended) with one of the boys. He’s also realized just how wimpy his feet are as he tried to join the group of boys playing football (American soccer) barefoot.  Let’s just say he is wearing his shoes now.

I (Tanya) was taught by one of the house moms how to carry a baby on my back.  I feel as though this is a much more ergonomically correct way to carry a young-in.  Plus it just looks fun. So I just may tuck this newly acquired skill in the back of my brain should I ever need said skill anytime in the future.

Tomorrow should be an interesting day as we head to the town of Gulu to visit the second Villlage under construction, check out the local market, and visit some children who are still in the old refugee camps.  Praying the Lord will use us mightily to encourage these children who still remain in the grip of poverty.  Hope of Glory shine brightly in the midst of darkness!