What I enjoy most about living in Uganda is building relationships. I’ve become adept at the local language and try to engage just about everyone I meet in conversation. It usually works out well.
Walked into a restaurant today for bite of lunch. Afterwards as I further scanned the menu, I innocently asked if they served impunu, or pork, which can be delicious. The man behind the counter laughed as the waitress explained, “we are Muslims. We don’t eat pork.” Salaam alaykum, I said, apologizing profusely.
Apologies accepted. Smiles exchanged. More conversation. Then I left a tip.
Even though there is a language barrier and perhaps a history of mistrust, there is so much that we can share as fellow travelers. We laugh, we cry, we love others. I choose to look for those common goals, dreams, and wishes that we share rather than exploit our differences.
I love it here. I love the people. I love our shared lives in this place.
Pass the matoke, please….
DryWit,
Thanks for the reminder that echos what St. Paul asks us all to do, i.e., “in as much as it depends on you, be at peace with all people:” Good to hear from you and be assured our prayers are with you.
The adventure continues. You are busy and well and a very good ambassador. Stick with fish….I think it is 100%
safe. However, check to be sure !
Victoria and I have dodged a tornado and are watching Hurricane Arthur…..he is in North Carolina and we are in New Orleans, having returned from Miss, Mo, Arkansas, Tenn. Kentucky, Kansas on a recent business trip. Missouri was a pleasant surprise……significant French background,two major rivers and prehistoric rock formations….amazing.
I’ll be moving around until August when I return to the San Diego area. Will be watching for you !