Read
all about it:
Ngora, a
village just outside of Kumi town, is our home away from home for the next two
weeks. The most spoken language is the area is Teso, which orates “Tesoland” in
its entirety. One walk down the main dirt road and you will see many round mud
huts, one of my many expectations of Africa.
Cement homes and dormitories are also are large part of Ngora as our home is
situated in the heart of history. In 1910, the first Ugandan missionaries
(Anglican) settled in Ngora, establishing schools, dormitories, a hospital, a
nurse’s training school, and a pastoral training center. The St. Philips
Cathedral, completed in 1912 was also a large addition to the village. Still
present today is the grave of the first Reverend (1908-1986) as well the original
baptismal fount, donated in 1930. Ngora
was once one of the richest villages in Uganda but suffered immensely when
raided by a tribe from up north not many years back. The village, however, is
still extremely privileged when the institutions are compared to much poorer
facilities in larger East African cities. Walking on these holy grounds is an
experience like none other. A difference has already begun here.
Culture
and Living conditions:
After exploring the
village, take a step into our humble abode and you will most likely be greeted
with a “Hello Auntie” or “Hello Uncle” followed by a big hug from none one
other than little Gloria. Also, when visitors or friends enter our living room
we are regularly greeted with handshakes and if the visitor is female she will
kneel towards the men/ people of pale skin. It is also important to note than
woman almost always wear skirts or dresses, especially at school and church.
There is no running
water in the house so we use “bucket showers” while 
standing in a bathtub and
take a walk to the outhouse when nature calls. Electricity surges through 2
outlets in our 3-bedroom house and though some nights the lights flicker, we
are still joyous and may just break out in shadow puppets with the aid of a
lantern. It is truly humbling to take a step back in time and wonder if the
first missionaries did the same.
Before and after
every meal Rev. Richard washes our hands for us by bringing a water basin,
soap, and a pitcher with warm water. It is custom to wash hands after eating
because most Africans eat with their hands, even with rice and beans. It is
also common to have five meals a day. These include breakfast around 8am,
morning tea, lunch around 1:30, afternoon tea around 6, and dinner just after
8pm. But do not rely on the times; we know it is time to eat when we hear the
words “You are welcome” (to eat the food).
Although the
cultural norms in this village are confusing at times, we are adjusting well.
Our ministry has already involved hospital visits, bible studies, and a visit
to a girl’s secondary school. We were able to express about the love of Jesus
and pray through many issues that face teenage girls in Africa.
Most problems are hard to imagine but God has granted us with vast amounts of
understanding and care.
