Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this : to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. -James 1:27

Thursday, September 20, 2012

I had the opportunity to take two children to Kampala with me this week.  Though I would never think to make an 8 hour round trip journey in one day in the States, in Uganda it is not uncommon.  People do it all the time.  So, when in Uganda do as the Ugandans.

Having left super early, Fatuma was tired and quickly fell asleep in the car.  As we approached into Jinja (the midway point of our journey), Siraji tapped my shoulder from the back seat and said, "Teacha, Fatuma has been taken by sleep this whole time.  She is missing all the places I have longed to see."

The journey continued with an entertaining and educational commentary from Siraji:
Siraji: "Teacha, is this River Nile?"  
Me: "Yes" 
S: "River Nile is the longest river in the world.  It also runs north." 
Me: "Do you know why it runs north?"
S: "Yes, because Uganda is higher than Egypt."

S: "Oh we are now entering into Mabira forest.  Teacher Amos tells us that it is 400 miles long."
Me: "400 miles?  Or maybe 400 square kilometers?"
S: "Oh yes that.  It has equatorial climate.  That is why it gets rain most of the year.  Mbale has tropical climate so it rains and it's dry and it rains and it's dry."
Me: "Is geography your favorite subject?"
S: "Yes."
Me:  "I could tell."

The journey continued with his informative commentary.  And since Fatuma slept through the first passing through the forest, he was stopped her in the middle of singing a worship song on the way back and said, "Fatuma, you see.  This is the forest.  It has equatorial climate.  Feel it (as he rolled down the window)." "But I would not be caught walking on foot through the forest at night."
Me: "Why?"
S: "Wild animals."
Me: "Sure?"
S: "Ahh, you try it and see.  The animals will come and bite your legs."
Me: "You think there are more than monkeys in this forest?"
S: "Ahh Teacha, there are many animals, but even these monkeys can handle you."

Outside of the commentary, I just love the phrases and word choices they use.

The journey continued with all three of us singing sweet songs to our Savior.  It was a precious moment.

And a very successful journey.  Everything we set out to do in Kampala was accomplished.  

AND...  I now have a ticket to the US 
and will arrive in Austin on November 16th!!

(I am still in need of a car to use for part or all of the time I am in the states, so please pray with me)

Waiting for ice-cream at Nat's favorite place in Kampala

Elephants in Kampala?

1 comment:

Elizabeth Weiss said...

I loved reading that, Natalie! Thank you for sharing! How exciting to hear how Siraji is so interested and well informed on his geography, and concerned for Fatuma not to miss a thing!
If only you were coming to Boston, I have an extra car for you. Have a wonderful time stateside. I know you will be busy, but pray you get some much needed R&R. Will you return to Africa in January?
Love and hugs to everyone,
Elizabeth