Tour de Kampala

I feel like I have been in Kampala for weeks and then I remind myself that it has only been 4 days! If I think of it that way, I really have learned a lot! I am staying with the Wekesa family in an area called Kololo which sits on top of a hill.

(This is Emily and her daughter Hazel)

(This is the adorable, yet absolutely crazy Elijah, Emily's adopted son)

Some background information about Kampala...it is a city with very evident classes. The lower, middle, and upper, or as my friend Ronnie likes to call them, A, B, and C. (I will tell you a little bit more about Ronnie in a bit). The A lives on top of the hills; "above" the rest of the city - that is where places like Kololo fall. The middle class lives in the middle of the hills and the lowest class in the valleys. The richer you are, the higher you climb. The slums here are referred to as "kisenyi" or sand in Swahili. It received this name because the ground is so poor and if you dig too deep all you will reach is sand and water. It is hard because what is considered the middle class in Uganda is no where close to the middle class in America. It is only deemed the middle class because there is still a class of people who cannot afford it and therefore are labeled as lower class.

(This is a picture of the brown flats, a middle class neighborhood in Kampala. It truly does not even compare to a middle class neighborhood in America.)

(This is a neigborhood that is between the B's and the C's)

So now more about Ronnie. I met Ronnie the other day when I was walking towards central Kampala. He asked me if I was Irish (confirmation of my paleness). He is an amazing guy who has had an extremely difficult life, and yet is still has so much joy for living. He has a 3 year old son, and lives with his sister who is expecting soon. Ronnie is truly an answer to my prayer. Earlier I mentioned how frustrated I was getting because I wanted to see the real Kampala, to experience it and meet its people, but I felt so restrained as a white female wandering the city alone. Almost everyday, Ronnie shows me different parts of the city. He knows the language, the culture, and Uganda's history. It is with him, that I am truly able to see Kampala for what it really is. When you have a local with you, people are more trusting of you. I do love living with Emily and her family, but a home in Kololo is too similar to the comforts of America. I feel out of touch with reality when I am up there and want to be with the people.

(This is Ronnie and I at the local market in Kololo called Kamwukya market. Random side note: Ronnie gets on my case about walking too fast. There is a saying here that a person who walks fast is chasing money. I think my learning to slow down and enjoy my surroundings will be good for my stress level once I get home.)

(This is a picture of one of the stands inside of the market. A word about the local markets here. They are insane! Everywhere I went it was "mzungu, mzungu! Buy this, no buy this." It is completely different from a grocery store at home. Everyone has all of their fruits and vegetables laid out, you pick something, and then you bargain. It happens so quickly too! I have to say as a side note that I am happy I became a vegetarian before I came because the thought of eating meat that is laying out on a table with flies on it just really doesn't appeal to me.)

Yesterday, Ronnie and I visited Bukuto (a middle class area), Kisenyi (the slums), and the lower class areas of a town called Ntinde within walking distance of Kampala. There is such a craving for money in Africa that is is hard to discern what people's intentions are. I see money signs in peoples eyes when they look at me. And I can't blame them - I am humbled by their circumstances when I see where they live, how they are fighting for life, and I am embarrassed at how much I have, how many unnecessary things that I have. My heart cries for these people I see; I want to honor their wishes and give them money but I know that is not the answer; There is just too much poverty, to much need. All I can do right now is love these people with Christ's love, offer them a listening ear, compassion, and a smiling face.

It really is a wonder to me how a city tries to cover up its poor. I guess the poor are covered to make the city more appealing, more flattering. It is as if people don't want to see it, don't want to know it exists; as if life is less complicated when you turn an eye to the homeless and destitute. But I keep thinking about how much America could do for these people if it would open its eyes! Truly see the problem and let love and compassion flow out onto these people.

(Lower class in Ntinde)

The major difference I see between poverty here and in America is that in Uganda people never beg. They fight for life, to support their families. They never give up even if it means getting your daily earnings from selling trinkets on the street. I have seen so many children working. One child, couldn't be more than 3 or 4 was carrying around a bag of coal pieces he was collecting for extra money. It robs these children of their childhood. The kids LOVE getting their pictures taken by the way!; to see themselves on the screen. I went and got some of the pictures developed today of the kids so that I can take them back to give to them next time I go visit.(Some of the kids in the lower class of Ntinde. They are AMAZING; so much fun! At first they are hesitant to come near me because I am a wierdo with super white skin. But once they know they can trust you they run up to you and want to touch your skin, see if you feel the same. I can't wait to go back to hang out with them!)

(How could you not love these faces?)

I met an amazing family in Ntinde. They are in the lower class; a grandmother, a friend, and three grandchildren. The thing about Ugandans is that they are so welcoming and kind! This family just invited Ronnie and I into their yard to sit with them and talk for a bit. The grandmother told me how hard it was for her to raise her three grandchildren because she is past her prime and doesn't have much to offer the children. The grandmother asked me if I could bring a picture to her so I hope to go back tomorrow and give her one.

(This is the grandmother and her three beautiful grandchildren)

I didn't get the opportunity to work in Mulago Hospital today because I had a slight dilemma. I broke my phone after only 2 days of having it! Wonderful eh? So I was unable to make any calls to my contacts at the hospital. But the phone has been replaced and hopefully I will be getting a hold of the appropriate people today so I can start tomorrow!

I am sorry that I am not loading more pictures on the blog! It is an absolute nightmare trying to get pictures online. It has taken me about 20 minutes just to get 5 pictures up there. But I have taken tons of pictures that I would love for all of you to see! So I will definitely have to upload the rest of them when I get home! Until then, I will do the best I can getting a few up there every once in a while.

Ah yes, and for those that are worried about my running around by myself. No worries! I am staying in well lit areas with lots of people! Sam, Emily's husband gave me a loop that I could safely run. And on that note, I haven't been able to run since day one because I have been so tired! I have been walking EVERYWHERE because I am too afraid to ride on a boda boda, the local motorcycle transportation. Whizzing arounds vehicles on the back of a motorized bike without a helmet just doesn't appeal to me! Besides, I can enjoy the view more walking, and get to meet a lot more people when I am walking.

Until I write again! Much love to you all! Emily's husband, Sam, left for Florida this morning and it made me realize that I am a little home sick and I am missing you all greatly! Please continue to keep me in your prayers!