I’ve been pondering the past week or so, things I will miss and things I will not miss when I go home. This is not a complete list and I wish I had a bit more time to elaborate on a few things, but here it is for now… in no particular order… I’m leaving comments open, if others who have spent time in Uganda have their own things to share.
Things I will miss:
Fresh fruits and veggies for dirt cheap… Mercy won’t know what to do without fresh pineapple and avocado every day
The friendliness of the people… I love Ugandans, their greetings, and their big smiles.
Amazing flavors of potato chips… Thai Sweet Chili Pringles may be my favorite
Coke from a glass bottle. Yum!
Krest Bitter Lemon Soda- why, oh why, do they not sell this in the US?
Chapatti and Samosas
Slower pace of life
Walking to places all of the time… I attribute this to my weight loss much more than my diet.
The thrill of boda-boda rides, but don’t worry Mom, I will not continue riding motorcycles with Mercy at home.
Street vendors… I think it is so fun that I can get a newspaper, airtime, sunglasses, pots and pans, bug zappers, and even socks all out the window of a car for dirt cheap
Worship in an African church… can’t get enough of it
Paying only about $2.50 for an amazing frappe or iced mocha
Bartering- I love feeling like I’m getting a deal, even though I’m probably still paying more than a Ugandan would
The adorable children I see playing and walking each and every day. They have so little, but are always smiling and happy. They’ve brought a smile to my face and perspective to my heart many times.
Getting called “Mama Mercy” by so many people…security guards, store clerks, street vendors. Mercy is the celebrity of the neighborhood. Ha!
Harriett’s cooking. I’m spoiled. The most amazing Honey Baked Chicken tonight. Yummy!
Buying movies off the street for a buck.
Great friends that I have made, but so glad I’ll come back and visit.
Things I will not miss:
Washing dishes by hand in cold water
Power/Water Outages
Royco… spice mix used in lots of Ugandan cooking. I am not a fan. Should only be used in small quantities .. in my humble opinion.
Roosters
Dirt/mud… everywhere, all of the time
Ugandan healthcare… have found very few doctors that I really think know more than I do.
Crummy diapers and wipes that cost a lot!
Milk in a bag or “long-life” milk. Eww! Milk should not last for 3 months… ever.
Traffic jams… the worst ever. Seriously.
Having to boil or filter water all of the time. .. it really is a pain.
Roll on deodorant… why do they not sell ladies’ stick deodorant anywhere?!
My old school cell phone and always needing to buy more “airtime”
Pay-as-you-go Internet that is very slow and unreliable
Mosquito nets
Public bathrooms... I can't even begin to describe to you.
Handwashing clothes, although I am spoiled with a washer here at the Cooks’.
Scrubbing my feet like crazy each night and them still looking brown and pitiful
Bugs and geckos… we are constantly battling mosquitoes, ants, and even geckos in the house
Locking up padlocks each time you leave the house and before bed. I never knew a deadbolt and/or a garage door opener was such a beautiful thing.
To be continued.......
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When I go home next week, I will miss:
ReplyDeleteSudden downpours that cool the air and then dry up so quickly.
The almost instant cameraderie with other Americans and the joy of sharing Thanksgiving with them (and a few Canadians).
Lively greetings whenever I enter the gate at home.
The sound of my kids singing and praying at night.
The gratefulness of people when they learn you are caring for the needy children of Uganda.
Pineapple Novida and Stoney (and why can't you purchase these in America!)
Owino market and the incredible variety of things you can purchase there.
My kids' singing whenever we are in a taxi together.
Fresh pineapple, avacados, papayas and mangos!
Boda rides - I'm with you on that, Melissa!
How grateful people are for the smallest of gifts.
Goats tied just about anywhere to graze.
African worship, and the preaching at Gaba Community Church.
Many dear friends - but I'll be back next month!