As we have mentioned before, we love hosting visitors! We are so thankful when people make the sacrifice of time and finances to come experience Uganda with us. Not only do they get to see the ministry, but they can also relate to our life a little better. In March, we had some very dear friends come to visit and we asked them to share their thoughts about their visit to Uganda. Hopefully this will encourage YOU to come visit, too!

What are some things that stood out to you while visiting Uganda?

“People seem to genuinely care for each other and look out for each other, such as helping each other in the marketplace, asking about each others’ families, children taking care of the younger ones, etc. We enjoyed getting a taste of daily life like driving, shopping, and meeting with various people in different villages. The coffee tour was also incredible to see where and how production happens, and to hear the detailed process and how integral relationships in the community are to ministry. We got a glimpse of how relationships are key here. In regards to safari, it was like being in “National Geographic”- it was amazing to see so much beautiful creation in one setting.”

Were there any cultural habits or traditions that stood out?

“It was impactful to see the social significance of the mission work through building relationships with so many people. Being including in those interactions and relationships was meaningful to us. We enjoyed witnessing the importance of speaking local languages like Luganda, but also seeing the country’s emphasis on English being more widespread with the upcoming generations. We also enjoyed hearing different phrases in ways we wouldn’t normally use, like ‘You’re welcome’ when coming into a someone’s home or the church, or ‘Praise God’ as an initial greeting with someone. The other thing that stood out to us was the meal rituals of washing visitors’ hands before eating and serving the visitors’ food – it seemed like more relationship building and serving one another.”

What was difficult for you to see?

“Life seems tough. It seems that many people, especially children seem to be missing a purpose of structure to engage, which could lead to problems like boredom, lack of education, limiting personal or community growth, improving living conditions, etc. It was hard to see poverty all around us, without simple solutions to help.”

What felt similar to your life back in the U.S.?

“Daily life seems to be similar to ours: shopping, eating, household chores, dressing up to show respect or honor, etc. Missionaries also seem to be able to engage in a range of local and personal cultural activities such as household responsibilities, education, different foods, social engagements, driving, etc. It was nice to see that while the cultures are very different, we have a lot of similar daily life activities.”

What things were different than you were expecting? What things were the same?

“We expected life to appear more challenging, but we were pleasantly surprised that their lifestyle seemed more collaborative and functional with a community, relational focus. Driving appeared chaotic – driving on the other side of the road than the US and with so many small motorcycles (called bodas) moving in and out of larger vehicle traffic. The weather was more enjoyable than we expected, even though it still felt hot and humid. We adapted better than we expected. Also, the natural beauty was a bonus. The mission work seems to be as deep and engaged as we thought and have read about in newsletters, but the relationships were stronger than we expected. Overall, we were well prepared for our trip, but there are still things we are trying to process from all that we saw.”

Is there anything you learned about the ministry or Uganda that you didn’t know before?

“The ministry work is much broader than we realized. With the mission work, Mbale Church of Christ, village churches, Messiah Theological Institute, discipleship groups, and other development projects, there’s a lot going on. But also with relationships with Livingstone International University and Good News Productions, we didn’t realize the relational connection with the mission work and their partnership with one another.”

What moment(s) from the trip will stay with you the longest?

“We will never forget our experience on safari and seeing so many animals up close! But also, we saw that daily life can be simple and is unique for each person or family. Sometimes we overcomplicate or fill our lives with too much. Another thing that will stick with us is the reminder that relationships are so important for everything. Sometimes we get too busy for people, but they are who matter.”

What would you like to share about your trip for others to know?

“Don’t wait!! Visit when your heart calls you. For us, making the journey and experiencing the culture convicted us in regards to the American lifestyle of individualism and divisiveness. This trip increased our desire for deepening relationships with God, and with others in our own life and community. I hope more people will take the opportunity to visit you and Uganda.”