Nikki Aragon

While spending two weeks in Uganda, I was constantly curious to learn all that I could about the way of life here. Across the globe, all our lives revolve around the same components of eating, sleeping, relationships, working and enjoyment. In Uganda, the emphasis is definitely on relationships over the other components!

EATING: In the village, there is generally a morning porridge that is served and then a main mid-day meal consisting of poshu (corn flour and water) and beans. It is not common for vegetables, fruits or meat to be offered. The food is enough to sustain but ulcers are a common problem due to going long periods without food and stomach acids create the ulcers. Cooking is done outdoors over an open flame in very large pots (enough to feed 60-70). They eat on plastic plates and use their fingers as utensils. Eating together is a social time.

SLEEPING: Everyone had a roof over their head to sleep at night. Mattresses are rare, everyone sleeps on the dirt floor of the house or has a woven mat to sleep on. There is no electricity so the houses are very dark at night.

RELATIONSHIPS: Spending time together is the most important part of every day. I don't imagine many have long to-do lists like I do.

WORKING: Agriculture/Farming is the main source of income in Uganda. Learning practical skills can be life changing to provide opportunities, especially for women. Skills such as tailoring (sewing), hairdressing, teaching, and nursing are something to aspire to. Children are taught English in school from a very young age to help them pursue success.

ENJOYMENT: The main form of enjoyment in life in Uganda is being together along with singing and dancing. Crafting is popular among the ladies too. Children love to run and play outside. Life is very simple. Since there is no electricity, there is no television, computers, radios etc. I don't recall ever seeing anyone even reading a book. Mostly I saw small groups of people just being together.

Ugandans are relationship-oriented so they value community and relationships over tasks. The US in general is a more task-oriented culture. Every person I met was incredibly kind, respectful and thoughtful. Their hospitality was beyond generous and authentic. And I was always amazed at how everyone seemed so happy and joyful despite the challenges they face each and every day. I really admire their ability to be so content with what they have and always ready to offer a smile, a hug and a song!Read more