TIA

The phrase that I had intended to avoid using has become unavoidable. Before I arrived in Uganda, I had always resisted using this phrase, assuming it to be a bit condescending. After exactly a month of living here, I realize now that the phrase is often the only possible response to the constant inconstance that IS Africa: "T.I.A" ("This Is Africa") is the perfect phrase to humorously deal with the unusual situations I find myself in. So, with that in mind, I apologize for not updating for over two weeks. The inconsistent power, the slothlike internet, and the busy schedule I have been keeping have kept me from writing. This is just a simple example of the TIA disclaimer. While it can be completely frustrating to be halfway through an email when the whole town's power shuts off, (as it does nearly 4 times a week), it is a test of flexibility and patience. Shrugging it off with the TIA expression adds much needed lightness to these daily situations.

Anyhow, I am really adjusting to life in Uganda, especially in the last couple of weeks. A few recent events:

I joined the choir at Holy Rosary, a church in town. They now call it the "International Choir" on account of 43 Acholis and 1 Mazoongo (me). It is such an incredible choir, and to be accepted into it is incredible. The Churches here are like that of the Churches in the States in the 1950s. They are packed to the gills. If you are not there 10 minutes prior to mass, you will have to stand outside. They are very formal, except that the choir is massive and voices and drums resonate across the walls. The only difference is that the Acholi women are allowed to scream in high pitched voices during the songs, which adds drama to the mass.

They asked me to do the First reading at this mass. I was more than honored. So, on the morning of, I went a bit early, met with the Priest and pre-read the reading. I was also asked to read the Responsorial Hymns. At Mass, (which holds about 500 people, with a Priest and about 8 alterboys) I got up to do the reading, following the routine that I remembered doing as a kid. I got up to the pulpit, turned around to face the crowd and looked out over a sea of black faces. It was the first time in my life that I had ever seen something like this. And to read in front of this crowd was such an experience. I enunciated as best I could (it is very difficult for them to understand the fast-paced American dialect) and after both the Reading and the Hymn, I walked back down to my seat. On the way down, people started clapping throughout the Church. It was so nice. My friend David later told me that never in the 20 years that he had been going to mass had people clapped at the end of the reading for someone. He said that the congregation was accepting me into their community. It felt really great to get that kind of love from the people here.

Another funny antic- I was invited to share a Sunday dinner with this family. So, I brought over a little tea and a bag of sugar to the house, presented it to a grateful blind and lame grandmother, who was so happy and beautiful. They all made me feel so welcome. So, here I am sitting in this very traditionally Acholi setting- the women wash all of the men's hands before and after eating. They served Pocha (this kind of mash) with fresh chicken in broth, and fish. (This is considered a very special meal with meat- usually the majority of people save this for a special occasion). So I am eating (with my hands- thanks to "African Night" at the dinner table growing up, I was familiar of how to do this), sitting with this family, and all of a sudden, conversation turns to UC Santa Barbara. And the true coincidence that the Mother's daughters are GOING TO UCSB NEXT YEAR. I mean, here I am sitting with this traditional Acholi family, over chicken that had just been plucked and killed in their backyard, and I am giving tips on housing on DP Drive!? What??! It was such a surreal conversation, describing the late night burrito bar, Freebirds! Hilarious. Anyhow, her daughters got the chance to go on Exchange to UCSB next year.

Well, the power is about to go out. Till next time.

I will update this on the most consistent basis possible- just remember: TIA