America: An African Boy's Perspective part 4.

Today, i want to start by thanking all those who have been reading my blog posts; thank you for your comments and encouragement.

We’ve spent last week on the road and will probably spend this one as well. But lo, it has been a very beautiful adventure. Seeing the country side has been refreshing. In fact, some of the scenery reminded me of home-Uganda. In Uganda, our trees mostly turn their leaves to yellow before they shade them off during the dry season. But here, it has been fascinating seeing trees turn to different beautiful colors: yellow, red, orange, etc. This is the part of America that is not reflected so much where i come from; people think it’s all about tall buildings, big factories, nice houses and a good life. If i was ever to live in America, i would probably stay in the country; i feel it’s more quieter there and peaceful.

I enjoyed the tour of Boston, given to us, by our kind hosts Josh and Liz (they went to the same College with Beckie). I never thought it was awash with tourists as i saw. Having already been to lake Michigan, it was nice to be at the atlantic ocean as well. Hopefully, i will touch the pacific ocean too, some day. While in Boston, Josh and Liz invited us to their church (First Presbyterian Church); which by the way supports us, for an international potluck on saturday. We regretted not carrying our own atap (cassava and millet flour) from Michigan. However, at the potluck, Beckie glanced them first and then told me that omena (minnows) was on one of the tables. In Uganda, most expats cook this with maize (corn flour) bread for their dogs. However, growing up, this was the most affordable diet in the villages and kids would be very happy the day their mothers are cooking some of it. A sister from Malawi (bless her Lord), had prepared it and she was standing from a distance looking for the brave ones who would eat! She was glad Beckie and i served some. I actually carried the reminder to eat the next day, which she gladly packed for me. She told me they flew it all the way from Africa! The dinner was very interesting with foods from almost all continents. The people were very warm towards us and the congregation was mixed with people from different races and ages. They gave us an opportunity to talk-generally, we enjoyed our time there. It was also nice to see Beckie’s former college and meet some of her former professors and her coach in Vermont.

Let me divulge into something that has got me thinking a little bit. I had read and heard about this before, but had never taken keen interest and thought in it—The nursing homes. Where i come from, the youngest son’s responsibility is to take care of his aging parents until they died. The rest of the children are given their share of the land which they then move to after they get married. However, the younger one and his wife would stay in the same compound with their parents to take care of them during their old age. The youngest son would inherit the land that belonged to his parents on top of his share. Some times though, the parents would choose another son if the youngest was deemed not fit for the task. Grand parents’ main work in their later years would be to entertain their grand and great grand kids with stories (mostly around the fire in the evenings) and provide counsel on several issues. Their opinions are highly regarded and they felt very important. They also help take care of their grand kids as their parents go to the garden and always had special delicacies that they would prepare during family special occassions  Here however (and pardon me if i am wrong here), they go to the old people’s homes when they reach a certain age. And before that, their kids grow up and leave them alone; they go and start their own families and visit occasionally—some even stay in distant states. I know this is part of the norm here, but, the thought of it was scary; it made me not want to grow old here. I found myself thinking deeply about it and it’s something that i will want to get more information and knowledge about, and if it were possible, hear the experience of someone living in one of these homes.

Another remarkable thing i have noticed this week (again, i don't know whether it’s always the case), is how students seem to establish a close and deep relationships with their teachers (professors). I have a great relationship with some of my former teachers; but i was one of a kind. My wife and her friends seem to have a great time with their former professors. Some of her High School teachers were very excited to see her (and me!) when we went to Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids). It was the same story at Gordon College—in fact, even more. Professor Kelly exhibited a very high level of happiness when we visited her house. I couldn't believe she was that excited to see two of her former students and their spouses and child. It’s uncommon in Uganda to witness what i did. Likewise was Professor Coleman. But then, i also later thought that may be this was down to the ratio of teacher to student here. Our classes can be as high as 200 students to 1 teacher. At the University, there was a class where we were over 700 students to 1 Lecturer! Surely it becomes difficult for the poor teachers to remember and be in touch with most of their form we students. What was unique about this however, is the fact that these guys were there over 5 years ago! If it’s a common phenomenon, then it’s a very unique one!

Next week, i will weigh in my views and rant a little bit about somethings that may step on a few people’s toes; and i know i may not have the audacity to opine about them, but it will purely be my thoughts and perspective about these contentious issues—Divorce and same sex marriage. They are probably two contentious and touchy issues i have heard about since i came here.

May the peace of the Lord garrison you this week and may he keep you in health this week, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Till next week,

Ruudy.