My thirst for adventure and parents style is deeply impacted by trips to Africa. My son Tucker has joined me in Zambia, my husband and I have gone a dozen times together. This has lent to think a lot of Uganda and family life. I recently visited Uganda solo and was reminded of one of my favorite quotes:
“I never knew of a Morning in Africa when I woke up and was not Happy.” Ernest Hemingway.
There is truth in this quote, not matter how many times I have visited the dark continent, I am deeply happy each morning.
Visiting the Bujagali District, Uganda
The things we take for granted are a luxury where I visit.. I often visit Bujagali District in Uganda and I am not often met with running water or flushing toilets, or electricity.
There is an element of Adventure by just being in this environment. Observing the people, their way of life, there is so much understanding and appreciate for simplicities, and life.
The People of Uganda
In Uganda, most of the people, regardless of situations approach to life is to enjoy and showcase joy in present moments. They don’t carry the strains of their limitations or stressors into the present moment conversations or engagements- they are appreciative of that MOMENT with you. It reminds you how valuable a moment is. Often I will be talking to a person who I later find out is battling HIV, Malaria and other illnesses all while laughing and smiling with me.
When I talk to them about their resilience they ask me what complaining about their strain will do? “How will it help to talk about that?”
To me this conversation reminds me that when we present ourselves as being strong because we “overcame” we are therefore underestimating or not considering that everyone else has a battle that we may no nothing about. Why cant we celebrate our wins, our joys without it being as a result of, or I overcame this… If you know in your heart what you’ve overcome, then what difference does it make over vocalizing it?
When I am in Africa, I am reminded of the beauty and simplicity of being alive.
Some Reminders I get from Traveling to Uganda
These reminders influence my parenting style and how I approach life with my kids.
- Never take time with those you love for granted
- You may not be able to choose your circumstances in some scenarios, but you ALWAYS choose your outlook
- Celebrate Wins, no matter how small, life alone is meant to be celebrated.
- Trust your ability to overcome challenges, we are only stronger after conflict. Everyone has resilience, you just need to practice
- Practice Gratitude
- Be Kind.
If you are ever in a place that you feel things are taken for granted, gratitude isn’t coming easy and reflection is needed. Consider a trip to Uganda. There are also dozens of Non Profits doing good work in this country and taking that time to invest into others will leave your cup overflowing, not to mention all the potential good you can do.
Working with a Non-Profit Organization Abroad
Here are some pointers when deciding how to approach a Non Profit or working in a 3rd World Country:
- Do your research- Often Non-Profits that coming in with power and money and don’t listen to the needs or approach into African Culture. Find out which ones are long lasting and have a good reputation.
- “When you enter a Man’s home remember you are deaf and dumb” This is very important when entering a new culture, how can you truly learn about the culture if you are too busy trying to influence. If you want to make actual change you must learn the truths of the culture and community you are in.
- You demean money’s value when you just give it away. Often you will be approach “Muzungu give me money” this is something I hear often in the field. The quote you “give a man a fish he eats for a day, teach a man to fish he eats for a year.” This is very true and very important to remember.
- Find something you are passionate about. There are so many avenues, childcare, special needs, health care, malnutrition, water quality, garden projects, domestic violence, family planning and more.
I hope this article brings a reminder to Smile- Life is beautiful wherever you are whatever your realities may be.
“If I have ever seen magic, its been in Africa.” – John Hemingway
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