Two tightly packed canvas bags sit behind me, unidentifiable
shapes bulging at the sides. One is full of baby quilts, handmade by a
community craft group for abandoned and orphaned babies. The other has exercise
mats for children with disabilities and a selection of random heavy items ranging
from parkin (gift) to tins of sardines (emergency rations), and a backpack
(gift for friend’s sponsored boy) to mosquito repellent (essential). Yes – we’re off to Uganda again. This time
for 10 days in Soroti in the North. We
have a draft itinerary but Mrs Usually Obsessively Organised knows it is a
fluid document – and we could end up doing anything. I’ve learnt to expect pre-prepared plans to
be hijacked by people who know much better how to use our time – and by
changing situations on the ground.
I also know that as soon as I walk out of the airport
terminal in Entebbe and smell the smoky charcoal-filled air, I’ll start to
relax. I don’t expect the hotel taxi to be there, I don’t expect a comfy bed or
pillows, I have no idea how long the journey will take to Soroti on Thursday –
but to my own never ceasing amazement, it won’t matter. I’ve learnt over time
that I need a different attitude in Uganda.
There’s no place for a stressy Mzungu (white person) or grumpy Auntie
(my name to most people). It leads to so
much pleasure when practicalities go to plan.
There’s a special delight in finding a taxi waiting, food arriving on time, sit-down
flush loos and working showers in a guest-house room. I appreciate all kinds of
things.... a mosquito net without holes, a journey without a flat tyre, a
meeting that starts within an hour of its expected time, evenings when there is
running water and/or electricity and/or WifI. What a shame I can’t bring this
relaxed, accepting version of myself home again!
On the other hand, no previous experience or jolly approach
properly prepares for the reality. There’s always someone, or something, that
breaks the complacent attitude. Just
when I think the unhelpful emotional response to shocking scenes of poverty or
stories of discrimination and fear is conquered, I meet a child, or a family,
or a community, whose history and present circumstances are beyond belief. Every time I go, there’s an indulgence that
we’ve seen the worst deprivation before – unsafe, inhospitable dwellings, no
basic necessities like clean water and sanitation, unaffordable healthcare, the
only food consisting of weeds or insects, children with disability with no-one
to care for them…. But the sad truth is we haven’t. 
So, I can’t wait to see my friends, visit some of my
favourite places in the world, talk to the most inspiring people I know, catch
up with children and young people I’ve known for nearly 10 years, witness the
incredible work of Global Care Soroti, and visit new places and make new
friends.
But …. I know that once again I will be challenged.
Challenged about my attitudes, understanding, lifestyle, beliefs, giving and
time.
As they say round here, ‘Bring it on!’ – but please, this
year, no more babies in coffins…….
“Too real is this
feeling of make believe
Too real when I feel
what my heart can't conceal”
The Great
Pretender lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
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