As Guests in their Homes

This is the third time I have been to a villagers home for meal, in the three weeks that I have been in Suubi. I feel I speak of this frequently, but the warm reception and generosity here seems to have no limits.

We were congregated at house number 22 in the village, with “Emma's” family, for a “going away” for Sheryl, the other nurse volunteer. On arrival, we had been greeted by some of the eight siblings, plus the neighbouring house who had been invited for dinner, as well. It was nearing 7pm, so the table had been pre-set with a lantern in the middle, to give light into the single room - living and dining area. Extra mats were rolled out on the floor for more sitting room, and I joined three girls under age seven. Two sat quietly in observation, and one moved beyond anyone I had ever held. I removed her rubber-soled shoes at one point for fear of bloody noses, and she sat down hard, and with a frown, strapped them tightly back on, continuing with her joyful routine. A tiny kitchen stood off to the side, with a coal pit for cooking, and counter space for preparation.

Mardi smiled. “My second Ugandan meal of the day!”

Excited for dinner with our host!

We lined up to wash our hands, one of our hostesses standing at the end of the line with a kettle. I wondered how long it had been since the water had boiled, as it was difficult to check for steam in the dark. Everybody in front of me seemed to be fine, so I extended my hands under the agent and yes, let the mildly cooled liquid burn any germs away. With no soap in sight, I accept.

We are always prompted to go first through the lines, and the family eats last. We made our way through, piling plates high with matoke, posha, chicken, rice, beans, peanut sauce, chunky broth, chipate, cabbage creation and more cooked bananas (in a different fashion). At our places, they had placed water bottles - quite a treat from the jerry cans of water I am used to seeing at work. Coca Cola and Fanta were also an option.

The mothers are outstanding in the amount they cook over the small coal pit. The older ones are incredible helpers, and the children often vibrant and excited for guests. Last week, a little girl only wanted to sing “Joy to the World” the whole of lunch time. Any other suggestion was soon put down with her beginning to sing the first verse again. This meal, there was a continuous reminder that little Miss Joyful was at my feet, as she ate nearby, never stopped moving...and never removed her shoes. A constant tap, giggle and squeal kept some dinner guests on their toes.

One thing is for sure, the Ugandans at Suubi are beyond hospitable and welcoming. I knew this when I left the house, and saw my shoes waiting for me – washed, dried and clean.