Culturally diverse weekend
Saturday and Sunday we experienced a wide range of cultures. Saturday afternoon we attended a wedding at a Pentecostal church of two DRC persons—mostly in Swahili which we don’t hear much in Uganda. We recognized the flow of the language and could understand some words learned 40 years ago. Of course, it helps to know what is usually said at a Christian wedding! We enjoyed the dancing of the attendants as they entered and left the church and during the service. Previous MCC reps had helped the man (who was a DRC refugee) find a home in the North Carolina. He is now a U.S. citizen. He recently returned to marry his fiancée and they hope to return to the U.S. soon. (We were the only Caucasians in the audience.)
Sunday we attended a Church of Uganda (Anglican) service near our home. Again, we were the only Caucasians in the audience. The 2 ½ – hour service was mostly in English with some Luganda songs. About 30 minutes of the service was devoted to accepting public pledges to kick off their building project for a new 2000 seat sanctuary. (We took no pictures.)
We then attended “MishMash,” a monthly cultural event held in an up-scale home featuring a variety of Uganda artists—sculptors, painters, potters, contemporary dancers, jewelers. An organization helping single women earn a living also brought crafts to sell. There were several activities for children including face-painting, balloon-sculpting, and “art lessons.”
To end the day we attended a classical concert featuring oboe, violins, vocalists, and pianists. The concert featured French composers and was held at the Sheraton Hotel. We heard some great Chopin! At the last two events we heard French, German, Luganda, British and American English, Arabic, Italian, Dutch—and probably other languages. There is a large “expat” community in Uganda with many government programs and NGOs working here.
May 31st, 2011 at 10:27 am
thank you so much for going to M’s wedding! He has had so many obstacles from US Immigration in trying to have his wife join him. They are both dear people! Sounds like you are trying out all that Kampala has to offer! Blessings…..
May 31st, 2011 at 2:40 pm
It was a lot of fun–and yes, he is a great person.
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Very interesting and diverse activities! Thanks for sharing.