Visiting Africa

So what does it take to get to Uganda? A passport. You have to have one of those. I think just about everyone ought to have one. It is a way of saying to God that you're available.

Then you have to have some medicine. Yellow fever is the only immunization required. But Hepatitis A&B, typhoid, tetanus, and polio boosters are good ideas. Rabies, if your going to be dangerously close to wildlife . No immunizations known will prevent mango fly infestation. And you'll need some pills to guard against malaria. Something for a mildly upset stomach is also advised.

Now you're going to need a visa--permission from the Ugandan government to visit their country. It isn't too expensive. You can obtain one at the airport in Uganda or through their embassy in Washington, D.C. before you leave. It's just a red stamp inside your passport.

You're going to need a ride since it is way too far to walk. So, passage on one of several major airlines that fly in and out of Entebbe will be necessary. We are flying on British Air again this year. Flying from Houston to Entebbe through London is $1545. But it includes meals.

Those are the externals. But you also need some things internally. You need to be somewhat adventurous. It is a long flight. You land in a place that feels more foreign than most places you have travelled. You stand out like a white thumb. Fortunately, the signs in Uganda are all in English. But it takes a while even to understand English spoken with a thick British/African accent. And the further you get from cities, the more likely English won't work for you any more.

You need to be ready to walk into a different world. The world in Uganda looks very different from Clear Lake City. It is not sterile and manicured. Life abounds on the streets--people in vibrant attire, women with babies strapped to their backs and packages balanced magically on their heads, busses, trucks (lorries), motorcyles (piki-pikis), vans, cars, bicycles, cows, dogs, chickens. The aroma of Africa is distinct and pleasant. Roadside markets display colorful stacks of tomatoes, mangos, pineapples, potatoes, and other fruits and veggies. The people of Uganda are beautiful, physically and spiritually. So many of them exude a joy even in difficult circumstances.

You need an openess to compassion. The visit will bring you into contact with poverty and disease like you may never have seen. The resources to deal with hunger, unemployment, filthy water supplies, lack of shelter, AIDS, orphaned children, and education are simply not at hand.

You will need a willingness to experiment with language, with food, and with culture. Some flexibility will be required to manage the way that Ugandans deal with time, planning, and schedules. It is a bit freer than the way that we do it.

You will need to give up your tourist mentality that needs a five star hotel to be comfortable. You'll stay in clean facilities, but not in elegant ones. You'll need to be ok if some of the meals are not home-cooked American but are matoke (a relatively flavorless steamed banana), posho (grits on steroids), bean sauce (or chicken or goat sauce) all eaten with the right hand. Sometimes you may be eating a piece of fried bread, like a pita, or a small meat pie called a samoa. It will all digest.

You will need a love for people, because Ugandan children, university students, and adults will soon be making their way into your life and heart. You'll want a love of worship because the singing and celebration in a Ugandan worship service are stirring. You'll want a love for your fellow missionaries because you spend a lot of time up close and personal.

Then there's all the stuff you need to pack. But travel light.