Forget What You've Learned

There are many lessons we learn in the West at a very young age. We grow up with these rules and cautionary words in our life, learn and practice them until they're engrained in us and we know no other way, and we eventually pass them on to the next generation.

I'm not talking about anything too profound here. Just basic life lessons and safety smarts that we begin learning as children. Some might even call them common sense.

Life is different in Uganda, though, and things don't operate the same way. Rules that seemed to be hard and fast suddenly don't apply.

"Look both ways before crossing the street."
In Uganda, child will dash out into the road without a second thought. Groups of school children will cross the street in Kampala during rush hour, dodging between cars and motorcycles, without any adults around to help or supervise. Yes, this does make my heart skip a beat every time I see it happen.

"Don't walk in the street."
In Uganda, walking in the road is the only option we have unless you're in the center of town where there are sidewalks.

"Don't touch the stove. It's hot."
In Uganda, children are often admitted to the hospital for burns caused by falling into an open cooking fire.

"Don't take candy from a stranger."
In Uganda, children come up to us all the time asking for a "sweetie."

"Don't get in the car with a stranger."
In Uganda, this is the main form of public transportation.

"Buckle your seat belt. You need to be in a car seat so you're safe."
In Uganda, 3 or 4 children can be piled on a motorcycle if they're lucky enough to get a ride to school, and mothers will often carry their babies on their backs or in their arms while riding a boda. Yes, this also still make my heart skip a beat, but I'm really not sure if children are more safe walking along the side of the road or riding on a motorcycle...

"Don't talk to strangers."
In Uganda, I hardly ever pass a child on the road or in town without them excitedly jumping up and down, waving, smiling, or even running up to hold my hand or give me a hug.

"Learn your address, so if you're lost someone can help you get home."
In Uganda, a street address might be "Over the next hill, turn left at the big tree next to the duka with a yellow sign, continue until you see the cows in the field, and our house is the one in the middle of the compound on the right."

"Use your manners. Say 'Please.'"
In Uganda, there isn't a word for "please" in most languages. It's typically implied in the tone of voice, but when translated into English a request comes out as, "Give me money," or "I want sweetie."

"Don't play with sharp objects."
In Uganda, children are often seen using a machete to chop firewood, a knife to chop and peel vegetables, or using a long-handled blade to slash the grass when it gets too long.

A phrase that is often quoted among the missionary and ex-pat community when trying to understand situations like these: "It's not wrong. It's just different."

Amen and amen.