Our family recently returned from an epic trip to Uganda, a small but potent country found in Eastern Africa. Uganda is famous for having the source of the River Nile, being home to the endangered mountain gorillas and being the food basket of East Africa, among other things.
While vacationing in what my husband and I call the mother-land, we had the privilege of traveling to the countryside on various occasions to visit tourist sites and to spend time with loved ones.
One of such lovely trips was to my Aunt Jean and her husband Bishop Amos Magezi in Ibanda district, found in Southwestern Uganda.
Our 4-hour drive there was scenic to say the least. We set off from my Mum’s house in Kabale in the wee hours of the morning. Six am to be exact. As we drove through the mist covered hills of Kabale, as always I was greatly moved by the raw, crisp and natural beauty of my nation Uganda. We drove by farmers carrying hoes on their way to their gardens, ready to cease the day.
Rachel Matembe
When we approached Ibanda town, we were welcomed by tall stone hills, cows grazing by the roadside and the lush savanna topography that is characteristic to the village side in Uganda.
I can confidently confirm that the love language of Ugandan Aunties is food, because to say a feast awaited us upon arrival would be an understatement. Auntie jean had surely done her research because all her grandchildren’s favorite foods made a grand appearance. After the children presented their Kaaka (GrandMa) Jean and Shwenkuru (GrandPa) Amos the gifts they brought them from Vancouver, we were warmly ushered to what would be our room for the day when and if we needed it, invited to wash up and refresh after our trip and then promptly made our way to the dinning room. First course was fruits fresh from the garden. The tropical fruit in Uganda is surely like no other, sweet, juicy and naturally fresh. We had pineapple, watermelon and papaya. Next was the main course: matooke, sweet potato, cassava, pumpkin, carrot, rice, spinach, beans, groundnut sauce and chicken stew. Tea with fresh ginger, lemon grass and rosemary, water, apple or guava juice were available to wash our delicious meal down.
Rachel Matembe
The grandparents had an itinerary. First was a tour of the gardens. They were excited to show us the pomegranate tree right in the centre of the front yard which was heavy laden with juicy ripe pomegranates ready for the picking. I was a bit overwhelmed if I’m being honest. Pomegranates are so expensive in Vancouver and here I was, presented with such a big harvest that I could not possibly carry them all home with me, albeit that did not stop me. My uncle and I harvested a sack full (the children quickly abandoned this task and opted instead to chase chickens). We picked so many pomegranates that when we got home, the children had the bright idea to make pomegranate juice. However, electricity had been cut off all day (it happens more often that you would like upcountry) and the solar power at my Mum’s house is just enough for lighting and not to run electronics like the blender. I was impressed by how quickly the children pivoted. Ther was not going to be a challenge to come between them and their pomegranate juice. Instead, they used a large wooden mortar and pestle that is traditionally used to grind up groundnuts into a powder that is then cooked into a delicious groundnut sauce. They were not discouraged by how long it took them to de-seed the pomegranates, then manually pound the seeds until they formed a juicy paste which they them sieved and served! Yum! I could not only taste the delicious flavor of fresh pomegranate juice, but I also tasted the love, resilience, passion and care that was poured into it by my children. Oh, they had so much fun and were ecstatic to share that they were drinking juice from fruits that they harvested and prepared themselves! It was such a proud mama moment for me as well.
Rachel Matembe
Next, we harvested lemons, oranges, soursop leaves, kale, mint and rosemary.
Next on the itinerary was a brisk walk over to cattle paddock. A stretch of land where the cows roamed free, grazed and lived their best life. It had a watering tough that the children found particularly intriguing. GrandPa gave the grand tour, demonstrating how to expertly jump over the guarding handmade fence. It was such a treat to be out in God’s wonderful creation. That quiet fresh air only broken by the sound of birds singing and the occasional cow mooing. I’m always captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of village life. A neighbour far off had started prepping their dinner and the inviting smell of the open fire that had food cooking on it filled the air. It was so quiet, so fresh and beaming with everything natural. Natural grass and trees that God Himself planted. Natural sounds of crickets and birds and other animals. After watching the cows and timidly trying to pet a few calves, we trekked back to the house much to the children’s delight. They had made friends with the children next door and were anxious to continue with their games of hide and seek, tag and chase the chickens round the house. I’m always impressed by how quickly children make friends. There is a lot that adults can learn from them. No preconceived notions, guards or prejudice. Just purity, hearty laughs and fun.
I sit to chat with my Aunt Jean who is also my Godmother and one of the first people to carry me when I was born. She is a nurse by profession and by divine ordination was working at the hospital my Mum gave birth to me at. It was such a treat to spend time with her and catch up after almost 9 years!
Uncle Amos instead on driving us back home in his car, even though we had our own car and driver. The driver had to follow us back home, alone in the car he brough us in. He must have though it quite strange, but I believe he was pacified by the huge mouth watering me he had just had, as well as the trunk full of fresh and delicious produce he just got for free.
It started to rain on our journey back. Harsh, blinding rain and hailstones. I was confident because Uncle knew the road like the palm of his hand. Our drive on the other hand who was not familiar with this road wisely stopped and parked on the side of the road till the heavy rain subsided. Kudos to him. Better safe than sorry!
The rain put the children straight to sleep. We had carried pillows for the journey, so it was a comfortable and much needed nap for them after all that food and play.
The drive back gave Uncle and I a warmly welcome opportunity to catch up. HE told me of his plans to retire early, how to he plans to slow down, spend more time with family while still being gainfully employed in the field of mission work which he is passionate about. I took the opportunity to ask many questions on Church history, apologetics and his general view on many this. I needed to hear a father’s perspective. Uncle reminds me so much of my Papa. It was heart warming having that special father-daughter like bonding time with him. I’m so grateful.
Rachel Matembe
We got back home well after 9pm. Though this was just a day trip to spend time with loved ones, the aftereffects of love and joy, as well as the precious, priceless memories made will last us a lifetime!
My encouragement to you is make time for family. Yes, our lives get busy with so many commitments and activities. You must be intentional about it, make time to visit with family, relatives and loved ones. The time spent together helps to nurture these relationships. It is so worth it, especially for the children, creating bonds that do not just last a lifetime, but transcend generations.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
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