Week 25: My Other Home

Hello friends!

For the past three weeks, I have spent my weekends in the lovely village of Namabasa. One of the IChooseYou families stays in the village, located a few miles outside of Namatala. Mama Flower stays in Namabasa with three of her children; Mike (19), Flower (17), and Esther (10). Her oldest child, Paul (22), attends university in Kampala. I went with Kate (One of my lovely housemates/workmates) for one day, and we absolutely fell in love with it. We began by visiting one Saturday. Then the next week we came on Saturday and returned again Sunday. And this weekend we stayed for two nights. It's so wonderful- we just can't help it!

Namabasa is small and quiet, far from the noise of the city and the smells of the slum. The green farmland is peaceful and the views of the mountains are breathtaking. The neighbors are kind and friendly. It is covered with wild flowers practically begging to be picked. It's kind of, well, heavenly.

This family. Oh, this family. How I love them so. Mama Flower is an incredible woman and has raised some really amazing children. Each member of this family is so special. They are kind and hospitable and generous. Every time I walk through their door, I am immediately enveloped in loving arms and spoken over with words of encouragement. They are constantly making sure I am completely comfortable. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Cold? Anything I may need is offered before I even think of it. Mama Flower's hospitable heart reminds me of my own Mama. I am always comfortable, and never feel like a burden. Mama Flower is loud and fun and wise. Paul is bold and smart and talented. Mike is kind and protective and goofy. Flower is gentle and serious and determined. And Esther. Oh, Esther. I've started to call her Queen Esther because she carries herself with such dignity and beautiful strength that I can't help but think she's come from royal lineage. Esther is silly and smart and full of life. She sees beauty in everything and everyone. When I grow up, I want to be like Esther.

This weekend was one of my favorites of all time. We told stories. We played games. We sang. We watched movies. We worshiped. We took walks. We took pictures. We climbed rocks. We laughed a lot. We picked flowers. We went to fetch water at the borehole. We prayed. We ate matoke, rice, and beans. We danced. We made ridiculous faces. We drank tea. We waved at all of the neighbors as we passed them. We joked. We made up songs. It was good. It was so, so good.

I love this place. I love this family and their neighbors. I love their home and the food they eat. I love the way they speak to each other in Lunganda and then quickly turn to explain to me what's going on. I love that they call me a sister. I love that they are learning me and I am learning them. I love that I feel at complete peace when I walk into their house. I love that when I enter that place, I am home. 

Em