One of the striking things about visiting the developing world is the consistently overwhelming hospitality. Our arrival here in Uganda has upheld that view. The contrast with the way we practice hospitality in North America is particularly stark. I tried to imagine the reverse scenario of our arrival. We got to their home around 11pm on a Friday night with two cranky children and stinking from two days’ worth of travel. If we had late-arriving overseas visitors at our home, chances are they would arrive to a house with the children in bed, the kitchen closed, and probably a note from the rest of the household looking forward to seeing them in the morning. By contrast, when we arrived from the airport, everyone (all 7 family members plus a few other relatives and some household help) welcomed us enthusiastically. After we distributed our gifts, everyone partook in a hearty meal. It was very late by the time we all went to bed.
It’s not like we are somehow special or unique. We are not the first overseas visitors to this home – the Odong family frequently hosts visitors - both Ugandans and foreigners. Our host family has averaged half a dozen visitors every single day. That’s more guests than we invite to our home over two months. In fact, in two and a half years living in the Washington DC area, we have been invited into half a dozen homes for dinner. When we made this observation tonight, our smiling hosts responded that they were not even aware of how many visitors they receive.
“Family” is a very open-ended concept here. Family privileges – including free meals and long lingering conversations - extend far beyond the two-child nuclear family that is the North American norm. Neighbours, friends, house help, and more are included in this definition. We haven’t heard a single grumble from our hosts about how many mouths they feed.
You could say this family is on a mission of sorts, to exercise Christian hospitality.
3 comments:
Sandra and Matt,
I think when you read my book (now completed, by the way)you will find a similar viewpoint. I was consistently amazed at the warmth and hospitality showed to me throughout my year in Kenya. In general, I found a much greater emphasis on the value of human relations.
Mike
Thanks for reminding us of the wonderful African hospitality, which humbled us many times. We are enjoying reading about your travels and are praying for you guys.
We really love reading about your trip and Teddy *shrieks* with happiness to see Stephen and Sophie!
Lots of love to you all!
Libby et al
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