Perspective

This week I have been staying with the MCC interim country representatives for Uganda, Ron and Sally Jo Milne. I was able to join them in attending my first Anglican Church service, a local dinner theatre featuring traditional music and food, and to the MCC office a number of days for orientation there.

One orientation session took place at the office with two of the local workers, Rose Mary and Margret. Both of these women have spent their entire lives in Uganda and their task was to divulge all their cultural secrets to me so that I would be completely “socially fluent.” Obviously they were not able to think of everything; but, I did learn some facts (these few clashed with my U.S. notions the most):

1.       I should never cross my legs, especially not in church.

2.       I should avoid direct eye contact if I want to show respect to the person I am speaking with.

3.       I should cross my arms to show that I am paying close attention to what is being said.  

I left the session feeling overwhelmed and less certain about this coming year than I ever have before.

Through all of Rose Mary and Margret’s tips I heard one key recommendation; be prepared to receive and give hospitality, sounds a bit like lessons I’ve been taught in church. If I remember, and practice all the advice I was given it will be good. But if I remember to put people before myself, or be humble enough to accept hospitality perhaps I will understand something even greater than “social fluency” in Uganda.