Recently I was in Kampala searching for a bird book to identify the numerous local types. Now remember that Uganda is a former British colony, and many people speak English, but with "U-glish" (Ugandan-English) accents. So while living here, speaking with Africans, you often need to change how you might say things so people will "get you".
So I saw the store attendant, and after greeting him, ("Hello, how are you? I am fine. Thank you."), I asked him, "Where can I find the bird books?". Full American accent. He clearly didn't understand me, so I slowed down my speech, softened the r's and made my o's longer... "Whea can ai faind tha baad buks?" He still didn't get me. In my head, I thought, "Man, he is really gonna make me say it exactly like he wants... here goes..." So for the third time, I worked on saying "bird". "Wayuh cahn ai faind thee buuhd buks?" He got me; I found one. This is just one cultural charm of late.
My guard Peter (he is the gate keeper, yard man, car washer and general property caretaker for my home) had to sell all of his cows and goats last year, including many household items, in order to pay for his wife's cancer treatment. (FYI she is very improved and cancer free- thanks for your prayers!). While I was in the USA, I had contacts with about 5 people who asked me to create a special account which they could help give emergency relief, when or if possible, to certain people God brings our way. They gave me funds to help Peter re-stock his home from the sales last year. In early May, Peter went home (4-6 hrs. drive in a public taxi) for his annual vacation (they call it leave here). Because I had that cash from those donors, I gave it to him to buy a goat or 2 small pigs. He was able to bargain for all three (BONUS!). He promised as a thank you that he'd name it after me, saying "Lisa Fish" in the sentence. To have something (or someone) named after you here is a way to honor the person. I thought having a goat named after me was kind of funny, especially since the gift was not actually from me. But Peter came back to Kampala today, and he told me of his purchases. Then he said "I named it Fish". When I asked if he meant the pig or the goat, he said the goat. But he didn't name it Lisa Fish. Only Fish. So out there in eastern Uganda there is a goat named Fish. I just think that is funny.
Lastly, today I was coming home from a lovely WGM/AGC picnic we had as a get together plus a welcome to Hallahans and Rambos (see another entry for this info.). I was turning the last corner before reaching my house, and the neighbor's guard was outside, smiling and waving. So I waved, stopped, and he told me "Welcome back to Uganda". I'd not really said anything to him before, since we never really speak, but just wave. So I was polite and gave him greetings, and ask his name after giving mine. He said, in U-glish, "Ai aim colled Agri". I was sure I didn't hear him very well, so I asked him to repeat it. "Ai aim colled Ugree". So I smiled, said it was nice to know his name and not only his face, and went home laughing to myself. I just wasn't sure in my American accented thinking, if he was saying his name was Agree or Ugly. Either way, WOW! But Funny too! But later, I found it it is even more interesting; his name, according to Peter, is Angry. What?! Well, the tribe that the man is from (further east than Peter's tribe), Angry is simply a last name. I suppose it could be spelled, from their language, Ongri or something like that, which for sure looks like it could be an African name. It is simply always interesting to listen and learn in this culture. I just need to really LISTEN to words and pronunciations, before I get myself into (more) trouble! And I'm thankful to be here and learning of these dear people.