On the plane travelling from Amsterdam to Uganda, Gareth my travel companion and I were just shooting the breeze talking when something he said triggered my Sunday morning message at Pearl Haven Christian Centre in Mbale.
I was speaking in the two morning services, using the word 'until' as a reference to how we need to persevere in Christ 'Until' he answers and we breakthrough into God's plan for us.
About half way through I did wonder whether my accent got the message lost in translation and the people were hearing me say 'Ant Hill' when I was aactually saying 'until', obviously persevering in Christ - Ant Hill, was not what I was trying to convey.
Over the years, I've experienced all sorts of anomalies. For instance in Uganda R's and L's are interchangeable so Rate and Late is difficult, so is Lady, Road, Like, Right etc. However the biggest cultural conversational conundrum is when Uganda's (who are so polite) would rather say yes, even when they don't understand what your talking about. This has sometimes led to driving to completely the wrong place going 'R'eft and 'L'ight along the way.
Missions is fun though, all this is part of the experience. What years of mission has taught me, is none of us are perfect, no one has all the answers and people and patience with people is a must at every turn. We can shout and scream, but have you ever thought, the person listening just might not have understood what you said....
Tommorrow... the start of the journey home.
Recent Comments