Culture and Christianity

I am a Muganda by tribe. We're the largest tribe in Uganda and, in my opinion, have quite a rich culture. some people don't agree but everyone is entitled to their opinion right?

Anywho, I was thinking about the differences between my culture and Christianity and a lot of things popped into my head. Some people find it very hard to choose which to adhere to especially when the two hold such contradicting views. I believe that I am in the world but not of the world therefore my allegiance is to Christ as a Christian.

The truth is that there are some really freaky things about our culture. Witchcraft, scary rituals, silly beliefs.... I found out about most of these just recently because I grew up in a Christian home that only highlighted the good things in our culture.

I think that even though I'm a Christian I need that sense of identity that a tribe gives me. I'm proud of the fact that I have a tribe, a native language, a clan, a clan name and a king. But I also believe in Jesus Christ and He is the King of Kings so I guess that trumps my tribe, right?

Recently I was telling someone that my introduction ceremony - which is the cultural function/ marriage as some have called it - was very simple. During the introduction my family is supposed to pretend that they do not know that I'm going to introduce them to someone. But my family said they would not do that because as Christians they'd be 'lying' in a way because they do know that he is coming - I mean why all the guests???? Anywho, she promptly told me that I do not respect my culture and it got me thinking...... I do but it does not rule over me - God does. If His opinion clashes with that of my tribe then He wins because He is Almighty!

There are also a lot of things that Baganda women will tell you before you get married. One of them is that as a woman you need to keep some money of your own away from your husband just in case.... In other words, don't trust your man because he can run away with another woman and leave you penniless. Ummm..... I don't think I want to do that. I want to trust, respect and submit to my husband wholeheartedly - the way God meant it to be. I will not keep aside money because I trust him and that's what the Lord expects of me.

There are lots of things that I've found out about my culture. Some have made me cringe and some made me very proud. But the bottom line is my tribe is there to give me a sense of belonging and culture but as a Christian, God has the final say in the way I should live my life because well.... it's just better :-)

Just thinking.......

Thinking in colour.....

We're renting a flat and it's white :-( I don't like white. I love colour. And right now, that's what I want/ need in the flat. The only problem is it's not my house. So I've resorted to dreaming and wishing.

I bought a book that suggests which colours you can use in a house. I love it and it's helping me dream away.

I love it because it gives you different colours to match with and which colours to use for fabric or accessories. It has different sections for each colour scheme - reds, violets, yellows, greens and what mood each combination invokes! Did I say I love it? I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Now all I need is a house :-)

One day I'll have my very own house and it will NOT be white! Stay tuned!

Friday unseriousness...

This morning it happened to be just the girls in the office and so we decided to go a bit crazy and help each other apply some makeup. Yes, I know - we're supposed to be working but hey it's Friday. 

Meet my workmates:

1) This is Fiona. She doesn't like applying makeup in the morning because she doesn't have time for it. She feels funny wearing lipstick. Mission 1: For her to learn to apply her eye shadow, eye liner and lipstick in about 10 minutes so she can look fabulous all day long.

 Mission 1 accomplished :-)

2) This is Maureen. This is the fashionista but she needed just a little nudge towards eyeshadow. And guess who helped her apply it - me!!! Shocker huh? Yeah...it shocked me too! Mission 2: To make her see that eyeshadow makes her eyes pop just a bit more. Here she is:

Mission 2 accomplished!

3) And last, but not least, moi! I don't wear lipstick. I think it makes my lips look huge. Mission 3: To show me that my lips look fantastic with lipstick. Here goes:

Mission 3 accomplished!

All in all, our Friday morning has been quite unserious on the work front but rewarding on the beauty front :-)and we're taking everything we learnt here seriously :-D

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!!

Happy birthday Mama!

It's my Mummy's birthday today. She is the most amazing woman I know. She is strong and sensitive and sooooooo caring! I want to be exactly like her when I grow up. She disciplined me when I was a child and I'm thankful for it. Just one look was enough to let you know that you were in big big trouble! Thanks Mummy - I'm better person because of it :-)

These are a few of the things that make me mum amazing:

• She is beautiful. Inside and out. I always say that my mum is hot!!! Some people think I'm her little sister :-) 
• She is the most selfless person I know. She always wants people to be happy and comfortable even if it means compromising her needs. If you needed a ride back home and she was in town she would wait for you even if it meant she had to wait for over an hour or that she had to come pick you from the other side of town. So sweet isn't she? Love you Mummy! For all the times you did that I'm thankful - it may have seemed small but it meant a lot!
• She loves the Lord. My mum has a deep relationship with the Lord. You don't need to know her too well to see it. Her kindness and sensitivity is evidence of that. I know that she spends a lot of time praying for her family and the Lord has indeed blessed her because of it. I don't know where we'd be - especially her children - if she had not prayed for us the way only a mother can. She and my father prayed for my husband even before I met him. And when he showed up I knew it was definitely their prayers that had helped make sure I married a wonderful man.
• She gets excited with me. When I need someone to scream with me I can count on her. (I have evidence of this....) See the photo below :-)

My mum could not contain her joy on my graduation - she ran out to meet me. FYI, that's not allowed but who could stop this crazy woman? Love you mum!

• She is my friend. I can talk to her about anything. And now that I'm married her counsel is very important. I'm glad that I have such an exemplary woman in my life. It's tough but worth it.
• She is a very good listener. She listens to everything you say- both your words and your body language. This special gift has helped keep us as her children in line because we can't lie to Mummy. Unless, of course, we're trying to surprise her or something :-D It has also made her the best mum anyone could ask for. When I was in high school so many girls wanted her to be their mum. Aren't I lucky?
• She is a brilliant woman. She is doing her PhD and she keeps topping her class. (Yes, Mummy you do - even if you want to deny it!) teeheehee!

To be honest, there are so many things I want to say about my mum. She is my buddy and I admire her. I want to be exactly like her. If I become even half the woman she is I'll be so proud of myself.
Mummy, I love you very very very much. Thank you for being a wonderful mother and friend. You've taught me so much and I'm glad and proud to call you my mum. May the Lord continue to use you to touch the lives of others.

Garlic & Thyme Baked Potatoes

Yummy!!!!! The hubby couldn't get enough of these fabulous potatoes. They are so simple to make and absolutely delicious so I will be a doll and pass the recipe on to you :-) You're welcome!

Here goes...
Ingredients

4 medium potatoes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 level teaspoon salt
1 heaped teaspoon dried thyme leaves
4 tablespoons sunflower oil

1)Peel and wash potatoes then slice them sideways. Dry them with a clean cloth.

2) Mix garlic, white pepper, salt, thyme and oil in a small dish.

3) Pre-heat oven to 180C.
4) Rub oily mixture onto the sliced potatoes one by one.
5) Place them on a baking tray and put in the oven.

 6) Bake for 10 minutes and then turn over for another 10 to 15 minutes or until tender and they're ready. (If you want them to be crispy then you can leave them in the oven for another 10 minutes)

I was not sure if they'd be as tasty as I expected but my oh my! I was so pleased with the result!
My hubby gobbled his food down and went back for a second helping.

I hope you get to try it out. It's delicious.