Meet our co-workers

Everyone at the EMI office has lunch together every day, including me - I make the eight minute walk from our apartment for it. Janet is the cook, and she always has a mix of Ugandan and American foods. It's traditional to have a hot lunch in Uganda, and it's the main meal of the day. It's an enjoyable time in interact with both the American and Ugandan staff. The American staff includes Brad, Janet and Jill, who are here long-term; the five interns, who are college age and here for three months; and Paul. The Ugandan staff includes Samai, who is the office administrative assistant; Stephen, head of the guards; and Janet, Stella, and Monica, who cook and clean. The Ugandans all speak good, if heavily accented, English.

We've had some interesting conversations the last couple days about cultural differences. The Ugandans have been with EMI for at least a couple years each, so they're somewhat familiar with American culture. One of them can apparently even say, "Hey, guys" in a decent American accent, but she was too shy to do it for us.

One of the women yesterday wanted some information about the U.S. confirmed. Was it accurate that we don't have any villages where people go to a community tap to get their water? And was it also true that no one carries anything around on their head? We told her both things were true. It seemed a little hard for her to fathom.

Then today we were talking about family relationships, and the Ugandans told us that when a man marries, he and his wife move in with his family and that is where they stay. The idea of moving away from home at about age 18 was uncomfortable for them. Also, one of them observed that in the U.S., parents support their children, while in Uganda, it is often the responsibility of the children to support their parents (that is, the children once they are teens and older). Anyway, this is the kind of discussion I love and I was glad the Ugandans were game to enter in.

The photos here are Paul with Stephen, and me with Janet and Stella.

Happy birthday, Mom! You're the best mom ever, and I hope you get lots of love today.

Karen