uganda musings: tuesday

nutrition is something i take for granted. i did not realize how much meat i ate in the states until i came to uganda, where i'm lucky to have meat once a week. maybe that's why i'm so happy right now, listening to the fierce rainstorm outside and sitting content after a few pieces of juicy steak for dinner tonight.

but even as i write those words, its a little bit difficult after viewing the nutrition program at the health center today. malnourished children ranging in age from 6 months to five years are able to be enrolled, and they are given weekly handouts of high-protein (and other healthy stuff) soy bean and g-nut paste. a ten week program that generally makes a positive impact on the health of the child. long term impact is a little bit unknown, though. and its discouraging when you hear that the same parent is bringing back a second (or third) malnourished child, clearly showing that the parents haven't learned from the first how to properly nourish their children. or else, they simple are unable to provide. in either case, it is a sad and difficult situation. and from my perspective, pretty frustrating too. its so easy in my mind for these parents to provide for their kids with what they have, but because of lack of education and cultural factors, among other things, it just doesnt happen. and children suffer or, in extreme cases, die as a result.

thats just different than life in america. but reality.

something else that i believe is reality: God's sovereignty. and thats what i cling to as i view some of the destructive patterns that contribute to suffering in this area. somehow, God is in control. definitely dont understand it all the time, but it is the hope i cling to.



fun fact of the day: you may think an engagement ring is expensive, but it'll cost a guy twelve goats to get married in bundibugyo.