My damp walking boots are now out of my bag following our return from Uganda. They had been soaked by a tropical rain storm, a frequent occurrence at Sipi falls in eastern Uganda. I thought my memories would be reliant on my sight and hearing however Uganda has left me an unusual present. My boots are caked in a deep cadmium soil, complicated in smell and texture: clay like, a fragrance the mixture of coffee, charcoal and an arid dry dust.
Nothing is simple in Uganda. I have spoken before of living simply as if we should try to emulate the poverty of African villages like Irundu. Life in Irundu is far from simple, it is difficult. There is a constant threat of sickness, lack of education prevents self help and the structure for economic development has just started. Without wishing to under estimate the complexities of Western life, in many ways our lives are simpler.
What I have learnt from this fantastic opportunity is that living simply can be as miserable as complex living. I saw people in Uganda looking very serious without a smile. It was only though seeing Christian faith that the term “living simply” was brought alive. Faith in God in Irundu is demonstrated everywhere and in every astonishing parishioner. Faith and hope are born from the parishioners' ability to strive to live simply together. I believe that our faith at Worth is strong too. What the soil of Africa has helped me understand is that by joining the Parish of Irundu in faith and action, the potential for greater faith becomes more evident. Through our combined faith the realisation of a simpler life for both Parishes looks definitely achievable.
I recommend the experience, thank you Irundu and Worth.
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