Monday, February 1, 2010

Human Sacrifices on the Rise

Don't you worry, that was only the headline of the newspaper this Saturday.

Despite the current increase in human sacrifices we are feeling pretty safe here in Uganda. The people are so kind to us and we feel right at home. We asked our host father, Idi, about the human sacrifices and apparently it is a real issue. In fact, I had noticed previously that it is very rare to see a little girl here who does not have her ears pierced. We learned from Idi that with circumcision or ear piercing, the sacrifice is considered unpure. Parents here go to any length they can to prevent their children from being abducted and used by witch doctors and voodoo priests as sacrifices.

It is just so fascinating to me that we could all live in the same era, on the same world, and yet we live so differently. Here they practice polygamy, the children and wife are the property of the husband, the entire day is spent working with little or no time for rest and recreation. It is so interesting to me to see all the differences that exist between us, but more interesting to me are all the similarities that we share due to the fact that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and human beings having this earthly experience together. Smiles between neighbors, the way a mother lovingly and meticulously cares for her newborn baby, the pride felt by a father when he sees that newborn baby, the way children run to their father as he comes home from work, the unique bond formed between dear childhood friends and teenage sweethearts. It happens here too. Just like in the states. We speak different languages, we look differently, but essentially when you break through culture, language, location, and race we are all the same. Our souls are woven together much deeper and by much more that just common interests, social similarites, and united causes. I think that is fascinating, and that is loudly testifies that there is something and someone much greater than each one of us. We truly are part of a big, united family that is run by a perfect and loving Father who unites us all because we are His.

I love and admire the people of Uganda....even though human sacrifices are on the rise.

4 comments:

  1. That is so very interesting. Especially about the ear piercing.

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  2. haha when i first looked at the title of your post i thought it said, "human sacrifices on rice"! i was hoping that wasn't something someone tried to feed you!

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  3. Hopefully you both have your ears pierced! If not-you better get it done! :) We are excited to watch your adventures. I'm sure you'll make the best of every day. This is an experience of a lifetime!

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  4. Wow...your insights are so beautiful and true!!! We may be different on the outside but we all children of our Heavenly Father. I'm so happy for you girls and I know that you both are blessed to be there and the people of Africa are blessed to have you both there with them.

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