Shopping

On Mondays, vendors go into the "downtown" part of Luweero to sell produce, fabric, clothing, and pretty much any other item you can imagine. There are stores that are open 7 days a week, but this market is only open on Mondays. I guess it is the day when people from the villages can try to sell their wares in town. Suze and I went to the market! It was definitely an experience that I could not miss.

We took a motorcyle (Boda Boda) from the Cathedral parish to the market. Then, Suze led the way and I just followed her. We were looking for some dress shoes for me. I have bought a Gomas (traditional Ugandan dress) and I cannot wear my Chacos with the dress or I will look silly (according to Suze). So we are in search of some high heels that will match my Gomas. We walked through the market, but we did not find any shoes. I did find a couple of ladies selling fabric so I bought some material. Think wonderful African prints and that is what I bought. And when I say that I made purchases, I paid for them, but Suze did all of the negotiating. I would have been lost and afraid if it were not for Suze. Suze is truly a blessing from God. After I made my purchases, we had to buy the food that we needed for the parish. Suze had a list and she wandered around from vendor to vendor enquiring about their prices for the stuff we needed. We bought what we needed and we got ready to head back to the parish. We were going to take a motorcycle (Boda Boda) to go back to the parish. Suze flagged down a motorcyle/motorcycle driver. I thought, "How in the world are we going to get back home with all of this food?" (potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, green peppers, onions, bread, flour, and eggs). The driver put the big bag of potatoes in front of him (between him and the motorcycle handlebars). Suze and I were to both ride behind him holding onto the other bags. The only way we fit was for me to ride behind the driver straddling the motorcyle while Suze sat "side-saddle" behind me. This would be perfectly fine if I were wearing jeans or pants. Instead, I was wearing one of my skirts made by the talented Jo Sterling. Thankfully the skirts are long and flowy or else I would have been a spectacle riding down the road. :-) We made it back to the parish alright and with all of our purchases. Success!

Speaking of buying stuff, I had my eyes open for pretty jewelry. People in Uganda make beads out of paper and then varnishing the beads so that they are water resistent. I wanted some of these beads, but had not really seen very many. I was talking to Sister Goretti from the primary school and she told me that the primary school students can make these beads. So the students as well as some of the parents are making beads and making jewelry for me to buy. This is a way for the school to make some money and it helps me buy gifts for my loved ones back home. A "Win-Win." I have seen the women and children making the beads. They are so talented. They are teaching me how to make the beads too. Don't worry, my beads are going into a special bag so that Emily's beads don't get mixed up with the good beads made by the women and children. The beads are beautiful and will make beautiful jewelry. And they go to a good cause. Even better!

I am doing really well. I am treasuring my time here in Uganda as much as I can. The people here are really wonderful. I recommend that if you ever get a chance to visit Uganda, please do. The country is beautiful and the people are so nice. It will change your life. I hope you are all doing well. Stay safe and "out of trouble!" :-)

Love to you all.