Some things are just universal everywhere in the world. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of driving "deep in the village" with two of our staff members (Joe and Eric) to visit with their Ja Ja, the Lugandan word for grandparent. Ja Ja Ruth is 85 (or so) years young who birthed 18 children, all of whom have died. That's her in the white headband and blue dress. She has many grand kids (among them Zahara, the Ugandan adopted daughter of Mike and Mary Ann), but few that can actually visit her. We drove about 40 miles from Jinja, the last 10 or so was all ungraded, pot-holed dirt road. Nothing like it! She really does live "deep in the village" as Joe and Eric say it. In the southern parts of America where I'm from, we use the phrase "in the middle of no-where" to describe the same place. After a 2 hour drive we finally arrived. When Ja Ja Ruth saw Joe and Eric in the car, her excitement was overwhelming....her joy obvious....her smile...well I don't think I've seen one bigger. 
She had no idea we were coming...no phone, tv or any connection other than word of mouth for miles! She even started dancing! Along with a lady that lives in the same 'hut', they rolled out their best straw mat for the grandkids and muzungu that had come to see her. We spent about an hour visiting, telling stories, laughing and just enjoying each other's company. It was getting late in the afternoon, so Ja Ja made it known she wanted us to depart. In her life experience, one doesn't travel in the dark. She wanted us to be safe in our journey back "to the village". There really isn't anything better than the love of a Ja Ja! We love you Grandma and Maw Maw! ps....here's me with a baby that 'just happened' to walk up in her mother's arms...to see the muzungu...not many white folk come to these places!
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