Ugandan Social Etiquette

According to Ugandan social etiquette, I should not be surprised to see two men holding hands as a sign of friendship. However, public displays of affection are frowned upon. I know right from the start that this will be a challenge for me.

Gary Chapman wrote a book called The 5 Love Languages in which he describes the many ways by which people feel loved. Love can be expressed through words of affirmation, giving gifts, acts of service, spending quality time, and physical touch. While I have been spoiled in all five areas, physical touch is my primary love language. Yes, I am a hugger.

Chapman aptly describes physical touch by saying, “This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.”

The point, though, is to express love in the way the other person most appreciates/needs it. Of course I can’t know just by looking at someone what makes them feel loved, particularly if they’re from another culture. So, in Uganda, expressing my love and appreciation in the form of a hug for the many helps the villagers provide must be curtailed. I look forward to learning how Ugandans express care and appreciation toward one another.

Malaria

According to the Center for Disease Control, malaria “is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. In 2008, an estimated 190 - 311 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 708,000 - 1,003,000 people died, most of them young children in sub-Saharan Africa.” Julius is an example of a young child with undetected malaria and how the donations of Mercy Uganda supporters helped save his life.

Lariam is one of about five choices in drug-based prevention of malaria (but not mosquito bites in general). According to the three-page drug warning, the following side effects may occur:
• Sudden and serious mental problems (severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, depression, restlessness, unusual behavior, confusion)
• Problems with find motor coordination
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Liver or heart problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Headache
• Sleeping problems (sleepiness, inability to sleep, bad dreams)
• Muscle pain, fever, chills, skin rash, fatigue, loss of appetite, ringing in the ears, irregular heart beat

A 2003 report from CBS described the effect Lariam as causing some military personnel to “lose their minds.” The report also described the case of a tourist who suddenly became psychotic. A number of blogs also offer personal experiences with Lariam and the negative, sometimes irreversible, mental side effects.

I’m not generally one to worry about side effect labels, but I have to admit the combination of side effects of mosquito bites, DEET, and Lariam – specifically disorientation, dizziness, sudden and severe mental problems, forgetfulness, and bad dreams – definitely have me worried.

Immediately following Deuteronomy 28:27 (as described in the post about mosquito bites), the curse for disobedience continues in the form of madness, blindness and confusion of the mind. Funny how itch and madness are described together as part of a curse.