a few weeks ago as I was sitting outside a hut on one of our Victory Outreach North days, a woman walking by holding a baby caught my eye. I walked over to greet her partially to be friendly but mostly just to marvel at her baby. Not long after exchanging names she thrusted her baby into my arms and insisted I take him. In that moment my heart went threw a million and three different ways I could possibly get that beautiful baby home with me. My brain quickly interrupted and reminded me that I was being completely unrealistic and it wasn't going to happen. Instead I would just love on him during the rest of my time in Lira.
This past week I once again saw Colleen walking along the mian road holding baby Andrew. I hurried over to her and offered to take care of hiim for the day. It didn't take much convincing. She had laundry to do and it would be easier for her if I watched him for the day, I was thrilled. As I sat at Jane's house with the rest of my ministry group baby Andrew cooed happily. His face was as charming as the little baby noises he was uttering. A few minutes later I felt a warm rush on my legs, urine. Babies here in Africa don't wear diapers, so there is nothing but a blanket between you and their urine. Lucky thing for Andrew , he was super cute, so a little pee wasn't a deal breaker. It didn't seem like all that much time past before he yet again peed on me and before the day was finished he peed on me yet again.
The fact that I willingly let a baby pee directly on me three times in one day made me realize how desensitized I have become to things. Openly picking your nose in public doesn't seem the least bit inappropriate anymore. I am pretty sure I literally touch the head of every child I pass. I can show up at the hospital and basically get access to do whatever I want. I don't even feel offended when men hoot and holler and ask to marry me anymore and being called fat almost feels like a compliment now!
Living in Africa for three months has gradually deteriorated most of the social norms I have known my entire life. I kinda like it.
