Young Man, Big Heart. (interview with summer trip members Adam and Aaden)

written by: Grant Rustin

(Janet, Aaden, and Adam, pictured left to right.)

The Rakham International Mission team recently returned from the annual summer trip to Uganda. This trip was exciting for several reasons but I want to highlight one person’s experience in particular. I had the opportunity to sit and have a conversation with trip member father and son duo Adam and Aaden, along with our own Janet Ortega.

As we were beginning, Janet asked Aaden, “So are you ready to go back?” With a grin, Aaden happily answered “yup” without hesitation. His father and he had a great time and both agreed to go on a mission trip again soon. Although this was Aaden’s first trip, it was not Adam’s. He has accompanied our team on previous missions to Uganda. I asked Aaden if it was scary being that far from home for the first time and he quickly answered “no”. Though far from home, ten year old Aaden found himself as he usually does, surrounded by many young friends. He sheepishly admitted that these friends (native Ugandans) didn’t really resemble very many of the ones he had back at home halfway around the world.

As with most mission trips, it was not always comfortable and fun. Adam said he had some trouble sleeping but that he was humbled when he found out how some of the natives slept at night. Aaden said he didn’t know what his dad was talking about because he slept great. “What was the most eye-opening experience you had? Did anything in particular surprise you,” I asked. Aaden answered as I thought he might, suddenly becoming very serious: “The slums in Kasenyi.” “What was something that shocked you or caught you off guard about that area?” “All the trash.. it was everywhere bottles plastic just garbage thrown about everywhere” he answered. His father admitted that they “were a pretty rough place”. Elaborating on the slums he added… “It is usually a little difficult and hostile,” Adam said. “But this time it slowly became more and more hostile until we decided it would be best if we removed ourselves from the area” added Janet. Aaden said that he didn’t understand the situation but that he valued seeing such a sight. “Very eye opening wasn’t it, not something you’d experienced before huh?” I asked and Aaden nodded his head in agreement.

Bringing back a lighter mood I then asked, “And what was your favorite thing you experienced?” Aaden began to grin. “The 200 year old man,” he said giggling. “200!?” I questioned, looking to Adam and Janet for an explanation. “Oh yeah there was this young boy maybe 2 or 3 years old, and he introduced himself as the 200 year old man from the market which was nearby,” said Adam. Aaden laughed again remembering this boy’s dance moves. He began imitating him as he waived his arms over his head and dancing, to which we all had a laugh.

One thing I’ve heard from every trip member so far is that the Ugandan people love to dance. Aaden sheepishly admitted that he joined in on the dancing several times, which usually goes nonstop once the music starts. Adam recalled where a band of Ugandans played on their rudimentary instruments, as gifts and food were offered to the local people who had gathered around. It is not all that hard to spot the group of white people meandering the streets in hot pink Rakham tee-shirts handing out Bibles. So naturally the team garnered much interest. Bibles in Uganda are highly sought after and are regarded as more valuable than money by many people. Thousands of Bibles have been given out by our team members and almost every time they say the gift is received with shouting with joy and dancing.

One of the last things I asked Aaden was if he had any interesting or different food while he was on the trip. His answer was not what I had in mind. “Chips” he answered. “Chips?” I echoed in confusion. “Yeah fries, they call them chips in Uganda.” Adam explained. Aaden went on saying that the chips(fries) he had on this trip were the best he’s ever had—“way better than McDonald’s,” he exclaimed. That was not exactly the answer I had expected but all three agreed there is something different about them. So if you are ever in Uganda, try the fries on Aaden’s recommendation. He claims they will change your life.

(Aaden pictured here with some Ugandan kids while on the trip earlier this year.)