Christmas with the “Lions”

Several weeks ago Lillian, from our Sunday School class invited us to her family home for Christmas. Later we found out that this family (a widow and her six grown daughters and their families and friends) is known for their hospitality. Our mutual friend, Connie, has been their guest for many years now. We deeply appreciated their willingness to include us and looked forward to experiencing a Ugandan Christmas.

Christmas proved to be like no other Christmas in our experience. After an amazing Christmas breakfast with Connie and a few other friends, enjoying her delectable kringlers—all five kinds, we joined her and others at KBC for the Christmas service. Not only were the familiar carols sang with meaning, they vibrated with joy—who can match the African joyful celebration? The pastor spoke from Luke 2, a very thought provoking and heart-warming message centered on God’s love and care for each individual as seen in the Christmas story.

Five of the six sisters with their mother--the delightful
"lions"

Eventually we made our way to the den where the lions lived…but what a warm and loving den it was! You see, this family belongs to the “Lion Clan” of the ancient kingdom of Buganda. There are many other clans but theirs is one of most respected and honored. We had delightful visits with our friends and met new family members and friends. I was intrigued to learn that the head of this family clan, a 78-year-old widow, had studied in both the UK and Israel and remembers how it felt to be away from home for Christmas.  No wonder she and her six daughters (one lives in the UK was unable to come home) have a special heart for hospitality to those of other nations.  This delightful widow/sister in Christ was also once a teacher and had many stories which she enjoyed sharing. Around 4 pm, the meal was ready and what a buffet awaited us on an outdoor table. For the first time (as far as we can remember) potatoes and cooked vegetables were not part of the meal. The first (and perhaps most important) dish was matooke (green mashed banana, their staple food). The special Christmas meat was freshly barbecued chicken and pork ribs, all cooked over charcoal. A pasta dish and a type of salad were also part of the main course. A couple of hours later, that same table was laden with desserts, especially a cake baked by one of the sisters. Three kinds of ice cream (which judging by the comments is a rare treat) were part of the spread too.

Almost all of these “lions” also belong to a more important clan - Lion of the Tribe of Judah! They represent Him well. We were blessed to be among them. Never did we dream that our first Christmas in Uganda would include the privilege of eating “lions.”