You know, as an MK to Uganda, I receive a lot of weird questions from both sides of the globe. When in Uganda, I receive strange questions about America. When in the USA, I receive strange questions about Africa. Interestingly, there is one question that appears on both sides of the planet. This question was actually something I wrestled with for over three years. Here’s how it usually goes.

“Out of both the United States and Uganda, which is your favorite country?”

Or

“You’ve lived in two totally different cultures. Which one is your personal favorite?”

Some of you will laugh that this seemingly simple question has been something I’ve drastically wrestled with for years. Others, having asked me this question, will scratch their heads, unsure as to why this question is so difficult to answer.

It should be simple, right?

Honestly, it’s far harder than you would think. There are elements in both countries that I love and hate. For one, I love pizza! That, to me, is one of the best things about the USA. However, I also hate the “my personal space” atmosphere found in America. The fact that you don’t greet that random dude on the street often grates on my nerves. While in Uganda, that man would have greeted you cheerfully, without any regard for “stranger danger”. But upon arrival in the United States, I instead find that the harmless runner on the sidewalk will call the cops if you say hi.

Honestly, if you are repetitively telling your kids “stranger danger”, then how do you expect to meet anyone?

Anyway, I digress. There are many, many factors to my likes/dislikes of the USA and Uganda. Despite these, there is no clear cut answer. As a country, I find that I like Uganda a bit better than the USA. However, the USA also contains some of my favorite people.

So, to answer the question: I can’t answer the question. There you are. There is no real answer to that. While I like and dislike things about both countries, there isn’t a clear-cut answer to the dilemma.

So, if you ever have the misfortune of meeting me, or you somehow already know me, make sure to ask me: What do you like and dislike about the United States? You will receive an interesting answer!

 

Alright, that’s all for today. Thanks for reading! Also, I’d like to apologize for my inconsistency in blog posts. Our internet has been down for the last week, and I’ve found it very difficult to publish posts. Please bear with me!