Auntie Ruth is the type of person who makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world. I first met her in 2004, when I traveled to Uganda to begin my journey with the African Children’s Choir. She is one of those truly selfless people that you’re so thankful are still in this wor
Auntie Ruth gave up her bedroom so three clueless Americans could have a comfortable, private place to sleep. Her bed was a simple mattress covered in mosquito netting. She called it her princess bed.
When I walked into that house on my first day in Africa, exhausted, overwhelmed, and wide-eyed, Auntie Ruth welcomed me with open arms. I instantly felt at home and at peace.
When I returned to Uganda three years later, I wasn’t sure if she would remember me. Lots of westerners grace the door of that house. I was prepared to reintroduce myself. Before I could set my bag down, she flew across the room and enveloped me in a huge hug.
“Oh, my auntie has returned!”
Auntie Ruth lives and works at the training facility in Makindye, Uganda, on the outskirts of Kampala. The two-story house comfortably sleeps about 30 people. When children are chosen to tour with the African Children’s Choir, they come to that house for several months to prepare. The children are housed, fed, and taught there. The main room serves as a schoolroom, rehearsal space, and dining hall. The space is well used.
Auntie Ruth prepares food for everyone in the training facility. She makes the best Chapati in Uganda. Chapati is a grilled flatbread that is common in several African countries. It soon became my favorite Ugandan delicacy, and I waited in anticipation when I smelled her cooking it.
She cooks outdoors, over open flames in big iron pots. Each meal takes several hours to prepare. No one in that house ever goes hungry, and those kids eat A LOT. She insists that each visitor take a heaping portion, even if you insist that you’re not that hungry. She even saves the good meat for you. Auntie Ruth makes sure you are well cared for while you are in her home.
I wondered why she would go to bed by 8:00 p.m. most nights, if not earlier. She told me that she awoke at 3:00 a.m. each morning. She had to start on breakfast by at least 5:00. I asked her what she did with those two hours before breakfast preparation.
Auntie Ruth gave me one of her sweet smiles and said, “I pray.”
Two hours in prayer. I cannot fathom spending this kind of time praying. I get antsy after just a few minutes of prayer time, and this humble, beautiful African woman spent two whole hours each day with her Lord and Savior. It explains why she is ever joyful, always smiling, and so able to put other’s needs above her own.
This is the kind of faith I long for. Her simple trust in Jesus continues to inspire and haunt me.
Is there an “Auntie Ruth” if your life?
Wow, how inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. Obviously I know I need to be a lot more like Auntie Ruth. I’m working on finding someone who can inspire me and help me grow spiritually.
She is inspiring, even thousands of miles away. I’d like to find someone closer to home that can hold me accountable to spiritual things.
Jamie, have you ever read “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis? I just got it about a week ago. Awesome book. There was one particular chapter I read in it that made me think very much about some of the things you write about here. Of course, now that I’ve had a mind to mention it, I can’t recall what it was..I do remember that it was early on in the book. Regardless, its been a good read so far… Sorry… a bit off subject..
I have read portions of it, but I don’t believe I have ever read it in it’s entirety. It’s been on my to-read list for awhile. C.S. Lewis writes some awesome stuff. I’ll make sure to check it out.