Mid morning people stop for a tea break in Uganda. Picture yourself in a small café, sitting at a little wooden table near the window. Watching the traffic flow by, the smell from the roses rolls over you. Hearing snippets of conversations happening nearby, you take a sip of your drink, relaxing as you enjoy the morning. As you set your cup down the waitress comes by and asks, “How is everything? Are you doing ok? Do you want an escort?”
Do you want an escort?
Some of you are thinking, yes that would be great, thank you. Others of you spit your drink onto the table.
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In the United States an escort is someone who offers companionship or sex for money.
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In Uganda an escort is a snack you have with tea or coffee; like a scone or a samosa.
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What does it mean where you live?
This scene actually happened to a young woman here. She was the waitress and an American missionary took his midday break at her restaurant almost daily. One day as he sat quietly drinking his tea she asked him if he wanted an escort? He got very uncomfortable and left. She asked her American friend that evening why the man acted so funny. After their laughter died down they agreed it should be explained to the man. The next day when he came in for his midday tea, they enjoyed a laugh together as she explained what an escort means in Uganda.
The English language is hard, ask anyone who is not a native speaker. Just think of the differences between Australian English, British English, United States English, or Ugandan English. Let’s not even talk about slang. I am amazed at how well people communicate with all of our differences. Sure there are failures, some not ending as well as this one, but there are successes too. I am thankful people have grace with each other, grace with me, as we (I) learn English again.
