They sound the same
February 20, 2008
There is a local culinary delicacy here in Kenya called “ugali”. It is pronounced “u” (like the “oo” in moon), “gha”, “lee”; with the emphasis on “gha”. What pasta is to the Italians, what tamales are to the Latinos, what hamburgers are to Americans—ugali is to the Kenyans. Even the mention of its name brings a broad smile to their faces, a warm sensation to their hearts and excited anticipation to their stomach juices. I think it is very similar to the same effect the mention of Blue Bell Rocky Road ice cream has on me.Most of the Kenyans I meet insist that I must try ugali before I leave. Several of my friends have offered to have me over for lunch and make ugali for me. Each time I have carefully but graciously declined. That is, until this past Sunday, when over lunch, the host brought in rice and beans in separate big pots that had been warmed over the fire. And then greens in a simple open pan. And then she retrieved out of the depths of her kitchen a small covered dish with her prized offering to us—ugali. What could I do? I had to be a gracious guest. She dished out a small portion of what looked a little like overly thick grits on to my plate. And she mentioned that if I mixed the ugali with the greens it would be the height of my culinary experience while here in Kenya. My thought was to cover the ugali with salsa and cheese, and perhaps, it would taste like an enchilada. I felt like I had to oblige her. The first bite was quite unremarkable—very little taste except for the greens. I became more daring with the next few bites—ugali alone. I must admit, it tastes like a combination of mashed potatoes and grits. My confidence was surging—so I finished my portion, complimented my host and had a sense of connection with the deep roots of the Kenyan culture.
What happened about 30 minutes later is difficult to explain. In medical terms, I would probably describe it as acute gastric distension with a component of severe, unrelenting gastrointestinal spasms. In Texas slang, I was just sick as a dog. I felt like a nuclear explosion started in my lower esophagus and reverberated all the way down to my toes.
We kindly thanked our host and commenced with our 45-minute walk home—yes, I said 45 minutes! The spasms worsened, I began to perspire, and each step of the way, it seemed like the intestinal nuclear melt-down was worsening. By the grace of God, we made it to our cottage. My family quickly offered prayers for my survival, and I created a concoction of Pepto-Bismol, Tums, Alka-Seltzer and Phenergan (don’t try this without medical supervision) and proceeded to bed, where I lay perfectly still so I could keep my ugali inside rather than outside.
I’m now 24 hours past my first ugali experience and am a little more positive about it than I was lying in the bed yesterday. The only residual symptom I have is some heartburn after meals—compared to the intestinal nuclear disaster yesterday, I am not complaining. I have given ugali a new name—I now call it “Oh Golly!!” And needless to say, I will never let this local Kenyan delicacy ever touch my lips again.
From Africa with love,
Paul
P.S. Perhaps this distress had nothing to do with ugali, maybe it was the enchiladas and pizza I had the night before!!
Dr. Paul… just wanted you to know that we are praying for you and miss you dearly. Thank you for all that you are doing and giving up for the cause of Christ. Your impact on Allison and I has forever changed us. Can’t wait to see you on the field some day. Blessings and many thanks for all that you do… Chris Klimis
Sounds like a true experience!!! I love the story, now I know when I go to Kenya what not to eat. Haha. Awesome. Know that your family and u are missed, can’t wait to hear all about your experience.
Thoughts and prayers for your family safe jouney in Africa and on your return home!
Wow, my stomach has been through a lot, but it sounds like you win the trophy. The single word I took from your story was gracious. I imagine you have been the gracious Dr. Paul the entire time you have been there. An ambassador for Lakewood Church and His kingdom. I guess you would have to say your stomach “took one for the team”. You will have to treat it to some Blue Bell when you get home….until then however, allow me to have a bowl on your behalf. Glad you survived but I am imagining the look of honor on that woman’s face as she served you. Your stomach will live on, but her experience will last forever. Blessings to you and your family…we pray safety, blessing, mercy, and favor surround you all every minute of every day.
Ted Terry and family
Paul… you skinny guys always have these “stomach problems”. You must have neglected to cover that Ugali with a load of ketchup and chase it down with a coke. And if you would just combine that with a bunch of chili cheese fries and deep fried jalepenos then the Ugali would not have near the impact on you. It is just like a marathon… you have to train and build up your tolerance. I guess I will just have to get you into a full blown training program when you get back home.
All is well here. We miss you all and love reading your blogs every day. I know you are blessing so many people, but I have the feeling that the greatest blessing is happening in each of your hearts.
Please know that you are missed and loved. See you soon.
Duncan
Hi Paul, Am so touched by the great sacrifice you and your family are making for our country Kenya. We sure need it especially at this difficult time. We are praying day and night that things get better, because its the common man who is loosing and suffering.
I couldnt help laughing on this interesting Ugali dish saga,(better known to you as Oh Golly!)
Well, I am a kenyan brought up with Ugali as the staple food, believe me you, if we didnt have it for lunch or breakfast, then we sure had to have it for Super/Dinner. I want to make a lil elaboration on the UGALI, if u will allow me to. There are two types of corn flour for making ugali, the diffrence is the Grade. Grade 1, the corn is just glinded into flour, but Grade 2, the corns’ cover is removed,(When u hold a small piece of corn seed, there is the outer cover that shines) and then whats comes out after glinding the coverless seeds is fine flour compared to what is on grade 1. I personally cant survive on grade 1, its too strong although its the most healthy and nutritious coz it has the fibre.
I have a feeling that the Ugali you had that day was grade one. Was it shinny? If the food was hyginically made, then the greens must have been a lil hard on you. I wish i could have a chance of making you some soft Ugali before you go back to America, from the soft flour that only soft stomached people like u and me can survive on, and i make you wonderful accopanyment for the same, and i promise u, your intestines will not complain.
God bless you all, regards to your beautiful family.
This is all making me hungry for some grits! I have to agree with Duncan. You need a little extra padding to absorb the yummy food. We’ll help you with that when you get home!
Carolyn
Hey you guys!
I didn’t know that you all had a website and blog! I hope that you are doing well, it sounds like you are reaching a lot of people over there. I’m sorry to hear about your ugali experience Paul, I’m sure that was very unpleasant for you. Georgia, the last time we talked you were working on the wizard of Oz play, did that end up going well? Anyway, I’m so glad to be able to send you guys a message and catch up! Tell Olivia, Sophie, and Jackson that I say hi! I can’t wait to see you all again, I’ve been praying for you to have a safe and impactful trip, and I know that Matt has too!
Mandi Fisher
Being married to a Kenyan, I am very familiar with Ugali. A word of wisdom…try it again, but this time make certain that you chew it thoroughly before swallowing. :-) Be blessed.
Hello Paul, Jenn and children!! Miss you loads and pray for you as much!! Love the letters. It helps us all to have a sense of your daily life, dreams for the future and the preparation and passion that got you where you are today!!
Looking forward to seeing you soon and hearing more of what is happening in that part of the world!! Our love,Dean, Renee’ & Abigail
Dr, Paul
What an experience! This is just for the sake of latinos… The tamales you may know are from México, and they love them! We can’t think about a specific favorite food for latin people… We have so many delicious varieties in each country that is almost impossible to choose only one… maybe fruits…don’t know…Although we are in one accord in one thing … We love food! It is everywhere, everytime, everyplace…But thank you for including us in your letter. We got your intention to explain how important and special is the ugali in Kenya. We are glad that you are better now and kudos for you! You tried it! Thank you for share your experiences with tons of people! This one is very “tasty” :) We love you and continue praying for you all.
Thank you Paul and your team for taking the time to vist and minister to my people in Kenya. I live here in Houston member of lakewood church ,and I must say ,its soo like lakewood for you guys to take the time and be the feet and hands of Jesus .God bless you all mightly. As for the ugali i must agree with the others most likely it was the greens that made you seek. I have served ugali to Americans while in Kenya and here in the us and they love it. Sorry for the horrible expereince may be I can make you a beleiver, you are invited for ugali dinner in our home here in Houston when you get back let me know.
Dear Paul,
Sorry for what has happened. Probably your immune system was not strong enough due to overwork. Ugali is liked by people especially who live in western Kenya. I guess that Ugali was a special traditional one. My husband who is a Kenyan visited Japan (that’s where we met) long time ago and he was given ‘’Sushi’’ for dinner on first day. I was told if I have a chance to go to western side of this country I should try the traditional one which is so sticky…. and use different type of maize flour….. It may give us heartburn if one is not used to eat. Normal (?) Ugali is so delicious! I recommend Ugali with Nyama choma (Swahili word; meaning roast beef)!
from japanese who loves ugali
‘Pole’ (pronounced pol- e) Paul for the experience. Ugali is my delicacy. I would rather have ughali to boiled rice. We say it keeps the stomach full for ours whereas rice will disappear before the evening meal is served. Avoid the sukuma-wiki greens next time as they tend to be acidic to the stomach and can develop the nuclear ‘war’ you experienced in your tummy.
mbato
Dr. Paul !!
Go you for trying out the Kenyan version of southern grits !! I applaud your efforts and your post which is most amusing :) Every adventure can have its positives and challenges, right? hahah Come home safe !!
Melanie
Giddy Up Doc!!
Thanks for sharing. I’m in similar pain picturing your dilemma/laughing at the same time. Of course it’s only funny now that’s it’s somewhat over – and of course, happening to someone else :)
Keep up the good work – we miss you..
Hey Paul we miss seeing you and Jenn in class. Tina is almost due and thankfully over the a.m. sickness…although I better not mention your ugali story to her or else she might have a relapse! :) I am so very proud of the work you all are doing there.
p.s. I feel your “pain” bro because a similar thing happened to me on a mission trip to Mexico. Thank you Jesus for Imodium! LOL.
Your brother in Christ,
aaron
Dr. Paul. I feel your pain, I must I admit I was laughing so hard my stomach was hurting. I am praying for you and the family I know first hand what you guys are experiencing and the blessing you guys are delivering and receiving while you are there in Kenya. I read the book “Miracle at Tenwek” what a blessing to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Ernie Steury. I cannot wait to read more from you and the family. God Bless and see you guys soon!
Charisse
I have really enjoyed reading about this trip made by the family of Paul Osteen. My heart has been touched and I am sure the family’s was touched also.
God bless all of you. You are a gift from God.
Dr. Paul,
Thank you for the great work you are doing here in our beloved country, Kenya.
About our culinary delight- ‘Oh golly’- i must agree with Shiku about the grade of the corn you ate. I too cannot stand it but the older folk prefer that to the super refined ones the younger people prefer( that probably explains their good health).
Anyway being a chef at one of the local 5 star hotels i must ask you to try it in one of this establishments on their buffet menus- African buffet. Try it with nyama choma and ‘kachumbari’ a local vegetable salad.Or with chicken stew its fantastic. on its own its tasteless as it is never seasoned.
Hope you will like it next time.
God bless you and your entire family.
Dr. Paul and family, thank you very much for sharing your time, skills and love with my fellow countrymen especially at a time many would have left due to the unrest in the country. This shows a true calling to serving the kingdom by all missionaries living in Kenya.
I tried keeping up with your blogs, and this episode of oh golly is hillarious from your descripition. As some in the blog have commented, it is true, the sukumawiki (Kale) or whatever greens they served could have made you uncomfortable.
Let one of the Kenyan’s here in the US fix you some ugali and compare now that you know the remedy.
God bless you all.
Dr Paul,
What a coincidence that as I was reading the Ugali story I was enjoying my own ugali! I guess its funny now that the episode is over. I have to agree though with the other Kenyans, it must have been the greens rather than the ugali. We look forward to having you in church this Sunday and I’m hoping that in the coming weeks you will share with the church the wonderful things that the Lord has done back home. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus and for allowing the world into your life and your family’s life. Also thank you for giving such a positive account of our country. May you be richly blessed.