Hujambo rafiki!
That is a greeting in a foreign languge. You'd think that maybe it's a greeting in Arabic, but you'd be wrong. It's Swahili.
Why, do you ask, am I speaking Swahili? Well, it's because I am having more interaction with Ugandans than I am Iraqis at this point. There is a contractor here who provides facility security for most of the bases all around Iraq. They get most of their guard force from Uganda. Don't ask me why...they just do.
The Ugandans are a very professional lot, and they are very good at guarding the gates and checking IDs on the FOB. One of my predecessors in the 25th Inf. Div. used to exchange greetings with them as he'd come and go. I kind of like that, so I've picked up a few phrases so I can continue the exchange.
So when you next see me, be sure to ask, "Habari?" and I'll answer "Mizuri!"
You figure it out.
you might want to listen to Lionel Ritchie's All Night Long for some more Swahili phrases! Praying for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteJeff, you are pretty cool! We're home again - at least I am for a few days. Dad will going back to Lincoln tomorrow to be with Grandma at the dr. on Fri. Love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteDid you know I took Swahili for 2 years in college. Such a cool language (although I don't remember that much). Hope all is well. You are in our prayers. Lisa (Kyle and John)
ReplyDeleteKwa Heri!!