What has made the farewell process of leaving Uganda so difficult both times I have departed is the fact that I have no idea when and if I will ever return. The journey to Africa is expensive and long, yet it is home to the people, places, foods, and experiences that I so dearly treasure.
For this trip’s last blog entry, I’ve decided to name the top 4 things that I will miss- and NOT miss- about the Pearl of Africa.
What I will NOT miss…
4. It seems that water, power, or gas run out at the most inconvenient of times. Right before getting onto the computer to watch a movie, power goes. When one is ready for a shower or set to do dishes, the tap is dry. And when one prepares for breakfast- chopping an array of vegetables, purchasing eggs from the store down from the driveway, and oiling the pan with an empty and vocal stomach- the gas for the spits out its last and final burst before going out.
3. As I have mentioned several times, I am terrified of the steep downhill routes that boda bodas and matatus follow. I have had frightening experiences even in the countryside of America, sailing downward at a speed in which my stomach drops. I think such experiences produced a new fear, as I don’t recall investing much thought into the transportation here on my last visit. Nonetheless, I welcome the flat and boring surface of the Midwest upon my return.
2. It’s risky to rely too heavily on the fact that the foods on a menu will indeed be available. When one orders “peas” or “pumpkin” or “sweet potatoes” it’s not uncommon to hear a faint “Uh-uh. Finished.” What a tease.
1.Uganda is dusty. I imagine my pores and lungs have had their fill of orange soot. When rain sprinkles to the ground, an incredible and unavoidable layer of muck coats the entire surface. People march around with an obvious pattern of speckled mud up the backs of their legs and across their shoes. I sometimes wonder about the actual color of my feet these days…I doubt they are really this dark and brown…
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What I will miss…
4. I love the colorful energy that pours out from African music and dance. Ugandans can groove with the best of them. I’m one who loves to dance [no matter how foolish I look] and can always find someone willing to sway and twirl around at any time and in any location. And the East African rap and worship music are my two favorite genres. Amazing.
3. There is something to be said for learning to communicate in someone else’s native language. I love learning Luganda phrases and words so that I can surprise people with my ability to properly respond or cleverly exchange slang with a harassing boda boda driver. I am encouraged when I can successfully hold a very basic conversation with a native Ugandan. I wish Luganda was spoken in Illinois so that I could practice…
2. Oh, the tasty Rolex is so unique to Uganda, made of chapatti wrapped around grilled egg and vegetables. It was the first meal I had when I arrived here- Sarah, Ivan, and Benon brought me one for when I stepped off the plane. They know me well. It was the last meal I had before Peter drove me to the airport.
1. I will miss my friends the most. I have met so many wonderful, beautiful spirited people through my Africa travels. Ugandan. Kenyan. Tanzanian. English. American. Canadian. I see GOD in them all and am blessed to have had the chance to form friendships with these people. They have changed my life. I hold them all close to my heart, and hope we will all meet again some day.
…And if not in this lifetime, it will be when we all sing Hosannas for our glorious LORD in HiS Kingdom.
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