Blogging from Uganda was difficult, primarily because of the poor internet service. As those of you who read the blog this summer know, I wasn’t able to add much near the end of our trip. But I have decided to resurrect this site, and to use it as a place to share stories from St. Kizito throughout the year. We will keep you posted on events happening here and in Uganda, tell you about our students, and share some of our reflections as well. We hope it will be enjoyable to everyone.
I’d like to reflect a bit on how it feels to be home, six months later. First of all, I think these feelings are unique to each person, but I have also found that many people who have been to the east central region of Africa have similar “conversions.”
As I mentioned, I am definitely going back. Often. In fact, right now I have a very strong longing to be there. This is not to say that I want to move permanently to Uganda, or that I happily spend time away from my family and friends. But I truly miss Uganda, too. When I think about heading back there, I do not remember the long flights, the dirty red feet, the cold showers, or the roasted ants for dinner (which I was not brave enough to eat!) I remember the peace in being there, the simplicity, and most of all the people. For everything they do not have, there is love to make up for it. And for the record, even when I was there, I knew I would return. It is not simply a longing to see my friends there. Somehow, something gets into your soul – there is an unbreakable connection that forms once you’ve been there.
But the friends……
I do miss them so much. But the people we encounter in Uganda are unforgettable and
such a blessing. I have recently been in contact with Teddy, pictured here with Sr. Onesta at our St. Kizito gathering this summer. Teddy is a dear young woman, and has been one of our students. She wants to study the business side of medicine, and had applied for a program in Uganda. Unfortunately, she has no experience. In Uganda, Masters level studies often require that one has worked in the area already – so she was not accepted. Teddy was living on her own in Uganda and struggling to make ends meet, so she has returned to her family in Rwanda for the time being. She is still her joyful, loving self – she even writes emails in such a distinct way that I can almost hear her voice!
One of the most rewarding things about spending time in Uganda is that I now have real connections to the people there, and to their rhythms of life. We are able to share and communicate with each other and work together in a more real way. Today, I am feeling the excitement and tension as the students prepare for a new school year to start. Unlike American schools, their school year follows the calendar year. Monday, February 1st marks the first day of school for them, and preparations are well underway. Our students and parents have gathered to plan for the term and to pray for success in their studies. We hope that you will pray along with them!
