A Long Time Coming

So, today's the big day.

It's finally time to admit to you all that, in fact, I am back in Wisconsin, and I that yes, I have spent the past two and a half weeks dreaming about my eventual return to Uganda.

Obviously, it's no secret that this post was a long time coming. I could blame the delay on any number of things--jet lag, a busy teaching schedule, maybe even the new dog I came home to; but the reality of it is, writing this last entry and sharing these final experiences with you felt like I was closing the door to something that I just wasn't ready to be finished with yet.

Truth be told, I'm still not really ready; but luckily over the past couple of weeks, I've come to recognize that while I'm no fascinating muzungu novelty here at home, I've certainly retained at least some of my adapted Africanness. I constantly find myself saying, "Well, when I was in Uganda..." or "We did such-and-such in Africa," and honestly, the connections are limitless. Luckily, though, the stories I've brought home and the growth that I've seen in myself and in my teaching are daily reminders that "that one time in Uganda" was the time of my life.

Now, I suppose you'll want to know how all of the goodbyes and welcome home's went, but first let me be clear; all of these heart-wrenching farewells were delivered with an understanding that in four years (maximum), Doreen will be getting married and we will all reunite to celebrate. (After all, we're Ugandan wedding experts now, right?)

Everything got just a little more beautiful in those last few days in Kasese. Everyday sights, suddenly became fascinating photo-ops. It seemed as though everything that we knew to be true was soon going to vanish, never to be seen again. And, in a way, I suppose it was, which is why I did my best to capture my temporary reality through a lens. 

And so, I think I'll let those photos do the talking now and tell the story of that final chapter in an unforgettable journey.

It's human nature to adjust, to transform, to familiarize. Existing here is no different from existing there. We learn. We live. We grow. No matter our surroundings. It's what you make of each day and how you choose to perceive those surroundings, that affects who you are and who you become.

Remembering back to my first moments in that inconceivably alien setting; how incredible it is now to recall such immense uncertainty, almost palpable fear, on that first drive between Entebbe and Kampala. I revel in the memory now with the understanding that with any truly life-changing experience, must first come a little hesitation and a LOT of speed bumps. :)

Until the next adventure...

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

-Winnie the Pooh