A Little Goes A Long Way

Did you know $25 can send a kid to school for THE WHOLE YEAR in Uganda?

Seriously...

Or did you know that just $30 can feed a child lunch EVERY DAY for the whole school year?

For real, $30. Whole year.

No donation is too small. Even $10 will help get the child school supplies, PLUS dinner for 3 days..

This holiday season I'm aiming to send money for at least 7 kids in Uganda.

But, I'll really need YOUR help to do so. What an incredible gift we could give to these families to start the New Year knowing the children are going to be able to continue in school toward a better future. That they'll have at least one meal a day guaranteed.

It doesn't take much to really make a BIG difference either.

Just knowing my friends and family have seen their picture means the world to them; imagine what you could by helping send them to school or feed them...

A more meaningful gift than another flannel PJ set...
If you'd like to make a donation in honor of someone as a gift, I'd love to send you a picture and stories of the child you've helped for you to pass on to the receiver.

Please consider this request. If you have any questions or are interested you can call or text (630-740-1231), email (hluboff@gmail.com), whatever. I'd LOVE to hear from you. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important, but you know how much these kids have changed my life and I know if you let them, they'll change yours.

Let's see what we can do when we work together..

Thanks for reading.

Webale. Merci. Asante. Thank You...

I've always found it nice to thank donors by name, but I know all the wonderful people who contributed to my project did not do so for that reason. Even still, it was important to me do create some sort of a “Donor Honor Roll” if you will. My time in Uganda, without a doubt, would not have been possible if it weren’t for the thoughtfulness, generosity and kindness of the people listed below. I included just below a short rundown of some of the highlights from where the donations went (aside from my rent & food!!). Below that I wanted to write a little message to each person because after all, it’s those special connections that motivate and keep the friendships going!

• 14 kids school fees for the entire year so they could remain at school without being chased away for not paying fees.

• 3 kids debts wiped clean from years past so they could continue attending school and not have to stay at home for their debt, plus 3 kids lunches paid for 2 terms.

• 15 school uniforms and 16 new pairs of school shoes so the kids can look and feel their best everyday.

• 55 notebooks for dozens of kids and 13 art books for budding artists to flex their creativity muscles…not to mention an infinite supply of markers, crayons, pens & pencils!

• Football clothes and shoes for 11 boys and 6 girls to continue striving toward their dream of becoming professional footballers. 1 mother and 2 boys a new start at life with a new house and 6 months rent paid in full, and a new job to begin to be able to support her family.

• 1 father a sugar cane plantation which he will begin to harvest in July in order to get money to feed his 3 boys and reunite them with their mother who has to live in the Congo until money is gathered for her bus ticket.

Because of what these donations did, there’s a new sense of hope in the kids and their parents. The kids are healthy and have a new outlook. They are working harder in school. They are running faster on the pitch. I'm humbled to think of how these kids have changed since we met them last August. The Youth Center, too, has become a more lively, fun, youth-friendly space, decorated with bright colors and is full of books and learning posters, games and educational toys.

There’s so many fantastic people in my life I owe thanks to for this past year, I’ve split it up: Chicago listed first, then NYC and old S-C pals and last, friends from all over the States.

Chicago…
Alesandir – What a trip it would have been if we got to do this together?! Thank you for being there, from the very, very beginning, and helping to push me on when things got tough. Sometimes it’s hard to remember I’m the older one. You’ve grown into an awesome friend and I’m so proud of you and excited for what lies ahead!
Behnke – Even though I know you thought this was a bit of a crazy idea, thank you for taking an interest and, of course, for your donation in supporting. Maybe I can swing a visit to Oz?
Coll – Though it’s been quite a year, knowing that had the support of friends like you back home made it more possible. You’ve always supported and believed in me and have been a great best friend through everything. Thank you for always being there.
Mr. & Mrs. Denecke – Thank you for donating to my work in Uganda. I am thankful that growing up I got the support from both of you, and that I still can today is a special thing.
Mr. & Mrs. Foertsch – I was glad to be able to see you at the going away party and am looking forward to a welcome back one in our backyards later in the summer! Thank you for donating.
Mr. & Mrs. Gats – I never got to thank you when the donation came in, but it meant a lot to hear from you. Thank you for supporting the work with the wonderful kids in Uganda!
Gioia – Thank you for the donation, even though I had to stare you down in Panera first…I’ll be seein you back in Chitown later this summer!
Mr. & Mrs. Jepson – I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me, both through your donations, but more especially the letters and cards you sent while I was here. Every one brought a smile to my face and brighten my day. They meant a lot to me, and I can’t wait to show you pictures once I get home!
Meg – You know more closely than anyone what someone can go through in being here, so your support and hopeful, honest words really meant the world to me. I love having you in my life and am endlessly blessed by our friendship. I can’t wait to be back in the same country as you…finally!
Min – Best friend a girl can have! Thanks for being my secret helper in the post office business. I love you sister.
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis – I’ve always been thankful for your presence and support in my life, and even now when I end up around the world, it is nice to feel that same encouragement. I will be happy to see you both once I get back!
Meggie & Kevin MacDonald – Thank you both for always being there for me. I’ve been getting updates on the girls and I can’t believe it’s been so long. I really do hope to be able to see everyone once I get back home. Thank you for being wonderful friends to our family.
Mr. & Mrs. O’Brien – It’s really been something that I can always count on your support. You have been so much like second parents to me and I feel so grateful for that. Thank you for donating to my work here and I look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you soon!
Mr. & Mrs. Parent – I know it helped my parents, especially my mom, that you supported my work here and especially in knowing that Mr. Parent had been here before (and made it out to tell the story!). Thank you for being good friends to our family and helping them adjust to this crazy idea.
Amy Poepp – What a good surprise I got when I heard I received a donation from you – that really made me feel confident and encouraged. Thank you for your kind messages, too!
Mrs. Schmidt – I’m so happy you we got connected and feel so grateful for your support and interest in this project. I will see you very soon!
Jill Sperling – I’m not sure where to begin – Your donation made such a great impact on me and this program that words just don’t seem enough. I have though about you and Bruce, too, so often in being here. It’s inspired me to know what is in your heart, Jill. There are two boys in particular that I can’t wait to share with you! Be seein you this summer…
Steph & Mark – Skeebses. You donation for the children’s school fees brought so much happiness to me the day I got the notice. You are a great friends, I love you! Oh and thanks for having your wedding before my departure to Uganda… Congrats on the upcoming anniversary!
Mr. & Mrs. Stith – I want to thank you for the support you’ve always given to me, unconditionally. I look forward to sharing pictures of these great kids with you once I return!
Sveen – Girl we are days away from gmailing to our hearts content. Still remembering you were IN AFRICA at the same time as moi, but understanding how crazy and hectic it is…One day we will come back here together, I’m feelin that trip.


NYC…
Amarals – Thanks not only for your donation, but for the support while I was in Uganda. It was hard but it’s been nice to be back home. I’m bringing lots of coffee back Cheryl so we’ll get to enjoy it black…by ourselves!
Beckles - Thank you girl for comin through at the 11th hour. It was so needed and it brightened my day. Hope the Hamptons are goin so well, I will be out soon for a visit!!
Bosto – You have always been such a supportive friend, no matter what we are doing and I surely need to take the time to just tell you that! Once I get back, there’s no excuses, we are making time to go out again!
Catie – Honorable mention! Thank you for being such an incredible friend, from the birthday outing to the paper chain, you made being away a little better because I knew things would be ok!
Chee & Ra- Thank you guys so much for the package. It was perfectly timed for a rainy day when I was stuck at home with some kids and the skittles made everything better :) I cannot wait to see you two again; I've really really missed you both!!!
Christoph – You know I am going to ask if I can get put into every one of your classes this summer…right?! Hope you are so well and thank you for supporting me in this. I appreciate it so much. More game nights this summer, ok!
Evan Ladensack – Your donation was one of my first and it meant a lot to hear back from you so quickly. It’s very kind of you. Hope BKs rockin.
Fe – Thank you doesn’t cover it. You know what this has meant to me and your support meant so much. Finally time is workin out!!
Fox – Cheerio ol chap. Thanks for the awesome donation, I wish you were still in NYC! Thank you too for always being there, your friendship is a great one! I’ll be counting down to Summer 2012!
Jaymie – Thanks for your support from the beginning with helping me scour NYC for donations and for making one yourself, too. Countin the days to meeting Lexi, but most importantly seeing you, Natter too!
Jen – I’ve missed seeing your bundled up face on skype! Thanks for giving to my project…lookin forward to many, many bbq’s this summer with you!
Jill & Rosette – Thank you for the donations, both times, they were so awesome. Missin both your smiles and great laughs. You’ve been good friends and it means a lot.. It’s going to be a great summer that’s for sure!!
Kelsey – Thank you for supporting me here, knowing a bit about what it’s like here I’m sure you can relate! Should you and Grant find yourself in a situation where you need support, you can be sure I will be there, too!
Marina & Brian – Thank you both for responding to the birthday ask, and for always having such kind, positive words to say about this experience, especially through the photos. Hoping to see you shortly after I get back…I’ll come up to the Wick so I can see the new studio!
Mike & Katie – Both of your friendships has been such a blessing on me. I feel so lucky to have gotten to know you and can’t wait to be together again starting so soon! Katie, your package brighten my day more than I can tell you. Thank you both, again, for your donations to my work. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Nikki & Evan – Although I want to say thank you for your donations to my work here, I’ve just got October on my mind! But your kind words and support while I’ve been here has meant a lot to me. I miss you both and can’t wait til fall!
Stina – Well I know you could “never see me” here and to be honest there were definitely days I doubted it myself, too, but with a little confidence and a lot of support you know anythings possible!! I’m so excited to get to see you on stage once I get back, too!
Windsor – Commuter to NYC that is. Sissy, I’ll be seeing you soon. Thank you for the awesome donation, my African family is going to be thrilled to receive it and now we can start saving to go see them when they get to the U.S. They will teach you to bootydrop!

The S-C gals
Ann – Your comments on my pictures and blogs has really inspired me to keep writing and snapping! I love that kind of support and it really is a great motivation. Thanks, too, for rallying the S-C troops for the communal donation. So excited to hear more about the new work you’ve been doing.
Dylan – I miss coming by your office for a much needed laugh during some stressful days – I could have used your humor around here! Thanks for your support…I’ll be by soon enough for some lunch!
Mallo – Your camera kept me goin the 2nd time around, you know that! I’m lookin so forward to seeing you in the next couple weeks and planning it all out…Thanks for supporting my work here Mallo bar.
Marnie – Your support and encouragement from the very beginning of this whole journey really helped to shape it. Hearing about your time over here helped me focus on what I wanted; while I was here, advice on how to keep going through it all has really stuck with me! Can’t wait to learn about more crazy similarities of this place!
Milena – My walking buddy! And fantastic accessorizer! Have I got something special for you! Thank you, Milena, for being on my side, helping to convince me things were right when my mind started to wander. Your support and undeniably good advice has always meant so much to me, so thank you!
Namyi – I miss you! This past year just wasn’t the same without having you there every day…it took some adjusting at first! I’m so happy to hear about everything happening with your family right now and can’t wait to hear more..in person this time! Thank you for being there for me, no matter what!
Nancy – Well, I can’t wait to hear more about all these life changes! I hope SF is treating you two well! Can’t wait to see some pics, and hear more about the lil one. Thank you Nancy, too, for being there cheering me on from day one. Hearing about all you have seen and done really was a big push. I wish you and Paul could have made the visit but seems like there’s enough going on right now! Congrats!
Nic – What a year it’s been for us both. This summer will be a great time of reunion & catching up, that much I know. I’ve missed being able to see you everyday but am so happy to have the next couple months. And you know I will be down in NOLA the first chance I get once you are back. Miss you sister.
Sarina – I was so surprised (in the best way!) but your generous donation when I first got it. I wish that we got to spend more time together but I hope you are doing well. I hope you’ve been able to read this blog – I do remember all your encouragement when I was beginning to write this!
Stella – Thank you again for your kind words throughout my time here; it meant a lot every time I got to hear from you! I'll be by soon to see you!
Susan Haddow– I am still feeling upset that I never got to say goodbye to you before I left, but I will be sure to stop by and see you first thing once I get back to town. You have always been an inspiration to me and I have always valued your advice. I want to thank you not just for your donation but more importantly for being someone I can look up to in this field of work!


And all over…
Mrs. Bartholomew – You’re missed around Hope but your spirit is definitely felt, and with donation I’m thankful to your supportive spirit, once again.
B Bomber – B! I’m really thankful for your unconditional support no matter where we find ourselves in this world. It’s something that’s taken us from London and back but also that no matter where we are, I know we’ll be friends.
Carly – Thanks for responding to this from the beginning, you’re a good friend though it’s been too long since the last reunion. Lookin forward to the summer one and then of course another wedding!
Darren – It was really wonderful to have you here as our first visitor to the program. You are doing some incredible work and we were happy to share together. Good luck and thank you for giving to our project in more ways than one!
Glen & Jaclyn – “Thank you” doesn’t even seem adequate. The two of you truly embody the words generous and thoughtful. Your donation came at the perfect time in the program and served as a much needed boost to the work here. I feel so thankful for your amazing kindness.
Harry – Thank you for your donation to my project here; you were the first one to donate – how’s that sound? thank you thank you, Cyz
Mark & Marvelle – Your generosity towards my work has been such a blessing. Both your donations helped improve lives for many kids. Thank you for your support, from when I was a kid...and now when I’m working with them!
Pastor Nancy – I’m really glad we were able to connect on this project and so happy to have gotten a donation from you. It was generous of you and too, your thoughtful comments on my pictures were so nice to read!
Staci – You too were one of the first people to respond and how fitting since I’ve probably known you the longest! I’m so happy we can still stay connected these days and will look forward to another NYC visit of yours in the future, it’s also time for me to come out to CA. Thanks girl for your unconditional support.

I actually had one anonymous donor – so if the mystery donor is out there reading this…THANK YOU!!

And lastly, my Parents – thank you doesn’t seem to even cover the half of my gratefulness to you. It’s without a doubt because of your support, both financially and emotionally, that this was possible. As hard as it was, I am forever grateful that you didn’t let whatever reservations you had stop me, but also that you helped me get through everything from day 1. You let me try this adventure but it’s because of your generosity and kindness that I wanted to do something like this in the first place. I love you so much.

Lightbulbs

I didn’t plan to write a sweeping blog on Life Lessons I Picked Up in Uganda but certain questions have been on my mind as I finish up here: How has this past year affected me? In what ways has it changed me? What will I take away from this experience? And simply, was it worth it?

One thing that was reinforced right from the beginning was that I was going to need to keep as open a mind as I could; knowing that my initial goals may not match what the community had in mind. The goals I set would be changed and that I would need to compromise based on what the community wanted and where their understanding was of their own situation. One such goal I had was establishing a consistent, weekly girl’s football program. When things began last year, this proved to be a bit more difficult than I anticipated. In Uganda, girls typically are the ones with the most chores around the house; cooking, cleaning and even acting as the ‘caretaker’ for their younger siblings. Many girls were not allowed to attend our after school activities and Saturday attendance at football trainings was slow going in the beginning. However, as we got to know these girls we saw their desire. We learned about their duties at home and tried to work together to find a good solution that would both allow them to attend our programs and to fulfill their responsibilities at home. We got to visit some of the girls and their families/guardians. And fortunately in doing this, we got quite a good boost to our girls program, doubling the number from where we started! We see many of the girls every week and I can leave knowing there is indeed a girls football team for SWB Ndejje. However, I do wish I got to spend more time with some of the girls and really talk with them about their life and the issues they face. They are an incredible group of young women and carry an enormous load. I’m excited to see where their futures take them; I know they all have the potential to do some incredible things and it’s evident most of them just need a little support…

As with creating a consistent girls program, another goal we had was to establish an after-school program for the community. This has been, and still is, our most difficult goal to achieve. Initially we met so many challenges because the idea of an “after-school” program was so foreign to the community. Parents can see the benefit in math, science and literature but it’s a lot harder to get them to see the benefit in physical activity, art and especially puzzles. To parents who struggle to gather school fees, the idea of an after school program seemed like just a time for games and frivolous activities; time the children could better spend doing something more productive. Although we saw value in our ideas, I learned quickly that our idea of ‘change’ wouldn’t be supported unless we got this community behind us. Just because a community looks in need to an outsider, doesn’t mean they’ll welcome any idea with open arms…

I do have to say that Adam, Courtney and I made encouraging strides towards our goal of an after school program. We reached out to other schools to show them our intentions and fortunately have retained quite a bit of those kids. Starting 2^nd term last week, we had established (what we hope is!) an agreeable schedule going forward. Unfortunately, most of these achievements came largely on our own. The few people we thought were on “our side” in this community or otherwise weren’t there to support or work with us when it came down to it. It showed us that although someone may appear to be working with you, s/he may be acting as so with ulterior motives, or even just to appease another. It was interesting to focus on people’s intentions and to discover the interpretation of their own (often perceived) authority. Though we recognized early on the need to compromise and meet the community where they were and take into account their goals, it became more evident that as the “outsiders” we were doing all the compromising and as a program, we were in trouble. Some things, though, aren’t worth fighting for so long as value isn’t lost or the ones intended to benefit aren’t left vulnerable. Yet, it can be all to easy to confuse compromise with being an easy target, outsider or not. In this type of work where a locally sustained program is the goal, it is essential to find ways to work together, not just stringing a continuous line of one-sided compromises together.

To that point, another tough lesson to swallow was learning how easy it is to be taken advantage of. The “give a mouse a cookie” saying comes to mind. Often times, it was difficult to do a small favor or nice gesture for someone because they’d expect something more, something bigger. Part of me feels a bit guilty for pointing that out considering the circumstances in which most of the people we encountered live, but I learned just wanting to “do good” won’t always matter, nor will simply putting money at the situation. If your heart isn’t in the work, people will be able to tell. No one wants to be felt sorry for or be made to feel helpless. Possibly that’s one reason why some continually hold out a cupped hand – if someone is made to feel less than they really are, would it be difficult to feel bad about taking advantage of another? As a worker, if your heart isn’t in this for the right reasons, it would be hard to teach others how to become sufficient and how to actually begin to make money him/herself rather than relying on someone else. You'll end up reaching into your own pocket, everytime.

On a personal level, I learned how really to be flexible and adapt to a new situation. I’ve always felt I am pretty open in this regard but coming to Uganda tested that in me, oh boy did it ever. In the beginning, there were times when I wanted to come home. Deep down I knew that wasn’t an option but still tried to convince myself otherwise. I learned that negativity spreads all too fast and can be hard to block out but it can be conquered just as easily with a dose of positive energy (Enter my amazing support system back home!!!). Looking for positives everyday and trying to make a new place feel like a home made adjusting go more smoothly. I really do feel like I’ve settled in here. I remember asking the question to myself last August if Ndejje would ever seem like home – maybe in retrospect it’s easier to say now, but I do feel at home. I know how to get along and feel comfortable. I have my favorite places to go and friends to see.

This year has opened my eyes to a whole other side of the work I want to do. It’s shown me the ground level. I’ve gotten to see how the kind of work I do in the US translates to a small village in Africa. I learned working with kids in vulnerable situations or with complicated backgrounds is what I’m meant to do. It’s where I where I most enjoy the work and where I find myself most effective. Though I’m not quite cut out to be a teacher or in a classroom setting (it’s a lot more stressful than I imagined!), I want to work with kids on their level. I want to build genuine relationships with them and get to know their families and their stories. I want to be able to help them fight for a better life because I know it’s possible for anyone, no matter what.

Though Uganda has claimed two cameras, an iPod, 5 pairs of sandals (4 left ones…see a pattern?!), a pair of running shoes and [some days] my sanity, I’ve learned more about myself, the world and what I want from it than I ever imagined. I’m proud of the work we did over the past 10 months and feel more confident in the path I’ve chosen to pursue. Material possessions are replaceable. The memories I made here and the relationships I built will grow forever. I look forward to coming back here one day.

Without a doubt I can say this year was worth it. As hectic and scary and exciting and intimidating as this year was, I feel confident in saying every interaction we had, challenge we faced and lightbulb that went off made this year worth it.

The Countdown is ON...

One week from today,

aka IN 7 DAYS

I leave Uganda. ……………….

What?!

When I got here last August, June seemed too far away to think about. I remember thinking, “If I just focus on December…” I’d figure the rest out after that. Third term started in September and things were easier; I had the kids to hang out with and get to know, lesson plans to make and football trainings to plan. October claimed 2 cameras, a phone, my license and my Halloween spirit. November came and went with my birthday and Thanksgiving whizzing by, though it did have some shopping trips with kids in there. And finally December came, though it took some momentum in the beginning, it arrived before I knew it! Fortunately, December and January brought me two of my best experiences of the past year: Kenya and a dose of West African life with a month in Ghana.

After nearly 5 weeks away, coming back to Ndejje took some readjusting…again…but we dove right back into work and I was already beginning to feel anxious, in January!, about leaving in June. I knew the next 4+ months would fly by. February, although packed with election craziness and a 2-week quarantine to Ndejje, dropped off the calendar. March began with a new start for 2 of my little friends and their mother and then I found myself on safari. We also had some complications with our program but sorted those out just in time for the holiday beginning mid-April. The 5-week break flew by with some of the best days I’ve had here. It brought new volunteers Alison and Ethan but took Adam from us. And with that, we are closing out yet another month which is completely, totally blowing my mind.

Over the past 10 months, there’ve been certain parts of life in America that I’ve daydreamed about or wished for and lately I’ve been reflecting on those parts of African life that I’ve come to appreciate and will definitely miss…

Being clean: clean feet, clean clothes, clean shoes, clean floors, did I mention clean feet? The dusty roads swirl up in through our windows and cover our belongings with a nice brown frosting. The red mud cakes to our toes, sandals and shoes. One thing I’ve realized is the greatness of a shower. It sounds weird, but it’s such an everyday part of life in America that I never really give it a second thought. Though that clean feeling only lasts here until I step out of the bathroom, it’s still pretty magical. I’d say that I hardly notice the cold showers anymore but that’d just be a lie…

On my cleanliness kick, something I never thought I’d admit but I am very much looking forward to is having a washing machine again… Even though laundry still ranks on my list of Least Favorite Activities, hand-washing my clothes (not to mention bed sheets & bath towels!) TOPS that list, so to the Laundromat I’ll be happy to go!

Another thing I never thought I’d admit was I might have actually missed winter this year. Most definitely, I missed having a change in seasons. Rainy season to dry season and back again didn’t really do it for me, especially since we’re currently feeling drought that’s hitting the region. The sun here is wickedly strong and it feels like it’s frying your skin like an egg. Naturally, I return right at the beginning of summer in the States but once this seemingly never-ending summer actually does end, I will welcome fall, and maybe even winter, with open arms!

There’s a certain politeness threshold we’ve come to appreciate about people in the United States: that line that [most] people don’t cross because it’s just plain rude to do so. Society generally frowns on certain questions, staring too long and obviously or voicing certain comments. In my time in Uganda it seems that threshold is virtually non-existent. We’ve heard some pretty crude things, ugly things and most of the time, they don’t even make sense. The way we’ve been talked to by some adults here is outrageous, but we’ve come to see it as the norm; overly blunt and in your face. I’ve most enjoyed the “I love you me!” or “My size! My size! You are my size!” cat-calls from the disgusting boda-boda drivers…

Similarly, I will actually be happy to be anonymous again, or at least to be the one doing the people watching, rather than the opposite. Of course I knew in coming to a small village in Africa I’d be giving up (some of?) my anonymity, but there were days where I felt so lonely and sad and alienated because of the lack of privacy. It was certainly unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. But today I don’t really take notice of those blank stares and as I walk around, I hear the “mzungu” calls but I’ve learned to tune them out.

Though, you can imagine not every person we know here stares long and harsh and not every person shouts out insane comments. There’s Moses, the quiet chapatti guy at the bottom of my hill who has a great smile and perfect posture. There’s fashionable Claire who always invites me to watch Desperate Housewives with her whenever I come to her shop. There’s jolly Jennifer who cracks up hysterically everytime we come to buy fruit and veggies. There’s the chips-and-chicken selling Ruth who is so happy to greet us when we walk by and even more delighted with our attempts at speaking Luganda with her. There’s White Sox supporter Moses who makes my day that much better by having ice at his shop…can you believe he’s even thrown in some FREE snacks before?! What’s more…there’s even are some truly nice boda-boda drivers like Stephen, Steve and Ronald who will happily give me a fair price and a safe ride, something I’ve come to truly appreciate.

While on my boda-boda obsession, another thing I’ll miss getting to be outdoors as much as we do. We get to watch the sunset over beautiful hills every night. It’s even just the simple things like running through the rain with the kids or sitting outside all day drawing, doing puzzles or playing mancala that are so peaceful and wonderful to me. Though I already mentioned my desire for squeaky clean feet, some days it does just feel good to be dirty, worn out and completely exhausted. That’s how I know I really gave myself to whatever project we were working on or whatever I was doing with the kids. I’ve also really been able to reflect on what was happening in my life. I’ve been able to sit back and see what I truly wanted and what was important. It’s all too easy for that time to slip by without notice back home, but the time for insight and reflection has been such a positive here. I’ve been able to recognize what it takes to live simply. Much of that I hope to bring back home with me and remind myself there’s no need for all that excess…queue NYC skyline, ahem!

And, I couldn’t forget to mention the cheap food! Where else will I get a pineapple the size of my head for .70cents? Or an avocado for .30? Kikomando isn’t in the U.S. (yet?!) but I will miss that delicious dinner, certainly at the price of .35cents. The delightful bananas are unlike any I’ve had at home, and speaking of rarities back in the States, you know I have to shout out to the senene I’ve fallen so in food-lust with: the grasshoppers!! I will be making a pit-stop on the way home from the airport for some iced coffee. If you know me, you know I love the stuff but you can’t imagine the hassles and craziness I’ve encountered just trying to get a few little ice cubes in my coffee. To the horror of just about every barista in Uganda/Kenya/Ghana I like plain ol’ black coffee, no milk, no sugar and certainly not whipped or with cinnamon or ice cream! (That barista was German, but from Spain, and had been living in Africa for years…need I go on?). Rwandans though did get it right and didn’t sneer! Delicious coffee, too.

Then there’s of course the soccer obsession that has swept every house in every town and village. After asking your name, you can be sure to hear “Which club do you support?” It’s The Sport of this continent and it has been nice to be around so many supporters of the game I love. At home I’d be hard-pressed to find people crowded around TVs or bars packed because of an EPL game, but this past World Cup did give me some hope for the future of soccer in the US. That said, I’m daydreaming about bleacher seats at baseball games this summer and still hoping to finally make it to my first NFL game in the fall… Still, soccer will always be #1!

One of the last things that I will miss is actually all that utter whackiness and complete bizarr-o-ness of truly living in Africa. All those TIA moments. Every contradiction we had to discover and figure out again and again. Like why people are so focused on cleanliness, so much as to sweep the dirt path outside their house (picturing my grandpa sweeping our curb under our mailbox when I was little), yet they will throw trash anywhere they feel like. Or simply, why is Celion Dion the Western singer of choice? I learned I could never predict what was around the corner, yet somehow I always knew. I guess I have settled in here more than I’ll know until I’ve returned back to the States…

I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun!

Though this week is my last, it’s bittersweet. It will be fun, for sure, but I have to say goodbye to these kids in 7 days and it’s a crushing weight on my heart right now. I’m of course excited to be returning home but I have no idea how to express that on top of processing the other emotions tied to leaving the kids. Saying goodbye is this band-aid that’s been stuck on since returning from Christmas break in January and I’m dreading ripping it off. I’m trying not to think about it, but all the kids know the countdown is on and I can see it on their faces. Everyday they come over afterschool I feel it. I’m going to need some serious strength to keep it together when saying goodbye to these fantastic, beautiful children I’ve absolutely come to love!!

My African Family

Sometimes you meet someone and it feels like you’ve known that person forever, or maybe it feels like you were meant to become friends. You may meet someone and instantly know there’s something special about them. You know you’ve met a life-long friend, whatever it is. I’ve had the incredible fortune to have gotten this chance with not just one person, but a whole family. And not only are they each unique and beautiful in their own way, this incredible group of people has helped me get through one heck of a year.

It started when I met 12-year old Julien last August...

I knew he was a special kid. Actually, he didn’t so much seem like a kid; more like a friend. A really short friend. His mind is active and he’s always asking questions, searching for new knowledge. An excellent student; he’s even the “Head Boy” at school. He loves to dance and looks to The King for new moves (they even share the “MJ” initials…coincidence, I think not…). Julien is one of the most kind and thoughtful people with whom I’ve worked this year, and not just among the kids either. Although he’s friends with everyone at school, he’d prefer his close group of boys to a big rambunctious crowd. With his kind heart and polite manners, it’s hard sometimes to remember he is just a 12-year old from the Congo…

A week into school last year, I started to see some familiar faces around the school yard or Youth Center. They had the same bright eyes as Julien, same beautiful smiles and sweet, infectious laughs. Because family members don’t have the same last names here, I wasn’t sure who was related to whom. But there sure were a lot of them; 6 to be exact (I was still new to Africa at that point and couldn’t quite imagine a family with 7 kids…)! Was I dreaming? And why were all these kids so stunning?! So the story goes, they were all siblings, plus there were 3 older sisters away at boarding school! With Mama and Papa, that makes 12: welcome my adoptive African family.

Thirteen-year old Julie has a ‘tude rarely seen in girls her age, or more to the point – an African woman! The most suiting word I can come up with for Julie is “fierce”. She is one of the better footballers on our girls team and she doesn’t back down to the boys. She’ll even ask to join their practice – my kinda girl! Playing to her more girly side, she knows all the songs to “High School Musical” even if she blushes when you ask her. She’s a good older sister and is always looking out for her younger siblings. In typical African woman fashion, she is an excellent cook and has even been able to teach yours truly a thing or two…! But “housewife” doesn’t seem to be in her future plans; she wants to be a bank manager and will “maybe” have some kids!

Neza, 10, is right in the middle of this happy clan. She’s definitely the most reserved of her family. Whenever I catch her eye in the classroom or at the Center, she’ll giggle and turn away – never fails! She’s at the head of her group of girlfriends that seem to quietly run their 5^th grade class. Maybe she’s just the mysterious mastermind of the group! Though not destined for the African mafia (is there such a thing?!), Neza has dreams of becoming a nurse and I think with her quiet smile, warm eyes and incredible patience, she would make a great one.

Yvonne & Yvette are one of two sets of twins in this family and these 7-year old girls couldn’t be more different from each other. Yvonne is bubbly, smiley and endless active. Her mother calls her “stubborn” because she’s usually running around outside getting into who-knows-what. I call her “curious”. Yvonne will always run up and give me a hug when I see her, her smile covering half her face. It’s amazing and makes everyday brighter. She is following in her sister Julie’s footsteps with football; when we went to town to buy shoes, she was insistent on cleats – though at that point I’d never seen her at one training! Even so, I have trouble saying no to these kids (surprise?!) and we walked away with the cleats. Well, 7 months later, she’s been running around at every practice since our shopping trip, getting right in there with the boys and fighting for the ball. Whenever she falls down, she’ll always look over at me with that huge smile just so I know she’s ok.

Yvette, although out on the pitch scrambling for the ball right along with her sister, has a much more mysterious sense about her. It often seems like she’s up to something Top Secret that no one can know ANYthing about. She isn’t afraid to do anything and without saying much, she will take on whatever is given to her. I admire that about her. I’ll never forget on my birthday she came over, ran to me in her party dress with a big smile on – that was the best birthday present I could have got! I guess unlike her sister, she saves her smile for special occasions…or my tickle attacks! She’s a bit of a tomboy, friends with mostly boys. Already Yvette’s the object of many boys’ affections – and it’s only 3^rd grade! She’s going to grow up to be a heart-breaker, I know it!

The other sets are twins are boys – Willy and John, 5. I swear, these two are so hilarious together they could star in their own T.V. show. Often I have no idea what they are saying to each other since my Swahili just isn’t up to par, but their tone alone cracks me up. Willy will put on a husky, old man voice when he wants to order John around. Johnny, rather like Yvette, usually just raises an eyebrow and glances over in his brother’s direction and shrugs off the comment. Willy, like Yvonne, is a big teddy bear and is always giving hugs to his friends. And just like the rest of their siblings, these boys both have some of the most incredible smiles I’ve ever seen. Getting John to flash a smile is always a fun game I like to play…

John

Willy

Last among the siblings are Blandine, Daphine and Gisele, 17, 16, 15 respectively. I have not gotten the chance to know these girls as intimately as I have their brothers, sisters or parents, but I have had the sporadic holiday breaks that they are home to share time together. Daphine lived on the border of Kenya and Uganda with her father for the past 7 months where she took care of the house. Blandine and Gisele spend most of the year at boarding school a couple of hours away and, from their reports they so happily tore out of their backpacks to show me, seem like wonderful students. Just like many teenage girls, they are very into hair & nail products. I’ve had my share of [attempted] hair braiding and I’ll just say white girls shouldn’t ever have their whole head braided…

With Gisele & Daphine

The heads of this lively, beautiful, happy family are Jacqueline and Augustine (though I would certainly say Jacqueline is the one calling the shots!). The couple is officially married, which might seem like an odd fact to point out, but from what I’ve learned marriages often might not be. The two attend church together every Saturday (they are Jehovah’s Witness) and walk hand in hand, not with the woman trailing a few feet behind as I’ve seen many Ugandan couples do. I think it’s something to point out that every single one of these 10 children are from the same mother and same father – that is definitely something unique, even in America! It’s because of Jacqueline’s sunny outlook and Augustine’s laid back style that this family is so welcoming, kind and smart. Jacqueline has done work with a women’s shelter in Kampala and is also known as The Best Seamstress Ever. Augustine is an engineer, and even Julien wants to take after his father’s trade; Julien, however, wants to design planes so his best friend can fly them – Augustine contracts houses and buildings. When I first met Jacqueline, she knew a decent amount of English but began taking classes about 5 months ago and has improved immensely. She has been working so hard and I’m very proud of her. She’s made me some pretty slammin African wear so watch out for those this summer & beyond…

It’s easy to love the people of this family as individuals, but the way in which they show love to each other makes me love them even more. It’s so easy to see they are happy to be together. The kids respect their parents, but do not fear them. The parents don’t treat the kids like servants, as unfortunately other adults here do. They laugh together; they cry and share burdens together. They really do embody what a family should be. They’ve made me feel more welcome than any other family and helped ease my hard days. They know they can rely on me and I know I can rely on them – that’s what family is for, says Jacqueline, who calls me her “dogther” – she’s even began referring to Julien as “your son”!

Sometimes (or at least for the past 9 months, ahem!) there are certain people you have to share with others in your life and finally I’ve been able to sit down and write just a little bit about my family away from my family. I’ve tried and tried before; I wanted the post to express everything I know and love about these people but I realize that can never be captured with just words. And as I sit here, finally writing this blog, I can share the news that this family is coming to America! Their application was approved. Earlier this month, the family began the medical exams & security clearances. They are flying through the process – orientation is the last step and they begin on June 10. We don’t yet know where they will be resettled but they find out at the end of orientation. If things keep on the same track, according to Homeland Security they could be in the States before school starts in the fall….I nearly fell out of my chair with excitement when Augustine and Jacqueline told me last night. A couple months ago Julien had mentioned something, but I wasn’t sure just how much of it was real…turns out, he’s proven me wrong..once again! A true son indeed..

Although leaving Uganda in 2 [SHORT!] weeks will likely be one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, there’ll be 12 less goodbyes I will be dreading. I feel beyond happy that I’ll be able to see my African family again…