Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter Sunday

Hello Everyone,

I hope this finds you all well and spending time with your friends and family. I am very pleased to say that I got on a bus and made it home last night to be with my Ugandan family for Easter today. Its the first time in three years that I will have Easter dinner with a family. The bus broke down, and I had to get on a different one halfway here, and had to sleep in the extra room because Mike locked me out.........but it was definitetly worth it.

I walked the kids to church this morning for the last time (well this trip anyway), and then after the service we went to Acholi Inn for some fun. They really had a good time in the pool, and of course having some treats. While at church, I looked around and realized how comfortable I was being one of only a few other muzungus there. Next week I will be looking out from the drum cage and gaze across of see of .........well...........not so much color ;). Hard to believe how three months can make such a difference.

I am in many ways ready to come home, but in others would love to stay. Like Julie said in a previous comment.......it will be hard now that my heart is in two places. I look forward to future trips to here, and other places around the globe. I think Julie was right when she said it just allows the heart to grow. I'm always up for that. I love loving people. I love helping people. I don't think that will change wherever I go.

Our neighboring mama has always been such a sweet old woman who always says hello whenever we walk by. She doesn't speak any english, and my acholi is weak at best, but we always seem to manage to understand each other in our passing conversations. She lives alone, but has a young family renting a hut adjacent to hers on her compound. She also has a daughter, but she isn't around much. I have for over a month, been thinking that I wanted to buy her a rooster for Easter. Being in Kampala, I didn't think I was going to be able to, so I asked mama Val to pick one up for me. She did and when she delivered in on friday, it almost brought her to tears. The mama said that she didn't know how or what she was going to cook for Easter dinner, and didn't know if her daughter would be able to bring anything either. She said that I was the nicest muzungu she has ever met. Its just little things like that, that make being here so great. It doesn't take much and I can make a holiday memorable. k

I don't think its much different at home. Well except for the cost of things, but really the best things you can do for someone don't cost much if anything at all. Take time to make someones day special. Whether its your neighbor, your family, or a complete stranger. Do something small but significant that really shows you care. You may be surprised to find that what you thought you were doing for someone else..........in the end does as much for your spirit as theres.

Love and miss you all,

Joe

Friday, April 2, 2010

I miss Gulu

Hello Everyone,

Well the good news is that we finally have the van, but its in the shop getting some work done. Which means that I won't be heading back to Gulu until probably Monday. I really am not happy about spending my last two weeks in Uganda here in Kampala, but it will be worth it in the long run.

I really miss the kids and the community and it stinks that I won't really have time to say goodbye to everyone.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter weekend. Guess I will have to wait til next year to spend it with family.

Love and miss you all,

Joe