Mbale.

Rachel and I a few weeks ago at the world's longest wedding
And Kati's head poppin' in behind :)


Tomorrow I drive to Mbale with Roe... Sarah and Kyle will continue on to Kapchurwa (sorry for the butchered spelling).
and at 730 we will drive. 4 hours later Mbale will be reached.
we will first consume donuts.
as i walked through the city yesterday, in my solitude, how deeply i will miss Kampala.
the sounds, the streets, the noises, the laughter, the smells.
all irritating and beautiful and now a home that I will leave.

Mbale. mostly a mystery.
yes of course Sex-Ed courses.
"Choose Life" handbook.
i will read.
absorb my thoughts in journaling and photos and yet another village and books.
today i bought a large one. I decided to turn away from African literature as to have a sort of change of pace. Found a different novel. Autobiography of a man who was imprisoned in Australia, and escaped to India.
Sweet Rachel and I set out to explore this city one final time.
together we discussed religion. life. jesus. buddha. all things on our hearts.
and we sipped coffee and milk.
she is a beautiful soul, as are my fellow peers here.
i am grateful for these friendships. for the connections with all the spirits of the ladies, the two guys, the Food for the Hungry staff.
we are an idealistic bunch. one seeking change and seeking to find answers, yet also to raise more questions.

and my hopes for Mbale?
to be fearless.
hopeful.
and in my own hopelessness, seek joy.
to find smiles and tears and authenticity.
to artistically set about my days.
to work hands on with a clinic of the sick. and do the deeds the clinic workers request.
to allow children a chance at a sketchbook.
and then to hear stories. and the voices of the families
and yes, in all of my anxiety, i am eager.
sleep awaits me. a final night in this soft bed of comfort and a warm blue blanket.
I will miss Grace. Our cook. Recently we have spent time and time again.
She said I could knock on her door in the morning and wake her to hug goodbye.
And in only a month these connections are made.
And in another month, new ones will also.
It would be a lie to say i do not miss home. I do.
strange how being a continent away, life at home continues.
internet will be sparing. sometimes strong. others weak.

Bed time for meggy.
thanks dad for answering the phone. it was brilliant to hear the voices of cindy and mikey. court. jenn. kates. my love for you is endless. I love you mom. and family. Please feel my hug even this far. and feel my hope for your joy and my cry for this land and that one.
and a secret? i am deeply attached to ireland. random i know, but worth noting.
and tonight we had THE OFFICE party. felt for a moment as if I was back home.
tomorrow? I will be in a new place.
and travelling feeds my soul. because of this community called humanity.

"I am because we are, and since we are, therefore I am." (African saying)