Friends

I return to Canada in two weeks and the fact that I'm leaving Uganda really began to sink in this morning as we attended our last service at church. The pastor's wife organized a gift of custom made "kitenge" outfits for us to wear to church for the occasion and it was a lovely (albeit somewhat teary!) service.

As we brought our final greetings, and thanked the church for all they've meant to us, I began to reflect on some of the people that I've met during my two years that I now call friends. I have been so blessed by their generosity, hospitality and patience as they have tried to answer the many questions that arise when working cross-culturally.

These people have inspired me, made me laugh and have taught me so much about life here. It is men and women like these, who possess such a strong passion for the people in their communities, who will really make a difference in this country. It has been so wonderful to have gotten to know them, and since they have become my friends it is easy to imagine that I'll be visiting them again at some point!

Comment made to us by several people at church? --"You are smart!"

(which means we were looking particularly well-dressed!)

My friend Evacy--Timothy Girls College Head Teacher. The woman who is REALLY responsible for opening the school. She's the expert on Ugandan schools; I just do what I can to help her. I have so enjoyed working with her!

(left) Paul, a Sunday School teacher and English translator at church who sends his sister to our school and is a member of our Board of Governors, (centre) Pastor Elijah and (right) his lovely wife Florence

another photo with Pastor Elijah and Florence

our good friends David and Doreen--they live close to us and visit us often. We've introduced them to cupcakes, coffee and chocolate and they have tried to explain several complicated aspects of Ugandan culture to us. We laugh a lot when they're over!

Doreen and me