Today,Saturday, June 16, 2012, marks exactly seven days until our team of nine (Joannahas donned the well sought after “honorary EDGEie” status as our ninth member)boards the wooden boat, on which we’ve not quite discovered how to sitcomfortably, in ferry from the island to the mainland. Some seven days fromnow, we begin our journey home to the United States.
There is nodoubt to how much I’ve grown to be a part of this place—the red concrete floorsof SHIM, which seem always to provide rest for calloused feet, the subtlecomfort of the Smith’s residence just beyond the hedge, the familiarneighborhoods of Kyoya, Lingira, and Katonga villages, and the mountain thathas provided many silent sunrises.
Despite howmuch I will miss these particulars, which have become something like dailycomforts, the emptiness of their absence compare little to the soon absence ofthe people I have met in the month that I’ve lived in Uganda. I am certain thatI speak for everyone in confessing my obsession with a haunting question towhich Paul recently gave light: when will I see these people again?
For now, thequestion remains unanswered.
As Paulmentioned in our last post, the secondary school garden is now equipped withthe working pedal pump, as well as a few nice stone-bordered paths, which wereeasy projects to make the area a little more aesthetically-pleasing. Theteachers are admittedly excited to bring their classes there during the day,especially the agriculture class. The future of the garden looks quitepromising as we work with the school to establish an active and empoweringstudent farmers’ group that will take primary responsibility in caring for thegarden. Before next summer, the fence that Paul and Sam built last year will bein need of some expanding.
The first aidworkshop went exceptionally well at the secondary school. Despite changing theattendance to voluntary, there were quite a few students present and, after afrustrating period of lack of participation, they warmed up and badgered uswith their medical questions. The workshop culminated in a hands-on activity inwhich each EDGE member had an injury and a group of students had to apply theirnew knowledge correctly and efficiently.
Before long,we will see some of your faces at the O’Hare Airport, which seems so far away atthis time. Until then, jeebale.
Best,
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