A Home Away From Home

As a USP student I have the privilege of becoming part of a Uganda family in the neighboring town of Mukono for a short two-week period. I have only been there for six days but I love it. At home I have a Mama and a Tata, five brothers and four sisters. Martin, Daisy, Mary, Peter, Tony and Matilda are all in their early twenties, while Bosko, Just (Justine), and Joseph are in their teens or younger. I am learning a lot! Cooking, showering, cleaning, laundry, along with countless other cultural practices differ from my daily routine at home. They are proud to be hosting one of the only two Canadians on this trip and they love to ask questions about my home country.
Sometimes I feel out of place, though not because they are in any way unwelcoming. The fact is I am out of place. But the longer I stay here the more Uganda does feel like a real home. There are fewer surprises than there used to be, though I’m sure more are to come. Going home to a loving family each day is a good way to unwind from the classroom lectures. I have no doubt that even after I leave this family to go stay in Honors College (my dorm) I will visit them often.