Living Ugandan Style

Man it’s been awhile…but to begin let me first say everything is going well. Classes are stressful at times but always very educational, as classes should be. I have been back in the dorms for a little over a week since my homestay. The dorms I stay in are called honours college and I love it. It was kind of like first year all over again when I first moved in here with the new environment and people. Now it feels like home. Other exciting things that are happening include the service project I take part in once a week. It’s called off-tu missions and it’s a German run organization which helps bring Christian teachings and values to street kids of Kampala (Ugandan’s capital). We are just two weeks in and so far I know I’ve probably taken more out of it than I have given. It will probably remain this way.
Also, I’ve been getting quite involved in the UCU community. First off, there are tons of community events that go on such as worship, dedications, talent shows etc. Playing on the UCU volleyball team has also been one of my major commitments when I’m not busy with USP planned events. The more involved in the community I get the more this feels like home. I think this also partly comes from getting over the experience of culture shock.
This past thanksgiving was the first time this whole trip that I experienced a real longing for home. I knew back home my parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family were gathering over an amazing turkey dinner. I was eating beans and rice, actually that’s not completely true. A few good American friends along with Lynda (another Canadian) and I went to a small restaurant for chips and chicken. Sweet friends are good substitute in the absence of family. Still, its at times like this that I realize how blest I am at home.