Day 17

Sunday June 3^rd 9:41 pm

Today was a big holiday in Uganda, known as Martyr’s Day. The estimate is that one million people from near and far travel to Kampala on this day to celebrate their faith and honor those who died for their faith. We visited the shrines dedicated to this earlier in the trip and so today, especially with the heightened secuirty, we steered clear of the celebrations.

Instead for the first time all trip we got to sleep in. We had nowhere to be until eleven o’clock and we were eating breakfast at Red Chilli. Unfortunately, the animals here don’t believe in sleeping past sunrise so we were all up by eight. This gave us some time to work on getting caught up (which seems to be a lost cause) in our journals and spend some time on the Internet. For breakfast I had pancakes again, which are really more like crepes, but nonetheless they are delicious.

After breakfast we thought we were going to be boarding the bus, but as is often the case in Uganda it was late. Ugandans really have no concept of time, promptness, or being in a hurry. This can often get frustrating especially since in America we are constantly worried about what comes next and always looking ahead. Even though it’s frustrating, we often talk about how they seem to enjoy life so much more because they live in the moment. Anyway, while we were waiting our professors talked to us a little bit about the current security situation (don’t worry, we are safe!), as well as some class logistics.

Then when the bus finally arrived we boarded the bus to go to Dr. Colin Sentango’s house for the day. Dr. Sentango is a chairperson on what would be comparable to the Board of Trustees at MUBS. For the past six years he has hosted Drake for a day of celebration, friendship, and camaraderie. His house has a gorgeous view up on a hill overlooking Lake Victoria and there was a great breeze off the lake to make for a very enjoyable afternoon and early evening.

We spent the afternoon talking amongst ourselves, our colleagues from MUBS, as well as some other Ugandan students that were there. We were also introduced to other board members, some parliament members, and even the Ugandan ambassador to Japan. After our lunch feast, which consisted of bread, pasta, chicken, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and dessert, we had a brief lecture. Dr. Sentango talked a lot about culture, what it is, some of the differences, and why it’s important. Several other people spoke, including our professors who presented him with a sign reading Drake Boulevard.

A couple of years ago the students all planted trees on the road leading up to his house which he has since named Drake Boulevard so they gave him a street sign as a sign of appreciation and gratitude. The night, as so many seem to here in Uganda, ended with more wonderful conversations with great friends, a drink, music, and dancing.

What I thought was going to be a long day at somebody’s house, turned into be quite a delight. Before I knew it we were walking back to the bus to head to Red Chilli. Of course there is no internet tonight, so I shall post this probably tomorrow night. Now I’m just waiting for my turn in the shower and then I’m going to lather myself in bug spray (only 3 more nights) and call it a night.

The days are quickly slipping by and with each day I get a little more excited to go home, but a little more upset that I’m going to be leaving the Pearl of Africa. I’m doing my best to treasure each and every moment and enjoy it to the fullest. Because as we say frequently, “you only Africa once (unless you’re Mary & Dori! J)

~Mary