Black Bird: Until Next Year

The students leave in a week and so do I. They are heading back to the States while I am heading to South Africa for Christmas. My desire to head to South Africa has been around since I was in Uganda since 2006. I studied some Black Liberation theology while I was here and developed some adoration for it. Black Liberation theology, developed during the Civil Rights movement and used as encouragement during the Apartheid, drew me to try to understand its origin. This led me to read more about South Africa, the Apartheid, and to read Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. It is a long book (750 pages) and a great book. I recommend it. Anyway, I figured that if I am in Uganda the tickets must be cheaper to fly to South Africa—they were. So new friend Zoe and I are heading to South Africa from December 12^th until January 2^nd. I’ve been looking forward to this trip since September. December finally came around!

Part of me wants to write about my reflection on this past semester and living in Uganda. Yet I feel as though I will have a better perspective come May/June. Here is what I’ll say about my time here: it is harder than expected to live in Uganda. I actually think it might be hard to live overseas in general. I am constantly trying to find a balance on developing a new life here, but also trying to maintain relationships I have back in the States. Also, relating to people is not as easy as it is back at home—this also in relations to meeting different expats. I have begun to miss being understood. I feel as though I am always trying to explain myself and where I am coming from. Lastly, working with a study abroad program at the age of 27 is challenging. My main role is student engagement. At times it is very hard for me to relate to them on personal/social issues and various social media things. To add to this, the age gap between them and I make it difficult for me to hang out with them outside of the university grounds. All of these unforeseen challenges have made up my semester here. There is another semester to go for the 2012-2013 year; always room for improvement on my end. Yet I have had a great semester and have loved working with college students.

So I close this last post for 2012 with this thought that has been resonating with me since December of 2011: sometimes you need to leave home in order to come back. I have 6 months left here in Uganda. I have decided to stay here for only one year. I never thought I could miss a place where I have lived, but it looks like I can. I miss Seattle. I miss the community I’ve made and the friendships I built. The people of Uganda, those who work in local organizations I work with, those who have graduated from university here have shown me what community can do when people stay put and invest their time in one place for a constant period of time. The students I am working with are even learning the purpose of community. Discussions I have sat in on have really convicted me on the importance of investing into a community. Hell, I’ve even taught a class on Community Development. So cheesy to say, but being in Uganda has taught me how to be a better resident of Seattle. I might even change my license plate and driver’s license to Washington State. I moved around so much that I’ve never changed it. I’m pretty sure Seattle will be seeing me again in July 2013, but my official decision won't be until February/March when I have to tell me job my stance.

Well Happy Holidays! I’ll write again in 2013. Here are some last pictures for you. I'll try to take good pictures in South Africa.