Almost finished

This past, and last week in Uganda has provided for very good meetings with friends that I wanted to spend time with before I left. I was able to see my friend Lazerous race at the big “Mandella” stadium, (he got second place in the 200) and afterward, we enjoyed a meal with one another in a tiny restaurant by the side of the road. My friend Immanuel has been so nice, walking me half way home (this is called “giving me a push”). We also could spend tea time with one another the other day, playing Hawaiian checkers (which I’d brought)
Our housegirl has gone, and she took her son (Chafik). My understanding is that she’s to be married. Our mama knew about this for a short while, so she found another girl, whose name is Sarah. Something really neat has happened this semester at home, with my little brother Ronnie. He’s about 11 months old, and he’s learned to walk since I’ve been at home. I feel blessed to have witnessed this. (not to mention his smiling face at the littlest things.) The other day, Ronnie amazed me by eating a winged ant off the ground. He grimaced at first, but seemed to enjoy what went down after that. It’s been so fun to play with him and spend time just living with him.
We had a great opportunity recently, to play in “Olympic game” here at UCU. It happened to be American students vrs. Many of the friends which the on campus students have made. There were foot races, basketball, soccer, Frisbee, volleyball, and some post competition dancing too. This provided for weeks of perpetual fun as I would train in the neighborhood, letting our neighbors giggle at the sight of a white man running- I admit, I’m not as elegant in my form as a Ugandan usually is.
Something quite culturally tragic occurred as I walked through the dining hall a few days ago. I found myself delighted by the smell of matoke and gnut sauce, so I smelled my plate- only to see a few people around me laughing. Come to find out from a friend, it is extremely rude to do so. If only I’d learned this in one of my classes at Biola☺ All this to say, we’ve been very well nourished at meals, and tea times.
Tonight is our “Farewell Dinner”, in which we say thank you, and goodbye to the wonderful families which have hosted us throughout the semester. We will also be sharing a few stories from the semester, and hearing from our director. I have the privilege of representing the IMME program students by giving a "thank you" speech, so I’m both nervous and excited.
Thursday morning, we leave for a short study trip in Rwanda. We are departing from our home stays, and finishing papers. I do thank each of you for simply caring what this time in my life is like. Please feel welcomed to request further info about any part of this semester- including papers, thoughts from my journal, deeper experiences with friends, etc. God bless you so much!
Love, Geoff