Coming to an end....

I have been putting this entry off for as long as I could but I feel like it is now time to write what will probably be my last blog entry in Uganda. So much to think about, reflect upon and remember...
I will start off by saying I was supposed to leave July 7 but that was changed to June 7 to accomidate my European adventure with mom. And then my flight was cancelled because British Airways is on strike... For the 3rd time. So after hasseling my parents frantically at 4:30AM to rebook my flight, I will be leaving through Brussels Airlines June 8 at like, 10PM. I will end up meeting mom in London June 9 at 8AM and we will still be home June 18 if British Airways doesn't strike again.
ANYWAYS...
My final days at Amani Baby Cottage are actually here.It is so hard to believe this has been a trip I have been preparing for, for months. This is the trip I have put everything on hold for and it is already coming to an end. I have said it before that I do not regret making my trip shorter than originally planned and I still don't. I am going to sound incredibly selfish for a second but here is my list of things that I am so excited about for when I get home:
1. A hair cut and being able to use my straightner.
2. My bed and sheets and the smell of home.
3. My nice clothes.
4. My car that I can drive whenever I want, where ever I want.
5. Milk, Yogurt and CHEESE.
6. My puppies.
7. A pedicure and nails.
8. Not having red dust in my hair, ears, nose and eyes.
9. Showers on a regular basis. HOT showers. and a BUBBLE BATH after I have my shower.
10.Food tasting like it should.
11.Being able to go out past dark and not being scared of snakes, thieves and random creepy crawlies.

Needless to say, I am excited to get back home. I have learnt SO MUCH about what it is like to live off of nothing and to experience how far $2.00CDN can actually be stretched. But like I said to my family, I was born where I was for a reason and I was given the opportunities I have been so I can learn and grow. I keep telling every one that tells me they are proud of me; "Don't be proud, be aware". And I feel like I am coming back well equipped with the knowledge I need and the experiences to continue making people aware how good we have it. It is going to be so weird going to the gas station and loading the Sunflower up with 50$ in gas knowing at any given time, they spend maybe 5$ on gas and even that is lots. Silly little things will be sure to pop up and send me into flashbacks and I need to be prepared for that.

When I was having my breakdown and was sick about a week ago, mom said to me "You are going to be going through so many more changes and trials when you get home and we need to be ready to help you through it all." And it occured to me that through all my preparations and lists, that was something I never thought of... Getting home and life after Africa.

Even today, I was down in the yard... And little moments that I never want to forget happen. One of my handicapped girls, D, was laying on the mat outside with me. I was tickling her and singing her songs while the other kids were playing with a giant alaphabet and number puzzle. M, he is about 3 and is mostly stubborn and so hard to handle at times came over and sat down beside D. (And most of the time, the kids don't pay much attention to our handicapped kids... They are too busy playing, fighting and carrying on). He had one of the puzzle pieces in his hand and tilted it so D could see it. He started showing her the number 8 and the cherries that were on the mat. Letting her touch it and really get a look at it. He grabbed her hand and even tried to get her to hold it while he talked to her softly and showed her the colors. I sat there and watched while fighting back tears. Simple things that no one really thinks twice about mean the world to kids like D. She was laughing and smiling and cooing. Little did M know, he probably made her day.

I am ready to come home but will never be ready to forget the importance of cherishing every moment. I never want to forget Africa and what it has done to change my heart. I know actions speak louder than words and I keep telling everyone I am different but when I get home, I am prepared to walk the walk and talk the talk. I don't expect to be a nun and change my entire outlook on life, but I do expect to clean up my act and be more aware of my actions, words and surroundings. And perhaps my multiple trips to McDonald's in a weeks time will decrease too. But let's not get too crazy =)

Nkwagala Nyo*