The end of the trip has all but arrived, and we spent a good deal of time saying our goodbyes both today and on Friday. Something I thought would be meaningful would be to have the kids (well, several of them), come into the office and sign their names on the drum-head of my djembe. One girl named Irene came in – a little bashful (though she is normally very energetic and flirty) – and looked over my drum. As it turns out, she didn’t know how to write her name, so I ended up writing it on her fore-arm and holding her hand as she struggled through the signature. I’ll definitely have a lot of memories associated with that drum.
On a different note, the other day a boy named Sekatawa disappeared from STAO. He had grown attached to the members of our team, especially Jessica. Many at STAO kept claiming he would show up ‘tomorrow’, but to no avail. So Jessica began to inquire about his whereabouts. She was led to a small village across the street from STAO, and found out from a neighbor that Sekatawa was actually in another village with a different relative. After all this confusion, Jessica and Victor pursued the boy and were reunited! Shawna commented that it was like the parable of the lost sheep or lost coin; stories implying that God pursues us relentlessly.
Anyways, this may be the last post before the team leaves for SEATTLE. I personally will be on a different return flight (because I came with Ethiopian Airlines), and will arrive in Seattle on Tuesday (a day later than the rest of the team). Things are a little sketchy with that though, as I tried to call their customer service and they couldn’t find my reservation (although maybe its lost in translation? Even though I spent 2 months there, I had trouble understanding the English with thick Amharic accent). Pray that everything works out smoothly.
Well, this is Tusubira Trip07, signing out. You have all been amazing in your support, generosity, and thoughts. See you soon!
PS: For those interested, Jamie’s presentation in Austria went really well. Props!
Comments
Hey Dale,
I met a woman from Uganda here in the Eastside and was wondering if you or someone your team might be interested in meeting with her some time after you guys get back? She’s really interested in Uganda and hearing about your experiences there.
Thanks,
-Dave