The other day I sat down and thought about my last moments for a while, not my last moments

here, but my last moments: holding a Ugandan baby while eight other Ugandan babies stroke my arm hair, sipping Splash passion fruit juice from a liter jug, finding out that once again I am the only one on my entire team without a tropical disease (thanks dad), listening to a Jared joke, gazing at the stars in the Southern Hemishpere, typing out my last blog on the continent, and feasting on chappati. 

Strangely enough, I am good at saying good bye even to all of my wonderful last moments.  I do not cry, and I do not like looking back.  I think that life is just too short to dwell on the past or be unhappy for more than a second.  East Africa has surely made an impact on my life, but I am not sad to move on, move home to my friends and family that I have missed for so long.  

I am sad to leave Uganda because it is uncomfortable.  It makes me stretch.  People apologize to me when I break their things.  The communities take a responsibility for their members.  They believe anything.  Hospitality is valued even above safety. Orphans are mostly sweet, light hearted, and playful. Food is cheap.  I appreciate everything more because I have to work harder for it.  I genuinely love some people here.  The kids are the cutest in the world.  I never have to guess about the weather; its always hot and rainy.  I will dearly miss chappati and tea three times a day.  After each meal, a mandatory rest time is observed by all.

I am glad to come home because it is comfortable.  My soul longs to be refreshed by hot showers and familiar food... and people.  Prices are mostly set by a capitalist system that I have no trouble admitting that I like.  I am only ripped off as much as everyone else around me.  Being white does not make you special or an easy target. 

I am thrilled to see my friends and family and do amazing things with them.  Lastly, being capable of finding somewhere that I can really actually be alone.

I love you all and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for handing me this amazing experience, for allowing me to show all of your love in Kenya and Uganda.  It has been phenomenal and I hope I changed these places as much as they changed me.  See you soon.

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