February 23^rd

Some details about yesterday’s conversation with Sheila and Ian. I began by asking them if they had felt the feelings I have talked about in the blog regarding going home. They both rolled their eyes, and spoke about the numerous times they had those feelings. Most of the time they didn’t have those feelings at the same time, and one could talk the other through those times. In late 2012 when they were going home to England for a visit, they both said, “Maybe we shouldn’t come back.” But they decided to come back because they already had so much time and effort invested in UCI. They also talked about how the nice house where they lived by themselves (running water, a real lu (spelling?), a house keeper) was a refuge in which to escape from all the issues I have discussed. They also had a vehicle. All of this was very helpful for me to hear.

It is a very hot day today. Meagan and I walked to SanKofa and back this morning and it really did us in. We’re going back this evening to meet Augustine before he leaves, but we have begged a ride with Sheila and Ian. A whole flock of kids (they run in packs) are playing hide and seek outside my room and making a ton of delighted noise.

More odds and ends –

The Chinese – After seeing some Chinese writing on a truck, I asked Ian if the Chinese were providing any aid in Uganda. He said he wouldn’t call it aid – they are building or renovating some highways, including the one that runs in front of our house, using their own equipment and their own workers, so they can more expeditiously move the products they buy and sell, including oil.

Coffee – Is a major crop in Uganda, but, I think, mainly for export. When I asked for coffee when I first arrived, Susan went out to buy some Nescafe freeze-dried coffee, manufactured in and imported from Brazil. Most here drink tea, perhaps a la their former colonial overseers.

T-shirts – Because of the tremendous amounts of used clothing imported here, one sees all manner of printing on T-shirts. I have seen Charlotte Fire Department, “Take a second glance,” (worn by an African woman with a large bosom), lots of different University shirts, rock star shirts, etc. etc.

Susan and the motorcycle – Augustine has a motorcycle (a 125 cc one), and recently, while he was away, Susan had it outside toward evening, going over it, and when I asked, she said she was trying to learn about it. The bike is bigger than she is. After I was in my room reading, I heard her start it and ride around the yard. It turns out she had had one lesson from Augustine. The next morning, she rode it to church, after some difficulty getting it started. Strong African women.