Sitting in Clemintine’s house and talking about crafts and
life.
Today was one of those days that Americans would struggle
with. I didn’t “accomplish” a whole
lot. I traveled to Emmaus early this
morning, after the adventure of the broke bed last night. (Sort of a long story, but very TIA)
I had planned to go and help them to start the TPX program,
and also meet with my mentor Fr. Herald.
I got to Emmaus about 9:30 and they asked if they could change our
original program. I have become
incredibly flexible here in Africa, but this was one time I had to say “No”
because I wanted to be free whenever Fr. Herald arrived.
So we quickly gathered in the DTS Classroom, with the group
of students I had taught just 3 weeks ago the full 10 Principles Short
Course. To be honest, I didn’t really
know what I was doing. This was the
first time that I had given out this course in the full format. So I just made it up as I went along… fake it
till you make it, right? It wasn’t a
huge success, but they understood how to self-facilitate the dynamic based
program, which was the goal.
I was only given 1 hour, and I stayed within that time frame
( a small miracle). Afterwards, I met
with the head of the school and showed him a few things and got the money
needed for the course. Amazing. It’s great to get paid for what you give out,
at least it’ll cover the cost of printing, transport and all that.
Then I waited. I told
a few people that Emmaus is one of the best places in the world to wait for
anything.
And it’s true. While I was
waiting, I visited some good friends in the banana plantation. Secondly, I went to check on the crafts I had
ordered from Clemintine for my trip to the States.
They are beautiful!! I am soo excited! My favorite time of life in Uganda is sitting
in her small room, talking, laughing, sharing, discussing culture shock and travels, talking about color, design, and
paying her for her great work! She is
starting to feel a stronger, and is taking good care of herself these days, so she
is more healthy and so joyful, it’s wonderful.
Happiness is spending time with my “Mama”… it’s just good for the soul.
After visiting Clem, I went to the chapel to pray and wait
for lunch. There I saw someone I did not
expect. Paula! My old roommate from Mbarara!! She is Kenyan, and I haven’t seen her in a
year and 10 months!! It was wonderful to
see her, she is doing well. That was
really encouraging…
I ended up heading back to Kampala about 3 pm, otherwise I
would have had to sleep over. I will go
back up there on Wednesday to see Father Herald.
See. I didn’t “do” a
lot today… but I would consider it a very good day. Why are we so often defined by what we
do?
