Morning came early and the flight into Entebbe was lovely over the Kenyan landscape and over Lake Victoria. I got connected to a young man for the ride to Kampala. Gary was my son's age and spoke English very well. I sat in the front of the taxi and we talked the whole hour into the city. He shared his story of having to leave school because the economic crisis hit the cost of living and took the little savings he had just to survive. He is now driving taxi trying desperately to find a way to continue his computer studies.
After a stop at an internet cafe to check for those elusive confirmations of a meeting I was hoping for tomorrow, I was delivered safe and sound at my son's place once again. The rest of the afternoon I unpacked and rested. I was nice to see my son again but I was acutely aware that I was a different person now than when I left him nearly 2 weeks ago.
The next days were spent writing my blogs and spending time with
my son. 
It was his birthday on Saturday and we went to the Animal Rescue compound in Entebbe. It was a nice time looking at giraffes and zebras and monkeys and birds of all sorts. It was very warm though and I think my tiredness was catching up. We were going to go to the Botanical gardens as well but opted for a nice little outdoor restaurant instead. And I finally got my B
oda-Boda ride - a whole 15 mins on a very slow road. I was out of memory card space on my camera so no proof of that!!That night we met up with Richardson again for supper (my son's research assistant). It was nice to see him again and I sure do wish him well with his future. Such a nice young man.
Sunday was a trip to the Ugandan
museum. Fascinating displays
and it covered both the ancient civilizations as well as tribal history and artifacts. Going to a museum with a history buff is always interesting!!Before I knew it was time to finish packing and think about my long flights back to Canada. I called up Gary the young taxi driver to take me back to Entebbe Airport. Saying good-bye to my son was challenging for I won't see him again till Christmas in all likelihood. There was much for him to do yet here in Uganda and I prayed that all will go well for him and with him. A mother always worries.
The ride back was interesting as well with Gary. This time he asked me questions about Tanzania and Mozambique. Then he talked about the upcoming elections and how that impacts people in different villages depending on majority government presence in the village. Once again the reality of fear among these people was evident.
My flight departed a little late which made for a long wait in the boarding area. We boarded just after midnight. I slept sporadically. We arrived in Amsterdam around 7:30 local time (10:30 Ugandan time). I had a long wait for the Canada bound flight so I found an internet cafe and settled in for 4 hours of reflection and writing. That was useful time.
The trans-atlantic flight was smooth and comfortable - I had opted for the sized up seats that give you much more leg room. I also found out that it was generally much quieter, at least this time. It was pleasant and I enjoyed seeing the ice on the ocean as we neared
Labrador. Our flight path took us over the north edges of the St. Lawrence and onward past Ottawa to Toronto. I was greeted by family complete with flowers - seems to have become a tradition for when I travel like this. Good to be loved and good to be home.Thank you for journeying with me on this pilgrimage of the heart, soul and mind. May you be blessed and encouraged to respond to your call to reach towards the wonderful people of this world, no matter where they live or how they live.
Blessings
Tiina
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