Farewell to Africa

Our last day in Uganda was no less spectacular than all of the spectacular days that came before it. It was another beautiful day, warm with a cool breeze, and, after some reluctant packing and attending Mass, we set out for our last two adventures. The first was a lovely lunch at the Il Patio Italian Restaurant (and casino - but we didn't happen to visit that area!). We were honored to be joined for lunch by my personal favorite global couple, US Ambassador Jerry Lanier and his fashionable and festive wife, Catherine Kannenberg. The lunch was delicious and the conversation so lively. We chatted about everything from politics to Indian food to Royal Wedding fashion (still not over those hats!). After lunch (and the best molten chocolate dessert ever), we all agreed that we are very proud to have such charming and intelligent people representing the United States in Africa and how lucky we were to steal a moment of their time given their busy schedules. We hope that we'll have the opportunity to welcome our diplomatic friends to Ursuline in the near future when they return to the USA - it would be such a thrill for us and for our students!

So, after lunch, we wanted to see the children from EAC one last time. And again, we were overwhelmed by their warmth and generosity toward us. Not only were we the recipients of the best hugs ever but we were also treated to another fantastic performance - this time in honor of Michele who wasn't feeling well and missed the big welcome performance last week. The children, still on Easter vacation, were actually staying at another local school which is serving as a training center for them for the upcoming 2012 Spirit of Uganda tour. So, we were privileged to get a sneak peak into the 2012 tour (which YES, is coming to UA!)! The children showed us around the school and took us by the hand (so sweet) to see the dorms where they are living while they train. They told us that they were enjoying all of the space that they have and that they can't wait to visit us in Dallas. As you can imagine, the time to say goodbye came much too soon ...

It was not easy for us to leave Uganda. Bringing the trip full circle, some of the EAC children (organized by Agnes and Alexis, of course), surprised us and accompanied us to the airport to help with our mountains of luggage (including LOTS of beads and African drums) and to bid us farewell. More hugs and certainly some tears and we were on our way home! Despite an overly empowered KLM gate agent who rushed us onto the plane (one hour earlier than scheduled time, very strange), we left Uganda with only happy memories. The 24 hour travel time was brutal but so, so worth all that we gained from this life-evolving experience. We have arrived home safely and want to thank all of you who have followed our travel so closely. And to our dear friends in Africa, we have learned more from you than you can imagine, we felt your love and kindness every day and we can't wait to see you again!! Thank you!!

Cecilia, Michele, Maluza, Melanie, Rachel & Erin