Last days

Wednesday we’re relieved to sleep in a little bit.  Davis arrives at 12:30 and takes us to his home for a visit.  He’s justifiably proud of the work he has done on the structure and garden over the past year.  It’s a joy to see Kate and Einstein again, and to meet the new baby boy, Tesla.  Davis spends a lot of time explaining his building techniques, gardening tips and information about local plants, to engineer Nick and Alan.   Kate treats us to freshly-baked vegan pancakes and presents Alicia with freshly-pressed peanut butter to take home.

Einstein & Alexandria

Jackie with baby Tesla

Following that, we visit Victoria Mall once again for insect repellant and other supplies, then Alan and Nick enjoy a quiet afternoon by the pool while Sue and Alicia visit Victoria at Bright Kids.  Victoria describes in great detail the recent tragedy of the death by drowning of Robert at age 19.  He was one of the Bright Kids who had gone to the beach during the school break.  We have fond memories of him playing the drums for some of the BKU dancing & celebrations.

Rose and Maggie drop by to Banana Village for dinner.  We all take turns holding baby Anthony, and we’re pleased that the only time Ian gets upset is when his Mom disappears around the corner to visit the ladies’ room.  Sue and Angel have a wonderful time playing and chatting with each other.

Thursday, our last day in Uganda, arrives far too soon.  Susan has already gone over much of the finances and expenditures with Jackie, and it’s apparent that she will need funds on hand for the start of the school year in excess of what we have recently wired.  Nick and Alan head off for a matatu journey to Entebbe and back to extract an additional 1,200,000 shillings from the CIBC account directly from an ATM. 

Alan goes over a more detailed spreadsheet we will need Jackie to use, to provide more detailed accountability for yearend reporting.  Then it’s very sad good-byes as Jackie departs early enough to get back home before nightfall.  Sue and Alicia take one more trip back up to the BKU clinic for a last good-bye to Rose and Angel.  They are reduced to puddles when Angel cries heartily as they leave for the last time.

Davis arrives with the invoice for the transportation during our stay, and we agree to keep in touch, particularly after long discussions we have had for possible Kulikayo projects in the future.

It’s also fond farewells to Jemimah, Miriam, Diana, Joshua, Helen, and the rest of the BV staff.  Steven picks us up for the trip to the airport at 8:30 pm, as Davis has another mission.  We all dread returning to the blistering cold which has beset Ontario during our absence.