So I’m back in the states. Still processing a lot, but have had the chance to share stories, pictures, and a little video with some friends. Last night I shared for the first time with some of my best friends, with sushi and tea. We ended up talking for a few hours and I still felt like there was so much to tell about. The experience in Uganda rocked me, and was more of an impact that I ever expected.
Back here in the States, I am struggling with major stomach pains, health issues, and everything that I didn’t have while in Uganda. I was the brave soul of the group that would try everything at every meal, even if it meant some suspect meat or a bowl of who knows what it is. I tried to avoid American food as much as possible, with the occasional evening crackers and a shot at pizza one night when we all had it. Needless to say, I can try anything once. I actually really enjoyed the food, although my body was probably thrown into a chaotic coma after going almost 8 months without carbs and starches. The Lord blessed me and I had no issues with my stomach through the entire week. The day I landed back in Ohio, I stopped at Wendy’s for a classic favorite, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.. Within an hour I had an upset stomach and I haven’t been able to keep anything in my body ever since. Last night I ate rice to see if my body was just addicted to the starches that I had in Uganda.
When I got to Columbus, I found out that my bag was sent to Wisconsin from Detroit. It’s funny how a bag can make it from Uganda to Amsterdam to Detroit, but not within the States. I recovered it yesterday and was able to go through some of the cool things brought back from Uganda. I had a fun experience in customs as they had to extensively check out my drum, which I had bought at the marketplace in Kampala. The goat skin used had to be scanned as a precautionary item. I couldn’t even tell you how many goofy looks I got from people for carrying the drum on the plane. On our final flight from Detroit to Columbus, the drum wouldn’t fit in the storage or under a seat, so it sat between my legs to complete the most uncomfortable flight of my life.
Generally speaking, I was so influenced by the arts in Africa. From music, dance, photography, cinematography, artwork, fashion, and food. It all played such a big part in my time there, and I feel as though it will shape my future experiences. (yes, that means I will be going back. Details to be released as it progresses).
Today I rushed to pick out a few of my favorite photos from the trip to be ordered for prints to be a part of the Holgate High School Alumni Art Show. A few days before we left, I checked my old mail pile and found a letter from Mrs. Baker, my old art teacher. Growing up, art was never my forte. I definitely was creative, but putting it on paper or creating a sculpture was never something I excelled at. But I was invited to be a part of this art show, which, coincidently was themed on expressions of art around the world. It was so hard trying to pick 4-5 photos to summarize my entire trip, but I did pick a few that were close to my heart and seemed to be pretty perfect for a show like that.
I’m going to attempt a full meal here in a few minutes. Maybe this time it will stay with me.
Photos will be up soon.