goodbye.

So I don’t know if any of you have heard the song “Those I’ve Loved” by Eric Church, but if you haven’t... go listen to it right now. The first time I heard this song I didn’t really think much of it but one day I found myself really paying attention to the lyrics and I realized what an interesting message the lyrics are sending. He goes through a few people in his life and just talks about how even if someone isn’t in your life forever, they can impact your lives just by passing through. There are two specific lines that I love:

“And I hope they know I never would have made it this far on my own.”

“Where would we all be without those fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers of friends I’ve made along the way?”

It’s true, people come into your life, even if it is just for a short amount of time, and can really make a difference. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people in my life. Some people come into your life and stay there for a long time, but there are also people that you meet along the way that can shape your life. Sometimes I forget that we have the ability to learn more than we ever think from people in our lives and I think that is one thing I have truly learned here in Africa. I had to say goodbye to the Musana women this morning and it was the only time I cried saying goodbye to Uganda. Eve and Rosette specifically have forever changed my life. These women each have the personality of about ten people and are the strongest women I have ever met. I know I’ve mentioned them before, but these women were also our cooks at the house and part of Musana Jewelry. They have both been through so much and are not supported by their husbands. Rosette just kept hugging me saying “thantu for everything” and was balling. Eve didn’t really want anyone to see her cry so whenever she started to she would walk away. Me? I was just balling the whole time. They were killing me. I can’t believe how much I respect and love these women and I think the hardest part was the fact that I probably never see them again. Then I started thinking about that song and I realized that it is okay. They came into my life and helped me in ways I don’t even fully know right now. I think they think I helped THEM because I left them so many clothes but in reality they helped me more than they will ever understand. There were so many people in Uganda that changed my life and I will never forget them. I am so grateful for the people here and the stories they have shared with me. Before I came here people would tell me how Uganda is great but it is truly the people that they love. I started realizing that very quickly and saw how amazing the people here are. There is something about them. There are some cultural things I will never fully understand, but the spirit and brightness these people have showed me is something I will never forget.  

It is hard to believe that I am leaving Uganda today but I am leaving with no regrets. Six weeks in Uganda has taught me so much and I know my experiences and memories are going to last forever. This really was the trip of a lifetime and I feel so lucky to have had the experiences, both good and bad. It’s crazy to think back to the day we all got here... it feels like forever ago, but at the same time if feels like yesterday. Time really does fly and I have learned to cherish every day. Saying goodbye is hard but I am so excited to get back to America. Elise and I are flying to London tonight to spend a few days there with our mamas! 

I know this experience in Uganda WAS good for me and I know that I have met people and done things I will never ever forget. I think everyone needs to go to Uganda and experience what I did because I can’t even try to put everything into words. People here are humble and smart and beautiful. Africa has a special place in my heart and I am so sad to be leaving this amazing place again. Thank you to everyone who has been following my adventures and for being in my life! I am so grateful for everything and everyone in my life and I have loved spending time in this beautiful place. Goodbye Uganda! Thanks for the memories.