Bang-a-Gong
Doing my “gong out” August 14, 2018
I am now an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer). My last two weeks in Uganda were a good way to end my three years of service.
First, I said good bye to my friends at CARE. They had a nice farewell gathering for me with speeches and gifts. I appreciated the work they do and their professionalism.
I was presented with a photo I had taken of the CARE West Nile Office staff, with my photo superimposed over it.
Close-up of the photo, I hope in five years I will still remember all their names. BIG BLANK SPACE COMING
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This painting presented to me is striking, but way too big to bring home. I donated it to the office.
I tried to explain to the kids in my neighborhood it would be the last time I would pass by to fist bump with them. They agreed to pose for me, but I don’t know if they really understood. The kid in the front in green was a stitch. His mom would alert him, and he always made a determined run to me, with everyone laughing. he would hardly brush my fist and then bolt back.
Ron was wearing a suit we bought earlier in the year. I was more relaxed.
My Bugiri counterpart, translator, and motorcycle driver Matthews. So good to see him one more time. He gave me the red cap. I have quickly learned since my return this cap makes me look like a Trump supporter. :-).
Sharon and Edith show off their new phones. They really needed them.
Next, I came to Kampala to start my Cessation of Service (COS) process, with three days of physicals and paperwork. Then I traveled east and spent three nights in Jinja, using it as a base for visits to Bugiri and Iganga. I enjoyed a day with Ronnie in Jinja. We took his computer into the place where we bought it a year ago and got it “refreshed”. We set up a spread sheet to keep track of his expenses. He is about to start his second of three years and loves accounting. He had looked me up on LinkedIn and was sort of thrilled to learn I had once received a CPA. Ronnie is doing well, and thinks his grades from second semester are good. This semester, at my urging, he is taking a writing course in addition to his normal load. I am checking with the dean whether this is OK.
My former supervisor Adams was away in Kampala but my counterpart Matthews was around. I also met with my Bugiri replacement Molly and some of Azedy’s family, who hosted me my second year. There are five PCVs in Bugiri now, and few more in nearly towns.
Unfortunately, Sharon, who is being supported in nursing school by Rotary Club, and Edith in hair-dressing school, were both away on final exams. I had intended to take them shopping for smart phones, but instead left the money and they sent me a photo.
Selfie of my last taxi ride
Finally I returned to Kampala and participated in the “Gong Out” ceremony. I took a plane home that evening.
Ryan and I watched the famed Ndere Music & Dance Troupe in Kampala the last possible night I could see it.
The last four PCVs from the 2015 Health-Ag class, L to R, Ryan and Ruwani gonged out with me, while Stephanie exits next month.
Home in Colorado. On Mount Evans with my son Clark.