My sister suggested I write a Blog post about what it was like to be home. The word that comes to mind is “Jolting”. Returning volunteers gradually get used to the notion they will be coming home in three months, two months, one month. I felt like the guy who meets his ancestors during a near death experience but knows “it is not my time yet.” Things just seemed out of kilter while I was back.
I didn’t miss a chance to do some Peace Corps work. A few days before I returned to Uganda, I presented a power point presentation to my Northglenn-Thornton Rotary Club about the Rotary Projects in Bugiri. They were expecting me to Skype, so it was a fun surprise. I met later with the President, International Service Director and Assistant District Governor to learn how to advance the ball to securing Rotary Foundation funding from the district. I am grateful for the continuing support my club gives me.
I had a few “It’s been 15 months since I …” moments, starting with seeing HD televisions at DIA. Some things were not so welcome: Driving again, in the crowded Denver traffic, was maddening. I missed seeing lots of children. That’s a two edged sword of course. No chickens and goats everywhere either. I had developed a habit of greeting everyone I pass–it didn’t seem as comfortable in Denver. I think it’s because in Bugiri I am aware everyone is looking at me and they enjoy my acknowledgment. I’ll admit the women volunteers here will not miss unwanted attention.
I would have been happier to miss election advertising. And why did I torture myself watching that first Presidential debate? Colorado allows online voting if you are out of the country, and I should get a ballot this week. I need to learn about the referendums since the commercials were obviously deceptive.
I have gained some weight back, and being home didn’t help. Blair had purchased a lot of comfort food, which she excused as a reaction to her circumstances. Clearly, self-discipline in my eating will always be a challenge.
There were piles of unopened mail. My law license had been suspended by the Colorado Supreme Court. I had not been aware of an unpaid annual “Inactivity Fee” assessed in January. I don’t intend to practice law again, but suspension followed by disbarment seemed an ignoble way to end a 36 year career. I coughed up the money and then applied for a retroactive waiver of some of the penalties. I was able to put in my affidavit that my monthly income was only $225!
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Of course there were some good things. I enjoyed visiting my Mom. I took her to see the Queen of Katwe. I would not say it was Oscar worthy, but the Ugandan scenes are pretty familiar. My brothers came by to watch the Broncos, fun to see during daylight hours.
It’s nice to use a dishwasher, and a washing machine for laundry, although I will likely hang my clothes to dry in the future. My skin cleared up from all the bug bites. It was the first thing Adams noticed when I returned (Matthews noticed I was fatter).
No doubt, I liked using water out of the taps, even hot water, without filtering or boiling it. Western flushing toilets are better than squatting in pit latrines. Bathrooms are available everywhere (except at 7-11s 🙂 ). The other day in Iganga I asked a shopkeeper where I might take a “short call”. He took me to a lot out back and said to choose my spot. Peeing outdoors instead of using pit latrines is not a sacrifice.
I was able to re-evaluate my condo in Capitol Hill which I had purchased a couple of months before I left. I used the second bedroom and bath. RPCVs will be my guests passing through Denver in the future, so it was good to see a future visitor’s perspective. My kitchen and veranda needs renovation.
I got a glimpse of my future retirement: Morning coffee reading the paper on the veranda; walks to Cheeseman Park; the nearby Mayan or Esquire for afternoon movies at senior discounts; listening to music from my favorite radio station, CPR’s “Open Air” at 102.3. (Check it out!). However, it’s pretty plain, when I return next year, I will need a plan to stay active. I have lots of ideas, but will share more about that next summer.