​What does one do when the world changes them? I say throw down a uno reverse. This trip has brought burdened tears and gleeful joy. These moments will be left in vain. Actions ripple like a rock skidding through the water, main plot points each with multiple effects. I think this was a necessary trip to bend beliefs of the world. I suppose what I have to say is be kind to people, venture out, and absorb the moment. The world can be dark whether you make it so or someone else does. You have to be a light for yourself before you can for other people. People, good or evil, love them, hate them, all have a choice to make. Make that choice to step forward. 

You know, I ponder why people teach. Little kids, adorable but everything is slowed down. Middle schoolers, do I even have explain? High schooler, we would square up too often. College age, alright but that’s so-much schooling. You see how much I’m complaining and making excuses right? So who would have thought I absolutely loved teaching teachers?! My goodness, they were so open minded and happily involved. My heart swelled with pride watching them use our Story Based Learning in front of everyone to tell their stories. Teaching is a selfless job. It’s not about money, though that is nice, it’s about making new beginnings to create a better future. If everyone was this receptive, the world would be different. Something to be proud of. My teacher students, I love you! 

​Today we worked alongside Azizi Life to experience the regular day in their village of Muhanga/Ruhanga. This was one of the days I anticipated the most. Back in the states I’m not nearly as active in adult life as I’d like to be. With the wonderful women in charge, we worked hard to prepare our meals, get water, garden, dance, and do crafts. The simple things mean the most in the long run.


Here we are~

Mid morning, the day restarts 

Here we are 

Sweet elders elope us in love

Where drums beat, petals fly 

A thoughtfully made welcome sign 

Here we are 

We unite in a circle

Our love now unbreakable

We shall feast on the first beat

Sweet potato skins paint the floor

A bucket of greens soak

Beans boiling in the kitchen 

One by one, side by side 

Preparation propels 

Here we are 

‘A long walk to a water’

Half an hour crawls by 

A muzungu I may be,

But who could tell by the way 

I carried the water jug on my head

Straight spine, soft knees 

What we did mattered 

Here we are 

Sweet life, continuing as we love it 

It’s time to give anew, we clean the weeds

And nurture small plants to sprout 

Here we are 

After lunch we rejoice

Back in our circle 

We dance, in pairs 

Signifying our connection 

Bracelets to wear and cherish 

Here we are 

We fall sad with our host

Time, indeed was against us

Hugs and kisses and waves

We depart but our moments

Freeze in time 

We were here.

‘Let our thoughts and actions bring you peace

Though your body rest, souls forever soar

The sickly red moss grows old

Like they never could 

The color of dried blood

Holding their memories of what once was

An unwavering pit in my stomach 

I cannot understand it

Is it terror? Is it mine? Or an echo of theirs left behind?

I can barely walk

No longer on auto pilot 

I’m a conscious pilot 

Traversing through modes of ambivalence

Bodies on bodies, that’s how they were and Still how they are

There is hope on the other side

Learning, cheers and screams

Not of fear but of joy 

The eye of the storm

The next generation 

Peace grows with them, being roots that will never stop’

I sat and breathed next to their killers. No hatred. I saw a glimpse of how many caskets they filled. I still could not feel hatred. It (hatred) is not an answer, solution or the problem. The passive killer is letting society stop you from being yourself. Lost souls hurt souls.