full circle

Last June, I spent four days in nyc for the first time.  I had never been and took the opportunity while in transit to Uganda.  My time in nyc was well spent, exploring the city with Meaghan and Adam.  Meaghan, best vacation planner ever, filled our days with wonderful food and activities that didn't scream tourists.  I remember lying awake at night on the futon in our Chelsea apt. and thinking about how I was going to repack my bags to not have to pay the overweight fee to Uganda, budgeting how much more money I could logistically spend in New York, and the fact that I was about to embark on an incredible journey to East Africa.  My last meal was delicious macaroni and cheese at Pastis, but with my stomach churning for the next morning's departure, I could hardly eat it.  That last night--and parts of the entire trip--seem so surreal since I spent the next six weeks in Uganda.  I can hardly remember it and didn't really have a chance to talk about it when I returned.  In fact, I had even forgot it happened until I later saw pictures.

My third trip to nyc (in 6 months and in my life) was the culmination of everything that I have experienced in the last year.  I was traveling to nyc by myself (but to meet up with the loves of my life) to welcome 6 Ugandan friends to my country.  They had left Uganda probably with the same feelings I had about going, only to arrive for a short stay in nyc before they continued on to their life-changing experiences.  I wonder if when they return, they'll remember New York clearly, or if it will be a vague, distant memory.  

For me, this last trip encompassed my knowledge of New York (thanks Meaghan Whitney) and my love of all things TEX.  So much led up to this, that once I was there, sharing beers and laughs with Catherine, Jenni, Pablo and Joe seemed like such a relief.  Nothing though will ever surmount watching Otim Walter help Lacere zip up his coat, Rosemary's excitement of how large the busses are and they drive around even if no one is on them, Elizabeth's laughter at Banana Republic and her explanation of its true meaning, watching Otim Walter and Elizabeth order and eat Chipotle for the first time, explaining fountain drinks to Otim Walter and the idea of free refills and watching him laugh hysterically at Sister Act on Broadway.  

 

I so badly wanted to be a part of TREX and was disappointed that my current place did not allow me to be.  But I was and am a part of it more than I thought I would ever be--whether it was selling a massive amount of Agape ornaments or volunteering for the orientation.



When I first started traveling and came back to the US for the first time, I had said that I left my heart in Argentina.  After an incredible self-discovery in Peru, I knew that I had found my heart.  As cliche as it sounds, I know that I have given my heart to Uganda.  It is now a part of me and I hope that in some small aspect, I can be a part of it.