The British Are Coming

After being in the office for a few weeks as the only Muzungu, it was nice to have some more join me as Robby returned from his trip to Rwanda and Tiff (who is in charge of volunteers) returned from the UK. While they settled back into Mbale, I continued on with my typical routine and my weekly visit to CRO. This week I even introduced a new game to the kids, which was impressive considering I have only picked up about three words since being here (a poor effort I know!).


Tiff arrived with her friend Ruth, who drove her to Mbale as she lives in Kampala which isn't too far from Entebbe airport. That evening we shared in a 'welcome home' meal, and it wasn't until after the meal that we figured out that Ruth was the sister of my student pastor in my church in Edinburgh - could this world be any smaller?

On the Saturday I headed to the pool to see my friend Erin, before she flew back to the states. Another opportunity to get a tan and prove that I had actually been in Africa, and another opportunity to be arrogant with the sun and earn myself a burn which landed me with the nick name 'Lobby' for the next few days (which I completely deserved). 

In the evening we celebrated the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, as there were now enough British people in the house to justify a party. The evening included a number of Union Jack decorations, a few burnt mini-Victoria sponges, Pimms and your traditional British pasta bake! It was a great evening as we took the house back from the Americans and put a British flag in just about everything we could find!

I headed back to Bethel Baptist Church with Tiff, which is the church she regularly attends here in Mbale. As the weeks have progressed I have got to know the people in the church, and as the service ended (which was over three hours long) I was surprised by how many people I knew and had become friends with. After only being here for five weeks, it makes you realise what a friendly and welcoming culture this is and  how much love they have to give.

That evening I skyped my home church during their evening service. It was great to hear some familiar cheers and share with them what I had been up to, and it had to be the perfect way to round off the week and start a new one.

Will be posting soon - love Han xxx