Apwoyo Dwogo

or Welcome Home (literally, thank you for coming)

I AM SO GLAD TO BE BACK IN UGANDA!

I'm so happy to be back in a country with street food and a currency that I understand.  There may not be garbage cans ANYWHERE, but at least they speak English.  Forget paved roads and street lights, I'd rather have rice and beans for $0.75 any day.

I must have lost weight in Rwanda, because several Ugandans have commented.
"You have been reduced."
"I'm sorry, what?"
"You have lost some kilos."
"Oh, thanks.  In America that's a compliment, is that a compliment here?"
"It depends on what size you start out with.  We have a saying, that if this bone, collar bone, sticks out, then you need to gain weight."
"I think muno collar bones and acholi collar bones stick out differently."

It is so nice to return to a town that I am familiar with.  The seasons have changed, though.  The rainy season used to last through the end of October, but "because of global change," it hasn't rained here for over a week.  It's also become windy, so I felt like I was crossing the desert this morning when I walked across town.  I can't get over how dry the roads that used to be mud are, or how the wind blows dust across town, or dust blowing into my eyes.