My colleague Laura happened to be traveling to Uganda too, so we enjoyed a nice chat (and an even nicer nap) as we crossed over Lake Victoria. At the airport, I was met by Dennis and his brother Emmie. My mission for that Thanksgiving weekend: to 'meet the parents!'
Dennis was heading to the US in early December to continue his residency program selection process, so it was our last chance for quite a while to meet up with his family together. I got to meet his mom, dad, step mom, all his siblings, and a number of cousins and other relatives.
It was definitely different from that side of things- when Dennis was coming to meet my family last summer, I just felt comfortable and excited, enjoying being home and fully expecting that both sides would make a favorable impression. As the one being brought home, I felt a little more nervous. I think it's challenging enough trying to find your fit in any new group, let alone a new family, let alone a family from a different culture.
I'll reserve the minute details for person to person conversations, but suffice it to say that it was a very great, very challenging, very emotional weekend. Dennis' family are awesome people, I can see that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree! Nevertheless, I really came face to face with the reality of what we might be getting ourselves into, in terms of splitting ourselves (and potentially our children!) between at least two different continents.
There is also a lot to learn in terms of culture and language. It took me at least a couple days just to learn to say 'thank you' in Ateso, Dennis' language. (The title heading includes a couple of the different variations that came out of my mouth during that learning period! The first is correct.)
At one point I told Dennis, "there's a million little things that every little girl that is raised here knows, that I just don't!" He of course assured me that he is more than ok with that. From my side, my main conclusion from the weekend was that, yes, it is going to mean being out of my comfort zone and putting forth extra effort, but this man is totally worth it!
Here's a few pics from the weekend:
Dennis and his mom in Soroti. She runs a UK-based NGO there that supports orphans and vulnerable children. A real spiritual powerhouse!
Me and Dennis trying out the new borehole that was put in at his mom's agency.
The mzungu girl here is Nicole. She's originally from Canada, and is engaged to Dennis' older brother Patrick. We had a great time hanging out with them. Here they're sharing the story of how they met.
Me and Dennis' Aunt at his dad's country home near Soroti. She was so excited to meet me, that she greeted us with shouts of 'ai yai yai' and carried me from the car to the house! (She also blessed me with many babies and presented us with a live chicken to bring home to Kampala!) By far the most welcoming welcome I've ever had!
Me driving on the left! Although I kept hitting all the wrong indicators at all the wrong times in the beginning, I got the hang of it. And, we only suffered one flat tire while under my leadership...not too shabby!
A family pic at Dennis' dad's place in Kampala. He and Dennis' step mom invited a bunch of cousins and other relatives over to meet me and say goodbye to Dennis as he headed to the states. Dennis' Dad and stepmom are seated in the front. Can you pick Nicole and I out of the crowd? ;)
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1 comment:
love this post! thanks for all the updates and pictures :) miss you girl but know you are in good hands. <>< love ya
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