25/06/22: return to the UK, the countdown is on!

My two year stint in Uganda is coming to an end. So wonderful to be here! Students and colleagues have been fantastic, really appreciated the opportunity to get to know some wonderful people running homes for vulnerable children, I’ve met Stanley the artist, engaged with a lovely church, all in the Pearl of Africa, a description as true now as it was when Winston Churchill first said it in 1907.

But all good things must come to an end, and really delighted to be going back to a 4 day a week, one year post at an Oxfordshire 11-18 school which means I can be close (not not too close) to parents to which I’m really looking forward. Initially expect to be using the 5th day to keep up with rather larger class sizes than I’ve been having recently, thereafter, not quite sure, although I’m keep to pursue an idea as to how to bypass large aid organisations, still very sketchy but would love to discuss it if you’re interested!

So, the count down is on. Said my good byes at school. This included a skit where one of my outgoing A level students – curiously, the one girl in the group with very long hair – was my alter-ego enthusing over the equation:

Then, when one of the other students said, “Ah yes, the most beautiful equation in the whole of math,” my alter-ego snapped, “It’s not math! It’s maths!” All of which is entirely accurate, I have to concede. Have a lovely card from my home room (tutor group) which I will keep carefully plus some very nice messages from colleagues and students I’ve taught over the last two years.

Perhaps the one thing I will miss more than anything else is the Christian ethos of the school. My last lesson was with my Grade 9 (Year 10) class, at the beginning of which I read a Bible verse and prayed as usual. At the end of which I said, “You know, that might be the last time in my lifetime that I’ll open a lesson in prayer.” And they looked at me, puzzled, as if to say, “But surely in every school you open lessons in prayer.” Ah no, not so – but entirely normal to you, of course. I’ve loved the opportunities to speak in chapel – and also in assembly at my previous school – and have been trying to remember the last time I gave anything other than a Christian address in a school assembly. Note to self – if asked to speak in assembly in future, get a colleague to check a draft through first, this is going to be a bit of a transition.

So, the count down is on. My Ugandan bank account is closed. My piano has gone for safe keeping to friends at God’s Love Home and School which I visited this week, getting students to do calculations based around the Queen’s age and the length of her reign. Also I visited Kampala Christian Orphanage to be met by a huge number of children, many of whom go to school there but live in local villages, chickens, rabbits and a new building project for 4 new classrooms, a medical room, a computer room and some offices. I’m hoping to get to Little Souls Ministry in Kawaala, North West Kampala, before I go but Bridget, the director, is still recovering from an assault some weeks ago now so that may not be possible.

One of my regrets is that it has not been possible to go to Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, to visit Justin and friends at Youth Initiatives for Sustainable Development. As the crow flies it is only 270 miles from here, however, travelling by road is difficult, taking risks on my own behalf is one thing, but very aware that a white face may well attract attention putting others in danger. There’s no direct flight and internal flights in Africa tend to be very expensive mile for mile compared with other parts of the world.

So, Justin and friends, so sorry not to see you in person! I feel that I know you well even though we’ve never actually met. You live in a beautiful part of the world and do a magnificent job in extremely difficult circumstances. Not only did you bear the full brunt of a volcanic eruption back in May 2021, there has been much fighting both in Goma and close to you, with many displaced coming to your town. Several times over the last year I’ve tried to imagine what it is like to have very little and be really struggling to make ends meet, then to have a large number come with even less than me in desperate need of help. What is the appropriate Christian response? I genuinely don’t know and, as reflected in this blog post very aware that you need God’s wisdom to act according to His will.

Perhaps the most difficult good byes are right here in the four plex where I’m living. Denis and Emmanuel, our askari (security guards) have become friends which has been great. Big Boy, my 5 year old neighbour, regularly marches into my house unannounced and has given rise to a number of Facebook posts which I have found amusing, hope you do too! A few days ago I suggested that, when I go back to the UK, we can talk by WhatsApp. At which he looked puzzled and said, “But that won’t be until I’m grown up.” Ah, no, some miscommunication here. And good bye Pass, the compound dog, it will surprise some people who know me when I say that I’m now considering having a dog in future having got to know you.

This coming week I’m off to Arua, north west Uganda, to visit Angucia a student from Dar es Salaam. Then a few final days to leave everything straight at school / pack / go to final doctors’ appointment / cancel my work visa / put anything I want in the UK not coming with me on the plane into the post / etc. etc. Due back in the UK on July 5th. Am committed for this coming academic year, but after that, really don’t know. Part of me would love to come back out here if the opportunity arises. At all times and in all places, to our Almighty God be the glory. Thank you for reading and, if you’re in the UK, hope to see you soon!