For some reason, UCU graduations occur on Friday. This term, it was 10 July. I think it’s to allow for travel time and parties (I’ve been told that, though in a different order). There were 984 graduates this term, so this is a preview of how my graduation will be next year. The October and January graduations are smaller.
Between the elevation and the circus-like tents, for a minute I felt like I was at Denver International Airport. I actually would have preferred to take the day to work on assignments, but the social repercussions from that would have been lethal. Additionally, as one of the girls pointed out, we needed to see what colors the hoods are so we know how to dress next year when it’s our turn to graduate. The hoods for theology are hot pink – LOVE it!
It’s an ambitious schedule. Ostensibly, things start at 8:30. Really, they started at 10, and we were done just before 1. Not bad, especially considering that the Vice Chancellor spoke, then the Chancellor (the Archbishop) spoke, then the speech from the guest of honor was read – he was ill, and could not travel. Then all 984 names were read, by faculty, and they came forward to have their diploma or degree conferred as a group.
So, for being out in the sun for almost four hours, I really didn’t get that much of a sunburn (thank you Neutrogena sunblock!), but did have a vicious headache that persisted most of the day. Yeah, not the brightest choice (no pun intended, though it works), but it was either sit in the shade and see nothing, or sit in the sun and see our friends.
Then we had a lunch to celebrate the international graduates in the theology department. I made a new friend – she’s Joyce, the daughter of someone who is a friend of one of the Kenyan graduates. The close-up photo is on my desktop. She’s a doll. Her mom called me on Saturday, and Joyce said hello, and asked when I’m coming to visit. As for the picture of the kids playing with the tire on the football pitch [field], no, I don’t know what a tire was doing there. It was certainly entertaining for them, though.
Sunday, I was invited to a thanksgiving service/party for the now-Rev. Andrew. So I got explicit instructions for taking the taxis into Kampala. As an aside, if I have to take a boda down to town, I’m learning how to ensure that I don’t get overcharged… always ask how much it is for the ride BEFORE going. When they say “one thousand,” (fifty cents), I say, “you people! Why are you charging me the muzungu price? I live here!” 75% of the time (I’ve only done this four times) they relent and say “how much,” to which I answer “500” (twenty-five cents), and they’ll say “you sit.” Victory! But when you see the picture of Esther sitting on one the way women have to ride, you see why it’s not my favorite mode of transportation.
I still don’t enjoy taking taxis into Kampala, but am adjusting to how the system works. When I arrived, the sermon was still in full swing. Naturally, it was in Luganda. When it was Andrew’s turn to speak, he asked different groups to stand (family, friends from home, UCU, etc.). Then he made a point of introducing me, and said that I don’t speak Luganda, but would make a speech later. What?!
So, we moved outside for the party, eventually had lunch, and more speeches (still in Luganda, of course). Things went on long enough that we left before I had to give my speech. Drat. During the service, I had made another little friend; her picture is included. She was walking around while the UCU group was making our speech, so I was holding her, then later asked her mom to take a picture of us.
Sara Muhima said that she’d throw a graduation party for me next year. I’m going to do my best to keep the speeches to a minimum. : ) Oh – in the graduation pictures, Jennifer is the one who named me the flower.
Leave a Reply