Alleluia, He is risen!
I’m so thankful for a beautiful, and safe, Easter morning. We had lots of police and anti-terror units here last night; I heard one of the large trucks as it was leaving this morning (and that’s a quarter-mile downhill from my flat). Bishop Muhima preached a wonderful sermon, and the Chaplain asked me to celebrate, which is always a tremendous joy.
The Dennisons hosted an ex-pat Easter dinner, which was bittersweet, as they are leaving this week. Brian was already scheduled to do some travel, but Mary Jane is leaving with the kids this week also. They have been here seven and a half years, and with four children, their considerations are quite different from mine. I spent a good chunk of yesterday crying, as I’m going to miss them horrendously. I’ve been praying that they would hear clearly when it’s time for them to go; I didn’t mean for it to be so soon! However, they have peace with the decision, and I’ll do everything I can to help them leave well (to include inheriting some kitchen things. That’s missionary life; I’m so sorry you’re going… has anyone claimed that really great pot?).
The USP American undergrads are leaving this week as well. That decision came from DC, and while I understand why the decision was made, my heart is breaking that they have to leave under these conditions. They are also leaving before the Rwanda trip and semester debrief, which is quite unfortunate.
Tonight at dinner, we were talking about all the people leaving. Some are leaving just for the summer, and some are leaving for good. Another long-term missionary is leaving in May, as is the English Language Fellow who’s been here since August. It feels a bit like an exodus, and Brian commented that I’m the last mzungu (white man) standing.
That’s not quite true; the USP staff is still here, as are a couple others. However, it does feel that way, as I like these people, but don’t generally socialize with them. I must confess that the phrase punched a bit of a hole in my heart. It feels very odd to be the nearly last one of what used to be a large missionary community on campus. Again, there are other missionaries here, so I’m not bereft. I’m actually rather spoiled to even HAVE a community of missionaries around. It’s just a change, and not one I’m terribly excited about.
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