the week before xmas

'Tis the week before Christmas and all through the house... we are listening to Frank Sinatra (compliments of Aunt Theresa) and our cat killed a mouse (literally)!

Needless to say, all is well in Isiro and it is extremely nice to be back. R&R is over and for that I am happy. Marie said I returned looking a little tired but was rather impressed with how relaxed I appear at the moment. She also said it appears I have taken to worshipping the "sun god". A little sun never hurt anyone... moderation is key.

With a rather large amount of work in front of us... me... us... over the next week, I thought I would go ahead and stick my Christmas letter out there now before it was too late.

While for the last week I have been rather "grouchie" because my plans did not turn out as I would have liked over my week of r&r, perspective is many times needed more than a vacation. I look tired because I have been up since 4am (Congo time), but my mind and body are rested and ready for the next 3 months. Sure I thought I would go whitewater rafting, on safari, even thought I would go see the gorillas again, but who says I am in control?? I ended up too sick to anything, but the things I DID DO over my r&r were pretty fabulous and relaxing.

- took-off, landed and flew a small 6-seater plane (with the very tiny assistance from the pilot sitting next to me)
- enjoyed TWO very nice lattees
- had some amazing indian food
- drank some fabulous port (South African) last night at a friend's going away dinner
- have not run in nearly two weeks (good rest for the body)
- had one of the best hamburger's I have had in months
- washed my clothes in a washing machine (amazing!!)
- had a 60-min massage and used a saunafor 25 mins for a total of $8
- picked up some new dvd's for the house
- spoke with my parents, individually & then together-- total of two times a pieces in one week
- shared a Kampala sunrise with my brother Joe and sisnlaw Lynn as I spoke with them on Skype (with a 9 hr difference, we can do that)
- walked around the city of Kampala alone without a huge security breech at hand
- went into a supermarket... and stared at everything in awe
- drank a Guinness
- spent Sunday afternoon sitting next to Lake Victoria with friends, soaking up the sun
- actually got a little sleep
- sent a Christmas gift home for my brother and my parents (which does feel very nice!!-- finally accomplished something)
- got sick... again
- spent a few afternoons next to a pool just reading a few good books
- pondered thoughts of home and the people there a great deal
- bought a 10-year single malt whiskey (a very nice one) for $10 and am not sure what to do with it???
- bought a marie a nice south african wine for christmas

These are not extremely extravagent things to do during one's holiday, but this is apparently what I needed to rejuvenate me for the field. I arrived back in Isiro this afternoon. It was so nice to be home; to drive without the chaotic traffic, to see the kids playing in the road again, to be the only car on the road, to go running on our trail in the jungle, to be back in my room, in our house here--- simplistic, easy, quiet, somewhat peaceful at the moment.

Last night at a friend's going away party (two years in Northern Uganda) there were many toasts in his honor, everyone hoping that he will come back, etc. I pondered a great deal over the words spoken during each toast on the drive back to the guesthouse and the one thought that conitnued to bounce around in my head was... when I am finished here, will I have portrayed "my people" back home in a light that serves them justice?

I do not mean to make a possessive statement on people from back home either (sorry), but I suppose what I am trying to say is that I feel very grateful to have all of you in my life. Whether thru phone, email, letters, not talking in 5 years, or the daily check-up, each of you have impressed something upon me which I am extremely thankful for, try to hold true to, and carry with me wherever I go... so thank you.

Enjoy your holiday season with family, friends, or whomever and know that there is a girl (who will be in Bunia, DRC) raising her glass to each of you Christmas day. Cheers.