As I sit in front of my computer trying to think about what to write, no words seem to come to mind to describe the experience I have had in Uganda. The staff at Shanti have touched my heart and I am forever grateful for their knowledge, wisdom and spirit. I have learnt a lot and I'm not just saying that. Ugandans have helped me to grow stronger and (i'd like to think) wiser. I have learnt a lot about patience, compassion and authenticity, which I feel that every Ugandan endures. My time at Shanti has been transformational even though it has happened slowly and silently I feel that I am a different person than who I arrive in Uganda.
If you would have asked me a week ago if I was ready to leave Ugandan I would have said 'yes'. At the time I felt that I had completed what I need to do here and seen what I needed to see. However, life has a way of throwing us a curve ball when we think we have figured it out and now I am hesitant to leave. In my last week I have met amazing like-mind people and learnt about existing organizations that I wish I had more time to visit and see what they are doing. I feel robbed and wished that I had these encounters earlier in my practicum, but then again I believe that everything happens for a reason and that we never truly understand the bigger picture. Perhaps this story is meant to be continued... something to hook you in and to look forward to in the future.
I do wish I had more time at Shanti to see my latest projects grow and develop. The compost project at Shanti was developed to reduce waste, enrich soil crops and educate women about their garden and the environment. I was astonished to find out that there are no recycling programs in Uganda. People burn their garbage to dispose of it, which creates health and environmental concerns. The concept of recycle, reduce and reuse is somewhat a foreign topic in Uganda as people just aren't educated in this matter probably because there are so many other issues to be dealt with.
Even though I am leaving Shanti I am confident that the staff at Shanti will continue to educate women and enhance their quality of life and well being. The staff are so dedicated to what they do you can't help but notice their pride. Their passion and dedication are the reason why Shanti is what it is. I believe that Shanti has so much potential to be a prominent organization in Uganda and will continue to reach out and help others.
Courtney
Therapeutic Recreation Student
“Its not so much the journey that's important; as is the way that we treat those we encounter and those around us, along the way” ~ Jeremy Aldana
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