I’ve been in Africa now for about 10 days and am beginning to become acquainted with the city of Kampala, the folks who work with the Kampala Kids League (KKL) and Adapted Physical Activity International Development (APAID, my project partners), and, of course, the people of Uganda. Along with this comes becoming acquainted with an African lifestyle, and, most noticeably, the speed of an African lifestyle. It’s quite something to experience and quite a beautiful challenge to get used to.

When I arrived, I was graciously picked up at the airport and brought to the home of Trevor and Ann Dudley, a British couple who have lived in Uganda for the last 20 years and who founded the Kampala Kids League (please check out the KKL website for a bit of inspiration, I think you’ll love it). Over the next few nights, with open arms, Trevor and Ann welcomed me into their home and into their life in Uganda. Myself, Steffi and Pierre from APAID, and Greg, a friend here to volunteers with us, are all working together to implement a disability component into the KKL. We would ride with Trevor into the office each day and ride back in the afternoon, only to sit down to a lovely dinner and... no lie... about 3 hours of engaging and interesting conversation. At first, I found myself thrown off by this. I haven’t sat around a dinner table, just talking with friends for 3 hours, on multiple nights in a row, for.. oh let’s see... years.

At first, I found myself feeling very fidgety and having a hard time always staying focused on the conversation. “Oh my gosh, we’ve been siting here for an hour.... Unbelievable, now two hours.... and then .... it’s 11:00 PM, have we really been here since 8?” My mind would start to drift into lists of things I should get done, unfinished responsibilities at home, people who I should call, and blogs I should update *smile*. I would shift my weight time and again, excuse myself to use the restroom or walk (wheel) around a bit, go get some chapstick, or grab another glass of water. I realized rather quickly that I was actually uncomfortable sitting still for this long, simply engaged in conversation with brilliant, interesting people. This shocked me, and in some ways, saddened me. To be honest, however, and to give myself credit, I understand that my behavior was a symptom of the lifestyle I’m used to living - one in which there is no time for such simple pleasures. Or, to be more accurate, one in which I haven’t allowed myself the time for such simple pleasures.

Since having this realization, I’ve learned very quickly to - quite simply - chill out. This ritual, and others like it, are part of the cultural fabric here, and in many ways, it’s how business is done. Don’t expect to get 10 things done in one day, but rather, think about which 5 of those are the most important, and plan to do the other 5 tomorrow. While you’re doing those first 5 things, enjoy the process. Notice the gleaming smiles on your neighbor’s faces, observe that crazy, bright blue parrot in a tree, laugh when your driver runs out of gas on the way to a meeting, enjoy having messy hair and not showering *every* day, and simply stare at the wall while you’re waiting for water to boil. I know that if I can allow myself to make these adjustments, and love how positive it is for my body, my mind, and my spirit, then I will have done things right. I think I’m well on my way, but check in with me in March. And then tell me to hurry up.

Tonight, I think I’ll do a few things related to work, then go on a walk for an hour or two, then maybe have some fresh fruit that grew on trees in the backyard... hmmm... then perhaps, dinner?