It’s A Small World

For years, Disneyland has been reminding people of all ages just how small of a world we live in through its 10-minute, 30-second boat ride.

Back in the States I would always encounter individuals who somehow had connections with someone or something from my past, always serving as a constant reminder of just how close of a world this is.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my life in America would have connections with my life in Uganda.

Let us rewind to early 2012. 

My dad was out in Point Reyes for a job and like a proud father was talking about his children.  Towards the end of the conversation it got brought up about me going to Peace Corps.

Here is the gist of the conversation…

“Where is she going?”

“She is off to Uganda in May.”

“Oh you get back in here.”

The woman, I believe named Jan, had put a young, Ugandan woman named Gloria through school that her daughter had met during some contract work in Kampala.  Jan helped ease my Dad’s concerns and he came back home eager to share the news and contact information of both Jan’s daughter and Gloria.  Jan also sent home a scarf from Uganda for me and now whenever I see them in country I think of her and her hospitability.

Prior to leaving I decided to communicate with Gloria to find out more of what I could expect from the UG.  She shared some words of advice that were incredibly helpful as I packed my bags and said my goodbyes.

Throughout Pre-Service Training and my first few months at site, Gloria and I kept in contact.  We were able to communicate in Runyankore as her home area is in the Southwest yet she was currently staying Kampala working. 

Time was quickly passing and I was worried that I would never meet Gloria.

Then I ended up sending Gloria an email to check in and see how work was.  I apologized for being lost (meaning that you have been away) and explained that I ended up moving to Kitgum.  I shared with her that while I have been busy and will be up until I leave, that I would love to meet before I left country.

Then she replied back saying that she was now living and working in Gulu!

For those who are unaware, Gulu is a mere 2-hour bus ride away and my closest city. 

Excitedly I wrote back to her saying that next time I was in town, I would call her so we could meet.

Well then I got a mysterious phone call a couple days later.

Low and behold, Gloria was in Kitgum for work.  We ended up meeting after work for dinner and spent hours talking about America, Uganda, our similar life, our different life, our family and friends, the southwest versus the north, Peace Corps, and much more. 

It was a unique experience to sit down with this woman and hear her stories in person rather then read them through my computer screen. 

The world is a small place filled with people that come and go and I am blessed to have been able to share in a part of Gloria’s. 

Oh and Pops. 

If you are reading this tell Jan that Gloria sends her greetings and that without the education that she helped provide, Gloria would not be in the place she is today.