It has been over a week since Lisa and I left Ndejje. And I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say it's been more than a little surreal. Our last days were emotional for both of us...we were not only leaving some amazing kids that constantly reminded us what it means to be fortuitous, a school that is constantly fighting a powerful stigma, and in essence challenging the world, or our neighbors that always showed us warmth even in times of misunderstanding; we were leaving a way of life that became our life. There are few places that carry a feeling of home within you, and even fewer places that embrace you without question. This is Ndejje. And while I felt the normal guilt on my first day away from Ndejje, e.g not having to pump a glass of water in the morning, using (or trying to use) a stove, being surrounded by a sea of Abercrombie & Fitchs, Apple stores, Targets, etc. I realized that more of my uneasiness came from the remembrance that the kids in my community were most bewildered when they heard we got free water to drink on the plane and a chair to sit in. How our lives had gone back to basics while in Ndejje, back to the core of what's important and what's needed...now we will return to a life based around the supplemental. Which is not something to feel guilty about, but something to constantly be aware of. I hope I remember that.
Call it a blessing, luck or good fortune...whatever belief system one subscribes to it is all felt the same. I feel an overwhelming amount of it. We were able to spend these last few months in a town and in a country and on behalf of a powerful idea due to the amount of people that helped us get there and continued to help us while we were there. I only hope that I maintain this experience, and instead of letting the experience and my time there seep out of me, I wish it to take root instead. It would be a shame for people to forget the words of this blog (no matter how confusing or erratic) - e.g the people we spoke about, the children who told us their stories, the lessons we learned on a daily basis and the people that made it all worth it. I truly hope people who read this blog or support organizations like Soccer Without Borders recognizes that what Lisa and I did was nothing out of the realm of possibility. In fact, it is the easiest thing to do if you decide you want to do it. If you decide you want to learn and immerse yourself in something unfamiliar, there are many many avenues for you to do so. And I really encourage you to heed that feeling. It's the only way change will happen in this world. The only way kids like Deborah, Hakim, Ronnie or Jaelle will get the fair shot they deserve.
Now we hope you follow the progress we started with SWB's new interns Deb and Chris, who are currently in Ndejje and working hard to increase the efficacy of the youth center and expand upon the relationships in the community. Thanks to our loyal followers and to those who spoke about what we were doing or asked how they could help, it all meant more than you know.
Obada mulungi. Tugya kusubwa!
