Wrappin’ it up
It’s been a week since JJ left for Uganda, and Ben and I returned to the Mendocino Coast. This year’s tour was very different for me than last year’s. First off, Ben and JJ spent the first week traveling together, while I stayed behind to plan an event here at home. It’s really hard touring; sleeping every night in an unfamiliar bed (actually, who am I kidding - I have so many sleep issues I don’t even sleep in my own bed…nevertheless), managing your life around other people’s schedules, and I must mention that vegetables simply seem to disappear from our diets. For however awesome and rewarding it is to be on the road, it is exhausting. So I did not have to deal with that bit of it from the get-go, which made the second half of the tour less stressful.
On Feb 28th, my grandfather past away. As soon as I found out he wasn’t doing well I booked a flight home. Unfortunately, he passed away an hour before I landed in Philadelphia. He was my best friend.
After spending a few days with my family, I met up with Ben and JJ in San Francisco. We had a phenomenal time traveling the West Coast. We were welcomed with open arms by so many wonderful people who support the Mirembe Project. Their enthusiasm inspires and rejuvenates my spirit.
I find myself torn between two emotional poles. I am still very sad about my grandfather, and will be for some time to come. Yet my struggle to find inner solace is lightened by my work. Over the last three weeks I have often felt alone, yet I have been blessed by those who are motivated and push forward in meaningful and significant ways. Although my biological family is core to my life, since last year’s tour my extended family has grown exponentially. From the fields in Uganda to communities all across America, we are all connected. I sincerely thank you for your support on so many levels.