Candlelight Concert

Friday came all to quickly this week, as our final days in Kampala as the Go-ED '08 semester came to a close.

For many, the day began early, as two angelic Saint Lucia's made their way from room to room bearing hot tea and christmas cheer. Startling most sound sleepers, they did not receive the warmest reception by all, but those who did rise to the occasion were treated to breakfast in bed, Julia's bed that is.

With warm drinks in hand we followed the floating candlelight down the stairs and into Julia & Kenny's room, where all us little ones piled into the bed to share in this very early Christmas tradition. (It was 5:30am - after most people had been up until 3am, need I say more).

Losing power in the middle of the morning, hardly anyone noticed as the last minute shopping and packing frenzy commenced. With little to do but stay out of the way, I watched and helped as eleven of my closest new friends prepared to depart.

By 1pm their ride was here, as none other than Patrick and bus with cheatah printed seats entered the compound. Oh Patrick - the stories we have to tell. Forty-five minutes later all the bags were stacked in the back and the final hugs were being bestowed. As the engine started rain and tears began to fall. Sarah and I stood out front watching our team pull away, what a semester it has been.

With an emptiness in our house and hearts Sarah and I found it challenging to keep occupied. To hot to be outside, no electricity to run computers, we resorted to writing Christmas cards and then decided it was time for a nap. Being the graduates of the bunch, we treated ourselves to a celebratory dinner at Indian Summer and then cemented the joy of the evening with a trip to Ciao Ciao's for ice cream.

Making our way up the street and back onto the compound the air was silent, too silent. Our trusty generator was off and we were now staring up at the darkness of our empty home. Panicking for a moment when we thought we'd been locked out, we carefully entered and made our way up through the darkness to search for our flashlights.

Finding them with little pain and anguish, we soon discovered how ineffective they were. Remembering the candlelight wreaths of the wee morning hours, a mini Christmas 'campfire' was created on the table upstairs illuminating the room just enough to see one another and share in a pleasant evening concert. Sarah strummed away on her guitar as I sat and wrote.

What an unexpected ending to a very empty day.

Go-ED team '08 you are already missed

Forever the Greatest Go-ED Group EVER!