Arrival

It is the fourth of february a friday morning, heading to the airport to take the flight to Uganda. The train ride goes smoothly, the airport floors are shiny. Everyone is heading somewhere else. The queue to the baggage drop is not as sufficient as expected, feel the irritation running through my blood stream, and by looking at the facial expressions of others in line apparently this sentiment is shared by many. Why is it taking such a time to check in, sure I have two hours to check in, but that is not the point. This is Europe, we need and expect things to be done and fixed fast. My impatience and the expectations I have get the better of me at times. Why am I so different when I am abroad? I wish I could sometimes place my travel mentality when I am in Europe, but hey maybe that is the reason I constantly urge to go abroad. Just like myself more when I let go of expectations. Finally headed to another line and get checked in, on the flight and then arrive in Uganda. The airport in Entebbe is not crowded, the floors are not shiny. Get to the Visa check in, already had a visa fixed for six months but apparently that does not mean much. If the person behind the desk is in a bad mood he gives you a stamp for one month and the money you spent getting a longer visa is tossed down the drain. I was met up by Boca and his two daughters, standing with a sign with my name on it. They are my ride to ADRAs head quarters in Kampala. It is 8 pm, it is around 25 degrees and for me the weather is perfect, Boca however finds it a bit chilly. We have a 1 hour drive ahead of us. Boca and I instantly connect, and I find myself sharing topics with him I only tell people I have known for a while, if even that. It was such a nice talk, and I thought to myself if I am instantly struck with such a nice encounter so soon, how much more will these four months give me? We are driving in quite a speed, and the traffic here abides by its own rules. I am the only dork in the car wearing a seat belt. But hey better safe than sorry, right? Eventually drive up to the headquarters of ADRA. The security guard who was wearing what looks like a winter jacket, (can not help smiling within) let us in. Meet Thore and Siri who are the current directors of ADRA. Robin the youngest son was asleep on the couch. I also met Robins home schooling teacher, a young girl named Elin. I had a small chat with them before heading for bed. I was glad to see them be so pleased with the chocolates and cheese I got them, since it is almost impossible to get it in Uganda. Thereafter I head to my little guest room in the guest house outside. It is perfect for me and has all I need, a desk, a bed, and an own bathroom.  It feels so tranquil, and the house is overlooking the Victoria Lake. A branch had hit the internet wire and the electricity was out during the day. The electricity was now back but not the internet, so I do not know yet how frequently I can keep myself updated. Like Siri said about the situation, this is Africa, welcome. Feel no sense of irritation through my blood stream, have no sense of expectation or impatience. I am just pleased with a sense of adaptation and acceptance.  An already changing mindset questioning, why do I need to go to the other end of the world to realize the meaning of what matters and more importantly what does not matter that much?