8 down, 4 to go

Before I arrived, one year seemed and sounded like quite a long time. Now... I can hardly believe eight months have passed and I'm sure I'll feel the same disbelief about the next four.

I adjusted relatively quickly to living here and, thanks to the plethora of care packages from home, I've not been in want of any essentials. ("Essentials" being broadly defined to include things like Noxzema and Korean ramen.)

But having initiated the countdown, lists are forming. The other day, while waiting in court, I scribbled the following:

Office Supplies
· Weekly/monthly planner (only daily diaries are sold here)
· Scotch tape
· Stapler/staples (gimme a Swingline!)
· Small post-its
· 3-ring binders
· Legal pads
· Copier with a feeder

I don't actually miss office supplies; I miss not having to think about office supplies. The Ugandan next to me in the court gallery watched intently as I made my list and questioned my sanity with the expression on his face. This scrutiny inspired another list:

Happy to leave behind
· Being watched like a freak
· Being treated like an ATM
· Mzungu price
· Body odor
· Insects & insect repellent
· Pox-marked roads
· Paying extra for chicken
· CHOGM construction
· Dirty mucus

Due to the strange loyalty that I've developed for this place, I felt guilty about the list above and made the list below:

Will miss
· Friends and colleagues
· Prossy (Ugandan lady whose lunch spot I frequent Monday-Friday)
· Road-side meatsicles
· Ugandan coffee
· Villages and the countryside
· Red earth
· Cash-only lifestyle
· Time to read
· Ugandan English ("You are lost!" = "Long time no see!")
· Shopping and bargaining with local vendors
· Celebrating the little things (internet access! electricity! hot water! any water!)

I plan to stay in touch with my friends and colleagues here. I plan to send them office supplies. I hope the next four months will not be the last four months.