Postcards from Uganda

Thursday, November 15, 2007

CHOGM redux

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place in Uganda on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.  In these weeks immediately prior to CHOGM, preparations have taken on a frenzied pace.  Construction around the clock.  Digging crews lining every main road, patching potholes, creating sidewalks and busting pipes.  Road closures for "convoy rehearsals."  (Heaven forbid the visitors should wait in traffic!)  "Are you ready for CHOGM?" has become an acceptable greeting. 
 
Just when I had abandoned all hope that CHOGM would bring any benefit to Kampala residents, Parliament declares two CHOGM public holidays - on Thanksgiving day and Friday!  I will join some other Americans in town for a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, then a Thanksgiving potluck on Saturday.  Thanksgiving is not an official holiday in Uganda, but a long weekend of no work and overeating?  That's the true spirit of Thanksgiving!
 
So thanks, CHOGM and Parliament, for these extra holidays.  More sincerely, thank you, friends and family, for your care and support, for emails and packages. 
 
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Occupational hazard

I ran into some Texans in a gift shop yesterday.  We introduced ourselves, shared where we're from and what we're doing in Uganda.  I attributed my formal business attire to the court hearing I had just attended.  As soon as they learned that I'm a lawyer, they started telling me about a legal case they had encountered during their visit. 
 
Of the reactions I get (here or in America) when I disclose my vocation, two are most prevalent.  One is thinly-veiled disapproval.  One is inquiry into some specific legal problem.  In other words, those who do not condemn me want free legal advice. 
 
I'd like to think that I'm willing to help others.  But some days, when I want a break from work, when I just want to enjoy the other parts of my life, I wish I can profess my profession without having to defend or practice it.  Some days, I wish I were a proctologist. 

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

9 months

Back in February, while I was packing and re-packing and getting ready for my move to Uganda, others were... getting their groove on. In the past 2 weeks, three sets of friends have transitioned from married couple to family.

Taylor, Hannah and Zoe: You are most welcome! You are a good-looking lot and blessed with parents who already love you beyond measure. I look forward to meeting you in 2008.