“Now I'm back!
It's almost 6 months when I first arrived to Finland from Uganda, but the impression is still not over. I remembered about my last days in Uganda, still vividly.
It's almost 6 months when I first arrived to Finland from Uganda, but the impression is still not over. I remembered about my last days in Uganda, still vividly.
They were full of work and
action. In addition to teaching, I also planned with few teachers a cultural
talent day, which was a part of the project in TeensUganda. And of course, I
wanted to spare some time to meet my friends and relax as well. However, those
days were in fact rewarding for I learnt to take responsibility about many
things at the same time. Thing got even better when another volunteer, Pang,
came to school. I had got a new sister!!
 |
| Linnea & Pang |
The children were really enthusiastic about the day, and they had performances
in Ugandan culture: skits, dances, poems, songs, and also some Ugandan
traditional crafts and games. We executed the happening in Nansana Community
school and some students from Namayumba High school were also there. It was an
awesome day, (also my 20th birthday) and I'm still thankful for all those
people who helped me in that project! And the children, they were just awesome.
The culture in Uganda is very powerful, which you can see in everyday life
there - when they're singing and dancing on the streets, or playing Luddo or
Omweso (traditional games), preparing traditional, loved food Matooke. They
just love the things that come to Uganda. Why I wanted to make that day become
real was that those clever children would realize that they could use their
cultural talents even in their future - in their jobs!
 |
| Cultural Talent Show |
 |
| Our lovely Linnea |
Goodbyes are always horrible. When you try to prevent your tears bursting and you know that probably it is your last time seeing those people who have become important to you in a short time. Sometimes we just jump to other people's lives or they come to ours. We spend time together and teach each other (yes, small children are the best teachers). Then we have to go back to our own ways, knowing that maybe it is our last discussion. But the best thing is that we have learnt new skills and ways to think, and we will always remember those lovely people we have met during our journey.
The first contact to another Finn happened when I was in Stockholm in Arlanda airport. I met a Finnish woman who was also travelling back to Finland, and it felt quite awkward to speak Finnish after 6 weeks (except WhatsApp voicemails...). When the woman started speaking I was really shocked. She complained about flights, Arlanda, the luggage, the weather and Africa, etc. In that brief moment, I felt the urge to return to Uganda immediately! I suppose that was my first reverse culture shock.
It was good to be at home, though. Home, sweet home.
And yes, I really recommend everyone to experience Africa. Next time I'd love to go to safari, but this time was good enough. Sometimes I tend to watch my pictures and videos from Uganda... I know I have been there but still it's like a dream that came true!
Yours.
Linnea"
No comments:
Post a Comment