Saying Goodbye

June 24th, 2008

It’s really hard saying goodbye indefinitely to the place that feels like home. I hate to leave here and I’ve become really attached to these children. We did our wash this morning which ended with Jah-jah and Cathy taking over because we looked ridiculous trying to wring out bedsheets with our hands. We left the majority of our clothes for them to have and the sheets we brought. I wish I could leave more. I took my last trip to Kampala today to set up the international bank account for the orphanage. I will not miss Kampala. The diesel, sweat smell and orange dust sticks to me, and as thrilling as being called “white” in Lugandan everywhere you go sounds, it isn’t. We came home to everyone running to the gate to greet us. Sophie grabbed my hand as soon as I entered and Jah-Jah gave me a hug. It was as if I had been gone for weeks.  We had our last lunch here and I spent the rest of the time constantly taking photographs and collecting things. I collected large pieces of the demolished house for our final project together. They painted on the flat surfaces and they came out looking beautiful.

I took some portraits and we interviewed Resty, Norah, Isaac and Ssebanatika. They were sad to be interrupted from their art. They did art all night, only stopping to have some of the oatmeal we gave them and some poshu and beans. Ssebanatika kept asking me after each drawing if I would show it in the United States. Isaac painted a plane for me that said “see you in America.” Joweria gave me this long sappy letter that almost made me cry. She thanked me for everything in broken english and I felt so important in that moment because I had helped her in some way.

I took long exposures outside at night. They came out fantastic. They jumped around realizing that if they moved they became blurred. Lydia kept doing high kicks and Marvin would squeal with delight every time the preview of the image came up. Actually, it was right in my ear, but I didn’t mind for the most part (my ears did). It was really enjoyable to share it with him.

I am so excited to compile the art show to profit the children This doesnt feel like the end, it still feels like the beginning but there is still this small hurt for what I know will be longing when I leave.

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