Hoops for Grace Vs Rafting against Extinction

Dear Patience,

I have been looking at this screen for the last 2 days. There are lots of things that I want to tell you but I do not know how to start. First things first, thank you so much. I received the package of goodness. You know me too well. JJ said you called. Thanks again. I miss you everyday. I tick off the calendar days – they are edging closer.

It has not been easy these past months. I have learnt to choose happiness over all else. It is tougher to wear a smile when you heart is bleeding. Story of my life. I have been reading too. Last weekend, I got myself a month’s worth of reading material at no cost. God still prevails!

October begins tomorrow. Like it has been done for the past 2 years, my friends of the 40 Days over 40 Smiles Foundation are having the annual fundraiser – Hoops 4 Grace. As usual, the event will take place at Bush Court (Naguru) opposite Kampala Parents School. Entrance is only 5,000 Ugx. It is for a good cause – A dormitory for the girls at Elohim.

Go show them some love! It will take place this Saturday!

Basketball and more!

On the same day, people throughout the world will march as one for one common purpose:  to educate and spread awareness about the poaching crisis and illegal wildlife trade in ivory and rhino horn that is plaguing our world RIGHT NOW.  In Uganda however, we will not be marching. We will be rafting the Mighty Nile instead!

Conquer the Nile for Rhinos

Over the era of Idi Amin and the civil wars that followed, severe poaching across Uganda resulted in the violent demise of Northern white rhinos and elephants in Uganda. Uganda went from having more mega-herbivores per square kilometer than anywhere else in Africa – with famed herds of thousands of elephants – to seeing rhinos become extinct and elephants dropping to their lowest ever population of just a few hundred.

In recent years the poaching of elephants and rhinos in Africa has reached unprecedented heights as the demand for ivory and rhino horn has soared in China and other mainly Asian markets.  Whilst poaching is of concern in Uganda, the efforts of the UWA and partner conservation organisations have succeeded in sustaining a slow but steady growth in its elephant population. Uganda’s elephant numbers have increased by 600% since their lowest point in the mid-1990s, and we are the only country in Africa who can claim zero poaching of rhino since their reintroduction in 2006.

Whatever event you choose, you will be doing for a good cause! Stand up and represent, your country needs you!

Patience, I must go now. Always know that my love for you is limitless.

“I can’t text you roses, or fax you my heart. I’d email you kisses, but we’d still be apart. I love you to pieces, and just wish you’d see that I care for you so much because you mean the world to me.” Mahmoud El Hallab

Thank you Susan!

Dear Patience,

How are you? Have you adjusted to the cold? I miss you more everyday. JJ asked me why you went away, I told him you will call him. Make sure you do.
He says he wants a photo of you in Bulaya!

The rains have started again. Kampala is getting cooler by the day. of course, the sunshine does not give up easily. It gets its way always.
Today, I want to tell you about Susan.

The first time I met Susan was in July 2014. She was interviewing me for a job I badly needed. She was with her husband during the interview and I liked the way he let her take charge of the entire interview. From the many questions she asked me that day, only one remained in my head for a long time after. It is a question many prospective employers ask their would-be or soon-to-be employees. The question is”Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 or more years?”
I do not remember what my answer was to the question that day. However, I do remember that I was not prepared for the question (if anyone is out there and has a perfectly correct answer to the question, get in touch) and I was quite shocked. I stumbled back and back and forth and talked about my love for nature, food etc. Totally unconnected!

He has the perfectly correct answer!

Photo credit: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/theintern/

I did get the job! In the course of my time at the company, Susan and I did discuss about my future plans both personally and professionally at length.
Very informative and fun-filled discussions we had. I must add that Susan is amazing at reading people. She knew my sad and happy moments effortless.
Patience, you must be wondering why I have started using the past tense. I will tell you. Susan left the company a few months ago. It was sad to see her go. I lost a boss (she hates being called boss). So I will rephrase, I lost a friend.

Susan, this is for you;

Thank you for being my boss and also my friend,
Thank you for all the advice and counsel you gave, I benefited a lot,
Thank you for taking the time to listen to me.

I wish you only the best that life has to give,
May you continue to infect those who meet with your radiance,
May you be more!

I wish you joy, love and happiness,
May the sun rise to meet you as you awake,
May God’s blessing keep you warm when the days turn grey.

Be more!

Thank you again!

Photo credit: http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/author/amylucy/

Patience, when you meet Susan you will know that what I write is just an observation. She is beyond my description.

I love you Patience, I always will.