Farewell travels. Real world, here I come very nervously....

I have made the venture to Kampala, the chaotic capital city. Roads are horrific, traffic, or "the jam" is unbearable especially if you are unlucky enough to be stuck in a matatu(small taxi van) with 20 or more other people. The heat and pollution is suffocating. Riding a boda(motorbike) is the easiest transport but really cant shake the terrified feeling and morbid thoughts as we worm through traffic, around potholes, and inches from oncoming traffic. I remember taking a no destination boda ride the day before I left just for "one last ride." I have already counted down the number of rides I have to take before leaving and am thankful for every safe journey. I cannot wait to be in a car with a seat belt, on decent roads with other drivers who obey traffic laws, oh and me behind the drivers seat. I miss driving a lot. The freedom of going where you want, when you want, and not negotiating a price before.
I am bored and tired of travel. My desire to meet new people is minimal. My desire to drink and party is gone. My desire to do anything but sleep is almost gone too if not for the kids. I have been visiting them at school everyday. Tomorrow will be the last. Say my tearful goodbyes and know they will be smarter and taller but still as great the next time Im back. It does scare me not knowing when this will be but I know it will happen. This country and these kids have given me a life-changing experience once again and I will continue to return to show my gratitude.
Got a huge slap in the face by the ATM today. Then it told me to get back reality and get a job. Rude, maybe but right? Definitely. I have never been so broke and worried so little about money in the last four months. It has been nice and there was only a little dark cloud attempting to follow me as I jumped around the world. I have a thunderstorm waiting for me at home and not really looking forward to it. Good thing I packed an umbrella!
I really cant believe the adventure is over. It was amazing beyond words. There is no way to possibly describe this time in my life only that it is unforgettable. I dont regret a minute of it and am very happy with my good fortune and smooth traveling luck, for the most part. No major thefts(just double-checked that my purse is next to me!), serious injuries or illnesses(5 boda rides to go!), and most importantly, I finished. 14 countries in 4 months solo. Not a bad feat. Everyday was a new challenge of language, culture, and navigation. I managed. Most importantly, I have the confidence to go almost anywhere and do anything. My travel blog is put on hold for a bit of fundraising but I will be back. I am going to see as much of this world as I can. Until the next worldly adventure calls, let me live through yours!!

Sorry about the doubt Uganda..... I still love you:)

The kids have returned to school. Not waking up to screaming and yelling before the sun is up. Still not sure I like that since it isnt followed by good morning auntie and hugs. I will be visiting them at school tomorrow after not seeing them for almost a week. Three weeks with them felt like one. One week without them feels like 3. I have been staying at Bujagali Falls about 7 km out of Jinja. Right on the Nile, where they do the rafting. There was a huge freedom and relief when I was back to just me and my pack. The kids are greatly missed but I really never stop worrying about them. Just me. A bit lonely but not for long. Met some local safety kayakers who took me out on the river for a day. Nearly impossible. I must have attempted to roll a hundred times and was never totally successful. Still a great experience that I will be doing again. Since then, I have met many locals. I have my boda driver Steve, my rolex(food) guy Joel, bartenders Abraham and Richard, and Fatia who has a souvenier shop and of course the kayakers Robert and Steve who I meet up with every day. I have met only a few mzungu(white people) backpackers. Kinda over the Where you from? Where you been? Where you going? thing. I had some issues to deal with here that made me really question my love for the country. That has been worked through and after meeting some great local people, I have that urge to be a local too. I am just happy to feel that love for the country again. It is a beautiful place with beautiful people, inside and out. The kids bring me back here but the country gives me a new and life changing experience everytime.
There is a local non-profit that I randomly was told about while traveling in Europe. S.O.U.L. - Supporting Opportunities for Ugandans to Learn. The founder Brooke has set up classrooms outdoors. They have started so many programs, but all with the same goal. Overcome the obstacles that Ugandans face in getting an education and have all of these people volunteer or give back in some way. Amazing concept and really helping Ugandans help themselves and their country. The website is www.souluganda.com I will be going there this afternoon for some much needed playing and talking with kids.
Well off to Kampala tomorrow where I will remain until flying out next week. Oh Kampala, guaranteed to be even more packed and chaotic than last year. Just praying that the boda ride gets along with my 25 kilo pack...