Mrs.O's writing room.

Summer is almost over, the leaves are green with tints of brown around the edges. It rains from time to time but the sun is steadfast.This marks the first year since we relocated. It feels like we have been here a lot longer. We are adjusted for the most part. I have learned to work faster and cook simple meals. I'm told there are 2 magic kitchen tools I need to get and I'll be set - a rice cooker and a crock pot. I've let go of certain battles, if I ask a certain young man to take a shower and he wets his hair for inspection, I don't sweat it. It's been a quiet summer with people traveling on vacation. Office has been sparsely populated but people are trickling back. Most conversations center around summer vacation destinations. 4 years ago, Uganda was my dream destination, I yearned to return. I'd listen in envy as friends recapped their travel episodes. I missed the food. I laughed and listened intently to the latest news on the streets of Kampala. Now,...

“I always keep it in mind. I dream that I can maybe look like John Akii-Bua in time. Today, I joined the champions. I’m happy for that.”   My tear glands act up each time I see a picture of Kiprotich running to the finish line with the Ugandan flag flying over his head. I’m drawn to his simplicity, the humility sculpted on his face from years of struggle, hard ship, pain and determination. His dream finally fulfilled.  Two joyful parents . His family, excited at the news of his victory. It is beautiful! Kiprotich brought home gold! The only medal for the country at the 2012 Olympics, the only gold medal since John Akii-Bua some 40 years ago, it is beautiful! “Being unknown, now I am known,” the gentle and gracious Kiprotich said. “I am happy now that I am a known athlete.” Kip was hardly known before he won the 2012 Olympics men’s marathon. He was probably not famous in his village, but he wished and prayed for this moment. Could he have been cr...

The London 2012 Olympics are quickly drawing to a close and I haven't watched a single sport. I should shut up and go embarrass myself elsewhere right? For a girl who grew up in a sporty family with memories of Munich, Helsinki, Barcelona, Singapore..., it's pathetic! Blame NBC for their greedy monopoly. Showing the opening ceremony several hours after the fact was just wrong. I could have watched the ceremony in office, if they had shown it live for example. Secondly (maybe more importantly), I don't have cable nor do I have friends whom I can budge in on for a few hours of TV. How much worse can it get? Not all hope is lost.  Thanks to newspapers and Internet, I've seen and read about Gaby, Phelps, Mugula, Bolt, Kipsiro, Nzikuru ... I  like the photos. The lens captures expressions and holds them in that moment for ever; the determination, commitment, and focus curved on their faces. The muscle tone and posture, clearly a result of hard work and grueling training...