The "What the heck are we doing?" and "Why did we think this was a good idea?" Stage

A little background: 

In April of 2022, I received news that I was awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to head to Uganda for public health research and teaching for the 2022-2023 year. This was a career milestone that I had dreamed about for several years and I was elated about this success. Also, I had spent 3, life-changing years in Uganda from 2005-2008, so I was excited to return. My husband, Noah, shared my excitement. Our 11-year old daughter, Zalina....not so much.

Fast forward to August 2022:  We are about a month out from heading to Uganda. The avalanche of "to dos" to get ready for this family adventure is definitely overwhelming. I find myself reflecting on 17 years ago, the last time I was frantically getting ready to relocate to Uganda. This time around I have the benefit of experience with Uganda and generally knowing what to expect. However, it is definitely a whole different experience doing this with a family! There are a million (ok, maybe a few less) shots to get, prescriptions to fill, myriad other health and safety concerns that are magnified and of course different as a middle-aged parent compared with my youthful naivete and freedom as a single, 29-year old woman back in 2005. 

Then, there is also the aforementioned mix of feelings in our family about the adventure including a good dose of temporary heartbreak as we prepare to leave our little Migo behind. He is clearly disconcerted by the dissaray in our home as we prepare it for renters and just not sure what to make of the suitcases lingering in corners. Noah and I briefly entertain thoughts of taking him as it is hard to imagine leaving him behind. But, in the end, we know it would be more for our benefit and comfort than his. There are insects larger than him in Uganda and seeing as he shakes on his way to the groomer or a fun trip to the park- we can't imagine him weathering the stress of traveling on 2 planes for nearly 24 hours.

Nonetheless, there are certainly some glimmers of excitement. We went luggage shopping last weekend and Z even smiled about a new suitcase and matching carry on. Noah and I keep browsing potential places to live and there seems to be no shortage of options that seem like they will work well for the 3 of us as well as any guests that make it to visit us 😊 It certainly feels like a mountain to climb before we depart, but as Noah and I both know in our middle-aged wisdom, we will make it to that mountain and on the other side is truly an amazing opportunity of a lifetime for our family over the next academic year in Uganda.