Saturday, March 25, 2017

Two Places at the Same Time

Let me be honest, it has been difficult this time around, for me (Laurie) at
least, to disengage from the US and to re-engage with our life her in Uganda.

Apparently this affects enough people that the BBC, British Broadcasting Corporation, published an article about this called, 'The Problem with
Being a Long Term Expat.'

You can read the article here: www.bbc.com/capital/story/20161024-the-problem-with-being-a-long-term-expat

This article quote sums it up, "Such long absences can play havoc with a person's sense of identity, a feeling that is inten-
sified by the length of time away and 
how often they visit home."

While you are in one country, time moves on in the other. Each time you
return it is not the same country you left behind and if you really think
about it, neither are you. Life happens and changes you both.

Yet, your memories and expectancies of how things will be upon your
return are based on the last time you were there. Even though this is
the way it should be, it still makes it difficult at times to keep up with
changes and where you now fit into them.



Speaking of Change - When we left in December 2016 for our time in US, the foundations were poured and a few lines of brick were being laid on the first buildings for the new campus for LivingStone International University.




These are the buildings now. What a difference a few months can make!




Culture and Exhibitions - Since our return we have attended a Cultural Gala
that allowed the students from different countries and tribes to showcase
some of their home areas through traditional dress, dramas and food.


It was fun to see the more quiet students portraying things from their heritage.

Daryl's new role as Dean brings with it different duties. He recently went with a team of faculty, staff and students to represent LIU at the National Council of Higher Education Exhibition for Universities and Tertiary Institutions in Kampala. This event allow others to know about LivingStone International University and the diversity of its students and staff.



They received information requests from over 500 prospective students. Though LIU is in its infancy, it has set higher standards than many other universities by having students use Kindles and having a computer lab; which many of the universities in Uganda do not have.

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