Needless to say, my time here in Uganda has been full of new experiences, challenges and blessings...today welcomes a new experience for me... As I was sitting here in the internet cafe in Kamapala today, busy trying to connect with home, some supporters of those who oppose the president came walking down Kampala Road....almost immediately after they passed, I heard the all-too-familiar-sirens that warn "TEAR GAS IS COMING!!!" Instantly everyone in the cafe sprung into action...many people were running out and away, some people fled into the washroom, the staff were busy pulling down and locking the metal gates...within about ten seconds, we were all locked inside quietly waiting for the inevitable...through the window we could see the thick bluish fog make it's way down the now empty street....slowly it seeped under the metal gates and immediately all of our eyes were stinging, nasal passages burning , sinuses throbbing...tears flowing, throats constricting and nostrils flaring!! People began to shout for water, everyone needing to rinse their eyes... wipe their faces, blow their noses!!

Sounds like a completely negative experience right? Well, not entirely... like in all situations that are likened to a crisis...those involved are bonded...even if for a few moments...we are all in the same boat and therefore an instant camaraderie occurs....people were wiping their tears and laughing...some people shaking their heads at each other with a wry grin "that's our country!" and more laughing...people sitting down at tables together, sharing bottles of water to wipe their stinging faces...everyone regaining their composure TOGETHER:Muslim and Christian,Ugandan and Muzungu, Young and Old...Together... then, the gates were opened, the sun shone in and a breeze brought in some fresh air ...everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief and moved on with their day.
Since then we have been "locked down" twice and have heard rumours that there is gun-fire up the street and more tear-gas... If only those rare moments of camaraderie and human oneness could last...if only we could hold onto it...continue it....maybe there would be less fighting, more talk...understanding and maybe.....peace.

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." -Mother Theresa