President Barack Obama

January 20^th, 2009

Today was no ordinary day. Maria came and knocked on my bedroom door to tell me that the sisters requested me over at the convent. Barack Obama’s live inauguration had begun. From a tiny little black and white television in the convent, I sat with Sister Ernestine, Sister Angela and Cynthia Murray watching the first black president of the United States of America take his oath. We sat in complete silence and hung on every word the man had to say. Several of the words in his speech seemed directed right towards this tiny little village in Africa. This evening marks a moment in my life that I will never forget. Not only was I overwhelmed at how fortunate I was to be sitting here with this particular group of people watching this historical moment, but also beset with pride for my home country for the first time in a very long time.

One of the many modes of public transport in Uganda that has been modified in celebration of the newly elected President of the United States of America

This bus travels back and forth on Gulu Highway from the capital city Kampala to Lira. Sister Ernestine believes that these Obama declarations are meant to bring hope to those suffering in the northern part of the country.