After missing several opportunities, the day for my first project was set and it happened to be a day trip to Mpigi along Masaka road. Having been raised by an environmentalist by the Queen of all mothers, I was excited about planting trees and Rotary provided the platform I needed to be part of greatness not just in this nation but to the world and the next generation.Our journey began at Forest Mall, and we observed the stated set off time with 14 other cheerful persons towards the Northern bypass where we met our first obstacle-the famous Busega traffic jam. However, our pilot was experienced enough to find an alternate route via Mityana road, and this marked my first lesson (new “panya” added to my list). On arrival, we immediately walked to the venue and had a brief after which we rolled the sleeves and began to plant the rather dried up steep hill under the scotching sun. I believe resilience and perseverance were the twins that accompanied me up the hill towards the peak that rewarded me with the beautiful view of the Masaka road, the breeze and greenery further down the hill. This climb reminded me “Focus only on where you are right now. Then carefully take one step at a time, by placing just one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you will turn that corner.” - Anthon St. Maarten.
We then settled amidst the pine trees and learnt about bee keeping. This was another major highlight with so many lessons from the sharing by Rtn. Ssenoga Brian of MiHoneyUg. The interactive session reminded me of basic bee knowledge from my primary classes but the depth at which Brian engaged us with mind blowing information was that worth of a master’s class.
Who knew bees were a major influence in human survival in terms of crop production? Who knew the Queen bee possessed so much power and wisdom? Who knew the viscosity tests of honey (I didn’t)? Who knew the beauty and physical value of original honey? Who knew that our Ugandan honey varies according to geographic region and has different uses depending on its composition? I will not dilute the lessons from the bee keeping session but all I can say is WOW. It was enlightening and an honour to be amidst a well informed and articulated audience.
Whenever we step out of our comfort zones and pursue life to diverse measures, we enrich our lives and those we get to meet along life’s journey as we share our experiences-the good and the bad. May we never cease to live in the now and enjoy whatever life is offering us. The wise Book tells us in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has given everything its proper time to occur and I believe this is the right time for me to walk the Rotary journey.
I am glad I invested my Saturday to this cause and grateful for the warmest hospitality of the organizers Gilbert and Richard, Irene - my greatest motivator and all those I met during this expedition.