Peeps Away

On February 21st of this year, my dear friend, Nancy Klicker, mailed a little package to our PO Box in Kampala. Nancy does this annually and has for dozens of years as she always remembers that my favorite Easter treats are Peeps - the sugar infused chicks of goodness that are truly best when opened and left to harden on the counter for a few days.

Well, today, four months later, I finally was able to go to the local post office to pick them up. If you have followed us for the past couple of years, you know that I paid for a PO Box over two years ago. Part of my payment was a "key deposit." This was to offset the cost of my own key so I could check my box without going inside the post office.

I've checked monthly for this key. Its now been 2 1/2 years. Its still back ordered. On my last visit, I asked Charles (on the left above) when I might get my key. He answered with uncharacteristic candor, "a million years!" I asked about getting my $5 deposit back. He laughed.

Not many people visit the post office. I usually only see Charles and Kristina. Today, Charles called me to the back to process the receipt of my package. He had me sit down as he had "Some very difficult questions to ask." I sat.

Charles looked very serious. I was ready. "Why do American's hate Trump?"

I guess this was the price of getting my very valuable package - an engaging 40 minute back and forth with Charles and Kristina about American politics, racism, gratitude and what they might need to do to move to the US and get a job.

I've actually had very similar conversations with many Ugandans. There is an eagerness to talk. The US seems like a paradise to them. They have a million questions. Most of their information comes from CNN and BBC and American movies. But they are increasingly hungry for a more nuanced understanding of the west. Social media has opened up a whole new view into life beyond their borders

After a lengthly discussion about the advantages of living in the US or Uganda, I also had to explain to Charles and Kristina why my friend would send a box of silly pink candy all the way around the world to their little post office.

Knowing that they could never truly understand what an amazing friend I have had for the past 43 years, and the symbolism of this little package, I had no choice. I ripped open the box right there and left them each with ...... A PEEP - straight from the US.

Thank you Nancy - You, Charles and Krisitina made my day!

Sally and Scott Leist

PO Box 40278

Kampala, Uganda