November 30th, 2008…my last day in Uganda…
November… Such a special month for me… Every year, when this month arrives my head always remember Uganda… The Kitega Community Centre!
2018… Such a special and meaningly year! 2008-2018… Ten years have passed since I arrived in Kampala… since the beginning of a dream came true! I was arriving for my first and unique experience as an international volunteer!
I choosed Uganda without knowing anything about the country or about the host. I choosed Uganda with my heart! And Uganda remains in it!
Although my silence…my absence since my return, Kitega Community Centre, the children, the teachers and of course my “Uganda Family” were not forgotten! The month I spent in Uganda left an eternal mark in my heart and mind…
My plans were to return this year…10 years after my arrival…unfortunately my plans didn´t succed…
But my thoughts were there… in Uganda!
As I couldn´t go there this year, I read my “Volunteer Diary”, written during my stay in Uganda. And the images of that month invaded my mind… the sounds… the faces… the voices… the odours… and the “saudade” (word in portuguese that means missing someone or something) was even bigger than before!
The nostalgia of having experienced something so intense and extraordinary increased in me…
And when I read the news about Kitega Community Centre and notice all the developments that changed this organisation since I was there, I feel so proud of you all “That make things Happen”!
When I arrived, the building of the centre didn´t existed… and now KCC has a House, well established programs for the children and the adults, a lot of volunteers who bring their knowledge and kindness for the village… Well done!
I must send my congratulations to all of you that works endlessly for this wonderful cause! You´re blessed and God helps you to achieve your goals.
I received a KCC T-shirt with the words: “small enough to care”… but now you are big enough to care!
I must thank my family of Gayaza (Mr Silas Musoke, Mrs Jeannie, David, Phillip, Michael, Rita, Alice) who make me feel at home like a daughter! I can´t forget the matoke, the prayers at night “What is impossible to man, it is possible with God, Amen, Amen”! My farewell party…
I must thank my family of Kitega (Mr Kalule, Mrs Vitoria, Mrs Proussy), Mr Keneddy, the Head teachers of Kawolo and Katungulo…
I must thank Mr Kavulo and family, Daniel, Peter…
I must thank the children because they give me their smiles, their contagious joy…sweet Caroline…Marluce…
I must thank for accept me as a partner and to become a full member of Ngeye clan! I´m Raquel and I was named Nakitto!!!
Thanks Kitega Community Centre for all that you give me, which was more than I could give to you!
With this letter I want to send all my love and greetings for the staff and members of Kitega Community Centre!
I didn´t give up of loving you and think about you!

And my next goal is for the coming year, 2019, in which KCC wil be celebrating 20 years! I want to be there with you to celebrate by God’s will!

Best regards, with a lot of “saudade”,
Raquel Silva