Dr. Edward Mukooza, Principal ICMI Uganda, arrived in Victoria on September 20, 2010. During his visit he stayed with Carl and Loraine Spencer Garry.
Edward's visit was a cause for celebration and excitement. During his stay he went out to dinner six times with various ICMI members. As part of his routine in Canada, he accompanied Carl and Loraine to the YMCA - YWCA for exercise twice weekly. It was his first time in a gym. Other exercise during his stay included many beautiful walks along Willows Beach. He very much appreciated having the time to exercise.
Special events included a visit to his first opera, Cinderella, by Rossini. He was enchanted by the music, the lighting and the sets. We were invited to a surprise birthday party for Nigel and Cathie Lomas. Jayne Postuk held a gala dinner party in her home with 10 guests in attendance.
Carl and Loraine held a reception for Edward with about 30 guests. They also arranged a small tea party giving Edward an opportunity to interact with some ICMI supporters. Cedric Trueman arranged for Edward to visit a curling rink and learn something about this Canadian sport. Michael Hadley took him to the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society where he spoke with the students about health care in Uganda. Anita Hadley arranged for him to visit the Royal Jubilee Hospital and have a tour of the emergency room. Bill and Lorene Freeman took Edward to Parksville and then by Ferry over to Vancouver.
As a good tourist he also visited Butchart Gardens and Christ Church Cathedral where he walked the Labyrinth.
It was not all entertainment. ICMI held its Annual General Meeting on September 25th, at the University Club where Edward was able to reconnect with many former volunteers including Jodi and Tristan Moss and Dr. Stuart Kenning.
At the meeting, Edward spoke passionately about the accomplishments of ICMI in Uganda, particularly the immense benefits to the graduates. He talked about visiting many hospitals around the country where he found many ICMI graduates in positions of authority.
During his stay in Victoria, Edward participated in three Board meetings, where he provided valuable input. Edward was taken out to eat at the following Victoria favourites: The University Club, Ogden Point Cafe, Pure Vanilla, Brentwood Bay Pub, Starbucks, Macaroni Grill and Moxie's Grill.
On Sundays, Edward attended church services at St. George's Anglican Church in Cadboro Bay where he preached a Bible-based sermon that was very much appreciated by the congregation.
It was a very busy time for Edward in Victoria but it was a very successful time. He had a wonderful opportunity to meet ICMI members and to renew friendships with many former volunteers.
Edward left Victoria on October 8 to travel to Ontario where he was met by Reverend Eugene and Dianne Berlenbach who hosted him at their home near Peterborough. Dianne arranged for Edward to meet and speak to approximately 40 people from the community. As a result, ICMI received several new memberships and donations of $1640.
Edward's visit to Canada was both busy and rewarding. We thank God for making it possible for Edward to come and be with us. We thank everyone who helped make Edward's visit such a wonderful success.