Getting busy by the day.

I did not think that I would get this busy in just a month and not get time to give you an update in two weeks!! I have had a little bit of a busy schedule in the past two weeks. I thought that I should give you an update of my time at Pepperdine, before it’s too late. Sounds good? Here we go!!

                September 15^th was founder’s day here at Pepperdine. I was a proud representative of my beloved country, Uganda. All the representatives of various countries at Pepperdine we dressed in gowns and we had those caps on as if we were graduating! But what can I say? I got the feeling and impression of the gown, so wearing it on my actual graduation day will be just as normal. At the same time, I cannot wait to wear it again. That same week, I had the opportunity to go to Macy’s passport/ Glamorama in LA. I had a wonderful time watching models do their thing and hang out with some of the most incredible people that I know.

                I am reliably aware that the chief Justice of the republic of Uganda has been at Pepperdine this past week. Can you imagine that I have missed him? I mean Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki. He was hosted by the school of law. He was given a tour of campus by a fellow student from Uganda. I was in class at the time. He attended service at the University Church of Christ this morning, but I had already gone to our Lady of Malibu, a catholic church.

                I had my first major biology test, this past week on Thursday. I will not comment further about it for now and I hope I will not be asked many questions regarding the test.  I joined a bible study group which meets every Tuesday at 5:00 P.M. I love so many things about this Bible study group, but most importantly, they serve free food, wow! It does not get better than that, I mean I save some points on my meal plan!!!!!LoL

                I have three major tests this week and a biology research project to begin. It is all good and God has everything under control.

Last night, I went to the glow at the Santa Monica Pier. It was so much fun with the guys! It could have been much better with the g-r-s. Peace and love

Is it really three weeks now?

Today is exactly three weeks, since I came to California. For some reason, everyday I feel like I have been here for a longer time than 3 weeks.

This past week has been a little cool, but I was told that in California, people do not agree that it ever gets cool. So, I had to wear shorts, flip flops,  and no sweat shirt, or jacket to look like someone from California. I did that for two days. I then decided to act like I am surely out of state. I now wear my jacket whenever it is a little cool!!!!

I had my first quiz at Pepperdine this week in my religion class. My very first homework was due earlier this week on Tuesday. Everything is so far so good. I have no complaint. I am getting more and more comfortable with my suite-mates as well as my professors and other friends. This week, I decided to change my room around, since I do not have a roommate. I raised my bed and now I sleep close to God!!I am yet to add some color to it!!

Pepperdine has a long record of service. This past Saturday was step forward day. Many Pepperdine students at the Malibu campus and those oversees, as well as alumni step forward to do voluntary work. I volunteered to work at a middle school in Calabasas. Volunteering at this middle school is one of the most meaningful things I have done at Pepperdine so far.  My longtime sponsor and friend Larry Hashbarger picked me up for lunch on Saturday after step forward. We went to Santa Monica and had a wonderful time catching up with each other. We enjoyed the company of each other. I love you, Larry! you are my hero!


I have started to get involved in the Catholic Church down the road from Pepperdine. This morning in Church, I did the first reading from the Book of Exodus32:7-11, 13-14.

I have to finish my home work now before I go to bed!! May the Good Lord, who protects us from all anxiety and fears keep you safe till my next update.chao

Another week in Malibu is now history!

It is exactly two weeks now, since I came to California. I am almost finding it hard to believe, as it seems like I have been here for ages. But, I have to convince myself that I have only been here for two weeks.

 I hate to begin this update of my adventures at Pepperdine with a sad story. But, as I promised to tell you everything that I deem necessary and worth knowing, I will go ahead and talk about the sad story. We began the semester with the tragic death of a freshman student. I do not feel comfortable disclosing his name right now. He was 18 yrs old, but he did not leave to sit in a college class. He endured all the long days of new student orientation, but he did not leave to experience and be a part of all that Pepperdine has to offer. Last Sunday night, the Pepperdine community held a memorial in honor of him. It was so amazing to see and hear what this young man's new friends at Pepperdine wrote about him. I could not help myself, but join everyone in mourning the tragic death of a young man. After the memorial service,  I was challenged to appreciate life even more: to appreciate every single second of my life, and everything that  I have in my life. My faith was re-affirmed that God is indeed the giver and taker of life. May his soul rest in peace.

It was 6.00A.M on Monday morning when I realized that I was awake. I had my alarm set for 6.30A.M, but I was annoyingly up earlier. I forced myself to sleep for another 30 minutes only to be disappointed further. Now that I could not go back to sleep, I got my Jesus calling and read it as usual.  While I read my devotional, I was so cold, but I soon found out that I had not closed the windows before I went to bed.  My classes were not scheduled to start until 9.00A.M, but I was ready to rock and roll by 7.20A.M. I thought that I was ridiculous, but some of my suite-mates were ready to go way earlier than that.  I could not wait for 9 o'clock for I was surely more than ready for the first day.

The first class was biology of animals. We went through the syllabus and immediately started covering some of the course material. I was shocked and disappointed in the professor, as I was used to going through only the syllabus on the first day of class.  I my mind, I was telling myself, "welcome to Pepperdine, Francis." The next class I had scheduled for the day was calculus 1. I unfortunately had to drop out this class, since I had not done trigonometry before. I ended up signing up for a trig class with the same professor. I had religion as my last class of the day.  I must say that I feel like I have been to Pepperdine for a year. I feel like I already know all my professors and many students as well. Just on Monday, I met many students who have been to Uganda. Just by introducing myself and saying that I come from Uganda, was enough to make me feel at home in my first biology class. I found out that day that the professor had been to Kenya and he knew so much about Uganda. A few students introduced me to their friends who had been to Uganda, or even told me about their own experiences in Uganda. I was feeling the Ugandan ambassador at Pepperdine!!! Uganda is famous!!!

Later on in the week,  I joined the micro finance club in which I was given a leadership position. I went to dinner with my mentor. I went swimming anytime my schedule allowed. I applied and interviewed for a job, but most of all, I am making friends and getting to know more people at pepperdine.

Now that I am done with all my homework, nothing is going to stop me, I am ready to go to the beach. I do not know where, but I am going!!!! I heard my suite-mates talk about Santa Barbra last night and my mentor told me about Labor day under sun.....Can I say NO????Really??? What would you say if you were in my shoes especially in Malibu???

I will be back soon, chao!

Time flys so fast.

Today is my one week anniversary in Malibu, CA. I remember rushing from home in Dallas to the DFW airport like Alexis and I were going to miss our flight. We flew into LAX and spent a night with our friends in Altadena.  Early the next morning, Alexis drove me to Pepperdine to embark on a journey that was scaring the heck out of me. I was so nervous and I did not know what to do with myself. I was reading map quest directions to Alexis, but I could barely hold the paper tight. I was a nervous wreck for a while, but I tried so hard not to show Alexis what I was boiling inside. I was feeling very hot, yet not even a drop of sweat was present in my face. I adjusted the AC several times. I remember vividly Alexis telling me to adjust the AC to any level that made me comfortable. 

Once we exited highway 101, I could tell from map quest directions that it was only nine miles to Pepperdine through the Malibu canyon. Our stop for coffee at Starbucks seemed to cool me down for a while. But, before I could convince myself that everything was going to be okay, we were on the road again. We drove through the Malibu canyon and all I could hear was Alexis saying how beautiful the mountains were. I did not seem to realize that we were driving through any mountains. We drove for nine miles off of the freeway, but it seemed like just half a mile. I could not believe that we had finally made it to Pepperdine. When we pulled in at that main entrance, we were directed to the check-in area which was about half a mile away.  I prayed to God that we at least get lost and take another ten minutes finding our way there. To my disappointment, we found the check-in area for new students so easily and quickly. I could not run; I could not escape; I could not hide, for I was surely at Pepperdine. 

As we checked in, I comforted myself that everything was okay and that God had it all under control. He certainly is always in control. The spirit of the students welcoming us to Pepperdine was incredible. Everyone was really nice and helpful. I soon began to relax and started realizing that I was in the right place at the right time. There is no doubt that God predestined me to be at Pepperdine in the class of 2014.

After checking in, Alexis and I were directed to the students’ health center. Here, I had my immunization records clarified and I was good to start my journey at Pepperdine. We checked into the dorm room in sigma residence hall. I was surprised that orientation leaders were more than willing to help us carry our luggage in. I was really impressed.  Alexis helped me make my bed, as I got everything thing else in the drawers. My room looks pretty good! Thanks to Alexis and Betty, the designers!! I take some credit too because I helped decide which colors to take, when Betty and Alexis seemed not to choose a favorite.

That after noon, our friends, Larry and Gregg joined us and we had lunch together at the Waves Café (we call it the Caf). Orientation began on Monday at 1.00 P.M.  I was a little late getting in for orientation. I opened the door of the fireside room at exactly 1.30 P.M. Everyone turned and looked at me. Like fish out of water, there I was. Once again, I was so nervous, that I did not know what to do with myself. Designated School Officials from the international students office addressed the new international students, but I was thinking about Uganda, my family, Dallas, Alexis, Larry, Gregg, Peter Mugga, Betty Nakato, Buddy, and Bear, to mention but a few.  I am sure that I thought about everyone and everything that I know, or have heard about/of. 

Orientation involved speed dating. This was the favorite part. Not only was it my favorite because I introduced myself to some pretty girls (I gave out my phone number to one of them!!!!!) and cool guys, but also because it made me feel at home and relaxed. I also met another Ugandan student, George Kakuru.

Later that night, when orientation was done, I went to dinner with Alexis, Gregg, and Larry at the Dukes restaurant in Malibu. I had some fresh and spicy salmon and wonderful dessert (the best ever). We had a good time. After dinner, Alexis and I went back to Altadena at Jeff and Eric’s house. Next morning, we made the 50 minutes journey to Pepperdine once again, though this time it was about 2 hours, as traffic was a little nasty. I was again late for the first session of orientation. I was not a stranger any more, since many of the faces were familiar and I knew some names already. Tuesday seemed to fly by so quickly that before I had time to think about the events of the day, it was time for the President’s address to new students and parents. I was honored to be among the new six students that President Andrew Benton (7^th president of Pepperdine) highlighted in his speech. I was really humbled. 

Orientation continued all through Wednesday. I signed up for my classes, attended several orientation sessions, met more people, among other activities. Wednesday’s highlight was dinner with Rich Dawson and his wife at a restaurant called Malibu sea food. Alexis and I had a great time with the Dawsons. Rich is the director of international students’ services at Pepperdine. He is a supper nice man. After dinner, we took pictures in-front of the main entrance of the campus. 

Soon, I had to say good bye to Alexis for she would not come to Pepperdine the next day. I fought so hard to hold back tears as I hugged her goodbye. When I got back to my room that night, I could not help, but cry for a few minutes. I was in the room by myself. I was depressed for a while. I felt that I was alone. I shared my slight depression with my facebook friends by writing my feelings on my wall. It made me feel better. I know I am not alone. I have such amazing people in my life. I have been blessed and God has been so faithful to me throughout the years.

The rest of orientation week has been smooth with so many activities planned, including a trip to Santa Barbra with transfer students
.  I continue to meet new people every day.  Pepperdine is so far a great place. I am yet to find my place, so I can prove myself and my potential. Watch this space for updates about my adventures at Pepperdine.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

Francis Lubuulwa