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.
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 (7th 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.
. 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
