Haslem returns from Uganda Kampala Mission

Colin Haslem returned home last week after serving two years in the Uganda Kampala Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Speaking in the Cowley 2nd Ward on Sunday, he began with a smile: “You know, in Uganda, when you say good afternoon over the pulpit, everyone replies good afternoon back to you,” lamenting that we don’t have that tradition here. He added that after two years abroad, “my English might sound a little different” since the way people speak there isn’t quite the same.

Haslem admitted his first months were the hardest.

“Everything was foreign. I couldn’t understand the people. They couldn’t understand me,” he said. “People stared at me like I was the first white person they’d ever seen, and for some of them, I probably was.”

He described that period as “the refiner’s fire,” adding, “The beautiful thing about the refiner’s fire is that it melts away all that is insignificant and leaves behind only what is pure and valuable.”

A theme throughout his talk was the humility of the Ugandan people and their willingness to sacrifice for what they believe is right. Looking back, he said, “By the time I left my first area, I was adjusted to the culture, the language, the work, everything.”

Uganda, he reflected, tested him in every way but also left him with lasting gratitude for life’s simple joys and for the people he came to love. 

Colin plans to attend BYU-Idaho in January with the possibility of entering the U.S. Navy later.

Editor’s note: The Chronicle seeks to feature missionaries of all faiths who are serving. Please contact John Bernhisel or any member of the Chronicle staff with details.