Saturday with Sara's kids

Saturday was a day to move about the town.  We had to get some medication and a glucometer for the warden at Nyenga prison.  She was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes and was given some medication by the local clinic.  No teaching or explanation was given and when she ran out of medication, over two months ago, she thought the problem was solved.  We spent a good bit of time teaching her about the illness, learning to use the glucometer, and how to take the medication.  She should do well but, will need to be followed at a local clinic in a couple of months.

Sara's boys were in rare form.  When they were given the soccer balls that Uncle Byron sent, they were full of energy.  The one boy that had the abscess was checked again and it was dressed.  It appears to be healing well but will take several days for the wound to fully close.  Everyone had a good time and there were no pressing medical issues.  We resupplied Sara with some routine over the counter meds and a few medical supplies.

We visited Peter's house (Paul and Pam's driver and our good friend) on the hill.  He says it is high because he needs to be able to survey his kingdom and keep an eye on his subjects.  He has a beautiful family and a lovely home.

Tomorrow will be church at Pastor David's.  

Friday with the Island Boys

The Island Boys are a group of former "tough guys".  Some of them had done time at Nyenga prison.  Paul and Pam Hunter rescued these young men from life on the street and living day to day by their wits and set them on a different path.  They get their name from the "island" or in Texas/Oklahoma English, a large divider between the highways.  There they would meet and many of them would work as drivers. In the past, they drove without permits/driver's licenses.  Last July, with your donations and NGM's (Next Generation Ministries) assistance, they were able to become licensed drivers and work legally.  They have become "born again" as they would say in Uganda. They have become followers of Jesus.

It is apparent to even the casual observer that their lives are very changed.  From time to time, they act as mentors to some of the prisoners that are released from Nyenga prison.  They share the gospel and try to extend NGM's prison ministry.  The prison ministry is one of the reasons we go to the prison as often as we can.  They also serve as role models in their community.  They invited us to have a medical clinic in their home office in Buikwe district, not far from Jinja.

Many people were seen that day.  We lost accurate count after 65, so exact numbers are much higher.  A few very unusual things were seen.  I have pictures of a couple of cases that I will have to upload to a consult site to get answers.  Some interesting conditions were encountered along with the routine things.

A young girl had been burned a couple of years ago and the keloid (abnormal scar) that formed is disfiguring.  Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this in Uganda and even in the US there is a low success rate for treating a keloid this large.  Another young boy had multiple fluid filled cysts in various places on his body.  I have never seen a case like this and it will give me something to do when I get back, as I research the underlying pathology and potential treatment.  I know it is presently stable, but, it too is disfiguring.

One of Sara's boys (Sara's orphanage) had an infection that could no longer wait.  She brought the 16 year old to us and we had to do a relatively large incision and drainage of an 8 cm abscess on his leg.  

This wound was irrigated and packed because it was so deep.  We will be doing some wound care for the next few days.  The antibiotics he will be taking will help a great deal.  There is no practical way to get a culture and sensitivity on the bacteria, so, we will need to use broad spectrum drugs for the best coverage. 

 Medicine in Uganda means doing what has to be done with what you have.  It is REAL medicine and is reduced to it's most pure form.  Outdoor surgery would be unheard of in the US.  Here, you just do your best, even if your operating theater is a back door step and a wooden bench.   I supplied the hands (which, by the way, are on loan) and God supplies the healing.  I had to come to Africa to understand what it really means to be a physician.  Many things are too complex to explain without common reference.   The only way to know is to come see for yourself.

Another day is passed and we are one day closer to our departure.  I already miss these people even before we go.  Those that have been here know that feeling.  

Thursday at Pastor David's church

Pastor David has a very small church in Bugembe.  It looks a lot like a small, pole, hay barn in Oklahoma.  It's appearance hides the true purpose of this simple looking building.  Today it was a medical clinic.  On Sunday, it will be a spirit filled church.

Everyone that needed care came to this church and that included Muslims, non-believers, church members, everyone.  Medical care and treatment, love and compassion were on display, as many filed through this dark, tin covered building.  Pregnant women that had no prenatal vitamins were properly supplied.  Many routine things were dealt with with the same respect and compassion as you should expect in the US.  Over sixty were seen.  It was a good day.

Matthew 25:35-40 comes to mind as we are coming to the end of our time here.  There is never a routine day in Uganda.  Come and see.

Wednesday was the day we needed to get to Kampala.  Many things were accomplished.  We were able to get together with Monique and Dr. Kababa at the Ray of Hope center.  We sat down and discussed the possibility of opening a surgery/birthing center in or very near Jinja.  We all agreed we wanted to do this but none of us, individually, has the resources or expertise.  We were able to agree that we were all on the same team and are beginning to explore what will be needed to make this new center a reality.  We all feel, if God wants this to become a reality, it will be so.  Channels of communication are now open and ideas are beginning to flow.  It might not happen in a month or even a few months, but it will happen.  We have all felt the call.

While in Kampala, we purchased a new grass machine (weed wacker) to replace one that was destroyed by fire, as well as many items also lost in the fire.  I am getting ahead of myself and let me explain, as this is a long story.

About one month before we arrived, Olivia, a trusted member of Paul and Pam's household, had her home gutted by fire.  Fortunately, no one was injured, but, everything they owned was destroyed.  Beds, bedding, the grass machine that Joram (Olivia's husband) used to make a living, all of the children's belongs, everything.  They were still trying to live in this burned out space that was potentially toxic to the children.  Olivia cried and prayed many times for God to show her what to do.  They were devastated.  Some of the people in her village that know she is Christian, mocked her and would say, "look at what your God has done to you".  Her faith was being tested.

After we arrived and were fully informed of the situation, the course of action was obvious.  We view the money that was donated by so many people and is trusted to our care, as God's money.  We hired contractors to scrub, seal and repaint.  A skilled carpenter replaced all of the wood and replaced the windows.  The 2 tier bunk bed was replaced with a three tier bunk bed to allow for addition storage space on the top, a new bed for Olivia and Joram was purchased, as well as a new couch and chairs.  The weed machine Joram has now is much bigger and better than the one he lost along with all of the oil, fuel, trimming line and even some professional work clothes.  50 kg of rice, 50 kg beans 25 kg sugar, salt cooking oil, and much more was delivered.  Our goal was to not to make things the same, but rather, make them better than before the fire.  Much thought, discussion and prayer was had before we embarked on this endeavor.  It has been successful as, many people in the village are talking about this. Now, she can say, "look at what my God has done for me".

This is very powerful testimony that will spread far beyond the village of Bugembe.  For what would be the equivalent of $1600, many people will see the hand of God at work in the lives of His children and those that trust in Him. They will be curious and will undoubtedly want to know more about Olivia's God.  She will tell them.

Sunday we attended church with Pastor Jimmy and Helen. We enjoyed worshiping with them very much. One surprise for us was seeing a lady,whom we had treated in February the day before we were leaving, only to find out in April that she had been a witch doctor in her village (Paul's Blog). Her husband had converted some time before her, he must have been very strong and committed to continue being married to her. When we saw her in Feb. she was pretty sick and looked very unhappy. When we saw her Sunday, she looked totally different. She was singing joyfully and had a big smile on her face. Praise God for another soul saved! The afternoon was spent just hanging out and seeing a few people from Jimmy's church.

Monday we went out to the Nile Village by a sugarcane plantation and set up a clinic. We got to see several people, including many fascinating cases.  There were several patients with burns or infections on their limbs that had to be cleaned and treated.  Also, a Muslim family that came by had a kid with cerebral palsy. Although we could not do anything to help this individual, Edgar went over and witnessed to the family about the benefits of serving Jesus and getting involved with a group of believers.  While they were not too receptive, hopefully this conversation stirs up something inside of them, leading them to change their mind.  Another interesting case was a young man with sixth cranial nerve palsy.  Perhaps the most bizarre case was a 22 year old with a major aneurysm near his heart.  The aneurysm extended to his common carotid artery and his subclavian artery and the pulse could visibly be seen on his neck and right shoulder. Sadly, there is nothing that we or any hospital can do for this young man.  He is in great need of prayer and may not live much longer unless a miracle happens.  While we saw some people we could not provide care for, we got to see and help about 65 people at the clinic and had a very good day there.

Tuesday we went to Nyenga Prison to provide medical care to the prisoners.  This was the medical team's third trip to the prison and each time has been a complete joy for both us and the prisoners. After seeing the patients and providing medical care, we served them a feast of beef, rice, beans, greens, and soda.  They could go back as often as they would like for more food and were all stuffed by the end.  After lunch, Raoul's band played songs and danced with them.  Also, individual prisoners would take turns singing. All the guards, prisoners, and mazungus had a blast singing and dancing with each other. It was a great day that provided the prisoners a rare taste of joy and freedom from their normal routine.

As we were leaving the prison, we found out the warden was feeling ill and had gone home.  We knew where she lived so we stopped by to check on her.  She said it was just her malaria acting up, but, a finger stick glucose revealed she had uncontrolled type II diabetes.  We will get lab testing and get her started on some medication within a couple of days.

Our time here is passing so quickly.  It only seems like yesterday we were arriving and now, we are trying to figure out how to see everyone we need to see before we go.  It is getting late and we are all tired, but it is a "good tired".  There is so much to do and so little time.

Saturday was our first day for clinic. We went to Bugembe, to a church that was in Pastor David's neck of the woods.  We will have a clinic at Pastor David's church in just a few days.

We were actually able to see about 100 people. When you don't have to check them in, or weigh & measure them, do lab or xray, you can actually treat more people. Oh and don't have to worry about electronic medical records, and other rules & regulations that take time away from treating people.
Fortunately we didn't come across too many that were very sick. Those that were in need of medication and treatment were given everything they needed for treatment.

Many people had malaria and some even had the "common cold".  When you have no easy access to even the most simple over the counter medications, simple illnesses are even more uncomfortable.  Most people in the villages don't have much knowledge about health and medication.  Much teaching had to be done to teach them how to deal with simple conditions.  Most of the people have not seen a physician in years, if ever.

There are great things happening in this country.  Each visit shows us how things are very slowly improving, but, there will always be need for medical care in the more remote villages.  We return home very tired but very happy to have the privilege of taking care of God's "forgotten" people.

So sorry we haven't posted anything yet. I forgot to get the needed info to be able to post on the blog. The time difference is really a pain as well.

We actually got on the road a few minutes after 7 am Wed morning. Made it all the way to Southard (railroad tracks) and ran in to what we thought was road construction, may have just been trying to remove rocks off the road. After waiting a few minutes we decided to ask if it would be much longer, not getting a definite answer we decided to turn around and head towards Okeene. Finally made it to the airport, got everyone except Hope checked in through Kiosks. That done, we headed to gate only to find out flight was delayed due to weather from previous airport. Took off about 30 minutes later than supposed to, made it to Detroit got put in a holding pattern there again due to weather. The good thing about these delays didn't have to spend as much time in Detroit airport. We were able to make up some time to Amsterdam which was good because we only had about an hour and a half layover, and that airport is big. After figuring out where our gate was we headed that way. Upon arriving at your gate you have to go through security again. Seemed like it was taking a really long time for us to move at all, finally found out the gate was locked and they couldn't seem to get in unlocked. There were 2 flights headed to Entebbe both leaving at the same time, so there were quite a few people to get through security. They finally ended up moving us to the next gate over, surprisingly they got us through fairly quickly and on the plane. We were about an hour later leaving this time. They flew a little faster and so we actually got to Entebbe pretty much on time. That was even with making a quick stop in Kilgali, Rwanda. By the time we got luggage, loaded everything and everyone it was about 1 am when we got to the compound.

First day was the usual catching up on sleep and going to the bank.

Will try to post more this evening getting ready for the day.