Medical Clinics

The first 3 full days (Thurs-Sat) we held medical clinics. My job for these clinics was to take stats on the patients. A Ugandan woman would write the patient's name and age on a booklet and then the patient would come to one of four triage "nurses" (me and 3 others in the group) to have their symptoms, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate taken and recorded in his/her booklet. I had a blast playing nurse and by the third day, I caught myself trying to diagnose them in my head. We were blessed to have a couple translators to help us understand their symptoms for those who didn't speak English. The first clinic was held in a Sudanese village in Kampala. Imagine an 8x12 room for 4 stats people and their patients and the "pharmacy." The pharmacy was one table with all the drugs layed out and 3 people filling prescriptions. We only had benches for intake which made it a struggle as I had to hold everything on my lap and write on my lap. Some of the babies have never seen mzungus (white people), so they would scream just being near us. One 10 monthish old baby literally about jumped out of her mother's lap because she was so afraid when one of the nurses tried to touch her. It was hilarious because I've never seen a baby react like that...we were all cracking up...even the locals. My booty and back were very sore at the end of the day from sitting hunched over on a wood bench for about 6 hours straight without getting up once! The next day we had desks (we were at a school) to work on which was so much easier! The third clinic was way outside of town in an AIDS village--most of the parents have been wiped out from AIDS, so the grandparents (jaja) are raising the children. We also opened a "clothing shop" so children could come in and pick out one outfit. This was very special for them because they NEVER get to pick out their own clothes. One little girl said, "I'm never ever taking this dress off." It is humbling how grateful the children are for ONE new outfit. I was kept so busy with the clinics that I never really had a chance to feel sorry for the people or really think through their situations...also, the people are SO SO FRIENDLY and smiley that you wouldn't think they were so poor if you didn't see them.

AHHHH! So much to write and think about...that's all for now though...

I'm in Uganda!!!

I arrived safely in Uganda this morning. No problems getting here--other than it took 2 days of travelling! I met up with the rest of the group in London, and then we all came into Uganda together. I'm still in shock that I'm really here. Our director, Sherry, and our driver, Henry, met us at the airport. Everyone's bags made it! Our first stop was at a hotel to exchange money. Then we went out for lunch--pizza! I made the comment that I never thought my first meal in Uganda would be pizza. :) It wasn't Pizza Pizazz, but it was pretty good! After lunch, we went to the school that Loving One by One started. The kids knew we were coming, so they lined up and we all went down the line saying hello. The children were so friendly. Lots of hugs, high-fives and "pound its." I introduced the "double pound" (2 fists), and the kids followed that up by saying "Boom shaka-la!" Then they put on a little show for us...singing and dancing. It was fantastic. I REALLY wish that the internet wasn't so slow because I really want to upload the videos. It's boring for me to just explain it...you really need to see it! Next, we went to the orphanage that they started. They are only approved to have 12 kids live there right now. The kids were SO CUTE! They hardly let us out of the van because they were so excited to hug us! I made a friend right away, Shafiga. If I remember correctly, she is 6 and FULL OF ENERGY! The kids performed some songs and dances for us too, and then they gave us a tour of their house, garden, and swingset. I can't wait to go back and see them! Now we're back at the guesthouse, Maria's Place. It is wonderful! I share a room with 2 other women, and the 3 of us share one bathroom. We're all tired from all the traveling and can hardly wait for dinner, so we can go to bed! (It's almost 5pm here now...) Uganda is beautiful...it's greener than I thought and the people are very friendly...I still can hardly believe I'm here!!!