Post by Eduardo upon his return home.

I had planned to give a full description of our last two days in this marvelous country of Uganda but, after reading Pat and Deb's blog posts, I've decided to simply say "Amen!"

The posts were wonderfully written and I really should not add anything else. Thank you MTI for touching lives, one at a time, in this remote part of the world (including mine). It was a privilege to have shared these past few weeks with an amazing, God-loving team and witness God's work through incredibly talented and committed workers who pour their souls into helping their brothers and sisters.

I can't wait to go back because, as Pat said, I also left part of my heart somewhere under that huge tree.

Eduardo

From the beginning of our trip, when the baby was born during the dedication of the new women's ward in Nakivale and to the farewell performance at the Ogur Youth Center when Teresa lovingly gave each child a hug, I felt God's Holy Spirit.

I am in awe of our dedicated staff who, day after day, care for children who are suffering with HIV/AIDS and nodding syndrome, refugees who have lost loved ones due to conflict and displaced people who are struggling to start a new life. This is heart-wrenching work!

How do they do this day after day? When I asked Nurse Mary at Nakivale this question she said, "Before I go to work I say 'Come on Jesus, we've got work to do.'" Faith! This is what helps them all get through it.

I am still humming the song that we sang to our staff and the kids at Ogur--"Give thanks to the Holy one...And, now let the poor say 'I am rich' and weak say 'I am strong' because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks."

My heart is full. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve and for the extraordinary people on my team. Felix Omodi said it best, "When you travel with angels you are blessed." 

This story is posted by Pat.

Friday proved to be the bittersweet day I feared.  Because it had rained so much during the night our departure to Ogur was delayed by about 90 minutes. So our quick trip to the office became an extended time to check email and engage in conversation with Felix and David.  What an incredible team we have running our Uganda program.

This week a conference was held in Kampala to discuss nodding syndrome. Representatives from several countries were there including Dr. Patrick from MTI, CDRC, and Dr. Spencer from OHSU. Felix had met with him while in Portland to discuss what he had witnessed in Pader. It's encouraging to know the world is looking at this troubling syndrome and we pray for a greater understanding of its etiology.

Our drive to Ugur was short....we actually missed our daily [Africa road] massage. The peer workers were invited to a workshop designed to provide two strategies they could use in the field. A very attentive group of 55, they listened and actively participated when it was time to break into groups. How I appreciated Bosco, my interpreter! Sometimes my 6-8 words became a small paragraph with hand gesture and enthusiasm.  But when it was time for the small groups to share their understandings, they got it right. So I know Bosco understood the concepts well. He will be a wonderful teacher for the group.

Meanwhile, Pied Piper Eduardo and the rest of the team worked with the children and mothers. Armed with two Polaroid cameras and film for 200 photos, all had a chance to have their own photo. Some saw themselves for the first time! They decorated frames and proudly wore their photos around their necks.

Then it was time for our good-bye ceremony. We were humbled by their profuse "apwoyos." The young, courageous group of boys/girls, young women/men performed a beautifully choreographed poem that spoke of wanting an answer..."why me?"  We didn't have an answer. They spoke of needing to be loved. Theresa was moved to enter the group and gently hug each one. We were moved to tears. Each of us was invited to offer words of encouragement. Working to control our emotions, we did. And dear Eduardo closed the remarks with humor. We laughed when he mentioned that he had become so accustomed to waving to everyone along the drive that he'd probably find himself continuing so at home and everyone would think he was crazy! And then we danced...by ourselves, with children, with adults. In Africa dance is an expression of joy.

Discussing our experience at dinner, we marveled at how God brought this group together. Theresa and Karen, unknown to each other prior to the trip were our relationship core; Frank, our historian through photo and video, frequently served as our voice of reason; Jim, our spiritual guide, worked with the area pastors; Eduardo, our energy, humor, and creative guru, (the next time you see him, open the conversation with 'would you rather..' and wait for his response) demonstrated the power of creative expression; I  was able to draw upon my years in education to provide the workshop. Our consummate leader, Deb, held us all together in a setting unfamiliar to most.

We came to serve, and we did. But we were served beyond our imagination. We came to teach, and we did. But we learned...about compassion, courage, resilience, resourcefulness. Each of us will return home tired but filled with love. We will return home with a sense of gratefulness for the blessings we experience every day. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," will take on new meaning. I'm leaving a piece of my heart here in Uganda.  I will need to return to visit it.

Pat.

This story is from Pat.

Tuesday and Wednesday we traveled through Ugandan "snow" to get to the "decongested" areas of Bolo Village and Awere in Pader (pa-DARE) District.  Each day provided 2-3 hours of "African massage,"  thanks to the rough ride on the roads that are mostly rutted dirt. But we never complain--just roll with the ruts. The outreach clinics were attempting to treat 400+ patients which wasn't possible. Darkness arrived first, therefore the district was divided further in order to "decongest" the number of patients. We are often intrigued by the choice of words.

The clinics of our two towns were set up under a large tree.  Doctors work from a small table and two plastic stools. The organization is incredible. Each patient arrives with his/her medical record. Triage happens first, then patients are directed to the appropriate stations based on symptoms. Notations are made regarding the concerns. Prescriptions are recorded in the patient's own book, then the book is taken to the dispensary--another table set up with the meds and a couple of chairs. A similar notation is made in the patient's clinic record.

I spent time working with Harriet who wrote the prescriptions on small envelopes. I filled them. I must admit  to counting one prescription of 60 pills 3 times!!!  Pastor Jim and Felix were having an interesting conversation nearby and my ears just wouldn't stay attached to my head.

These clinics are not supported by the UNHCR but rather by the Ugandan government. These are Ugandan people who were displaced during the Joseph Kony reign of terror, not refugees from other countries.

Medication is not always readily available and testing for malaria is not conducted. Rather meds are prescribed based on presenting symptoms.

When we arrived in a small village nearby, we were met by 70-80 school kids of all ages and an equal number of adults all quietly sitting under a huge mango tree patiently waiting to see the doctors.

It didn't take long for that to change after the munis (white people) got there. With the help of a young lad, Jim presented an active drama of young David. He had them in his hand in no time! Eduardo followed up with an active version of "Hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-halleluja, praise ye the Lord." Divided  into two groups singing, jumping up and down, Eduardo became the Pied Piper with the kids. There was such joy in their faces. Then they sang for us, what a blessing! Those were truly "God moments."

This is the village where nodding syndrome first presented. We saw the young girl who had been in the video now looking healthy, leading her blind father around. What a change and what courage. A different anti-seizure medicine has been used which seems to be making a dramatic difference. The problem is that it is very expensive and cannot be provided beyond 2 months for each patient.

Along with the good news of progress came the disturbing news that adults are now presenting with the same nodding syndrome symptoms. To our unaccustomed eyes, the situation seemed so very discouraging. To the MTI staff the improvement was remarkable. It's been said that perspective is everything. I must agree.

Yesterday we divided into two groups. Deb, Frank/camera and I went to a nearby village to provide the same assistance. A team from the District Ministry of Health and some volunteers from a major bank in Uganda were there, too.

It was good to see local Ugandan volunteers distributing needed items to their own people. The blankets they brought were so appreciated.  

Nodding syndrome includes difficulty for the body to maintain appropriate temperatures especially at night. The children were so cold at night. During the conflict, the health infrastructure was completely destroyed. MTI is partnering with the Ministry of Health in a 3-year program with the intent of being able to fully transfer this service to the the government. Good development requires an exit plan.

Upon our return today the electricity was off, the water was tepid but no one thought of complaining. We were reminded in devotions the other day of the need to give thanks--we all woke up that morning. Some did not. We all had something to eat. Some did not. We all had someone to love. Some do not. As I sit here writing it's raining very hard. What is that song about "rain in Africa"?  We're experiencing it. Some of us open our patio doors to listen, others keep them closed tightly to keep the lizards out.  At dinner, conversation wound around to what precautions might be taken at airports given the reported cases of Ebola here in Uganda. We determined there was nothing to do but wait and see. We're reminded that rather than worrying, just cast our cares into His hands and be not afraid. Good advice.

Some might wonder where God was when this hideous conflict was going on. I don't know how to answer that. Over 800 killed, burned alive, hacked or shot in one village alone. But I can tell you He is very present now. We see Him in the daily activities of the MTI staff, in the arms of the old woman who has taken in a baby whose mother died, in the courageous act of a young boy who brings his convulsing little brother to the clinic after his mother left, in the joyful singing of the school kids.

Yes, God is very present.  I'm so grateful to be here to see it.

Pat

A great post by Eduardo.

Yesterday, we all went to the office here in Lira where the team split into two groups. One went to Ogur (Jim, Teresa and I) and the other went to Pader (Pat, Deb and Frank). Karen wasn't feeling well so she stayed in Lira to rest.

Once in Ogur, Ronald gave us a tour of the medical facilities. Although the main focus is HIV testing and control, they do see people with other issues. There is an orthopedic doctor--the only doctor there--that can do some minor surgeries as long as it doesn't require for the patient to be completely out since there is no anesthesiologist. He is able to read X rays but they cannot take X rays at that facility. 

They have one wing divided into children's and men, one for women and one for expecting mothers. There are no doctors so the babies are delivered by three midwives. Because of the great distances that the mothers walk to get to this clinic, if they are within a month of delivery they will keep them in the hospital. If they were to send them back home it would be most likely that they would not come back and risk the lose of the mother and/or child's lives. They cannot do C sections here so they need to send them to the main hospital in Lira, about 45 minutes away. Since they don't have a way to transport them, there many times they have to go by Boda-Boda (motorcycles that serve as taxis). Often they are not able to pay for this ride so most likely both the baby and mother will die.

One of the areas of the hospital is dedicated for HIV testing and control. They provide testing and they prescribe and give the needed drugs. There were many patients waiting outside to be seen by the nurse. They asked Pastor Jim to say a few words and pray for them as we were leaving.

We thought we were going to be doing home visits of HIV patients but we ended up going to "the field" where a group of medical staff does rapid HIV tests. When we got there there were already about 50 or more people and they kept coming throughout the day.

Basically they were under these huge trees, in three stations. The first station was for registering. The second station was where a nurse took a blood sample from their arm.

There was a third station just for the nurses where they actually did the test and waited about 15 minutes for the results. If the test shows positive then they do another test just to make sure.

If this one also shows positive then they do a third test. If this one shows positive then they call the patient to let him know and talk about what's next. When we left they had tested 80 people and 2 had shown positive.

The craft for today was "black paper." I showed them a piece of black paper and told them that sometimes our lives are like that paper. It all seems very black. Maybe we are sick, sad, have no hope but we believe in a God that gives us hope and life and our "black lives" can turn into color.

At that point I took a stick and started drawing on the black paper where bright colors began to appear. I encouraged them to draw whatever they wanted to and to be creative. 

It was so fun to watch them draw. Some did some amazing and complex drawings. Since we had extra paper I went around and gave a piece to almost everyone there. I really enjoyed seeing old men and ladies working hard at their drawings!

The rest of the day consisted on Pastor Jim talking to everyone telling the story of King David - from a small child to a mighty King, and also the performance of a group of youth - all HIV +, that we had seen a few days ago in Ogur. They did a presentation about AIDS. Although I didn't understand anything they were saying, the message was very clear - get checked and treated! After this they sang several songs accompanied by some interesting instruments and dance. 

As I reflect back to today, I'm just amazed at how much work is done "in the middle of nowhere." The setting could not be more primitive. Dirt, grass, trees for shade, a few plastic tables and yet they are saving lives and preventing this terrible disease from spreading even further. People of all ages wait for hours sitting on the grass and dirt without food or bathrooms and without an air-conditioned waiting room with TV and magazines. My heart aches for these children that have done nothing to deserve this. They have either been raped or born from mothers that were HIV+.

This reality really hits me.  I'm not sitting in my comfortable chair watching a BBC special about people in some remote location in the world. I'm right here. Talking to them, touching them, playing with them. They are real. They are human. They have feelings. They want to live as much as I do. Their lives are precious in God's eyes and their lives are precious in my eyes, although now I can't see because I'm crying.

Lord, send your Spirit to this place. Bring healing, bring hope, may your Kingdom come.

Eduardo

Today's post is from Eduardo.

On Monday we traveled to a town where hundreds of youth from the community come to get tested for HIV and Aids and receive treatment.They have a very nice facility there called the Youth Center.  

My main "job" was to do some crafts and music with the children. We really didn't know what to expect as far as numbers so it was hard to plan how much to bring as far as supplies. I had purchased some things from the Michael's stores in the Portland Metro area before I left, so I felt pretty confident that I would have enough for everyone. Today's crafts: visors and frisbees.

We had four "work stations" where the kids got their supplies. As it turned out, there were many adults as excited as the children to work on the crafts. They loved to peel the stickers, use markers to write their names and immediately wear the visors. We also taught them how to throw a frisbee. It was quite a sight to see the mothers, carrying a baby on their backs, running around throwing frisbees to each other. Lots of fun.

We also did a few songs that were a "hit!". They love movement, rhythm and find everything quite amusing. I loved this crowd!

One of the most touching moments was when a choir and dance group of children and youth (all HIV or AIDS patients) performed for us. They had prepared several songs and dances. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Huge smiles and so much energy! They also came one by one to greet us and welcome us. The work that MTI has done in this place is beyond words and I can't even imagine where all these kids would be if they didn't receive the care needed.

On Tuesday, we drove to a "middle of no-where" near a town in northern Uganda. This is where the oubreak of nodding syndrome is more prevalent. In the "town" where we were, there are over 500 people affected. MTI had a small tent set up and several stations under trees where they saw youth and adults, prescribed and gave medication. There were so many children! They sang for us, we sang for them, I taught them a few songs, took hundreds of pictures BUT one of their favorite things was when I video taped them and showed them the video.  I had dozens of children around me laughing histerically and pointing at the i-pad when they saw themselves on the screen. Lots of fun.

In trips like these it is easy to always see the "bad things" like illnesses, poverty and suffering and  although we have seen plenty of that, we have also seen so much hope and joy and the incredible commitment of MTI staff to serve these communities, knowing that they are indeed making a difference one kids/adult at a time.

Thank you for your prayers!

Eduardo

This post is from Pastor Jim.

Today is the second day of work in the northern part of the Uganda. This is actually the region of the country that is the primary focus for our trip. We are working with community health clinics that are set up nearby, at a school in a small village.

This region and its history of challenges is the work that originally brought MTI to Uganda. In 2004 MTI’s program here had only 10 employees. The area, at that time, was surrounded by rebel armies from the LRA and others. Most medical personnel and even military forces were running away from this area as fast as they could, but MTI was working in towns to reestablish healthy living conditions and to support orphans that had lost their parents to rebel forces. Yesterday we visited a sight were more than 600 villagers had been buried in a mass graves after Joseph Kony and his LRA forces had destroyed the surrounding village.

Today the rebels are gone, thankfully, but there are new challenges. The district has been hit hard by cases of nodding syndrome. Today we assisted an MTI mobile clinic in a small village where treatment was provided and medicine was being dispensed to more than 100 nodding syndrome sufferers along with others who are being treated for other illnesses. 

When we arrived, the clinic had been set up under a tree and was in full swing. They were still working hard at 3:30 when we left and would continue until every last patient had been treated and supplied with two weeks of medications when MTI would be there again. Tomorrow this mobile clinic will be in another village providing this care.

Last February, Felix Omodi, MTI Uganda Country Director, was in Portland preaching at my church, St. Matthew Lutheran in Beaverton. It was from him that I first heard about nodding syndrome. He showed us pictures and video of children disfigured by falls and trembling with seizures. Today we played with these children. They sang to us and they talked about their hopes and dreams for a bright future. None of them are cured yet because no one really knows what causes it or how it is contracted. But the medications are controlling the symptoms, and the kids we played with are just normal, happy, healthy children. The transformation is incredible.

Sunday's post from Eduardo.

Today is Sunday, our first full day in the northern part of Uganda. The town we're in is not very big but, just like any town in Uganda, it has a lot of people. There are people everywhere--so many bikes and bicycles and cars! Yesterday I went to the market to walk around and I was amazed of how busy it was. They have many little shops selling mainly clothing, shoes, water jugs (to fetch water), shoes,  towels, pots, shoes, some food and I even saw two stands that were packed with portable radios! And did I say they also sell shoes?!

Today we were picked up by 8:00am to go to Pastor Felix's church, just a few blocks away. When we got there worship was in full force--we had seats reserved in the front row. The church was very full, about 250 people. There was a lot of singing, many announcements, offering, the dedication of 3 babies, the message by pastor Jim, an altar call (one young man came forward), more announcements and more singing. Church ended at noon. About 4 1/2 hrs after it had started.

Pastor Jim shared a message based on the book of Ruth. He called the team to participate with some "skilled acting." It was fun and people enjoyed it. I think some of us have missed our calling.

In the afternoon we went to the house of one of the pastors, Alex, for dinner and fellowship. He lives "out in the country" in a large lot surrounded by crops of corn and other vegetables. We met in an old building that used to be his church. Now the church meets in a new building in the same property. I took my camera and decided to walk around. I saw how they were cooking the meal. It is pretty amazing how much work goes into it. There were at least 10 people, mostly women, but I did see a few men helping. All the cooking was done outside over open fires with huge pots. There were about 30 people invited for dinner so they needed a lot of food. Although I didn't go inside the home, it looked fairly large. Outside there were two huts with round straw roofs. One was the kitchen, although I'm not sure what they do there since all the cooking I saw was being done outside, including the washing. The other round hut I was told it was for the children. That surprised me! I didn't know they slept in a different building!

Dinner was very good. Vegetable soup, rice, rice with beef, chicken, goat, some other type of meat, roasted potatoes, some sort of yam, banana puree (not sure the official name),  beans, and more. I'm sure it took a lot of work to prepare all this food for so many people. 

There was singing, long introductions, speeches, laughter and a great sense of belonging. They are so welcoming and appreciative of us being here. They told us over and over how our presence here encourages them and gives them hope. We try to express how we are the ones that are blessed and encouraged by being here.

It is our prayer that God will use us during this week up north. We have many plans, but we also know that we need to be flexible and open to God's voice and be ready to change "our" plans to match His.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Eduardo

 

Stories from Pat.

Monday and Tuesday in Nakivale were days of contrast. My assignment on Monday was to paint a mural  on the waiting room wall in the new maternity ward.  At any point in time there were 8 to 10 pregnant women or those receiving antenatal care waiting to be seen by the midwife, another 12 to 15 waiting in an adjacent area.  They had been displaced because I needed access to the wall. How orderly and quiet they were as each waited for her name to be called.  

The rest of the team helped in the pharmacy, taking a walk through the community. In the afternoon they began painting the interior of the clinic. Tomorrow would be a day of celebration and it was exciting to be able to provide a facelift to the clinic.

While preparing my work space I heard the cry of a newborn.  What joy!  In very short order, the mother was escorted to the ward and the midwife carried the baby to the joyful cries of the mother-in-law and father. The old ward had two beds with no room for the family or a third mother. What a wonderful contrast.  

Back to work, totally lost in the process. The only cry I heard was the cry of a tiny baby as Mom received antenatal care. By 5:30, the call to leave was given. For safety purposes we don' t travel after dark. Almost done...God was certainly present as I worked on the 8'x10' space. My energy seemed boundless.

Tuesday was a day of celebration. Tents had been erected, white chairs neatly lined up, speakers wired to a car battery and a sense of excitement prevailed. Dignitaries from UNHRC, The Office of the Prime Minister and the Dept of Health arrived. As the festivities began the surrounding fence was bordered by a sea of faces, both young and old. The singing and dancing were electrifying. Young babies strapped to mothers' backs, heads bobbing to the rhythm of the dance. What a joyous sight!  A group of refugee women dancers, all from the Congo but different tribes-people, performed for us. But the message was more than their dance...it was the potential of unity they expressed. What a contrast to what is going on in the Congo now.

Africans are people of story and it was through song, dance and theater they expressed their story of thanksgiving--thanksgiving for God's many blessings, health care provided by MTI, the new maternity ward and our teams' presence--all this in contrast to their humble surroundings.

So many lessons and impressions. We came with expectations--expectations to serve, but we were the ones who were served. Expectations to make a difference and we did! But more importantly, the community made a difference in us. God is present and working all over the world.  I am so blessed to be part of this team in Uganda.

More great stories from Eduardo.

Today was our last day at the refugee settlement. It was a big day for our team with the dedication of the new maternity ward. Wow...these people know how to party! Two hours after the scheduled starting time the ceremony got under the way...and ended about three hours later!

The staff and volunteers worked very hard to make this day a very special one. They set up big tents with chairs for guests and teams, they had a band and a few groups of dancers and singers from within the camp. There were several mothers dancing with babies tied behind their backs. You couldn't help but smile when you saw them. These babies are born into rhythm, dance and song! It was so fun to see and hear them. Their joy irradiates all around them!

These groups were comprised of refugees that live in the settlement. It was an extra special day for me because I was called to go to the delivery room (in the middle of the dedication of that room) to take pictures of a brand new baby girl that was being born. I hadn't been in a delivery room in 13 years (when my baby girl Noelle joined our family). I got to hold the baby. Even in a refugee camp life goes on.

Today I decided to bring along my iPad. No, Apple is not sponsoring this blog, but this is for sure one of the best gadgets ever invented. I took a lot of pictures and videos with it and was able to immediately show them to the kids (and many adults). To say they loved it is the understatement of the year. They had HUGE smiles on their faces and made many comments while looking at the pictures. My knowledge of Swahili is limited to hello and thank you but I'm guessing they were excited to see themselves on the screen. One little boy of about 10 was the drummer for one of the teams. He "killed" it! (that's a good thing). I showed him the video later in the afternoon and he absolutely loved seeing himself - for the first time - "in action." Of course he had a huge crowd of admirers watching also.

While walking outside of the clinic area (behind the fenced areas) I also took several pictures and videos getting the same results. Children and parents where excited to see their pictures.

On our "more-than-it-should-be-allowed-bumpy-ride" back to Mbarara, I saw a bunch of monkeys -- and I'm not talking about our team! ; ) . They were crossing the road and climbing trees and probably wondering "why is that guy taking so many pictures?!".

Once again God showed up. He showed up in the lives of these Ugandans giving them a little bit of hope in a world of desperation. He showed up in the lives of the staff to give them strength and to whisper "job well done, my good and faithful servant," and he showed up in my life to remind me, almost in one instant, of all the blessings he has bestowed upon me. To remind me that he has always been faithful to me. To remind me to be thankful - in every circumstance, and to remind me that, like the baby I held this afternoon, He was once also a baby born in poverty to a desperate world but lived to become our King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank you, Jesus, for bringing new life to me.

Eduardo

Pastor Jim posts this story for us today.

This is Pastor Jim again. Yesterday was really the highlight of the trip so far. We participated in a wonderful event of dedication in the settlement at Nakiavali. This settlement is populated by about 45,000 refugees; most of them coming from Congo and more recently from Rwanda. Although this settlement is more than 50 years old, Medical Teams International has brought a level of health care to these people that is well worth celebrating. I know that God does continually.

The dedication yesterday was for a new maternity ward. The highlight of the celebration was a drama prepared and acted out by the nurses. They acted out the changes that this new facility has accomplished. In years previous, the midwife at the clinic had one birthing station and if a second mother came in labor she was often sent away to give birth in surroundings that would put herself and her child at risk. Furthermore, if a mother brought a sick new born back to the clinic for care the midwives are so taxed by the 10 or 12 births in an average week, there was often no time to extend assistance to emergent situations in the lives of these infants.

Today, in the new ward, there is space. Numerous mothers in active labor can be cared for  simultaneously, and when they have given birth, there is even more space to let them lie down and get their strength back before returning home.

It is a holy work that is humbling to watch. In the 24 hours previous to the dedication ceremony three healthy children came into the world in that ward—one of them while the ceremony was being conducted just outside the front door.

On Monday, we saw the mothers gathered at the clinic receiving pre-natal care.  We also saw many mothers with babies strapped to their backs.  These children are the picture of health—fat cheeks and bright eyes. It struck me (and I said this at the ceremony) that, for a community racked by violence and destruction, there is no more fitting act of defiance imaginable than women bringing healthy babies into the world. Life is a blessing of God’s grace and MTI is a resource makes that life joyous, healthy and victorious. It inspires me. 

God is so good.
Pastor Jim

Today's post is from Eduardo.

Today started with one of the bumpiest rides I've ever experienced...and that says a lot coming from me since I've been on many "really bad roads." So many cars, so many bikes, so many people walking on the side, and sometimes middle, of the road...just imagine adding 30,000,000 people to Oregon and turning I-5 into a two way street of only dirt and gravel! Clouds of dust from the car in front of you brings visibility to just a few yards...and tomorrow we are doing this again except that it has been raining a lot and you probably know what happens when you mix dirt and water...I just hope I won't have to get out and push.

We worked very hard at the clinic preparing the walls and painting 8 rooms. By the end of the day, my hair was white with the dust from sanding the walls. I had 5 people tell me that I had significantly aged in just a day...oh joy!

In the morning, while still young, I went for a walk with a security guard (we are not supposed to venture on our own). I talked to many adults and children and took a ton of pictures. I was invited into one of the "typical" homes in the area: 3 rooms for a family of 8, walls made of mud, dirt floors and a roof made with sticks, banana leaves and pieces of tarp. The lady of the house was sitting on the floor pealing some sort of sweet potato. The pot was outside over an open fire with water boiling.

The kids were around playing...too close to the boiling pot...they were so thrilled to have their pictures taken and loved to see themselves in the camera's viewer! Many kids have never seen themselves (no mirrors). Even the mom was excited to see herself and called a neighbor to come and see the picture! Next time I come to Africa I will bring 500 polaroid-like film to take pictures that I can leave with them (I did bring 200 pictures but need to save them for next week for a craft project with youth in the north of the country).

I also met a man walking with crutches. He had just arrived from Congo with a bullet wound to his foot. Later in the day was the birth of a baby while we were in the clinic. The nurse left the delivery room in a hurry with this tiny baby, to take him to his dad and grandmother. Everybody that knows me knows that I love babies so I followed her and was able to get a picture of a very proud dad and his son! Priceless moment that I will not soon forget...so I'll finish as I started: 

What a day! I am so blessed and humbled to be in Africa!

This entry was written by Jim and sent to me this morning for posting. 

It is 6:30 on Sunday morning. We are preparing to travel this morning to participate in a day-long prayer service. The MTI community has already begun singing, praying and worshipping as I write, and they will fast and pray throughout the day. At the end of our day of travel, we will join them for the final couple of hours.

It has been more than 8 years since I was in Africa, and I have to say I was apprehensive about the journey and the impact of need that I expect to see. But Africa has a powerful effect, and the people and the worship are some of the things that find their way into your heart. I have found that familiar passion and joy in the staff that we have met on our first full day. I look forward to renewing that love for God in the worship this evening.

As a Pastor, I spend my life inviting people into the joy of worship. I know there is love for God and joy in my faith community on Sunday morning, but the commitment to spend 12 hours fasting and praying for the sake of worship is a discipline that has been lost in America. Our worship is governed by the busyness of even our Sabbath schedules. I am blessed to standing with the community of saints in Beaverton, but the privilege of standing here [in Uganda] in a day-long event governed only by the desire to celebrate God’s goodness and his blessings to us, is a power I am looking forward to sharing.

I'm going to Uganda today. I feel so fortunate to be leading this team of wonderful individuals who have one thing in common, a heart for service. 

Frank is our team photographer and videographer. This is his fourth MTI team trip and second time in Uganda. Earlier this year, Frank served on a stove project team in Guatemala with his wife Valerie. Frank is excited to return to Uganda and introduce his daughter Karen to a girl named Brenda whom he met three years ago at our youth center in northern Uganda. Brenda brought tears to our eyes when she told us how she had been shunned by her step mom and father’s new family because she was infected with the AIDS/HIV virus. She desperately wanted to go to school, but her grandma, whom she was living with at the time, didn’t have the money to pay for a uniform. We’ve been told that life has improved for Brenda and she is now thriving. 

Frank’s daughter Karen wears her heart on her sleeve. Over the years she has been inspired by Frank’s MTI adventure stories and is overjoyed to be on this team with her "Pop." She and her husband Alan have a daughter, Abby (6) and son, Zackary (3). Karen works in human resources at Frank’s company.  I have no doubt that her ability to connect with others will have a transformative affect on the people we’ll be serving. I am grateful to have this kind and hardworking woman on my team!

Pat is a retired educator and community leader. This is her second trip to Uganda and fourth trip with us. On past trips with Pat, I have been awed by her ability to connect with children in spite of the language barriers. She would playfully engage children in games of hopscotch and teach them how to count or recite the ABCs in English. Pat has had the opportunity to travel the world and during this season of her life, she is continuing to travel with a heart for service. Her family and grandkids are thrilled by her new adventures. Pat’s incredible grace and compassion inspires us all!

Pastor Jim is the senior pastor at Pat and my church. He was compelled to join this team because of his respect for Medical Teams International the tremendous work it does around the world and his admiration for the courage and faith of Africa and its people. Jim says, “They inspire me continually.” He and his wife Gloria have two children, Jake (16) and Elizabeth (12). This is Jim’s second trip to East Africa. In 2004, he participated in a mission trip to the Singida district of Tanzania. I am so pleased that he is on our team to share his preaching and teaching gifts with our Uganda staff and our partner pastors. 

Eduardo is a native of Uruguay. He has been a worship and music minister for over 27 years and is also a Spanish interpreter, translator and a real estate broker. He has served at my church since 2001. Eduardo and his wife Yvonne have two grown sons and a teenage daughter. Eduardo is passionate about mission work and has been on more than a dozen mission trips around the world. We all are impressed by the song book Eduardo has created for our trip which includes color coded sections for worship, Christmas, traditional hymns and Broadway show tunes for our long car ride sing-a-longs. This is Eduardo’s first MTI team trip and he is bubbling over with excitement!

Teresa is traveling with MTI to Uganda for the second time. She has three grown children.  Teresa is actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren Lucy (3 ½) and Max (1) whom she considers a big plus in her in life. She is willing to pitch in to help with whatever is needed. She is very excited to see the changes that have occurred in Udanda since she was there last. Teresa brings good humor and a gentle spirit to our team.

Then there’s me, Deb. This will be my ninth MTI team experience and third trip to Uganda. I have led volunteer teams to Mexico, Haiti and Guatemala. Each time I go out to where MTI is serving those in need, I am reminded of how privileged I am to work for this amazing organization.  In my role as Senior Development Officer and Auction Manager in our Portland office, I feel fortunate to work with so many good people who are passionate about making our world a better place. My husband Tom and I have three wonderful grown children, a terrific son-in-law and three adorable granddaughters.

I can’t wait for this adventure to begin!