Wednesday, July 29, 2009
We Are Back!
The last day in Africa we went to Kampala and then an Orphanage called "New Hope." The orphanage has approximately 900 kids. Although it was not the best of conditions, it was well organized and also had a school on the property. The children were precious and they were very welcoming. We gave the rest of our supplies to them and then headed to the airport in Entebbe. As we made our way to the arport I found myself sad to leave Uganda. This country is so beautiful, the people so gracious and the needs are so great!
The trip home was very long. I had some guy fall asleep on me during the trek from Amsterdam to Detroit. That was interesting!
I was so exhausted that when I got home I spent some time with my family but then dropped. It felt so good to sleep in my bed!
Some things that I learned from this trip:
1) You can have nothing and yet have everything. IT is all in perspective.
2) Materialism is no match for family.
3) No one is perfect or has a perfect life.
4) Red clay in Uganda stains your feet like tanning lotion.
5) American's use 200 gallons of water a day, Ugandans use 2 gallons a day.
6) Albendazole (de-worming medicine) in the states costs approximately $60 in america for a bottle, in Uganda it costs approximately 1 cent per pill.
7) Most Ugandan's do not know how old they are.
8) The children all appear younger than their age, the older people look older than their age.
9) Children are not just the parents responsibility. As a community they watch out for the children.
10) Wikipedia is not always so accurate with statistics (already knew that but still trust it at times, haha). There is a very high population of Muslims in Uganda even in the small villages.
Thanks to all who have supported me financially, emotionally or through prayers. I love and appreciate you all! God bless! :)
The trip home was very long. I had some guy fall asleep on me during the trek from Amsterdam to Detroit. That was interesting!
I was so exhausted that when I got home I spent some time with my family but then dropped. It felt so good to sleep in my bed!
Some things that I learned from this trip:
1) You can have nothing and yet have everything. IT is all in perspective.
2) Materialism is no match for family.
3) No one is perfect or has a perfect life.
4) Red clay in Uganda stains your feet like tanning lotion.
5) American's use 200 gallons of water a day, Ugandans use 2 gallons a day.
6) Albendazole (de-worming medicine) in the states costs approximately $60 in america for a bottle, in Uganda it costs approximately 1 cent per pill.
7) Most Ugandan's do not know how old they are.
8) The children all appear younger than their age, the older people look older than their age.
9) Children are not just the parents responsibility. As a community they watch out for the children.
10) Wikipedia is not always so accurate with statistics (already knew that but still trust it at times, haha). There is a very high population of Muslims in Uganda even in the small villages.
Thanks to all who have supported me financially, emotionally or through prayers. I love and appreciate you all! God bless! :)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Nile rapids by Kate
Yesterday we had our free day. Four of us were able to go white water rafting down the Nile. It was an amazing trip and I'm happy to say we all made it out alive.
The trip was about 8 hours long and there were five grade 5 rapids that we went through. Our team was called Team Tutu, that was because Tutu was the guide on our river boat. He was a Ugandan and a fun guide. Our boat included 8 people and from our group there was Rebekah, Bennie, Tiffany and myself.
When we first got into the boat, they made us go through a series of exercises for safety. One of them was flipping the boat upside down, turning it back over and then climbing back into the raft. It was actually pretty funny but the thought of it happening in a rapid was slightly terrifying.
Some of the highlights including taking the raft over a waterfall, seeing a mamba lizard and having chipotlay at the end of the day. Photos and video to come.
Tonight is our last night in Jinja. We head to Kampala in the morning and are going to a straw market and orphanage. Then tomorrow night we get on a plane to Amsterdam. It feels like we have been here for 3 weeks. The thought of heading home is exciting but it is also sad to leave our friends here. Uganda is a country of the most welcoming people. Please pray for travel mercies and for health. I can't wait to share with you when I get home.
Love, Kate
The trip was about 8 hours long and there were five grade 5 rapids that we went through. Our team was called Team Tutu, that was because Tutu was the guide on our river boat. He was a Ugandan and a fun guide. Our boat included 8 people and from our group there was Rebekah, Bennie, Tiffany and myself.
When we first got into the boat, they made us go through a series of exercises for safety. One of them was flipping the boat upside down, turning it back over and then climbing back into the raft. It was actually pretty funny but the thought of it happening in a rapid was slightly terrifying.
Some of the highlights including taking the raft over a waterfall, seeing a mamba lizard and having chipotlay at the end of the day. Photos and video to come.
Tonight is our last night in Jinja. We head to Kampala in the morning and are going to a straw market and orphanage. Then tomorrow night we get on a plane to Amsterdam. It feels like we have been here for 3 weeks. The thought of heading home is exciting but it is also sad to leave our friends here. Uganda is a country of the most welcoming people. Please pray for travel mercies and for health. I can't wait to share with you when I get home.
Love, Kate
Friday, July 24, 2009
LAST day of Clinic
Yesterday I was able to spend the day with a rally team and take a break from clinic. This was a great experience. Peggy does a great presentation of HIV/AIDS to the school children and the Ugandan team that has been helping us from a local church are a blast to be with. They are very patient with teaching Kate and I songs in lugandan as well as lugandan vocabulary.
The church service in the middle of a corn field as Kate mentioned was amazing! The fact that the tent was "orange" made me smile. If I could stay in that moment for a little longer I would have because it was just perfect and beautiful.
Today we went to Njeru village at Pastor Henry's church to have clinic. This was a great set up because it was sheltered but yet had a great breeze coming through all day. During our little break I walked through the village which was a village that you picture in your head when you mention "Africa." Mostly mud huts with straw roofs. I am not sure how it happened but we saw approximately 400 patients! We worked a little late today because we wanted to see everyone which was fulfilling at the end of the day. We did not see so much sickness or malaria as we have the previous days. I think the difference is that last year 500 malaria nets were donated and water missions set up clean water for the village last year. It was great to see that such a "small thing" has made such a great impact on the health of Njeru in just one year! :)
Tomorrow is a free day. Right now it seems like both the safari and rafting trip are not going to happen so not sure what tomorrow will bring. I am still supposed to get pictures of Jinja hospital for a friend writing a screen play but apparently I have to get permission from the hospital. Pastor Henry is going to help us with this. What a process but hopefully it will work out.
Kate was in the dental clinic today helping out the dentist at Pastor Zachariah's church in Jinja. She is still at the crusade in Mayuge right now so have not seen her all day. I am taking lots of pictures and can't wait to share this incredible experience with everyone. Hope all is well with those at home. Feeling very blessed. :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Church in the corn field, by Kate
It is hard to believe that each day could be as amazing as the day before but that is what happens here. Today I went with the rally team to schools where we entertained children with puppets, did skits, talked about Jesus and taught about HIV. It was a very interesting day.
At the end of our day we were told we were going to a bible study. We were told we were going to Pastor David's church and pulled into a corn field. There in the middle of the corn field was an orange tarp held up with pieces of wood and underneath it was the congregation. The people were there praising Jesus. One of our members taught scripture, I sang and then we asked people if they had any prayer requests. We stood at the front and about 6 people came up to speak with us. This village is very poor and there are a lot of orphans. A young girl about 7 came up to us and she was very shy. We asked her what she would like us to pray for her for. She said "wisdom." Can you image a 7 year old girl, probably an orphan, thinking to ask for wisdom? The next boy was 9 and we asked him what he would like us to pray for him for. He said "knowledge." After we prayed for everyone Pastor David came back up. He told us they cannot offer us money or food because they have none but they would like to offer to pray for us.
In a land that seems so poor the people are so rich. No rich with money but rich with joy and rich with the love of the Lord.
Rebekah was with me today and she was a fabulous puppeteer and she shared her testimony as an elementary school. She was supposed to be with us today because her medical knowledge was put to use. So cool how God works.
My Mom was at the dental clinic today at Pastor Henry's church and tomorrow she is going out with rally team tomorrow. She will be so blessed when she visits the schools. I'm sure she'll find a few things to bring back.
Emotional roller coaster of a day. Time to go journal and call my hubby. Thank you for your prayers and support. I feel like I might be catching a cold so please keep my health in your prayers and my energy level.
See you, Kate
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Day 6---I think
I am sitting in the internet cafe here at the hotel. The connection is extremely slow. I can't log onto my facebook so no greetings from there. Sorry. But yes, I am doing God's work (To my co-workers).
Today was a good day. We went to the village of Mayuge again but this time in a different building for clinic. It was in a church that had no roof so it was very hot!! It really is sad how much education the Ugandan people are lacking in the rural areas regarding health. The doctors here give them incorrect diagnosis. Today I saw a man with elephantitis. He could have been treated early on but was not and therefore now has to endure such hardship. I am trying to take pictures of everything that I see here but I know that even a still shot will not really show what I am experiencing.
Last night I went up to the cat walk of the hotel and stared at the stars in the African sky. Very beautiful! Tonight there is supposed to be a lunar eclipse.
After clinic today we went on a little sight seeing adventure. We went to Bungali falls (Nile River). Kate was with the rally team so she went to Lake Victoria which she said was also beautiful. Despite all the poverty, I do see what Winston Churchill was talking about. He appropriately described this place, "The Pearl of the Nile."
I am getting better sleep now so not so exhausted. Trying to drink lots of fluids at night and not so much during the day because I don't like to use the bathrooms in the bush. Mission trips are definitely interesting and definitely take you out of comfort zone but it is already an experience that I will never forget. I feel truly blessed. Hope to post soon.
Today was a good day. We went to the village of Mayuge again but this time in a different building for clinic. It was in a church that had no roof so it was very hot!! It really is sad how much education the Ugandan people are lacking in the rural areas regarding health. The doctors here give them incorrect diagnosis. Today I saw a man with elephantitis. He could have been treated early on but was not and therefore now has to endure such hardship. I am trying to take pictures of everything that I see here but I know that even a still shot will not really show what I am experiencing.
Last night I went up to the cat walk of the hotel and stared at the stars in the African sky. Very beautiful! Tonight there is supposed to be a lunar eclipse.
After clinic today we went on a little sight seeing adventure. We went to Bungali falls (Nile River). Kate was with the rally team so she went to Lake Victoria which she said was also beautiful. Despite all the poverty, I do see what Winston Churchill was talking about. He appropriately described this place, "The Pearl of the Nile."
I am getting better sleep now so not so exhausted. Trying to drink lots of fluids at night and not so much during the day because I don't like to use the bathrooms in the bush. Mission trips are definitely interesting and definitely take you out of comfort zone but it is already an experience that I will never forget. I feel truly blessed. Hope to post soon.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Hi Alive and well in Africa!
Kate and I are sitting in the hotel lobby sucking on sugar cane on wireless internet. Today we were in the "Bush" and now we are connected to friends and family 7,000 away. How insane! I am having such a great time even though it really is fast pace and caotic at the clinic. We are operating a clinic out of a home that houses 14 people in a small village. Dr. Hartiman and I are seeing patients in a space of about the average American master bath. We see usually a family of 4-6 at one time the best we can with an interpreter (some are good, some not so good). :) The health conditions of these people are heart wrenching. It is so difficult to tell a line of 500 that we are done for the day. Some have had illness that could of easily been treated and have been suffering for years. We are pretty much de-worming every child because they have worms that cause them to have a cough, distended abdomen, etc. Very sad to see. Despite all the sadness, the Ugandan people have such joy. They are truly greatful for our team to be there. Kate has been having a blast with the Ugandans and I don't know where she gets her energy dancing for hours. I am glad that she has rhythm because I do not. haha. I think she has made in particular one girl, Lydia's year just by spending quality time with her.
This trip has been challenging already because you really have to give up all control and depend on God for his wisdom and discernment for treatment with our limitations and contraints in this makeshift environment. Please continue to pray for our team and for the people that we see each day whether it is in clinic, the schools, women's ministry, and pastor conferences. Thanks for all the support and love you all!
This trip has been challenging already because you really have to give up all control and depend on God for his wisdom and discernment for treatment with our limitations and contraints in this makeshift environment. Please continue to pray for our team and for the people that we see each day whether it is in clinic, the schools, women's ministry, and pastor conferences. Thanks for all the support and love you all!
How are you? I am fine. by Kate
It is about 10pm and we just finished dinner. The days have been full and very rewarding. Today I went to 4 schools with a rally team and we taught HIV/AIDS awareness. The children were extremely well behaved. At each school we were able to present the head master with 2 soccer balls. They accepted them and gave us theirs. They had been using rolled up balls of paper and twine. After they received the gift all the children would run up to us and say thank you, myabale. It is tremendously humbling and shows how truly well off we are in America.
My Mom gave out glasses today to a huge line of people. One man came up to us and said thank you for coming. "I could not see or read but now that you are hear I am very happy."
We have been holding a clinic for the past three days seeing hundred of patients in the dental and medical side. Many of the people have worms, malaria or STDs. In the dental clinic, if there is tooth pain the dentists pull the tooth because they have to treat patients with acute care. Rebekah has been doing a great job treating people with so much compassion while being rushed the whole time so they can treat as many as possible.
At the end of the day when we return to the hotel we are completely covered in dirt. The dirt here is like red clay. And it is everywhere. Think of every place it could be and there it is. I got a bug bite on the back of my neck yesterday but I don't think it was a malaria mosquito.
There have been many blessings so far. The people are wonderful and so kind. I have learned one of their songs in Motonga and they love to watch me sing it. I think that is because I don't pronounce their words very well. They also love it when I dance. Today I have a circle of probably 60 people watching me dance. I added a few moves from Beyonce's Single Ladies dance.
The weather has been great. Feeling good except for the cloud of dust in my throat each night. Thank you so much for your support. The Uganda people are being blessed by your generosity.
See you,
Kate
PS - I saw Annette, Bennah, Madinah, Claire and Jaliah!
My Mom gave out glasses today to a huge line of people. One man came up to us and said thank you for coming. "I could not see or read but now that you are hear I am very happy."
We have been holding a clinic for the past three days seeing hundred of patients in the dental and medical side. Many of the people have worms, malaria or STDs. In the dental clinic, if there is tooth pain the dentists pull the tooth because they have to treat patients with acute care. Rebekah has been doing a great job treating people with so much compassion while being rushed the whole time so they can treat as many as possible.
At the end of the day when we return to the hotel we are completely covered in dirt. The dirt here is like red clay. And it is everywhere. Think of every place it could be and there it is. I got a bug bite on the back of my neck yesterday but I don't think it was a malaria mosquito.
There have been many blessings so far. The people are wonderful and so kind. I have learned one of their songs in Motonga and they love to watch me sing it. I think that is because I don't pronounce their words very well. They also love it when I dance. Today I have a circle of probably 60 people watching me dance. I added a few moves from Beyonce's Single Ladies dance.
The weather has been great. Feeling good except for the cloud of dust in my throat each night. Thank you so much for your support. The Uganda people are being blessed by your generosity.
See you,
Kate
PS - I saw Annette, Bennah, Madinah, Claire and Jaliah!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hello Craziness by Kate
So, here it is. . .2.5 hours before I have to be at the airport and I am still in running clothes and on the computer. Packing is something I avoid like the plague. (Back choice of metaphor with me heading to Uganda).Yesterday I spent the day shopping. I bought 2 sets of scrubs at Goodwill. A snapped a photo of this lady going inside. She is wearing the scarf just like they do in Africa. Maybe I will come back with new fashion tips. An added bonus.
I got home and layed out all of my purchases. Then I thought how in the heck am I going to fit all this in that tiny tiny suitcase. Thanks to my fabulous husband we were able to crush it all in there.
Guess I better start getting ready. It seems so surreal. I plan to take a nice long shower, eat a big breakfast and then rush to the airport. Hopefully, Rebekah and I will be able to blog while we are there but really-who knows.
See you! (That's what they say in Uganda)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Butterflies
Today was my final day to prepare for the trip and now I am so exhausted! I packed and repacked until I finally got everything in my carry which was such a challenge. But I finally got it right after I took out some things that were not truly "essential."
Good news! I was able to fix my computer last night and I also found the book that I had lost. Things are coming together.
I just got a moment to sit and relax. I have butterflies in my stomach thinking about this adventure I am about to embark on. Travel plan is as follows: Tampa to Detroit, Detroit to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Entebbe. I should arrive in Entebbe around 8:30pm Fri. This will be longest flight I have ever been on. I am going to try to get some rest before the adventure begins. I hope to keep you posted while I am in Africa!! :)
Good news! I was able to fix my computer last night and I also found the book that I had lost. Things are coming together.
I just got a moment to sit and relax. I have butterflies in my stomach thinking about this adventure I am about to embark on. Travel plan is as follows: Tampa to Detroit, Detroit to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Entebbe. I should arrive in Entebbe around 8:30pm Fri. This will be longest flight I have ever been on. I am going to try to get some rest before the adventure begins. I hope to keep you posted while I am in Africa!! :)
Monday, July 13, 2009
On Uganda's Terms
Whew! I just got home from a dinner with some friends from work. I ate a TON and could pass out at any moment! haha. All a part of their plan to get me gain some weight before the trip.Too bad I ate everything in sight this past weekend and lost weight instead of gaining! Craziness!
I am a little dissapointed for two reasons:
1) My windows is malfunctioning on my computer so no way to upload pics and not much time left to get it fixed. No last minute i-tunes downloading of African music. :(
2) I misplaced the book I was reading "On Uganda's Terms" :(
I was reading an awesome book called "On Ugandas's Terms" by Mary Hale, RN. She is an amazing Nurse that I met through a friend. Mary lived and worked in Jinja, Uganda in the 1970's during Idi Amin's reign. She developed the first post doctorate mid wife program in Uganda. She had to flee the country when there was a lot of unrest from Idi Amin's government. Her book tells her story of her time spent in Jinja, about the friends she made and Uganda's political history. I was almost finished with her book and now for the life of me I cannot find it!! So upsetting.
I spoke with Mary on the phone yesterday. She gave me a list of places in Jinja for me to photograph for her. She told me that in her movie, she said that she always wished that she could stand on "Entebbe Golf Course and hit a golf ball into Lake Victora." I don't know if I will have the opportunity for this or not, but if I get the chance, I am sooo doing this! I also plan on making a scrap book for her. Good stuff.
I feel behind on my packing and list of things to do but I am sure that it will all come together! Tomorrow is my last day at work for a while and then I can focus solely on the trip. Tomorrow is also day 1 of Malerone (anti-malaria medication). Wish me luck!
I am a little dissapointed for two reasons:
1) My windows is malfunctioning on my computer so no way to upload pics and not much time left to get it fixed. No last minute i-tunes downloading of African music. :(
2) I misplaced the book I was reading "On Uganda's Terms" :(
I was reading an awesome book called "On Ugandas's Terms" by Mary Hale, RN. She is an amazing Nurse that I met through a friend. Mary lived and worked in Jinja, Uganda in the 1970's during Idi Amin's reign. She developed the first post doctorate mid wife program in Uganda. She had to flee the country when there was a lot of unrest from Idi Amin's government. Her book tells her story of her time spent in Jinja, about the friends she made and Uganda's political history. I was almost finished with her book and now for the life of me I cannot find it!! So upsetting.
I spoke with Mary on the phone yesterday. She gave me a list of places in Jinja for me to photograph for her. She told me that in her movie, she said that she always wished that she could stand on "Entebbe Golf Course and hit a golf ball into Lake Victora." I don't know if I will have the opportunity for this or not, but if I get the chance, I am sooo doing this! I also plan on making a scrap book for her. Good stuff.
I feel behind on my packing and list of things to do but I am sure that it will all come together! Tomorrow is my last day at work for a while and then I can focus solely on the trip. Tomorrow is also day 1 of Malerone (anti-malaria medication). Wish me luck!
My Name is Kate
Makes me think of that new song on the radio. Hey all! I am Rebekah's new roomie. We are going to do some extreme bonding over the next few weeks.
I am trying to indulge in all things Africa, all things Uganda as I prepare for this trip. So I am reading this book called 28. It is about the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It is written by a journalist which I enjoy. The book highlights 28 different stories of AIDS in Uganda. Fascinating read so far. It stories how AIDS is shared, how people view it, how victims live without, kids live without parents. It is called 28 because it represents the 28 people living with AIDS in Africa.
More to come. Currently I am trying to figure out what to put on my ipod. There probably is no wrong answer. Will chat more soon. -Kate
I am trying to indulge in all things Africa, all things Uganda as I prepare for this trip. So I am reading this book called 28. It is about the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It is written by a journalist which I enjoy. The book highlights 28 different stories of AIDS in Uganda. Fascinating read so far. It stories how AIDS is shared, how people view it, how victims live without, kids live without parents. It is called 28 because it represents the 28 people living with AIDS in Africa.
More to come. Currently I am trying to figure out what to put on my ipod. There probably is no wrong answer. Will chat more soon. -Kate
Friday, July 10, 2009
Teaming up!
My friend Kate and soon travel buddy is going to team up with me for this blog. So double the perspective and double the pics! POST away Kate and thanks for the help! :)
PIG out time!
My work mates had an "intervention" with me this week. Apparently I am "too thin" to go to Africa. I was really not concerned about this, however I spoke with Kathy and she said that David has lost 10lbs on trips before. So, my plan is to eat whatever I feel like eating this week. No inhibition, counting calories or worry about being unhealthy. Today was day two of this. You would think that I would be excited about this but honestly, eating unhealthy constantly is difficult for me. Today I enjoyed biscuits and gravy cafeteria style, pizza, tacos, bagel, snacks galore and now I feel loaded down. We will just have to see how all of this goes.
I am getting increasingly EXCITED about the trip! One week away now so I am in constant prep mode. I think I may do my packing this weekend because I know that I will overpack and that way I will have a couple of days to decide what items I really can do without.
I found some Africa trivia cards at Starbucks this past week. That made me smile :) so I had to purchase them for the trip. I brought them to work and Jacquie quized me. Pretty sad how much I don't know about the countries of Africa, but then again, that is why I bought them. To learn!
Every day I think of how this trip will effect me. My objective of course is to go and give of myself, be a servant and help the Ugandan people. I expect though that through this adventure, I will grow as a person. Can't wait to see what happens!
I am getting increasingly EXCITED about the trip! One week away now so I am in constant prep mode. I think I may do my packing this weekend because I know that I will overpack and that way I will have a couple of days to decide what items I really can do without.
I found some Africa trivia cards at Starbucks this past week. That made me smile :) so I had to purchase them for the trip. I brought them to work and Jacquie quized me. Pretty sad how much I don't know about the countries of Africa, but then again, that is why I bought them. To learn!
Every day I think of how this trip will effect me. My objective of course is to go and give of myself, be a servant and help the Ugandan people. I expect though that through this adventure, I will grow as a person. Can't wait to see what happens!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Religion in Uganda
History
Muslim traders and Christian missionaries first arrived in the 1860s, attempting to convert the Ugandan king.
Indigenous beliefs
Only 1% of Uganda's population follow traditional religions. More than 50% of Uganda is christian.
Muslim traders and Christian missionaries first arrived in the 1860s, attempting to convert the Ugandan king.
Indigenous beliefs
Only 1% of Uganda's population follow traditional religions. More than 50% of Uganda is christian.
Secular
Currently small in number.
According to the National Census of October 2002, Christians of all denominations made up 85.1% of Uganda's population. The Catholic Church has the largest number of adherents (41.9% of the total population), followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda, a part of the worldwide Anglican communion (35.9%). Minor Christian groups include Pentecostals (4.6%) and Seventh-Day Adventists (1.5%), while 1.0% were grouped under the category "Other Christians".
According to the National Census 2002 12.1% of Ugandas adhere to Islam. While Muslims today appear to be experiencing some degree of discrimination, they were in the seventies the most favoured group under the rule of President Idi Amin, himself a Muslim, under whose government the number of Muslims had significantly grown.
Currently small in number.
According to the National Census of October 2002, Christians of all denominations made up 85.1% of Uganda's population. The Catholic Church has the largest number of adherents (41.9% of the total population), followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda, a part of the worldwide Anglican communion (35.9%). Minor Christian groups include Pentecostals (4.6%) and Seventh-Day Adventists (1.5%), while 1.0% were grouped under the category "Other Christians".
According to the National Census 2002 12.1% of Ugandas adhere to Islam. While Muslims today appear to be experiencing some degree of discrimination, they were in the seventies the most favoured group under the rule of President Idi Amin, himself a Muslim, under whose government the number of Muslims had significantly grown.
Wikipedia- July 06,2009
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