Today was our second day of clinic and we were all excited to know the drill. Kitonozi is about 35 minutes from Masindi, and it was the first time PMI had ever been to the site. As our five vans drove in, we saw the line of over 500 people, and we were all humbled by a worship team with two African drummers singing in appreciation as we arrived. An elderly lady stepped to the front (pictured below) and sang, “I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Registration/Pharmacy: Megan Huffman, Water Missions International, Charleston, SC
Lauren Wengerd and I started with registration immediately, working our way down the line asking names and ages to give each patient a medical form and their number in line. Our wonderful translator, Julius, taught us, “God Bless You” in Ruyonyo, and we were able to bless each person in their own language. It is life changing to look into their eyes as you say their name and for them to smile back at you, saying “Amen” in appreciation.
The balance of the day I worked in the pharmacy, delivering prescriptions to the patients and working with a translator to explain their use and dosage. Even after waiting for more than 8 hours to be seen and receive treatment, the same beautiful and grateful eyes peered back at me as they said, “Webale” or “Thank You”.
Triage: Chris Kundrock, EMT, Chattanooga, TN
After a conversation with my triage partners last night most of the kinks and learning pains of triage were worked out. With 5 triage stations and a vital signs station we kept the line of patients to see the providers stocked with eager patrons. After talking with more people wanting to be seen by the doctor than I could count, one thing was very apparent to me. The people of Uganda, and especially Kitonozi, are a loving and welcoming people. They welcomed us with open arms and were so grateful that we even showed up in their town.
Around lunchtime we had taken a break to eat lunch and let the providers get caught up before we started triaging more patients. Right as my translator Phillip and I got up to go and eat lunch a little boy (pictured above) was peering eagerly through my window. He had a grin on his face and I quickly snapped a photo of him. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we immediately had a connection. I can only imagine the many thoughts that were running through this little boy’s head. He seemed curious and intrigued by these strange people that have come into his small community. Even though our encounter was short and no words were said, a thousand unspoken thoughts were exchanged.
Provider: Matt Huffman, Cardiology Fellow, Charleston, SC
My team today consisted of an outstanding student, Alec Kitch, nurse, Trish Lawrence, and myself. We were able to see close to 50 patients, contributing to our entire group total of 375. We saw a diverse spectrum of diseases, ranging from common ailments such as arthritis and hypertension to malaria and osteomyelitis. Although we were able to treat many things on the spot, it was fulfilling to be able to refer patients to follow up in the permanent PMI clinic in Masindi. Again today, I was completely humbled by how appreciative and loving these people with very little are.
Thank you to our family and friends at home lifting us all in prayer. We feel your prayers each day as our lives are transformed by this experience!