We began our second day of clinic in complete darkness, even before the sun decided to show its face, with the registration team leaving for our clinic site at Kinyara sugar plantation at 6:45am. This is a perfect illustration of how we can work from sunrise to sundown and still not fulfill the need that exists here. We were excited to start another day of clinic, especially now that we were “experienced” at practicing African medicine, and it’s always an amazing feeling when we pull up to the site and see a line of people that wraps around the building and goes on for what seems like forever. The site we were at today was at a school about 45 min away from the hotel and in a more isolated area on a sugar cane plantation. The school had closed today so that we could have our clinic there but we found that many of the teachers there had volunteered to work the day as our translators. Today ran more easily and peacefully than our hectic first day, and everyone from those in triage to the providers to the pharmacists found an amazing synergy and were able to help more than 170 people who needed care.
I had a particularly amazing experience today in clinic because I was given the opportunity to assist in my first surgery with Michael. We removed a large dermoid cyst right over the eye that had been plaguing a young man since birth. This was my first time actually using a scalpel on a real patient (and not a cadaver), my first time suturing, and basically my first time doing any kind of surgical procedure. The faith Michael had in me and the experience that I got to have is not something that I will ever forget. Even more than that, I was so happy that we were able to give this young man any kind of semblance of looking “normal” and that we were able to take away that burden from him. He expressed so much joy and appreciation and he is a wonderful example of why we came to Uganda.
We’re all tired but holding up really well and excited to continue the week! Tomorrow we are going to a site further away where apparently hundreds of people are going to line up, but after today we know we can handle it. We are all safe, eating really good food (and probably gaining a few pounds), and loving our experience here! That’s all for now!
Love, Grace
7 comments ↓
We are praying that a ‘herd’ of angels surround you to protect you and keep you lifted in spirit and faith as you help God’s ‘children’ in Uganda.
It sounds like you guys and gals are really working hard over there. I’m so excited for the work God is doing through you! Your days are long and the need is great but God says to not grow weary in doing good. I am praying for all of you that God will provide you with the rest you need and the energy to face the hundreds of people awaiting you each day!
It sounds like you each are getting new and useful medical experience. Glad to hear you are eating well (since I know Kemper is an eating machine). Continue to stay safe and help those you are there to serve.
You guys are accomplishing great things! Keep up the teamwork, and keep letting God work through you to touch the people of Uganda. You are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
Keep up the good work.
Way to go Grace! So proud of you and the rest of the team. We’re all praying for you. Steven
Keep up the good work. You are in our prayers
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