Two weeks later...

It's been about 60 hours since I started a timer on my Ipod as we crossed the Nile River on a barge/ferry to start the long journey home. It took a couple of hours on a dirt road to get out to the highway and made our way to Kampala to meet up with part of the crew that did not go on the safari. The waits and flights were long but took it all in stride as home neared little by little. Parted ways with the team in Detroit as they headed to NC and I to CO.

As with most journies, there were ups and downs but overall it was another good trip and experience. We worked hard, seeing about 1100 visitors to the clinic in four days of clinic. As did last year's team members, everyone clicked. Also, as last year, interacting with the children in the orphanage and the missionaries was a special time. Although I could not recall many of the names I certainly remembered many of the faces.

Like after last year's trip, there will be a lot of reflection on the experience. A lot of things are hard to comprehend / reconcile. The mode of travel for instance. Most of those who came to the clinic went there on foot, some walking a couple of hours and in the heat and/or rain. I do that here on hikes as recreation supplied with water and food; many came to the clinic with children tagging along and with toddlers on their backs. It is literally and figurative a world away and within just over 24 hours I was back on my home turf.

Another tough thing to comprehend is seeing so much poverty there and we have so much abundance here. Somehow people survive what seems to be day-to-day living and not having a lot of resources. It gives hope that the human spirit is so strong, boosted by efforts such as those who support operations like the Good Shepherd's Fold orhpanage - the long term missionaries, short term teams like ours and the folks that provide support.

Thanks to all that have given me support - spiritually and materially.

An amateur "drug dealer"

I suppose it is a promotion, going from working the registration queue last year to helping in the pharmacy. Although she is not a pharmacist, Ellie filled in quite competently. Having four sons, she knows a lot about medications and her organizational skills and meticulous nature made it easy for me to fill the scripts the medical staff wrote up. Three of us worked the station as Ellie and I filled the orders and Steve was the end of the entire of process of a patient’s visit to the clinic. He handed out the medications and the instructions.

I miss the interface with the visitors, especially the kids. When Steve goes on break, I pick up handing out the scripts and enjoy the few opportunities to interact with the patients. I also miss the flexibility of being able to float around and take tons of pictures, which will be far fewer and less comprehensive this time.

Nonetheless, the trip has been as fulfilling as last year’s, despite of the achy feet from being on them for most of the day.

Star struck

The 2nd day of clinic ended in darkness, like the previous day – around 7:30 or so. It seemed to have gone a bit smoother but saw more patients, about 325 or so. Didn’t feel as worn out but still weary. Like the day before, we headed straight to dinner. Spirits were high despite of another long day. There was laughter and chatter. Power went out a few minutes after we started eating and didn’t come back up for another hour. Some of use went out to the porch while waiting for the rest as they cleaned up. Stepping out into the evening darkness, it was absolutely jaw dropping as your eyes were drawn to the sky. It was dotted with countless stars. The combination of a clear, cloudless night and no electricity to power lights in the area, light, it made for a spectacular show. As we made our way to bunkhouse, I was surprised no one lost their footing as we only had one flashlight among us and tried not to look up at the stunning display. Beats anything on tv, which they do not have here in the orphanage.

Bad but irresistable pun

Arrived at Entebbe about half hour late. Flight to Amsterdam was late coming in as we had to fly around the ash. Entebbe flight was held for us.

Here at the guest house near the airport winding down. I guess I panicked Saturday morning when I saw flight to AMS was delayed. Called the travel agency and team leader about possible delay due to volcano. Even entertained the thought of visiting Hitsville USA (Motown) if delayed in Detroit. I guess I made an ash of myself panicking a bit.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms.

Yikes....

...just saw news about trans-atlantic flight disruptions. Checked flight to Amsterdam and it's delayed. Might be stuck in Detroit.

The date before...

As always, doing things at last minute such as setting up this blog.

In almost 24 hours from now, hopefully the first leg of the trip will be underway. The threat of ash from the Iceland volcano looms. Just checked the latest on it and the threat of flight delay is heightening. We connect in Amsterdam to Entebbe.