jambo little bear!
Debbie Conover

“I will return, my heart has been magnetized”
Mark E Van Wormer M D

Look at the people on that boda-boda.
Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

I love being “incubated” .
Sue & Dan Vestal

“Another Fibroidzilla!”
M Gail Vanderlee, MD

How many more patient books, nurse Susan,just two? How come I see ten, and why are some of them men? I am a gynecologist, by golly! Anybody for a tubal? How about an IUD…anybody…anybody?
Elisa Brown

Only    6 people on that boda- boda? You can get  3 more easily.
Jim Huston

Over and over again, “I can’t believe the whole Nile goes through Murchison Falls”- favorite quote by Jim Huston. From me… “why does the driver like to drive almost sideways, just drive down the middle so we dont flip over!”
Kassidy James

forget the 12step program —– just do it!!!!   Karen Carr

Godfrey, could you…, or Sherry’s, “let me see how much funny money I have left” .
Cora Ables

Dr. Liu…if I had it you would have it,sir !!!   Sherrrrrry !!!  I’ll be right there…
Judi Alexander

Does anyone know where Debbie is?  I,m locked out of my room again.  She,s got the key.
Lisa

Job well done!  You are most welcome!
Christine

Kassidy, your in denile about staying at a resort on D Nile!
Jeff Reiswig, interventionist

The team is now on Safari, the visit was successful. 40 surgeries were done with 6 done in outpatients, totaling to 46.
The outreaches saw over 5000 people and 600 nets were distributed.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Dr.D

We tried to dig a respectable ditch for the new water well. We (I especially) got muddy that stayed that way all day. I’m not sure how much we helped in the effort because the Ugandans got the whole job done in 3 days with or without our help.
Jim Huston

Me trying to jump rope, in a long skirt, and digging boots. The kids thought it was hilarious as I attempted multiple times and was unsuccessful. Although I would say making them laugh is a success for me!!!
Kassidy James

At the well today when a herd of kid repeated everything I said, “ We love dum dums!!”
Thomas Carrington

When Elisa and I discovered that we could control the lights in Dr. Liu’s operating room by turning the suction on and off.
Gail Vanderlee

Seeing Dr. Liu doing the boda-boda with the women outside the hospital in the yard as he was filming them.
Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

My funniest moment would have to be when Dr. Vanderlee and I played patty cake during surgery. Dr. Brown was holding for hemostasis and we got bored.
Cora Ables, CST

The makeshift masks were pretty funny like a cross between an elephant and a gas mask.
Elisa Brown

We spent more time chasing a fly out of the room than doing a procedure.
Dr. Liu

Continuously changing Operating Room shoes going in and out of the OR for clinic and never really knowing whose shoes you had on your feet or what OR shoes you would wear next.
Mark E. Van Wormer MD

When I looked in the second OR and saw a foley bag hanging from the table with no patient on the table…only to learn it was a “community” bag, used for the minor GYN procedures because we were running out of foley bags. Today was a great day in surgery…we did three procedures which made us hit the forty Milestone mark…And with the six procedures done in out in the patient clinic, we did an amazing forty-six procedures this trip…GO OR TEAM.
Judi Alexander, RN, OR Team Leader

Having a lizard jump out of the shelf where the gloves were stored, Sherri giving out a little scream, but I scream even louder right after she screamed.
Debbie Conover, BSN

We were counting pills in the pharmacy. A child sat on the window sill all day until we gave him a soccer ball. He’d raise one eyebrow to say Sir, Ball? Took off like a flash when he got it. Then the friends showed up at the window to say “he’s not sharing.” Then they wanted pumps. It went on all day.
Lisa

On Monday afternoon we finished clinic late and then went to the hospital to pick up suitcases. The surgical team was all ready to go home for the day. While we were loading the two vans, I walked over to the surgical team. Dr. Liu leaned out his window and said, “Christine, you eat my dust!” We all laughed!
Christine

Yesterday while we were relaxing by the pool J.D. executed a perfect can opener in the pool. The splash was so big he showered a group of Middle eastern businessmen sitting near the pool. To say the least the men were not happy and when J.D. came up for air, we promptly told him to apologize for fear of a jihad like retaliation. Luckily we lived to tell the tale.
Jeff Reiswig, peace keeper

A small child thought it a good idea to try and steal a couple of empty water bottles from a local woman one day when I was working on water well. He grabbed the bottle s and took off running, unfortunately for the boy this woman had the sickest side arm in Uganda and beamed the boy in the back with a dirt clod as he fled.
J.D.

Now that we are approaching the end of outreach and surgeries, I feel….
OR
Name one person who has impacted you on this trip…

J.D. Smith has impacted me the most on this trip. He has made me think of someone other than myself and has inspired me to go home and convince my friends to do the same, we are from the same place but I haven’t met anyone as selfless as him.
Thomas Carrington

Helen Mutono…for her selfless escorting of me around Kampala regarding job search. Dr. Lieu…for allowing me to more than just first assist on the many surgical cases we completed. Nurse Susan at the Kanginima Clinic for her calm, cool, collected attitude of managing Kanginima outpatient clinic department. Nurse Judy for her incredible organizational skills of running such a tight ship in the OR!
Mark E. Van Wormer, MD

The mothers who were so grateful for their treatment. They would come back to us just to shaker our hands and say thank you. Their quiet acceptance when we had to turn them away because we ran out of meds.
Dan and Sue. No matter what we were doing, they figured out a better more efficient way to do things. We were like rockets working together so coordinated.
Thomas. I never heard a crowd laugh so loud when he jumped into the jump rope line. Whole families laughing.
Lisa

Patients who go from the OR to the open ward with only non-narcotic pain meds
Gail

The person who has impacted me on this trip would have to be Simon. He worked as my translator the first day we held clinic outreach. Simon donated land near his home for a church to be built. We held clinic in this church on Wednesday. That said what impressed me about him was how he interacted with his baby son. It’s rare to see men have anything to do with their children in public, let alone play with your baby because you want to . It was truly touching. I made more babies cry today and as sad as it is to say I’m getting used to it. It’s almost funny. The parents expect it and don’t seem to be upset when it happens. If they can laugh at their children’s misery I guess it’s not all for not.
Jeff Reiswig

It is so hard to pick just one person so I will pick one from the team and one from Uganda. On the team, it would have to be Sherry. She doesn’t normally work in surgery but you would never know it. She circulates 2 rooms, at the same time, and never complains. Judy or I will call out “Sherrryyy” and she replies, “ be right there.” She is awesome!!! From Uganda it would have to be Agnes. She has a heart of gold. Will never say a bad word about anyone. I love her.
Cora Ables, CST

I like Cora cannot choose one person. Judy Alexander has done an awesome job running the operating room. I just met her on this trip but feel I have known her forever. Cora has been my rock. She keeps me in check from wake up announcement to tellin me what to take for our outings. Christine has been the best leader. The rest of the teams have been a joy to visit with and get to know. Most of all I would like to thank my family for giving me this opportunity to have this great experience. Love to all.
Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

I have been so fortunate to be on both teams this trip. At the second village where we volunteered, the translator Mary sticks in my mind. She wanted her mom in law to get her blood pressure taken. She was so interested in the care of her family and the care of those in her village. She was so unselfish. I am so amazed at how 17 people can be thrown together and get along as well as the whole outreach team… each and everyone one of them is unique and very special.
Debbie Conover

Today was our last outreach day and I WANT MORE. I want more children with giggles when we try to jump rope with them. I want more beautiful women caring for their children. I want more time to continue to serve the people of Uganda. I want more time to get to know the translators we worked with in the villages. I have fallen in love with Uganda more than before I first came. I thank God he orchestrated my love for Uganda along with my love for medicine. I am humbled and in awe!
Kassidy James

Gail Vanderlee has impacted me the most. Her presence has made the gyn surgery effort strong and focused. She also shares Wes-isms (her husband Wes that is) such as “you have won the war, now you can stop shooting.” Caring for women is caring for the world and its future. It can never take a back seat…never.
We have one more day of surgery to do. May God hold our hands in his as we work. “Thy name is healing…”
Elisa Brown

The person who has impacted me the most next to Sherry Renfro (who has done an awesome job of circulating 2 rooms) is Christine whom has done a great job of keepin the “ship” from going aground. All the wonderful people of Africa who have welcomed us with open arms and hearts. It has been an awesome trip and over much too soon. Thanks to Jeff, J.D. and Thomas for including this “old” lady in their after dinner evening get together.
Judi Alexander, RN

It is sad to think that today was our last outreach clinic. I really enjoyed working in the villages with the people and also with the outreach staff from Kanginima. Anna and Susan and the students all worked tirelessly in the Pharmacy to keep up with filling all the prescriptions. When you think that we saw from 821 – 1020 people who were dispensed sometimes 3-4 prescriptions each…that’s a lot of papers and drugs.
I was most impressed with this team…it has been the best group of all! Everyone worked hard to do what we came to do without complaining (except for the roads and the drive) and everyone worked together as a team. I believe that friendships were formed that will last a lifetime.
Geoffrey, one of the PA’s from Kanginima thanked our team today for “our sacrifice”…we tried to tell him that it was truly ‘our privilege’ but he would not agree. He gave selflessly each day working with us in Outreach and then went home at night to study as he starts Medical school in the fall. He inspires me to do more!
Christine

The best part about today was the children’s choir at Simon Peter’s church. I also loved everything at Sisiyi Falls. I have an awesome video of Thomas, JD and Kassidy. Also some great pictures of other team members and the falls. My favorite picture would have to be JD in his shorts and boots Lol.
Cora Ables, CST

The best part of today was going and visiting the church. The children were awesome. They sing in harmony with nothing but their hands, feet, and voices. The trip to the falls was great. Very pretty and enjoyable.
Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

My favorite part of today was sitting in the rapids at the base of the falls. The water was really cold but felt wonderful. Napping on a mat under a shade tree was a great way to round out the afternoon. This place never ceases to amaze me. We gave out suckers to the children after church this morning. One baby didn’t know what to do with it, so I unwrapped it and struck it in his mouth. The mothers watching me found it hysterical I’m not sure why.
Jeff Reiswig, candy dispenser

Today was a good day! We had church with Simon Peter and a picnic at Sisiyi Falls Park. I accomplished one of my goals – to climb to the top of the ridge, something I couldn’t do last time because of my ankle. The base of the falls was peaceful. The people at the church were so welcoming towards us. I think every Sunday should be similar. Back to work tomorrow.
Jim Huston

It was such a great day. Church was wonderful. My favorite part of the day was the sweet little boy who walked up shyly to the children’s time at church. I reached out my hands to him and he raised his arms for me to pick him up. My heart melts daily for these children. I cannot get over their smiles and deep joy! Also, I swam at the bottom of the waterfall in Africa…never thought I would say that !!!
Kassidy James

The view from the top of Sisiyi Falls was awesome!
Gail Vanderlee

The waterfall…
Debbie Conover

Watching the children’s choir sign and dance. Little girl who never left Sherry’s lap.

I thought that Debbie did a really great job teaching the women’s Sunday services. Had a great time at the Falls.
Judi Alexander, RN

The church service was great, and the children were precious.
The falls were spectacular, and it was so peaceful.
Sue & Dan Vestal

At Sisiyi falls I liked pulling the sword from the stone and becoming king of the local tribe.
JD Smith

One word “grappling”. Google it!!!!
Thomas Carrington

Teaching Sunday School class to a group of Rural Ugandans.
Attempting to explain the concept of Christian Discipleship and why our group is here in Uganda on this mission. Traveling to an incredible setting, the majestic Sisiyi Falls.
Mark E Van Wormer MD

The favorite part of the day for me was when the children taught us a song during Sunday School. At the end of the service, Simon Peter’s wife asked me to follow her home as she had a gift for me. She presented me with a traditional Ugandan dress, a Gomese and helped me to change into it. These people have so very little of monetary value. I was very touched by her generosity!
Christine

Some of my favorite things here in Uganda are the smiles on the children’s face. The children also sang Happy Birthday to me at the hospital.
Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

First thing I want to wish my rock star nurse a very Happy Birthday!!! My most favorite thing about Uganda is how polite everyone is. When we show up at the hospital they say ‘you are welcome’. I love it.
Cora Ables CST

I love the laughter of the children.

I love the faces of the people. Plus I love the food.
Debbie Conover

I love the faces of the children and how warm and friendly the people are.
Sue Vestal

Today was awesome. We were able to be a part of digging a Water Well for a village and also see a finished Well. It is so amazing to watch children and adults come to a place where they can get fresh CLEAN water. Jumping rope with the children had to be the best part of the day…I need to work on my jumping skills. It has been a while.
Kassidy

Life is a well, dig it!!! We helped dig a well today and the people were extremely appreciative. This place really humbles you while you have a blast at the same time. I can’t wait to come back already. Happy Birthday, Sherry.
Thomas Carrington

The surgery team did an awesome job today…we did seven surgeries for a total so far of thirty…we are aiming for thirty-five. I love the people and their smiles.
Judi Alexander, RN

It was a good day at the hospital. Post-op care came together with Susan, Kintu Stephen and Deb becoming a team. We are up to 30 cases to date and will really enjoy tomorrow’s day of rest.
-M Gail Vanderlee, MD

Tough case, today but we pulled it out. I am grateful.
Elisa Brown, MD

Working on the well today was as rewarding as I remember it being. There is something about being able to give people that which they’ve never had. In our case it’s something as simple as clean water. It’s a reminder once again of the things we take for granted. I can’t say I have one favorite thing to say about Uganda. The simplicity of life, the light heartedness of the people, and the joy I see in the eyes of children reinforce that I’m where I’m meant to be. On a lighter note I tried to scare some kids on purpose today…just for fun…They totally laughed at me. Must be opposite day.
Jeff Reiswig, warmest well digger ever

Today the village team went to the village where a new well was started. We had the privilege of digging in a rice paddy. The village men politely waited for us to tire and they were quick to pick up the hoe or shovel and start digging. They were able to dig 2- 3 times faster than any of us. As the village men took over the digging, we wandered down to play jump rope with the children. The children are so full of joy and laughter! They enjoyed mimicing Jeff and Thomas when saying goodbye. When passing out candy, the little boys of course crowded to the front of the line, leaving the girls in the back. The first little girl to recieve her candy dropped to her knees in front of me saying ‘thank you’. It was a very humbling experience! It made me think about how often do we express heartfelt thanks? Loving Uganda,
Christine

We had the Longest day so far on outreach clinic. It took 2.5 hour each way over really rough roads and way up a mountain overlooking Mt Elgon. We got back at dark to eat again under the stars. Tomorrow is another day – digging wells. Not a typical work day at home. Makes you realize there is a lot more to the world than your little part of the world.
Jim Huston
I miss my baby girl and husband! So thankful for all the family and friends back home praying for us. It was a rough day, but we were able to see the mountain areas for our clinic today…beautiful! And ditto Jeff:)
Kassidy James
Built the walls, steps and second floor slab of a four pipe well. At the end of the evening I sat down to talley the material, transportation, and labor. It really set in what a large logistical challenge building a well is. Further I was really out worked by a 45 year old man who would have worked through the day without water or lunch if I did not insist. Miss the kids.
JD Smith
I miss unsweetened ice tea with lemon. Especially the ice part. I miss my grandchildren the most. A special thanks to all of my friends who are praying for us.
Judi Alexander
Today was challenging for the village team as the drive was over two hours on narrow, rough roads. At times it was hard to know which side of the road the driver would choose. Often we felt that maybe it was a game of “chicken”. Ultimately, we arrived there and returned home safely.
Today a grandmother brought a 2 day old baby boy to the clinic. Her young daughter had died after a C-section. The grandmother had not been able to find a wet nurse. One of the team offered to purchase formula, bottles and supplies for the baby. Pray for this grandmother that she will be able to provide for this baby or that a family will step forward to take him. I could not hold him as I would have wanted him in an instant!
The surgical team only had the power go out for 20 minutes today! Dr. Liu is concerned about a small child recovering from surgery. Please pray that God’s healing touch will be upon this child and that Dr. Lui will sleep and awake refreshed for another day in surgery tomorrow.
I miss my family and look forward to the day when each of you comes with me!
Christine

Today was day 2 in the Village. What a difference a day makes! This village group was extremely organized and the children well behaved. We treated nearly as many people today as yesterday in less time. The children appeared to be sicker today with Malaria and Pneumonia.
The surgical team had a successful day as well even if it was a bit trying. Throughout the day they lost power 6 times during the procedures, undaunted the crew still did 2 hysterectomies, 2 tubal ligations, 1 thyroid and three hernias. Given the circumstances the team rose above the obstacles of the day and did a wonderful job.

My first day with the surgical crew was awesome. I first assisted on multiple surgeries in a setting just like the TV show “Off the Map”. In Uganda the people are warm, caring, trusting and charming. They live in absolute poverty but they are all happy, well fed, well groomed, colorful and proud. They are absolutely wonderful trusting patients always with a cheery welcoming smile. Practicing medicine in Uganda is both a challenge and a joy, probably the most meaningful experience of my life….
Mark E. Van Wormer MD

I am one happy blessed girl today! We were so privileged to start our day in the village with the children singing songs. They are beautiful, smart and have smiles that come from within. I am loving every minute of my time here!! Kassidy James

Today the hospital team welcomed Dr. Mark Van Wormer, rock star clinic doc and first assistant. We did 8 cases (again, thyroids and fibroids), put in an IUD and enjoyed African steak fritters for lunch. The Gyne Girls figured out that we can have suction or lights, but not both! M Gail Vanderlee, MD

Yesterday evening on the ride back from the hospital I sat with Agnes, our anesthesia provider. I was
showing her my pictures of my daughter and dogs on my iPhone. We went thru all of the pictures and, out of habit; I put the phone in my shirt. Agnes asks me “Cora, what have you done?” as she pats my phone in my shirt and trying to see where I put it. I tried to explain that I put it there at work so I know when someone calls. Agnes says, “Cora, put it in your bag!” Like a good girl I put it in my bag. LOL!
Cora Ables

We had a good day in outreach clinic today, much smoother. There was the same number of people but we got finished earlier. Once again, everyone was appreciative that we were there. I feel like I really worked and looking forward to supper outside under the stars. Jim Huston, MD

Village today was beautiful. The children sang to us, and we sang for them. I forgot how hard it is to jump rope. The kids were so happy when I tried jumping rope. It’s hard to believe that I could call my new friend Daniel on his cell phone, but I could not send him a letter or package by mail. Africa is a very welcoming place. Debbie Conover
Hello to all. Today was a great; even with minor holdups we did 8 surgeries. Looking forward to tomorrow and another great day. Judi Alexander, RN

Had a great day in the operating room. We did eight cases and I was able to circulate two rooms. I have worked with four great surgeons and an awesome scrub tech. Many thanks for the lessons learned. To my family I love ya’ll very much and miss you. Looking forward to another great day in the operating room. Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

Today was another great day in Country. I’m constantly amazed at how wonderful the people here are. The children are the heartbeat of the work we do and a complete joy to be around. The Village today was definitely sicker than the one we visited yesterday but, one would never have known speaking with the people. They were joyful and upbeat regardless of their conditions. It’s incredibly humbling and definitely unforgettable. Oh yeah. The sight of me made 3 separate children cry…
Jeff Reiswig, will never be a babysitter

Pray for our surgery team that the hospital will have power all day (it went out 6 times for about 20 minutes one time and 5-10 minutes the other times.)
Pray for the anesthesia provider who is having difficulty maintaining anesthesia.
Pray for the Village team as they travel to another village and set up clinic.

Many thanks for all the prayers for this team. They have truly made a difference.

The village team setup clinic at Simon Peter’s church. After an unexpected delay we arrived at the church around 11 A.M. to find the property inundated with men, women, and children of all ages! The day proceeded with a few bumps along the way but nothing serious.
Throughout the day:
# of patients treated: 446
# Children dewormed: 410
# Patients given tetanus inj.: 80
# Children given Vit A: 70
Total treated: 1,020
Feelings from the teams regarding their day:
Overwhelmed – Jim Huston
Ditto, exhausted but so much fun at the same time!!! Karen Carr
LONG day, exhausted but so much fun at the same time!!! Kassidy James
Incredible experiences, so much life and colors, intense and exhausting but oh so rewarding. Mark Van Wormer
I really didn’t expect to feel as helpful as I did today. My part, be it not a medical one, I realized just having shown up, you can make a big difference. I encourage anyone who reads this and isn’t a doctor to please just come to this place and you will realize how important you can be in these people’s lives.
Thomas Carrington

Outreach was wonderful… The children were so loving and charming. I loved the way Lisa got them to laugh and sing. It was very difficult to tell the people that we could not help anyone else as we were preparing to leave. Sue Vestal
Extremely tired, and feet are filling me. But feeling like we accomplished our goal for the day and leaving with a happy heart. Sherry Renfro, RN/BSN

Today was first day of surgery. This being my second trip I was far more prepared and knew what to expect. I was VERY impressed with my nurses in the OR. A huge thank you to both of them. Couldn’t have done all we did today without them. 8 surgeries today by the way! Go Team!!!
Cora Ables

Great first day in surgery even though twice we had to operate by flashlights Dr. Lui only yelled at me once!!! So I just yelled back, he smiled and we kept going. The team did a fantastic job. Thanks crew for a great day.
Judi Alexander

The end of the day today brought on a lot of mixed feelings for me. I was tired and hot from a long day in the clinic but nothing could outweigh the joy and sense of accomplishment I had for all that we had done today. The rewards of the work we do here numb me to the physical discomforts.
Jeff Reiswig. Mosquito net dealer
Had a great time dancing with the kids…I was their favorite!

Great mixture of OR and outpatient today for the GYNeies!
Elisa Brown

This afternoon while outside visiting with a man, I felt someone press a piece of paper into the palm of my hand. When I unfolded the paper and read the message, I was totally overwhelmed! The note said, “I want that you could be my friend’. The little girl had added her telephone number. I now have a new friend!
A very busy, long day, but the team is still excited about going back tomorrow and looking forward to what God has in store for us in the village and the hospital.
Christine