Not entirely an unsual event for team members that have been to Uganda before but for first timers this was a new experience. During surgery the electricity went out. It didn’t go out for a long time but flashlights were needed to continue the job. Josh told me there were a few flies that had to be swatted during surgery. Can you imagine flies and no electrictity in operating rooms here in the US? I’m sure everyone would be going nuts. Some people would probably be yelling, I won’t say who that would be.

Some of the surgical instruments couldn’t be sterilized until the electricity came back on thank goodness it came back on but then it went off again. Craig has a head lamp and was able to finish the surgery he was doing at the time.

Medical team #1 had to deal with a few unruly people today during clinic. It was nothing serious but a little extra help was needed today. There 574 patients at this particular clinic.

Team #2 had 375 patients. In all 950 paitents were seen by doctors and medical personnel. This got very close to the record number of patients in one day, which is 1100.

Some patients need other things, I don’t know how many of these patients overlap with the ones seen in clinic.

Deworming pills were given to 589 people, vaccinations-157, vitamins-478.

With two team this year they will probably reach close to that amount, if not over, each day. Pray for stamina.

Diana commented the people were anxious to receive the deworming medicine. She said she thought about how it is in America that you can’t hardly get someone to take the full round of meds they receive from the doctor.

Rob’s team was deep in the bush today. He said at first it was slow but people just kept coming in. Usually once people know doctors are there they come in from all over.

Laura was impressed with how thankful people are to just see the doctor for a few minutes. People in America aren’t satisfied with the amount of time they are seen in the clinic. I know I’ve said “I waited for an hour and the doctor was only in the room for 5 minutes” It makes me feel selfish.

Christine is continually amazed at the happiness & contentment of the people. She kept kids, and adults, busy while the team packed up for the day. She got a stethscope and let the kids listen to their hearts and the hearts of the adults, and vise/versa.

Bonnie, as a civilian, was inmpressed at the professionalism of the doctors to get things done right for the patients.

Karen commented she had an overwhelming but a thrilling day.

Norma said as they were leaving a little girl kneeled down and bowed her head to say thank you. Norma was touched.

Greg saw a man riding down the road with a chicken tied on the handle bars.

I was able to talk to several of the team members today. They all seemed excited to be there helping the less fortunate.

I hope everyone is doing well, I’ve given Craig the comments you have left.

Untill tomorrow…………………..

 

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