Well, first and foremost our team is all good and we got our clinic off and running on time this morning. We had a great day!
Regarding the events in Kampala, we can give you a brief update on the events, but we will dwell on the work that God is doing in Nakawa. The explosion happened late on Sunday night (mid afternoon in the U.S.). Some of the team members heard one of them at at our hotel. We learned this morning that the explosion was relatively near our clinic site, but things were under control by the time the sun had come up. We did beef up security today, adding several additional police officers. Know that our site is completely enclosed and we feel safe. Please keep Ronnie (our main contact in Uganda) in your prayers. He lost 4 friends in the explosion and New Life Church lost one member as well.
On to the clinic....we arrived on time and there were about 100 people waiting for service. Most of what we had been promised to finish the setup was not onsite so we improvised. We made a triage table out of 4 action packers and a board, we made a few "walls" out of plastic and we didn't make fans out of anything, we just got hot. The crush of people as the clinic opened was quite remarkable. There was an attempt ahead of time to preregister patients, and that number totaled 983. Today about that many showed up who weren't registered in addition to the ones who were. It was nuts, but we got it organized and got going. We did see 317 patients today and had some medical help from a few local medical practitioners to get that accomplished. We had an HIV and malaria lab testing center and a very busy pharmacy. Near the end of the day, we had almost packed as many people into the waiting area that could possible be accommodated, both indoors and out. We are thankful for good security people who provided us a great deal of support as people were hot tired and really sick of waiting. This can be the reality of a field clinic, and our team dealt with the reality very well.
We can't tell you how much your prayers are valued. Please continue to pray for our team:
1. For continued protection and for peace in Uganda
2. That the clinic would be efficient enough to clearly communicate the gospel to those who need it most.
3. For Ronnie as he mourns the loss of friends.
4. For Pastors Discipleship Network as they continue preparations for the pastors conference
Time for bed, the matoka and mystery meat has made me drowsy and the bellering mule from the mosque will start up about 5:30 am. Good night all!
Team Woodlands Uganda 2010
As of tonight, we still don't have anyone remarkably sick and we have a team that is interacting well and sharing a lot of personal stories and thoughts. It is really fun to see a team grow right in front of your eyes.
My heart is filled with amazement and awe as I think of the number of people you have helped and the vast number of people that still need your assistance. May God bless you in your efforts. Our continued prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteThat is really great news. It sounds as if God is truly helping you make the most of your resources, and that prayers for team unity and a great start to the week were granted!
ReplyDeleteThat is very sad for Ronnie. I had a feeling your contacts may have known some of the victims. Don't know why.
As for the mule, maybe you could send a covert special forces unit to take the mystery out of your meat supply ...
Tina, both Nicole and Austin say hi and commend the wonderful work you and your team are doing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDelete