UGANDA - August 15, 2012

Today was the last day of ministry for many of the team, but we certainly feel as though we finished strong. Several of the team went on more visitations within the village, bringing clothes to the children and their families.

During this time, Shannon, Todd, and Priscilla spent some time in the new medical clinic that opened up in April of this year. The clinic for the time being, only cares for the sponsored children and their families, but there is so much vision for the future and we are excited to be a part of these beginning stages.

One patient came into the clinic for diabetes teaching. She has been recently diagnosed, but literally all she knew about her diagnoses was that sometimes her blood sugar goes up and she needs to take pills.  Shannon, who herself has had diabetes for 16 years, and is a registered nurse in the United States who specializes in teaching patients about diabetes, was able to help her! It was wonderful seeing how encouraged this patient became, just because she was finally able to understand what was going on within her body and how to care for herself.

As the day progressed, two more patients came into the clinic, one was a boy with a large misshapen head (thought to be hydrocephalus) and another was a woman, whose fingers have mysteriously been rotting, down to the bare bone (possibly dry gangrene or even leprosy). The team drove the two to the hospital for further tests and evaluations. We were able to come up with the funds as a team to send both of them for their needed treatment. It was amazing to see how members of our team had been feeling led to give, even before knowing that any of these particular needs were going to arise. Further proof that God has been working in our lives as well as in the lives of these people.

After arriving back to the compound where we were staying, it was a wonderful surprise to see that it was full of children! God led many of us to sponsor a child in Uganda, and we were each given the opportunity to meet these children and talk to them. It was a moving experience. We have come to see what a small world this truly is, and that our brothers and sisters in Christ aren't as far as we sometimes think and feel that they are. They, and they're needs and poverty, are only a plane ride away. It's beautiful to be given the opportunity to serve them further. They themselves have served us endlessly throughout our stay.

During the afternoon, our team led women and men's Bible studies at the church. About 7 men showed up and 64 woman. It was a wonderful time of worship and learning, but as indicated by the numbers, there is a lack of men of God who are willing to step up within the church. Be in prayer for this, because as mentioned in an earlier post, Christianity here is beginning to face new and more challenges.

It's unbelievable to think that our trip is coming to an end. It always seems to go way too fast. Tomorrow we will head northwest as we have plans to go on a safari! We're excited and can't wait! Pray for safety, and that we would continue to see any opportunities to serve!