Colombia, November 15th-20th, 2014

Medical Clinic

Our team had a great first day in Villeta, Colombia.  Even though we had a short night of rest on Saturday,  our team was up and ready to serve on Sunday.  We attended a local church called Iglesia Bautista del Sur.  There were about 50 people in attendance. 

One of our team members, Jason Holmes,  had the privilege to preach on the scripture Acts, chapter 20.   He did a great job!

After the church service we had lunch and then immediately began setting up the medical clinic to get ready for the people that were to be seen.  

There were several volunteers that helped our team tremendously during the clinic.  Because of the great organization of our national partners, our team was able to see and minister to more than 70 people!  

Each person met with a doctor,  received medicine and vitamins, and received  biblical and spiritual counseling.  Many people that do attend church were invited and several people trusted Christ as their Savior!  What an awesome day!  

The medical clinics will continue on Monday and Tuesday... Stay tuned for our next updates!  

Guatemala Sponsorship Update, October 2014

Sponsored Children Visit the Center!

This past week was our monthly basket hand out for sponsored children and their families. Take a look at some of the healthy, smiling faces that returned to the center for a visit! Each family took home a supply of food and nutrition items, and their children received a check up with the nurse and social worker!

Please note that not all of our "at-home" sponsored children are pictured here. Some families live a bit of a distance away, and therefore will be coming to the center next week. Stay tuned for more updates! 

If you are interested in becoming a child sponsor, we strongly encourage you to pray about it and get in touch with Orphan's Heart for more information! Call: (863) 577-4488 or email Admin@OrphansHeart.org!

UGANDA Medical Team Final Day

Tonight is our last night in Kamonkoli. Our time here went so fast! Words cannot describe what a comfy, loving, joyful place this is.

Jon and I went on some house visits today. It was definitely an eye opening, life changing experience to say the least!  Families of five plus people were living in huts with dirt floors that are half the size of our bathrooms. When we would get out of our car, children would slowly walk towards us with grins on their faces. They loved our company, our hugs, and of course the lollipops. By the time we would be ready to leave a house, the number of children would be tripled the number that were there when we arrived.

It was so moving to see that people living in such impoverished conditions by our standards were filled with so much love and joy.  I had seen many pictures of home visits from prior trips, but experiencing it in person was unbelievable. I could not hold back the smiles each time we stepped out of the car, and I could not hold back the tears each time we left a home.

We have all seen those television ads in America in which organizations are making an appeal for child sponsorship. I have to admit that I was always a little wary about where that money actually went. Well, we saw firsthand today where that money does go when it's given through Orphan's Heart. It buys a child clothes, food, a mattress and so much more. And it helps not just one child but an entire family! It was so great to meet children who were sponsored, and yet so sad to meet those who are still waiting on a list. I will definitely be sponsoring a child after what I saw today. I pray that many more people will as well.

Ron, Jason and Michael stopped by the new clinic and were amazed at the progress of the project. In just a few short days, the roof was completed, the septic tank was installed, and more.

Michael and Jason continued to work in the rented clinic today. Jason had the pleasure of meeting Michael's mother. He was sure to tell her what a great job she did raising her son. We can all attest to that!

In the evening, the HUM Staff and our mission group gathered for one last dinner together at a restaurant in Mbale. The food was delicious, and we all had so much fun sharing prayers, stories and laughs. 

We are so sad to leave. However, we know that we will all be back soon...to our second home and to our family here in Kamonkoli!

UGANDA Medical Team Day 5

We worked in the clinic for most of the day today. Michael continued to practice using the iPad and the electronic medical record application, while treating patients. He is doing great!

I went through all of the paper medical records and removed those in which the patients have not been seen in over a year. The plan is to convert all of the paper records to the electronic format eventually.

Jason and Michael saw a total of twenty-eight patients.

In the afternoon, I had the pleasure of leading the men and women in a Bible study at the church. God gave me the words to say. It was so rewarding to hear people say that I gave them hope. God surely worked through me during that hour. I was also able to share my testimony in front of a group for the first time. It was a spiritual experience that I will never forget.  Jon and I answered many questions afterwards.

Samuel, who is five years old, drove us home (with the help of his father). We were cracking up!  He drives just like an adult. He even used the turn signal!

In the evening, we went to Mama Katherine's for dinner. Tomorrow, we are going to work at the clinic again. Jon is going to Mbale to meet a little girl that he is sponsoring. We are sure that it will be a wonderful experience for him.