Dan at my house sorting through our pharmaceutical supplies!
Margaret in hospital (center) surrounded by some grandchildren.
I arrived Uganda on Thursday, May 20, 2010 after a very busy, quick, but wonderful trip to Louisiana, Texas, and California. Upon my return, I felt that I had never really been away. The same friendly faces of co-workers and friends were here to greet me, and the same problems and needs were waiting as well. I was immediately faced with several medical needs which could not be ignored. In the village of Nama where we held book ministry on Sunday, we found a seriously malnourished baby who had been abandoned by the parents and left in the care of a very poor relative. Although the baby looked to be about 6-8 months, he was in fact, 1 and 1/2 years. We arranged to pick him and bring him to a local private hospital on Monday where Dan, my faithful worker,who longs to be a doctor, stayed with them throughout the visit making sure the relative was clear on the doctor's diagnosis and instructions and blood work. The baby's visit, lab work, medicine and necessary food items totaled about $20.00. I don't believe the baby would have survived without care much longer. But now we are concerned that the relative will be able to properly tend to him. Dan went out on a motorcycle this morning to be sure the medicine and food were being given properly. When he arrived, the relative had gone to the garden to work (away from the home) and the baby boy was left in the care of small children. Dan sent for the relative and was able to talk with her. We will monitor the care during this week. The doctor told Dan that with proper food and care, the baby should be well in 4 weeks. Our second case concerned our dear friend, Margaret, who is the founder and the director of the orphanage.She has been very weak and sick for some months with various ailments, mostly arthritis, but is now quite ill. Yesterday, we made arrangements to get her to a private clinic as well. She is suffering with malaria and typhoid. She was quite agitated and disoriented yesterday but is better today. I took her Pepsi, chips, boiled eggs, and gatorade--trying to entice her to eat. She has no appetite. Margaret is well-loved in the community and by her many grandchildren. In September she will be 75 and it is my prayer that she will be healthy for her birthday.
It is a bittersweet to meet these few medical needs. Glad that we can do even some small good,but bitter that the Ugandans don't have better medical care.
Dan worked this afternoon sorting through our cold meds, ibuprofen, band-aids, etc. which we dispense often.
