The team traveled this morning to the village of Omoro about 2.5 hours outside
of Gulu in a very rural area. It was hit hard during the war since it was too
far from Gulu for the children to escape for protection each night.(Note: Joseph Kony swept villages kidnapping children to create his army during the war.) The effects of the war are still present
today.We set up at the Care Center for Children with Nodding Syndrome. Nodding Syndrome is a neurological issue where when children are presented with something new/unexpected they begin to nod, drool and can have seizures. It is estimated around 5,000 children have this syndrome in the area. Although, the center lost its private funding in Dec 2017, they welcomed us to use the buildings for the clinics.
Upon arrival we established where the doctors, dentists, pharmacy, wound care, prayer room, and staging/triage would be and went to work setting up.
The team came prepared to be the hands and feet of Christ. Everyone bonded during our travel time
together. Each member encouraged and
invested in the people they came into contact with. Here is how the set-up
went:
Dr. Thorn worked beside local doctors to see patients. He was compassion in action.
Susan was team mom and a pharmacy guru. She, also, went around encouraging all the children and mommas too.
Katie spent time with the kids and worked wound care. Her joy and attitude to service inspires me.
Gracie was all about the kids. She’s gifted that way. She also helped in wound care and the prayer room.
Abby encouraged the kids, helped in then the pharmacy, plus ushered people from the doctors to the pharmacy. Her smile won hearts.
Alley worked with the kids and then became a certified pharmacist. A much needed position.
Greg was always in motion - always looking to help. He truly loves the people. He worked security for the doctors and as an usher.
I helped with staging and triage.
What a fantastic team we have! It was wonderful to see everyone with the
people. Smiling and hugging and simply showing the love of Christ.
We discussed at dinner how difficult it was in the village. Just the sense of pain and fear. But then to see the contrast of the children always laughing and smiling. The adults shared a laugh and engaged too. The language barrier was tough. We were thankful for our great interpreters. We sat with the people trying to listen to their stories and show them our love. I say this every time… I gain a greater appreciation of how big God is when I come here.
Not sure how many people we saw today. The team guessed around 200 to 250 people saw a doctor and/or dentist.
On the way back to the hotel our hosts stopped the bus to point out the village area of Odek. Joseph Kony’s Hut’s and the hill in the background were where he would retreat to during the height of the war. It was emotional seeing this place. The place of a man who caused so much damage and pain in northern Uganda. I don’t have a lot of words yet of what I was feeling. Maybe one day.
Tomorrow we head to a village to evangelize. I’m sure it will involve some singing and dancing. Also, a lot of worshipping and loving on people by simply listening to their stories. Those days are sometimes the most impactful for the team. Pray for us to have the words to share Jesus with them as we listen and engage.
Thank you for your prayers. We feel them. Things have gone so smoothly. We have great local partners who love the people and Jesus. They are such a blessing to us. Old friends we have worked with since the beginning. Coming back to the same places each year feels like a family reunion.
Everyone is tired physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, but doing great. Working in the sun is hard all day, let alone the emotional intake of all the experiences. So... we are off to bed.
Be proud of your team member. They are truly the hands and feet of Christ.
Good night.
Chris
Dr. Thorn worked beside local doctors to see patients. He was compassion in action.
Susan was team mom and a pharmacy guru. She, also, went around encouraging all the children and mommas too.
Katie spent time with the kids and worked wound care. Her joy and attitude to service inspires me.
Gracie was all about the kids. She’s gifted that way. She also helped in wound care and the prayer room.
Abby encouraged the kids, helped in then the pharmacy, plus ushered people from the doctors to the pharmacy. Her smile won hearts.
Alley worked with the kids and then became a certified pharmacist. A much needed position.
Greg was always in motion - always looking to help. He truly loves the people. He worked security for the doctors and as an usher.
I helped with staging and triage.
We discussed at dinner how difficult it was in the village. Just the sense of pain and fear. But then to see the contrast of the children always laughing and smiling. The adults shared a laugh and engaged too. The language barrier was tough. We were thankful for our great interpreters. We sat with the people trying to listen to their stories and show them our love. I say this every time… I gain a greater appreciation of how big God is when I come here.
Not sure how many people we saw today. The team guessed around 200 to 250 people saw a doctor and/or dentist.
On the way back to the hotel our hosts stopped the bus to point out the village area of Odek. Joseph Kony’s Hut’s and the hill in the background were where he would retreat to during the height of the war. It was emotional seeing this place. The place of a man who caused so much damage and pain in northern Uganda. I don’t have a lot of words yet of what I was feeling. Maybe one day.
Tomorrow we head to a village to evangelize. I’m sure it will involve some singing and dancing. Also, a lot of worshipping and loving on people by simply listening to their stories. Those days are sometimes the most impactful for the team. Pray for us to have the words to share Jesus with them as we listen and engage.
Thank you for your prayers. We feel them. Things have gone so smoothly. We have great local partners who love the people and Jesus. They are such a blessing to us. Old friends we have worked with since the beginning. Coming back to the same places each year feels like a family reunion.
Everyone is tired physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, but doing great. Working in the sun is hard all day, let alone the emotional intake of all the experiences. So... we are off to bed.
Be proud of your team member. They are truly the hands and feet of Christ.
Good night.
Chris
Prayer Requests:
1)
Rest for tonight.
2)
Boldness of Spirit for tomorrow.
3)
Continued protection of health
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