Masindi, Uganda

This is long overdue, but still due. The trip to Uganda was nothing less of incredible. The people, the place, the experience, seeing God work was all far too amazing. A group of about 110 of students, doctors and health professionals made the trek over the ocean and through Africa to serve people who do not have access to medicine. For two weeks, we opened clinics in Masindi and surrounding areas each day from sunrise to sunset. We were able to see about 200 patients each day. Simply amazing.

In rehab, we had lots of opportunities to get to know the people there and make them devices to make their life easier. And by make I literally mean make. Since we were not able to just order a brace or assistive device (the way we would in the States) we had to get a little creative. Posting every picture and sharing every story from the trip might overload this sight, so here are a few of my favorites.

This started as a knee brace which was eventually became the harness of a seat made for a little boy with cerebral palsy.

Here is the whole team for this chair and the final product. The contents of the chair ended up being: bamboo, rope, blanket, knee brace, velcro strapping, cardboard box, and duct tape. The purpose of the chair is to help the little kiddo sit upright in order to be fed, be able to play, and be more functional.

Here is the little guy. We were working on head control and feeding.

This gentleman is 90 years old and came in wearing to right sandals. One almost fit his foot and the other was not only for the wrong foot but was about 2 sizes too small. He came in because of major swelling in his feet. We worked with him for a while to decrease the swelling and then gave him a pair of socks and shoes that fit him much better. How great is the smile on his face.

The man 3rd back on the motorcycle (yes, they would ride with more than 2 people on a bike quite often) came into the clinic 2 years after having a stroke. He had been completely dependent on his family for the past 2 years. He did not eat or dress himself independently. Our OT and PT team worked with him all day to improve his daily living skills. We adapted a walker for him and he was able to walk for the first time in 2 years on his own. By the end of the he was able to dress and feed himself independently.

Our last day was spent at an AIDS orphanage, I got to spend all morning with these sweet girls. They LOVED playdough, stickers, and being held. I absolutely love them.

Here is the team! After two weeks, nothing but smiles.

Many many thanks to everyone for keeping us in your prayers as we traveled and served in Uganda. Thank you!