The journey was long. We left David’s home in DC at 6am ET Friday morning and arrived in Pallisa, Uganda at 6:00pm ET time on Saturday. The trip consisted of a flight from DC to Rome, Rome to Ethiopia, Ethiopia to Kampala, Uganda, and a 5 hour van ride to Pallisa. Exhausted would have been an understatement.
Despite the exhaustion it was exhilarating to walk into the Ugandan sun with every bag accounted for and be welcomed by dark smiling faces and light filled eyes. Kampala smelled of people, faint burning, and trees. A fine red dust lightly covers everything and the red roads contrast beautifully with brilliant blue skies and green lands. We pass 3 grown men riding the same small motorcycle, women selling fruits under shady stands, and cows tied in the front of many yards. Pallisa town seemed empty until bright headlights showed faces gathered on dark porches with only a small flame to light their words.
We were welcomed at the clinic in the dark by tea, new friends, and saw our new home. Rough bricks make a shelter that is covered with a tin roof and divided into 4 rooms with a bare bulb in each and floors of concrete. The bathroom is a dusty trek to another brick building which consists of two bathroom each with 2 toilets, 2 showers, and a sink. Breezy curtains cover the stalls and a single faucet pours only cold water onto dusty heads. We sleep under mosquito nets and brush our teeth in the open air.
Despite the somewhat primitive nature of this dwelling the hospitality and generosity of the people living in this community far out weighs any material inconveniences. Meals are sometimes served under a tree and foods fresher than any US organic market can produce are served with smiles. Pineapple, rice, beans, passion fruit juice, chicken, and avocados are among the delicious foods given to us.
Sunday we spent the day taking tours of the building and resting from the long trip. The kids were shy at first, but once given a welcoming hand they swarm the “mazungus” (white people) and clamor to touch our skin. Surrounded by a dozen dark heads they seem indistinguishable until frequency of contact allows recognition of the unique characteristics found in each smile, each laugh, each touch of the hand. Sometimes a brave hand will reach out to pinch the fair colored skin to test it for its reality. The murmur of children’s laughter is constant and fills the land with life.
Sunday was also spent organizing medicine and Monday introduced us to the clinic. It was chaotic, overwhelming, and fulfilling. The color of our skin causes the Ugandans to believe that we all carry the knowledge of medical healing, and that makes it difficult to disappoint. Some on the team do have true medical knowledge which is a blessing and tremendous help and others give what they can with various talents. However, it does seem that those deep wrinkles and worried eyes quickly give way to a brilliant smile and energetic wave when we say hello, shake hands, and give smiles.
The electricity has ended for the night so this must end soon. Please pray that we each find our way to share love with all of these people. Each of you through the support that you gave each member of this team is the reason why we can bring laughter, smiles, and medicine to these people. Without you this mission would have been impossible and when you see the healing and smiles you allow us to give to Uganda you will know the sacrifice was worth it. Thank you and please continue to pray for our safety and effectiveness here in Pallisa.
Until electricity is found again…
-melody
