falls, beds and birthdays

We took a litle visit this weekend to Sipi Falls which is just a few hours away. It was good for us to get away for the weekend to refocus for the next 2 weeks coming up. We have many things we wish to accomplish, hopefully we can fit it all in!

I had a snazzy Youtube video finished and ready to post on this blog, showing off all the construction on the ward we have done. I was quite excited about it. Unfortunately, sometimes technology doesn't always agree with our plans. The maternity ward is looking good and is nearing completion. We are really pushing to finish it! As we are moving forward the next step in the project is obvisouly filling the ward with the necessities that it takes to provide care...As of now we will have a building but won't be able to put anything in it. So, long story short we came up with 'Buy a Bed.' 35 beds at $30 each. We will write your name on the bed and send you a photo of it so that you can know exactly what your money is going to. Send us email letting me know that you gave (donate link on the left) and we will make it as easy as possible. akiaashianut@gmail.com We will also cover any credit card or transaction fees(if you give $30, all of it should go where you want it to). Thank you for your support!

Scott

- This is a fantastic article about an organization I admire very much. They will do more for world water issues than you could imagine. If you do not give to us, give to them...http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/opinion/12kristof.html
-It's also my brithday yay!!

Tuesday July 14th 2009 3:59pm

how to save a life

Earlier this week we traveled just a few short miles to a nearby lake and met some fisherman. I’ve seen the Deadliest Catch on the Discovery channel a few times so I just assumed all fisherman were like those guys. They rode on a big boat with big rubber boots, burley beards, and British accents. The fishermen we met were different. They didn’t have beards or even boats. They had handmade canoes with paddles. Authentic paddles, like the ones you see in museums. They travel through about 15 miles of marsh just to get to the lake hoping to get a good catch of fish. We were able to wander through the marshes and found some kids who gave us coconuts. Greeting us with open arms, I was surprised at their generosity towards such a foreign and mysterious white boy from North Carolina…

The clinic is always filled with unexpected adventures and amazing things. All night and this morning it rained angry on the tin roof, so we didn’t expect a huge turn out at the clinic. Many patients can travel far distances and usually by foot, so rain just tends to slow things. I spent most of the early morning thinking about home which lead to a discussion about how Chick-Fil-A gets their peach milkshakes to taste so peachy. After that concluded all of a sudden a man suffering from severe Malaria rushed in. His family immediately found him a bed and got our attention. The clinic doctor, John along with Matt, gathered quickly, tending to his needs and after I pricked his finger and 90% plasma came out, both determined he needed to get to the hospital ASAP. Looking back I am glad we spent the past few days outfitting the ambulance and increasing its functionality because this validated our sometimes frustrating efforts and would prove to be very useful. After about a 25 minute excursion Matt and I, with David and Laura arrived at the hospital and immediately his demeanor improved. After losing the girl a few days ago, we were all extremely excited to win one. Today, we saved a life.

I’ve never constructed a building before, but when I was a kid I loved Legos. I realized today that it’s not all that different (but less colorful). Some Legos are big and some are small. Today we played with the big Legos, and as you can see we hoisted them on the roof of the maternity ward. Biceps and headbands out in full effect. We still need to buy iron sheets to cover the roof and likely won’t have all of the finances to do so however we are moving forward and stepping out in faith, believing for God to provide. Please help us purchase more Legos. If you have any interest in giving, please email me at scottseibold@gmail.com.

David and I are also working on some photo projects with some of the children. Still in development on it but great things are coming.


Scott

Thursday July 9, 2009 3:34pm

doing our best

On Sunday we visited some rocks several miles from the clinic. The rocks stand out dramatically from the flat land and short trees. We got to the rocks by driving on roads scarcely 2 feet wide, made of dirt, and lined with bushes. The rocks and caves were used by locals to hide from the rebels during the Ugandan civil war. Many of the locals had never seen white people before. As you can imagine they were quite surprised and enjoyed following us where ever we went. The views were unique, stunning, and we laughed to see monkeys clamoring among us.

At the clinic, we’ve been keeping pretty busy. We started construction over the weekend and are gearing up for the roof. We are hoping to have enough finances to finish the maternity ward before we leave. Donations welcome. If finished, David the clinic director is going to send an invitation to Ugandan President Museveni for the opening ceremony. The entire community is extremely excited about finishing the building that has been uncompleted for 3 years. Imagine the possibilities.

Malaria is eating this community away. Today we tested 5 patients before noon, and yesterday, all experienced a first when a baby girl was suffering from Malaria was brought in sadly, to late. Her parents could not afford to bring her into the clinic earlier, and were not aware of the severity of her situation. When she arrived at the clinic we rushed to do what we could but were left with few options. In this case, education could have truly saved a life.



more soon,
scott (with additions by melody)


Tuesday July 7th 2009 12:07pm Pallisa, Uganda

soccer, family, and good stuff

There is something magical and mysterious about the country of Uganda. There is a peace about this place that words can never begin to explain, but you feel in your heart as you wander through the wards of the clinic, or through the crowds of children, or through the dark of night that shines with stars and the milky way.

Today we started construction on the Maternity Ward, a separate building which will be a area for expecting mothers and a quiet place for deliveries. We started to construct beams of iron and metal, twisting metal around iron bars and squares of metal wires. If this were the States, we would have skipped this step for machine constructed contraptions and industrially produced results (which probably would have been better than what we did) but at a loss of community and strength of will, not to mention the reliance on one another and on God to supply for our every need.

These beams were then lifted up onto the shell of the building which already stands on the grounds, after which the men used wood to create a support for the concrete which was poured in later in the afternoon.

While it was some hard work, we enjoyed being outside working, hanging out with the little kids and laughing as Scott broke out his iPod and speakers and put on Michael Jackson (along with some other fan favorites). Meanwhile all the Ugandans were probably looking at us saying to themselves “Crazy Mzgunus” (aka: Crazy White People).

As for the goings on in the clinic, Matt and the presiding local Dr. Jon Wekenne have kept busy seeing and treating over 200 people in the first week alone; however, this expected to taper off in the coming days. The entire group has seemed to pitch in at every conceivable position the small health center has had a need for. Many of them who have rarely seen the inside of a hospital are now placing IV lines and caring for several ill patients.

We have also gotten to experience the great adventure of playing futbol with some of the Ugandans today. We get there and there are literally hundreds, if not a thousand, people waiting to watch us play, or better yet, attempt to play. While it was a bit intimidating, it was rather fun to run around, sweat, and get muddy while playing against some amazing players. We had the Mzgunus and a couple of Ugandans against one of the local teams in the area.

While we didn’t win (final score 3-3), we put up a valiant effort. I got to play right midfield (after about 7-8 years of not playing), as Anneka kept up the assault, shooting at lest a hundred shots (exaggeration) and scoring two (with a little help from the goalie). Both Scott and Pfieffer played some amazing soccer, along with Bethany, Kelcie and Geigerman.

Its has just been an amazing experience here in Uganda, experiencing God in these people and in this community. While there have been some struggles, God has provided us with the strength to keep going and the patience to trust in Him. It has been a journey for all of us, both physically and spiritually, and the road keeps on going ahead.

Please continue praying for each and every one of us on this trip. Pray for strength and courage to continue to stay in the fold of God’s Wings. Pray that God changes our hearts to serve and follow him wherever he calls us to serve. Please pray for the people and patients of the Agule Community Health Center, along with the doctors and staff that we have grown to love in this short time we’ve been here, that through love and compassion, healing will take place, physically, mentally and spiritually. Pray for the hundreds of people that have supported each and every one of us in this journey, because without your support, both spiritually and financially, we would not be the people we are, serving this community.

Again we thank you all for everything you have done and still do. We miss you all back home and are looking forwards to sharing this experience with you now and upon our return.

God Bless and PEACE
STKerr (Sean)

getting settled...

friends,

there is much to be excited about. we have been awakened to much already and are learning every new day requires new faith. monday, our first day at the clinic was quite an experience...we began work with a growing and eager mob of patients that had heard of our arrival. we passed out numbers to create ordered chaos and opened up a second examination room. after capping the patient line at a hundred (the average clinic in the states sees 15-20) we saw nearly everything…malaria, HIV, a severe staff infections, urinary tract infections, diabetics, …some pretty serious stuff…the group is getting along well and we celebrated Matt’s birthday today. i smuggled in some fun fetti mix, then we threw some nutella on top and called it a party.

yesterday a few of us went to mbala to get some supplies and repair some lab equipment. Tom is pretty excited about the microscopes and centrifuge that were donated (thank you university of Tennessee). we also got to meet a local futbol team and will be preparing for a match against them later in the month. mzungus vs africans. im laughing already…

david has been killing it taking some sweet photos for us and everyone is making great use of their time. today we are in town purchasing some construction equipment to advance the maternity ward. if we can get started soon enough perhaps we can finish before we leave, and mothers will no longer give birth on the floor. progress is a process we passionately pursue…

-scott

we miss you all back home, and thank you for joining this wonderful story

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

Hello Friends,

Months of planning are showing their value today as our journey to Uganda is at last beginning.

This morning friends met in Chapel Hill to load pounds of medical supplies, and we barely fit ourselves and the supplies into a long white van. With a prayer and a few laughs we began the drive to Washington, D.C. to the home of our friend, David. Favor is obviously upon us already by the unlikely discovery of a Chick-Fil-A for which many had been wanting.

An energetic assembly line piled all the bags and medical supplies into a home generously provided by David's family. Thanks to the dedicated organizational skills of Jessica and grace from above we managed to fit ample medical supplies into limited space. The guys took turns standing on the scale to determine the weight of our bags and Jessica devised a system to match people to bags in order that everything that was so graciously provided reaches Uganda.

People have been taking turns making runs to the airport to pick up the trickling arrival of new team members. Even now we are awaiting the return of 2 members and our friends who went to pick them up.

We've made promises to remind each other to take malaria pills and are trusting that the large horse looking pills will help with preventing malaria. We compare passport photos and visas, previous out-of-country travels, and a generous delicious meal provided by David's mom.

In the morning we intend on arriving at the airport no longer than 7:15 in order that we make it in time for our 10am flight. This journey will last over 24 hours, and entails a flight from DC to Ethiopia to Uganda and a bus to our final destination.

Please pray that all bags and medical supplies (and people!)are easily accepted by customs and safely arrive in Uganda.

Thanks for your support! We look forward to writing again to tell of our Ugandan adventures.

Supply List!

Below is a list of the supplies which we are hoping to acquire before we leave! Can you help?

General Needs

Oxygen cylinder and masks

Latex free gloves

Antibacterial hand sanitizer

IV sets (bags and tubing)

IV poles

PIVs with ports

Needles including butterfly needles

Masks/ face shields (including Tb masks)

Alcohol swabs/wipes

Gauze pads and medical bandages (of varying sizes)

Premeditated gauze and bandages

Bandaids

Syringes (5ml, 10ml, 50ml, etc.)

Convertible otoscope/opthalmoscope (battery powered)

Cotton balls

Prefilled Normal Saline syringes (10ml) for flushing

Medical tape and bandage scissors

Manual BP cuff (adult and child size)

Mini first aid kits

Stethoscopes

Thermometers

Betadine solution

Tegaderm dressing

Sharps containers

Glucometer and test strips

Tracheostomy supplies and suction kit

Emergency airway kit

Pharmacy

Anti-hypertensives

Anti-diabetics

Anti-malarials

Anti-fungals

Analgesics

Anti-peptic ulcer disease drugs

Antibiotics

Medical creams

Ear and eye drops

Anti-helminthics

Topical (EMLA cream) and injectable anesthetics

Pill scorer and counter

Sterile water for mixing

Maternity Department

For Dilation and Curettage:

Vaginal speculums and other accessories

Manual vacuum aspiration equipment

Canulas; all sizes

Vacuum syringes

Delivery Set:

Episiotomy scissor

Cord scissor

Bowels and gallipots

Kidney dishes

Markintosh covers

Needle holders

Cut guards

Fetalscope

Neonates weighing scale

Bulb syringes

Resuscitation pumps

Delivery bed

Models for family planning counseling (i.e. plastic models of male and female reproductive organs, etc.)

Laboratory Department

Binocular microscope

Colorimeter/photometer

Simple electric centrifuge

Papunicolious (PAP) smear reagents

Chemistry analyzer (for LFTs and RFTs)

Haematology analyzer (for full haemogram)

E.S.R. stands and tubes with fillers/filants

Automatic pipettes

5 μL

10 μL

30 μL

200 μL

1 mL

Safety cabinet

Incubator

Urine collection cups

Urine dipsticks

Lancets for finger pricking

Blood draw sets (w/ vacuum tubes)

Biopsy needles

Dental Department

Dental Set:

Forceps

Dental probe

Dental mirror

Radiology Department

Ultra-sound scanning machine (British Scanner C-MC System)

X-ray machine

Linens

Pillows

Mattresses

Clean sheets & blankets

Towels & washcloths

Hospital gowns