Onward to Kitgum

2/1/2011

It is time for me to move on to Kitgum and assess the Northern Uganda Orphanages Hope 2 One Life supports with quarterly funding for medical care. Far Reaching Ministries has graciously accepted the responsibility of our funding through the help of their missionary in Kitgum who then sends reports back and reciepts. They have downsized their ministry in Uganda and are concentrating more in Sudan, therefore have asked I find another way to send the funding and coordinate the care. One of the orphanages, Tender Trust, is run by a New Zealander, Lois Ford. I have met her some years back and have good communication with her as well. She was leaving for her furlough and rest back to New Zealand the morning of Feb 2nd, therefore I needed to get up to Kitgum before she left. Leigh and the Hinshaws remained on the farm to finish up the last of the teachings and get the next jewelry/craft income generating project going. Then they were on to the game park at Murchison Falls. We will meet up in Kalongo on the 3rd. Dont worry, Sr. Vincentina is picking them up in Gulu and escorting them all the way to Kalongo...safely!

I, on the other hand, decided to take the bus to Kitgum as it is a lot cheaper! Jackson graciously volunteered to escort and help me as I was carrying 4 tubs of supplies and medicines with me. Originally, I was told the bus left at 7am..but that was probably a matatu that would stop many places along the way and then have to change in gulu. Suzan recommended the direct bus to Kitgum that comes by Kikumba around 11 am or so. At 9:30 am, I left the farm after hurriedly packing,to wait for the bus. Suzan had called letting them know I was expected so they could save me a seat. Well, the bus was delayed, no surprise. We ran into Gilbert who works with Connect Africa in Kikumba (our connection and consultants with bio sand filters). They are coordinating a rain water collection system for the roof of the tailoring building being built via Far Reaching Ministries donation. Therefore, I thought it good to do a little business while waiting and discuss our ideas for the clinic rain water collection system we plan on having. All went well and another person from Connect Africa also came over to chat. They are going to draw up plans and a budget! Yeah!

Well, the bus was even later..I decided to wait by the side of the road. It finally came and there was no room for me! Now, I was forced to take one of the other buses. So Jackson got us on a bus to Gulu. We made it to Gulu fine and then could not find a bus to Kitgum. Finally, a small coaster was going to Kitgum but they did not have ability to carry luggage! I ended up paying for the whole back seat of the bus to put the 2 tubs, me and Jackson. This was also after they informed me they were going to squeeze another person back with us because usually the back sits 5 people even though there was only 4 seats! Ha! So I paid for 5 seats! Still it was about $25 and worth it to me to get to Kitgum. We waited and waited in Gulu in the blistering sun and finally left. On the dirt Kitgum road...all of a sudden something flew off the front of the baby coaster..then a large panel above the driver fell open! They stopped the bus and went back to look for the part. This all took about another hour in the blistering sun! Finally, just as it was getting dark I pulled into Kitgum. Lois met me at the bus station. We talked briefly about the arrangements she could assume for the medical care and coordination and talked about other needs. I stayed with Summer and Zane McCourtney and family..who I know well from CC Entebbe. I stayed with them each year in Entebbe as well. They have 2 children with sickle cell, so we have become good friends.

After a restful night of sleep, the following day began with visiting the Kitgum Infant Care Center (KIOCC). A lot of new changes for the better have occurred. They now have 10 infants 2 and under and 2 mamas to care or them. A new manager also who is very organized! I was impressed with their log of the medical care and inventory! I saw a few of the sick children and taught a few signs to look for in the childen. Also, needed to get Rabunga Kenny, the HIV child we have followed since 2006 and also caregiver, Michael back in school. Next, I went to Northern Uganda Community Based Action for Children with Disabilities (NUCBACD), the deaf and blind school, and met with Sr. Teddy. There was some confusion about the medical care there which was clarified when I met with the doctor who is going out weekly to both sites. Overall, I am very encouraged and feel the medical support for these vulnerable children can continue! Hallelujah!

Needless to say, I was going to go back to the farm, to meet FRM, and then go to Kalongo the next day, however after the first bus experience, I decided to take the easier way of travelling direct to Kalongo..on the back road of course!

Leigh and the Hinshaws had an experience of their own, however were just fine. Sister picked them up in Gulu, they had lunch with her family late and just arrived Kalongo very safe, just as the sun was going down. I insisted she be sure they don't drive in the dark! Although, Sr. V can talk her way through any situation as she managed all through the war. There were no worries! All is well! We will be seeing the hospital tomorrow and keep you informed!

Thanks for the prayers! We are very blessed!

Nadine