You might be in Uganda if . . .

You might be in Uganda if . . . you went to your doctor’s appointment and were registered at the reception desk by an 11-year-old.  You might be in Uganda if . . . you went to the blood lab and found that the technician drawing your blood is 16-years-old, or even 12-years-old.  You might be in Uganda if . . . you went to the pharmacy and saw that an 11-year-old and 13-year-old were filling the prescriptions.  Welcome to Uganda!

It might seem crazy in the United States, but here in Uganda it seems perfectly reasonable to allow children to do the job of medical professionals.  I am not kidding!  I think it is wonderful that my children and I have been given the opportunity to help the underserved receive medical treatment.  We spent two days this week helping an organization called Africa Renewal in a village across Lake Victoria.  We were very thankful that the Gregston family (our twins from Oklahoma) invited us to join them in their work.

While Jay used his training as a medical doctor to examine patients, the rest of us learned new skills as medical receptionists, phlebotomists (blood-drawing technicians), pharmacists, and social workers.  I think the photos will tell the story that you wouldn’t believe otherwise.  The Gash children shown are Jessica (16), Joshua (13), and Jennifer (11).  The Gregston children shown are Jake (16), Jared (12), and Jayne (11).

Joshua (13) and Jennifer (11) registering patients and dispensing de-worming pills.

Jessica (16) drawing blood to test for HIV and malaria.

Jake (16) drawing blood.

Jared (12) drawing blood.

Our Ugandan friend Henry (18) assisting & translating for Dr. Gregston.

Joshua (13) and Jayne (11) filling prescriptions in pharmacy.

Joshua, Jayne, & Jennifer playing with village children.

Patients already waiting when we arrived to clinic on Wednesday morning.

Our team saw more than 200 patients on Wednesday.

Our team of Ugandan doctors, nurses, technicians & social workers with the Gash and Gregston families.

Do the Gash and Gregston families have future doctors in the making?  See Jessica’s post if you want to read her perspective on the beginning of her medical career.