On the road to Rukunjiri
On our way from Kabale to Rukunjiri, we stopped to see the view of Lake Bunyonyi. We took this time to take a photo of our medical team.
Mobile Medical Team overlooking Lake Bunyonyi
The Gregston family is on the left. Jessica and I are in the center. David (our driver, clinic helper, and “big brother”) is in the back. Dr. Joseph (our clinical officer, spiritual encourager, and comededian) is in the front. Faith (our clinic coordinator, treasurer, and “body guard”) is on the right of me. Kyle (OSU grad, future med school student, and photographer – thanks for sharing your awesome photos for this post!) is on the far right.
Rukunjiri is a beautiful area of rolling hills and valleys, with crops of rice, coffee beans, bananas, and maize.
Rukunjiri
We spent all day Friday and half of Saturday doing a medical clinic for the community of Bwambara (just outside Rukunjiri) at the Bwambara Community Church. We saw 250 patients the first day and 100 patients today. Many people were given the chance to receive the medication and spiritual care that they needed. Some accepted Jesus as their savior as they prayed with the church pastors.
Patients waiting to be seen outside Bwambara Community Church
Today, there were far too many people to be seen in a half day, so we first saw those who had come yesterday but we didn’t have time to see, then those who were the most sick. We would have stayed longer today, but we had accepted an invitation to a wedding reception.
Ugandan wedding cake
In addition to the sparklers coming out of the cake, they also released confetti when the bride and groom cut the cake. If you have never been to a Ugandan wedding reception, you may not know that there are lots of speeches (like one to two hours of speeches). They even asked Dr. Jay to give a speech, as a representative of America. He gave a very funny speech, but sadly much of it was lost in translation.
On our way from today’s clinic back to the house where we are staying, our van overheated, so we had to stop by the side of the road. This allowed time for the engine to cool down and for us to make some friends.
Soccer ball for school boys
The primary school boys were so excited to get a new soccer ball for their school from us, that they went running and yelling all the way down the road back to school. A few minutes later, the director of their school came back with some of the boys to thank us for the ball. We told them we were on our way to get ready for a wedding reception, and they actually knew the bride and groom.
Some of us took this mandatory vehicle rest stop as a chance to get some exercise. Jill and I and some others went walking along the road. As we walked, the people who lived in houses along the road, came out to greet us.
Walking along road from Bwambara to Rukunjiri
We only walked for about 15 minutes before the van was up and running, and picked us up. We got back in the van just in time before it started to rain with plenty of thunder and lightning, so it was good that we got off the open road when we did.
We have enjoyed our time here in Rukunjiri and Bwambara. We have made some good friends and will be sad to leave them tomorrow.
Something like an overheated van can turn into a delight and you have expressed it so very well Joline. That is the way you approach your life and one of the reasons you are able to establish for your family the most positive approach to life. They are blessed by you and this spirit in you. Claudette
Your pictures and words made me feel a little bit like I was there. Bless you all for your efforts there. I love you, Mom
I love the comments from the two dear women above me. If I may, I echo their sentiments that they say so well and just wanted to check in to say that I’m faithfully reading and praying.
Happy anniversary to you and Jim. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us!
I love the spirit and the heart of loving and care in you guys I pray that your desires to serve and standing with others keep ON increase every second & minute. Blessings to DUE UNTO OTHERS ministry may the good lord do his will through and in you . I love you with the love of God.
Joline..Thanks for sharing your experience on the road with my kids. I know they feel blessed to have you and Jessica with them to carry their mission forward. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back at home. Love you all. MiMi
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