Sunday November 13^th

The last 3 days have been busy. On Friday Ann spent the morning standing in for a sick teacher while I was busy in the hospital. The ward round on proved particularly poignant as I went round with Neil, a newly arrived Doctor from Scotland and Vera, one of the German medical students and we reflected on the fact it was Armistice Day It seemed a fitting way to mark the occasion.

In the afternoon we went back to the village where we had been to on Thursday evening. The event ended with an amazing time of singing and dancing. The Ugandans certainly know how to celebrate and blow away our English Reserve.

On Saturday after a walk in the morning we set of for a village called Kitabu to another “Crusade”. This involved a journey along the worst road we have ever experienced in all our years of travelling in East Africa. We arrived safely and remarkably the saloon car we were travelling inn survived the journey relatively intact! 

The road to Kitabu

On arrival we were given a second lunch at 4.30pm. Ann then taught the children using the story of Daniel and the lions which they acted out. The main problem seemed to be the enthusiasm of the lions to eat Daniel! I spoke on John 15 where Jesus describes himself as the true vine and us as the branches. 10 to 15 years ago speaking to a group of 200 people would have caused huge anxiety but I have to say I was just able to enjoy the huge privilege of sharing the passage with the people who were there. I am pleased to say we arrived home safely after coming back by a different rather smoother route.

Waiting for second lunch with John Murabyo A chicken was sitting on her eggs in the corner

Chapel this morning featured “O Come all Ye Faithful” and “Joy to the World” so they are really warming up for Christmas already. One important notice was about security. We were advised not to be going out to clubs to dance until 1am. Why not enjoy dancing instead in your living room listening to the radio! Also we were warned not to catch and eat our neighbour’s grasshoppers!

After chapel at Jonny's choosing a new coffee for the Esuubi Cafe

We went to the prison again this afternoon. We have slightly modified the way the medical outreach is being done no longer measuring blood pressures and checking blood sugar levels but trying to concentrate on identifying those with skin problems including a number with scabies, and checking for any sexual health problems. It seemed to go relatively well although many of the prisoners wanted to use the opportunity to discuss their multiple medical problems!

The medical outreach at the prison

One of a number of prisoners with infected scabies

We invited many of the younger doctors here to a cream tea this afternoon as a prelude to a game of Settlers of Catan this evening. It has definitely been a busy few days.

Cream tea with Neil, Neil, Jenni,Vera and Andrew