The Clinic

We just got back from a four day, three night adventure. I posted two other new blogs below this one so if you want to read in order, start with the one called Toro High School.

Wednesday, July 15th
Today was the clinic day. We had purchased a bunch of medical supplies yesterday, then went to a village with a doctor and handed out medicine, reading glasses, etc. There were close to 300 people there to get some medical attention and medicine. There was somewhere between 100 and 200 children there as well. I think they got let out from the local school when we came to the village. Luke entertained these kids for hours. He was amazing with them. He was showing them magic tricks (which by the way he is getting very good at). He was teaching them and playing all kinds of games with them. He was even helping one student read and pronounce various words. It was really amazing to watch. The Pastor there called all the children 'Luke's team' as he was the leader of those kids. I have some pictures on the link that you will want to check out.

As far as the clinic goes, it was a long day, but a rewarding one. Overwhelming at times as there is just so much need here, though very satisfying to be able to help individuals one by one. Something as small as a pair of reading glasses brought so much joy to each one that received a pair. We ran out so hopefully the next team can bring some more with them. One of the comments the Pastor said was that we were healing these people by more than just the medicine we brought. Us being there, talking with them, laughing with them, caring for them was bringing them much healing.

We actually met and setup the clinic at a Mosque which was pretty cool since we are all Christians. Great opportunity to show that religious boundaries do not have to prohibit helping people in need.

On the way back from the clinic, Luke looked over at me and said, “it is hard to make so many friends and then have to leave them”. He is really incredible here. He is such an inspiration to everyone that he meets here as well as our team. One lady put it this way, “Luke has captured my heart”. I think that really says it all. You'll see a lot of this in the linked pictures. Today we were all called Doctors. I was called Doctor Gene, Luke was called Doctor Luke, etc. Though more recently, they just call Luke 'Pastor Luke' as he jumps right in and leads prayers throughout the trip.

After a full day at the clinic, we met the 'Mango Tree Kids'. These are kids of very poor families in the area – many orphans or just a single parent living with in extreme poverty. They are called the Mango Tree Kids as they meet under a Mango tree at the edge of town. We brought a lot of gifts for them – was a little crazy handing them out to over 100 kids that had nothing and wanted a gift. I think we gave them all something – candy, beanie baby, toys, clothes, etc. Again, just a small gift, but it shows that people really do care about them and many of these kids really need to know that they are cared for and they matter in life. I saw a sign at a pharmacy when we were picking up medicine that read, “Poverty Is Not Being Without Money But Being Without Hope”. That is so applicable here. We have heard story after story about a person or family that was in such despair and losing Hope. Though after being helped up on their feet through a gift and/or sponsorship, Hope came back into their lives. It is great being here and having the opportunity that we are having to really impact and help people.

Lastly, it is always just so amazing to see such big smiles on people that have so little. We will be driving in the bus somewhere and when people see us, especially the kids, the biggest smile comes on their faces and they just start waving yelling, Mzungu, Mzungu. You will see a lady walking carrying a baby on her back and a crazy amount of stuff on her hand and when she sees you, a big smile comes to her face and she starts waving. They do get some things here that we could all learn from back in the States. They understand relationships – real relationships – relationships that matter even to the point of survival. They may not have a lot materially, but so many really seem to have so much relationally. Yes there is hardship here and yes there is despair here, but there also also this incredible Joy here. It is inspiring to see and be a part of.

Oh, by the way, I am feeling better today – last night was a tough night as I got sick, but today was a much better day. I didn't eat much today just to slowly get my system back to normal, but tonight I feel good and am looking forward to a good night sleep.

Don't forget to check out our linked pictures.