The following are from emails received on April 25, 2007.
I missed this one and will add a bit to it. It raises a thought-provoking question. How far should you and I go in forgiveness?
15 April 2007, Uganda.
It is Sunday p.m. and we are at the MAP office getting our final proposals ready for the debriefing tomorrow. Tuesday we will be taking the long drive to Kampala and then starting the trip home via Amsterdam Weds. p.m. I do have a seven-hour wait there but that too shall pass. I hope to bring a copy of our recommendations home with me so that MTI will know more of what we have done.
So many stories. One of the best is the traditional way of peacemaking in this part of Uganda which includes chiefs bringing their best spears together, bending the handles to indicate that they will no longer be used against each other, and extending unconditional forgiveness to each other regardless of the past. People here seem to want to do that. They are concerned that the World Court won't understand this way but will be insistent that Kony and others be treated in the worst way. All of this is so very thought provoking. I have lots more to say when I get to dependable e-mail service.
Love to you all, Ken.
The following was received later in the day.
Kristen, here is a little story that adds credence to our role in Uganda.
Entering the small thatch-roofed hut, we were first impressed by the added heat, darkness and stench. Its one room had only the light from the door. As my eyes adjusted I could see one sweaty assistant nurse sitting at a central table. He paused in talking with a patient and her baby to greet us. He looked harrased and tired.
As our eyes adjusted we could see small benches lining two walls, crowded with waiting people from Wii Anaka IDP Camp. Three other workers also greeted us, including Michael who was tending to a twelve-year-old girl. She lay on a corner cot and dirty bandages covered the length of both legs. The smell was stiffling. Lou's immediate words were "psuedomonas." She had been scalded by hot water about a week before.
Thankfully Lou Ingrisano had worked in a burn center in the past and quickly donned gloves to help Michael. Together they cut away bandages and found the expected badly infected second and third degree burns the length of both of the girl’s legs. Some areas appeared like pure charcoal. The outlook was ominous - loss of legs or more likely death.
For two hours they worked together debriding charred flesh, washing with antiseptic solutions, and finally applying fresh bandages the length of the girl's legs. As they worked Lou explained carefully to Michael what he was doing and what Michael was to do daily for the next week. It was an exhausting two hours in that hot overcrowded "Village Health Clinic."
A week later with mixed feelings we again made the bumpy two hour drive into the bush to visit Wii Anaka. Lou wondered what we would find. Had the girl died? Entering the small dark room, we could see her on the corner cot. There was no smell of psuedomonas and the bandages appeared well placed. As he and Michael cut these away, it was obvious to Lou that Michael had followed instructions perfectly. Debrided areas were not infected and new granulation tissue was already growing into burned areas. Michael was doing an excellent job. The girl’s outlook was hugely better.
This one experience added much optimism in our mission, not only of finding severe needs, but finding Ugandan health providers eager to learn.
Thank you for listening a bit more, Ken
Ken is now back home with his family and loved ones. We will continue to post updates as he provides us his insight into the conditions and courage of the people of Uganda.