Sunday, November 25th, 2007
This will be my very last blog. Even typing that makes me sad. I knew it was going to be over at some point, but I am wishing it was not going to be. I wish I could stay longer, do more work, and form even more relationships. At the same time, I know I have to return, not only to go back to my normal routine of work, and life, but to bring home my story, what I have seen, what I have learned, and what needs to be done. I need to raise more money, to get more nets, to save more lives.
I have seen more that I ever thought possible. I have watched, and listened, and worked with a very heavy heart. My heart aches with the thought of not having a tiny hand grabbing at mine, just walking down the dirt road. The faces of the smiling mothers, knowing why we are here, what we are doing, and what we have done. The street vendors, the cows on the road, the roaming chickens, the smiling happy faces of some of the poorest people in the world.
I do not want to come home, but I must. I have been sad at the thoughts of making the trip, but happy at everything I have gained from this. I can't believe I came to Uganda to distribute mosquito nets, really. A mosquito net...who would have thought it would save so many lives? Well...Debra Lefebvre did! I would not be here if it was not for her. I would not have been here if I had not met her husband who spoke of the project when I was at the dentist. There are no accidents. I was meant to meet her, to be inspired by her, and to work with her on this project. I am very grateful for everything that has happened. I feel like I gained more from this than anything else I have ever done. I got more from the people here than I can even tell you. Thank you Deb, for everything you have taught me.
It is very hard to walk away, but I know I will be back...I will. This was just my first trip to Uganda, and I made sure I told everyone I would see them again.
To each and every one of you, thank you for all of your support over the past month, and emails from home. I hope I was able to place my story into your hearts and you felt like I brought your here, even for a moment. Thank you for believing in an organization that is changing the lives of so many, and thank you for each and every net, in the prevention of malaria, one village at a time!
The Queen said it herself...
"Do unto other as you would have them do unto you!"
See you back in Canada.
Aching hearted, Nancy
Sunday, November 25, 2007
A Pleasant Surprise
Friday, November 23rd, 2007
I am sorry it has been so long since I have updated the blog. The connection here is hit and miss, but not to worry, the BAN team is fine, and working hard.
What a wonderful day! Vanessa Hynes and Senator Mobina Jaffer joined the BAN team at the Mulago hospital. We were joined by a team of Doctors and Nurses on A1, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)Cancer treatment ward. 50 nets were distributed and hung to protect the sick from contracting malaria. The ward is on the first floor, behind a swampy area. Despite all efforts to control the mosquito's, these patients would be compromised without the nets we provided.
They were so happy to have the security of being protected. It was like Christmas for them. The are very ill, and now have one less thing to worry about. While speaking with the doctors, they said that it is not uncommon for the patients to die of malaria, as apposed to cancer.
Senator Jaffer inspected the ward, spoke to patients, and even handed out teddy bears to the children that were brought by the BAN team. She was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently the nets were delivered and hung. It was a true pleasure to meet her and have her see the work done by BUY-A-NET. It was a wonderful day at the hospital, and for all of us to share in this together, the BAN team, the doctors and nurses, but most of all, the patients who really needed us!
Love Nancy
I am sorry it has been so long since I have updated the blog. The connection here is hit and miss, but not to worry, the BAN team is fine, and working hard.
What a wonderful day! Vanessa Hynes and Senator Mobina Jaffer joined the BAN team at the Mulago hospital. We were joined by a team of Doctors and Nurses on A1, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)Cancer treatment ward. 50 nets were distributed and hung to protect the sick from contracting malaria. The ward is on the first floor, behind a swampy area. Despite all efforts to control the mosquito's, these patients would be compromised without the nets we provided.
They were so happy to have the security of being protected. It was like Christmas for them. The are very ill, and now have one less thing to worry about. While speaking with the doctors, they said that it is not uncommon for the patients to die of malaria, as apposed to cancer.
Senator Jaffer inspected the ward, spoke to patients, and even handed out teddy bears to the children that were brought by the BAN team. She was very impressed with how quickly and efficiently the nets were delivered and hung. It was a true pleasure to meet her and have her see the work done by BUY-A-NET. It was a wonderful day at the hospital, and for all of us to share in this together, the BAN team, the doctors and nurses, but most of all, the patients who really needed us!
Love Nancy
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BAN makes the news!
New Vision Newspaper, CHOGM Special
Monday, Novemeber 19th, 2007
(it reads like this)
Residents get mosquito nets in Mbarara
A Canadian-based NGO, BUY-A-NET, has donated over 400 insecdicide-treated mosquito nets to children and expectant women in Nyarubungo, Rwampara country. The project director, Nancy Stevens, last week said, the nets would help reduce the child mortality rate. "The biggest percentage of children who die before the age of five, die of malaria." The district Chairman, Wilberforce Yaguma, thanked the group for the donation.
So, that's the newspaper article. We were pleasantly surprised to see that it made the paper. People know we are here, they know why, and they know what we are going to do. We form relationships with the people here,and we are welcomed with open arms. I can't tell you enough, the difference these nets are making in prevention of malaria, and death!
Love to you all, Nancy
Monday, Novemeber 19th, 2007
(it reads like this)
Residents get mosquito nets in Mbarara
A Canadian-based NGO, BUY-A-NET, has donated over 400 insecdicide-treated mosquito nets to children and expectant women in Nyarubungo, Rwampara country. The project director, Nancy Stevens, last week said, the nets would help reduce the child mortality rate. "The biggest percentage of children who die before the age of five, die of malaria." The district Chairman, Wilberforce Yaguma, thanked the group for the donation.
So, that's the newspaper article. We were pleasantly surprised to see that it made the paper. People know we are here, they know why, and they know what we are going to do. We form relationships with the people here,and we are welcomed with open arms. I can't tell you enough, the difference these nets are making in prevention of malaria, and death!
Love to you all, Nancy
A Day Off
Sunday, November 18th
Today was a lovely day off. We went to church and then decided to go into the market areas of Kampala. It was crazy busy! People eveywhere. It poured rain on and off all day, and we were soaked. We were walking towards the taxi park and low and behold, there was a stage area in the park, at performers were practising for CHOGM. The arrival of the Queen is upon us, and the children were doing a full dress rehersal. We were so excited to watch. They were in full costume, and the drummers were amazing. The children danced like I have never seen before. I was so happy to be seeing this. It was amazing. I was very glad to see such happy and healthy children.
Beautiful day in Uganda.
Today was a lovely day off. We went to church and then decided to go into the market areas of Kampala. It was crazy busy! People eveywhere. It poured rain on and off all day, and we were soaked. We were walking towards the taxi park and low and behold, there was a stage area in the park, at performers were practising for CHOGM. The arrival of the Queen is upon us, and the children were doing a full dress rehersal. We were so excited to watch. They were in full costume, and the drummers were amazing. The children danced like I have never seen before. I was so happy to be seeing this. It was amazing. I was very glad to see such happy and healthy children.
Beautiful day in Uganda.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
4 DIE IN CITY FLOODS
This was the worst rain flooding in history. Houses were flooded to window level. 3 children died when the floods collapsed their hut and they drowned inside. One man died when the waters came into his home and he was electrocuted. The downpour effected Entebbe, Jinga, Mbale, Mityana, Masaka, and the Kampala-Entebbe Highway.
This is a malaria disaster zone. These children need our help. I will have you know, you thought I was a fire ball before...just wait until I get back. There is so much more we can do, and it has to be done. We are the MALARIA PREVENTION GROUP...and that is what we have to do, prevent these deaths from happening. A simple bed net will save their lives. Spread the word, say it loud, say it clear. If you tell one person who does not know what a preventable disease this is, they can save a life.
Watch out...I am coming home with new footage, and new photographs that will make you proud to be a part of this team, and make you want to do more....
Love to you all,
Your little fire ball from Kingston
This is a malaria disaster zone. These children need our help. I will have you know, you thought I was a fire ball before...just wait until I get back. There is so much more we can do, and it has to be done. We are the MALARIA PREVENTION GROUP...and that is what we have to do, prevent these deaths from happening. A simple bed net will save their lives. Spread the word, say it loud, say it clear. If you tell one person who does not know what a preventable disease this is, they can save a life.
Watch out...I am coming home with new footage, and new photographs that will make you proud to be a part of this team, and make you want to do more....
Love to you all,
Your little fire ball from Kingston
..and the rains came down...
Friday, Nov. 15th
Last night it rained, and did not stop. It started at 2am, and did not stop until 10am. SO many things go through your head when this happens. Flooding, villages at the bottom of hills, pit latrines over-flowing...and the wort, mosquito's breeding. Standing water, the best breeding ground for the mosquito. Malaria is going to run wild.
As we drove to the Kamuli area to visit some people who received our nets, we started passing by trucks over turned in large pools of water, water rushing down roads, and overturned market stands. We knew it was going to be terrible, but had no idea...
We arrived at the Woman, Caring & Counselling Group to visit Ron Casselman who was volunteering there from the Gananoque Rotary Club. They have received nets from BUY-A-NET, and we wanted to pay them a visit. The woman welcomed us with open arms and were very thankful. Alot of the woman have AIDS at the shelter, and they know that if they get malaria, they will die. They have low immune systems, and will die from a simple mosquito bite. Who then will take care of their children. It is a vicious cycle.
We walked through the village to visit some homes and see the nets hanging. We came across a home that was an 87 year old, blind, granny (JAJA), who was taking care of her grandchildren. Her daughter had died, and there was no one to raise the children. She was a beautiful and proud woman. BAN saved her precious grand babies, and she let us know just how she felt about it!
As we walked through the area, we were noticing more and more standing water. Mosquito's. That word was trolling through my brain...it was like a bad head ache that would not go away...Mosquito's....
There were people taking buckets of mud from there homes, that had rolled down the hill, with all of the garbage, and into their little home. SO many people have holes in their roofs that everything inside was soaking, and standing water was everywhere.
It's a hard thing to swallow...you save so many lives with one net, then you move on to the next area and see the devastation. But the great thing is, that is what BAN does best..." one village at a time "...and we have to continue to think that way, and work that way. It is working so well. For all of the bad we see, there are hundreds and hundreds of lives that were saved by all of us. Really we just have to look at it in a smaller scale. Yes, there are millions of nets needed to cover Africa, and yes, I am seeing alot of people in need, but we have saved so many lives, and we will continue to do so, " one village at a time."
Last night it rained, and did not stop. It started at 2am, and did not stop until 10am. SO many things go through your head when this happens. Flooding, villages at the bottom of hills, pit latrines over-flowing...and the wort, mosquito's breeding. Standing water, the best breeding ground for the mosquito. Malaria is going to run wild.
As we drove to the Kamuli area to visit some people who received our nets, we started passing by trucks over turned in large pools of water, water rushing down roads, and overturned market stands. We knew it was going to be terrible, but had no idea...
We arrived at the Woman, Caring & Counselling Group to visit Ron Casselman who was volunteering there from the Gananoque Rotary Club. They have received nets from BUY-A-NET, and we wanted to pay them a visit. The woman welcomed us with open arms and were very thankful. Alot of the woman have AIDS at the shelter, and they know that if they get malaria, they will die. They have low immune systems, and will die from a simple mosquito bite. Who then will take care of their children. It is a vicious cycle.
We walked through the village to visit some homes and see the nets hanging. We came across a home that was an 87 year old, blind, granny (JAJA), who was taking care of her grandchildren. Her daughter had died, and there was no one to raise the children. She was a beautiful and proud woman. BAN saved her precious grand babies, and she let us know just how she felt about it!
As we walked through the area, we were noticing more and more standing water. Mosquito's. That word was trolling through my brain...it was like a bad head ache that would not go away...Mosquito's....
There were people taking buckets of mud from there homes, that had rolled down the hill, with all of the garbage, and into their little home. SO many people have holes in their roofs that everything inside was soaking, and standing water was everywhere.
It's a hard thing to swallow...you save so many lives with one net, then you move on to the next area and see the devastation. But the great thing is, that is what BAN does best..." one village at a time "...and we have to continue to think that way, and work that way. It is working so well. For all of the bad we see, there are hundreds and hundreds of lives that were saved by all of us. Really we just have to look at it in a smaller scale. Yes, there are millions of nets needed to cover Africa, and yes, I am seeing alot of people in need, but we have saved so many lives, and we will continue to do so, " one village at a time."
"Say it loud, say it clear"
Nov.14Th, on the way home from netting 10 villages, we decided to stop in and see the pediatric ward at the Mbararra University Hospital. SHOCKING! I can not express that enough. I have never seen anything like it! Shocking...
There were a dozen cribs, some with 2 babies in them. 80% of the children were suffering from malaria. Some babies have been in the hospital with malaria for 2 weeks and most likely will not make it out alive. The suffering was terrible. As I looked around the room, I saw only 2 nets. They need our help, these children are going to die. We need more nets, one village at a time, one hospital at a time, we have to do more. We need to do more and we CAN do more.
As great as you feel when you give 500 nets to the very needy, you soon realize how much more needs to be done. We have to do more, we just have to!
...broken hearted...
There were a dozen cribs, some with 2 babies in them. 80% of the children were suffering from malaria. Some babies have been in the hospital with malaria for 2 weeks and most likely will not make it out alive. The suffering was terrible. As I looked around the room, I saw only 2 nets. They need our help, these children are going to die. We need more nets, one village at a time, one hospital at a time, we have to do more. We need to do more and we CAN do more.
As great as you feel when you give 500 nets to the very needy, you soon realize how much more needs to be done. We have to do more, we just have to!
...broken hearted...
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!
WOW. I am so proud of this organization. I am so thankful I got involved, and met Debra, the founder of BUY-A-NET. I have been waiting a year and a half to be here, in Uganda, to distribute nets. To see how things are done on the ground.To learn. To be a part of a life saving mission. To be able to tell you how great it is, to be able to say with all my soul that it really, really is the easiest thing to do, to save the lives of these children.
10 villages were netted when we went to Mbarrara. We met with our partners, Healthy Child Uganda, and began our day very early. It started with beautiful rolling hills on the drive. When we arrived at the top of the hill, the people from the villages were already starting to arrive. Some women walked 15 km to get there. It was amazing to see the people coming down the road, each with their own story, each with their baby on their back, with 2-4 in tow. Each so grateful to be receiving a bed net.
It began with a welcoming ceremony. The people were so excited and thankful to have the BAN team there with HCU. They thanked us and told us that 1 in 3 children in the area were struck by malaria. That the timing could not have been better. That we have saved their villages from a high death rate due to malaria.
It was lovely to speak with the people, and hand them a life saving net. There were hundreds of people lined up. Babies were weighed, nets were handed out, and lives were saved, just like that! The people were taught how to hang the nets, how to take care of them, and information on malaria. It was structured, and orderly, and a proud moment for the BUY-A-NET team!
10 villages netted in one morning, amazing and rewarding, and you should all be proud that you were a part of that!
Love Nancy
10 villages were netted when we went to Mbarrara. We met with our partners, Healthy Child Uganda, and began our day very early. It started with beautiful rolling hills on the drive. When we arrived at the top of the hill, the people from the villages were already starting to arrive. Some women walked 15 km to get there. It was amazing to see the people coming down the road, each with their own story, each with their baby on their back, with 2-4 in tow. Each so grateful to be receiving a bed net.
It began with a welcoming ceremony. The people were so excited and thankful to have the BAN team there with HCU. They thanked us and told us that 1 in 3 children in the area were struck by malaria. That the timing could not have been better. That we have saved their villages from a high death rate due to malaria.
It was lovely to speak with the people, and hand them a life saving net. There were hundreds of people lined up. Babies were weighed, nets were handed out, and lives were saved, just like that! The people were taught how to hang the nets, how to take care of them, and information on malaria. It was structured, and orderly, and a proud moment for the BUY-A-NET team!
10 villages netted in one morning, amazing and rewarding, and you should all be proud that you were a part of that!
Love Nancy
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words!
Picture it! Monday Nov.12th, we walked into the Royal Junior Boarding School that was netted by BUY-A-NET a month and a half ago. The teachers and students were so excited to have us make the visit. BUY-A-NET gave them 150 nets a month and a half ago, and they are working beautifully! In this small village of Kawuku, there is NO malaria fevers, there is No standing water, there is NO malaria at all. The bunk beds are triples, and the nets are in pristine condition. Each bed has a net, and they are all tucked in under the mattress when the children climb under them. The children are very careful and use them with care. They know that the nets will protect them from malaria, and they are very proud to show them off. I shot some footage of the children showing me their beds, and how they tuck them in. They were all very welcoming and excited to have the BAN team there. It was a great feeling to know much the nets are saving lives.
Tuesday, Nov.13th, 2007
Kiryambuzi...300 nets were received in this village from BAN. The visit was very successful and we were very happy to see all of the nets up, and working. We were so excited to speak to all of the mums about the decreased incidence of malaria since receiving the nets. We spoke to the JaJa of the village, who was 80+ years old, and she was pleased to report that there are no fevers from malaria in the village. The nets were well hung and taken care of. Each time we are thanked like this it is difficult to explain the feeling we have, it is a gift to us, and our project!
Wednesday, Nov.14th...
Time, and patience...the Internet connection is a true test!
I am on, and updating, and laughing at how spoiled we are in Canada!
The BAN project is on its way to Mbarrara to do some netting, in western Uganda!
We will be travelling to Ryamiyonga for net distribution. I am so excited to see this all unfold! I will write as soon as I can and fill you all in on the experience. Take care!
PS- thank you so much for your kind words and responses to this blog. If I can bring just one person here, I am happy, and I did! Love yo you all, Nancy
Tuesday, Nov.13th, 2007
Kiryambuzi...300 nets were received in this village from BAN. The visit was very successful and we were very happy to see all of the nets up, and working. We were so excited to speak to all of the mums about the decreased incidence of malaria since receiving the nets. We spoke to the JaJa of the village, who was 80+ years old, and she was pleased to report that there are no fevers from malaria in the village. The nets were well hung and taken care of. Each time we are thanked like this it is difficult to explain the feeling we have, it is a gift to us, and our project!
Wednesday, Nov.14th...
Time, and patience...the Internet connection is a true test!
I am on, and updating, and laughing at how spoiled we are in Canada!
The BAN project is on its way to Mbarrara to do some netting, in western Uganda!
We will be travelling to Ryamiyonga for net distribution. I am so excited to see this all unfold! I will write as soon as I can and fill you all in on the experience. Take care!
PS- thank you so much for your kind words and responses to this blog. If I can bring just one person here, I am happy, and I did! Love yo you all, Nancy
Monday, November 12, 2007
There's a first time for everything!
There is the first time you ever have to wait for news of results of an AIDS test for a child you just met. The feeling of panic, only to cry happy tears that the test have come back negative!!!!!!
There is the first time you enter a village that happens to be the first village netted, by BUY-A-NET in September 2006.
There is the first time you are invited into a home to see the net hanging, over the bed, with a proud mum telling you that the people in the village feel that thier lives have become better since the nets have arrived. They are women regardless of where they live, and swept the dirt floor before I walked in to see their net hanging. They have pieces of broken lace atop the net to make it look pretty. They are so proud to show me the nets, and how their children sleep under them. I was proud to be there. Proud of these women, and proud of the organization that I volunteer my time, and my heart with. Proud that we can make a difference in the lives of so many people with a single net. BUY-A-NET has not only changed the lives of the people of Uganda, but mine as well.
This week, my first week in Uganda, has been a bit of a whirlwind. Busy, sad, and emotionally exhausting all at the same time. The smell is something that is hard to get over too...there is no sewage system, no where to put garbage, and when it rains, it all just washes down the road, together. I am getting better at holding my breath when need be, but these lovely people have to endure it evey minute of every day.
My face gets sore by the end of the day, from smiling. Every person I walk by, every child I see, constant smiling. There is a lovely woman who works at the residence we are staying at. Her name is Susan. Yesterday I gave her a knitted bear. She is pregnant and has nothing for her child. She was so thankful that she in turn, made me a boy and girl doll out of banana leaves. They are amazing. Such a unique craft that is something to be cherished, as the wool bear is for her baby.
I have a busy week this week as we are doing some travelling and netting some villages. I am so excited. I have learned so much in 7 days...and continue to do so every minute, with each person I meet.
Please post a comment, I love getting messages from home. It's like opening a gift, and makes my face a little more sore from smiling.
As the title of this blog goes, there really is a first time for eveything...but one thing is for sure, this first trip to Uganda, will not be my last!
Love to you all, Nance
There is the first time you enter a village that happens to be the first village netted, by BUY-A-NET in September 2006.
There is the first time you are invited into a home to see the net hanging, over the bed, with a proud mum telling you that the people in the village feel that thier lives have become better since the nets have arrived. They are women regardless of where they live, and swept the dirt floor before I walked in to see their net hanging. They have pieces of broken lace atop the net to make it look pretty. They are so proud to show me the nets, and how their children sleep under them. I was proud to be there. Proud of these women, and proud of the organization that I volunteer my time, and my heart with. Proud that we can make a difference in the lives of so many people with a single net. BUY-A-NET has not only changed the lives of the people of Uganda, but mine as well.
This week, my first week in Uganda, has been a bit of a whirlwind. Busy, sad, and emotionally exhausting all at the same time. The smell is something that is hard to get over too...there is no sewage system, no where to put garbage, and when it rains, it all just washes down the road, together. I am getting better at holding my breath when need be, but these lovely people have to endure it evey minute of every day.
My face gets sore by the end of the day, from smiling. Every person I walk by, every child I see, constant smiling. There is a lovely woman who works at the residence we are staying at. Her name is Susan. Yesterday I gave her a knitted bear. She is pregnant and has nothing for her child. She was so thankful that she in turn, made me a boy and girl doll out of banana leaves. They are amazing. Such a unique craft that is something to be cherished, as the wool bear is for her baby.
I have a busy week this week as we are doing some travelling and netting some villages. I am so excited. I have learned so much in 7 days...and continue to do so every minute, with each person I meet.
Please post a comment, I love getting messages from home. It's like opening a gift, and makes my face a little more sore from smiling.
As the title of this blog goes, there really is a first time for eveything...but one thing is for sure, this first trip to Uganda, will not be my last!
Love to you all, Nance
Friday, November 9, 2007
PS
This blog puts the most recent ones at the top...and I wrote 4 today to catch up, so scroll down and start from the last date written...or they won't make sense. I hope you are all well, and I will write again soon, love you!
In Wonder
I am here, right now, typing at the Internet cafe. Sometimes it works well, others not. I re-read my earlier blogs. They are sad yes, but my intention is not to make you sad, but to inform you of what I am doing, how I am feeling, and what needs to be done to make the changes so desperately needed. I have not even been here a week, and I fell like it has been many. I hope that these blogs give you insight into my world, and make you feel like you know me, and my passions, that much more.
When I leave here shortly, I am heading to see Dr, Martin and hope he has the test results of my dear Aoko. Part of me doesn't want to know, but I will not be able to sleep if I do not. I pray she will be OK.
We are meeting with Faith, and then heading to one of the first villages who received nets from BUY-A-NET. I am looking forward to meeting the people who have been given these nets. I am excited to talk with them and see the how the nets have changed their lives. It's important for BAN to go back to the places they have been, and evaluate. We need to bring back the information, and let the community of supporters know about our success with their donations. You need to know that its working and see the success of your donation. I can't wait to do just that. I can't wait to thank you all for what you have done. I can't wait to show you the images of the happy faces of the people. It is not all sad. Regardless of how very, very poor the people are, they are always happy to see us, happy to chat, and grateful for what we have done.
When I say WE, I mean all of us! Thank you.
When I leave here shortly, I am heading to see Dr, Martin and hope he has the test results of my dear Aoko. Part of me doesn't want to know, but I will not be able to sleep if I do not. I pray she will be OK.
We are meeting with Faith, and then heading to one of the first villages who received nets from BUY-A-NET. I am looking forward to meeting the people who have been given these nets. I am excited to talk with them and see the how the nets have changed their lives. It's important for BAN to go back to the places they have been, and evaluate. We need to bring back the information, and let the community of supporters know about our success with their donations. You need to know that its working and see the success of your donation. I can't wait to do just that. I can't wait to thank you all for what you have done. I can't wait to show you the images of the happy faces of the people. It is not all sad. Regardless of how very, very poor the people are, they are always happy to see us, happy to chat, and grateful for what we have done.
When I say WE, I mean all of us! Thank you.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The One
Thursday, November 8th
Today was the last day at the clinic on Bethany island, and Gail and I went to help out again. Today was the day that I cried. I cried a lot. All day off and on. It hits you, and you don't stop. I thought I was going to break down a few times over the past days, but it comes at you when you least expect it.
It was 9am. We had been travelling in the morning to get there by boat. I was sitting on a wooden bench, waiting for the people to come down the hill. I looked up at the hill to see a little girl, walking towards the clinic. She sat alone on a bench, then I called her over to sit with me to wait for the doctor. I asked her her name. Aoko she said. Then she said, I have no parents, do you? I told her I did. She held onto my hand and we talked quietly together. She was very shy, and spoke softly, but held on to me tightly. She was lonely, and sad, and sick. She lives at the orphange. A few minutes later she got down on her knees and said that she was very happy to feel loved. That was it.The flood gates were open, and so was my heart. There is a feeling you get when you just want do whatever is in your power to take care of them, to not leave them there.But you have to. So I told her I would stay with her all day if she wanted. We had our arms wrapped around each other all morning.
Aoko's caregiver at the orphanage came over to speak with me. He told me she needed special treatment. She was very sick and needed to be tested for HIV, as that is how her parents died. He asked me to be sure that Dr. Martin oversaw her treatment and did the bloodwork. I was saddened, but not surprised. I spoke with the doctor. her blood was to be taken late in the day before we got the boat back to Ggaba, or the blood would clot. So I took her back to school until then.
School, we are so lucky in Canada. Their school is a barn like looking building with wooden bencehes, but to them, it is an honor. Not many can go to school, sponsorship is key.
After helping in the clinic, it was time for Aoko to see the doctor. I went and got her from school. I took her for her tests and spent time talking with her. I fell in love so fast. I do not have children of my own, but feel like a mother this day.
It was time to get back to Ggaba. There is so much work to do.I had to also say goodbye. I will not be back to the island until I return to Uganda. She wanted to come with me, and I had to let go of her. I was crushed by the look on her face, but had to let go. It was one of the hardest moments I have ever had.
I was walking up the hill with my team, and one of the doctors assistants asked me a question that shaped my day. He said " Why this little girl, there are so many, and many you cared for, and many to love, why this one?" My answer was simple...
I just knew!
I find out her HIV test results tomorrow.
Today was the last day at the clinic on Bethany island, and Gail and I went to help out again. Today was the day that I cried. I cried a lot. All day off and on. It hits you, and you don't stop. I thought I was going to break down a few times over the past days, but it comes at you when you least expect it.
It was 9am. We had been travelling in the morning to get there by boat. I was sitting on a wooden bench, waiting for the people to come down the hill. I looked up at the hill to see a little girl, walking towards the clinic. She sat alone on a bench, then I called her over to sit with me to wait for the doctor. I asked her her name. Aoko she said. Then she said, I have no parents, do you? I told her I did. She held onto my hand and we talked quietly together. She was very shy, and spoke softly, but held on to me tightly. She was lonely, and sad, and sick. She lives at the orphange. A few minutes later she got down on her knees and said that she was very happy to feel loved. That was it.The flood gates were open, and so was my heart. There is a feeling you get when you just want do whatever is in your power to take care of them, to not leave them there.But you have to. So I told her I would stay with her all day if she wanted. We had our arms wrapped around each other all morning.
Aoko's caregiver at the orphanage came over to speak with me. He told me she needed special treatment. She was very sick and needed to be tested for HIV, as that is how her parents died. He asked me to be sure that Dr. Martin oversaw her treatment and did the bloodwork. I was saddened, but not surprised. I spoke with the doctor. her blood was to be taken late in the day before we got the boat back to Ggaba, or the blood would clot. So I took her back to school until then.
School, we are so lucky in Canada. Their school is a barn like looking building with wooden bencehes, but to them, it is an honor. Not many can go to school, sponsorship is key.
After helping in the clinic, it was time for Aoko to see the doctor. I went and got her from school. I took her for her tests and spent time talking with her. I fell in love so fast. I do not have children of my own, but feel like a mother this day.
It was time to get back to Ggaba. There is so much work to do.I had to also say goodbye. I will not be back to the island until I return to Uganda. She wanted to come with me, and I had to let go of her. I was crushed by the look on her face, but had to let go. It was one of the hardest moments I have ever had.
I was walking up the hill with my team, and one of the doctors assistants asked me a question that shaped my day. He said " Why this little girl, there are so many, and many you cared for, and many to love, why this one?" My answer was simple...
I just knew!
I find out her HIV test results tomorrow.
A Step Back In Time
Wednesday, November, 7th
Climbing into an old wooden boat, to cross a lake, dirtier than I have ever seen, to get to an island called Bethany. We are there with Dr. Martin to assist with a free clinic for immunizatons and health care. There were so many people, so many children. There is an orphange there with 600 children, and they were all coming down the hill when we arrived. Tables are set up, benches for the moms holding babies. Some waled for 4 hours with their children in tow, babies on backs. They have a system in place, and everyone is seen. I am weighing babes, Gail is giving shots, we are doing what we can. So many children...It is amazing how little it takes to make a difference.
I saw a man coming up the hill with large buckets of dirty lake water. He had a big climb, so I went down to help him. I walked the buckets 1/4 mile up hill to the orphange...it was hard, and he does this alone, 3x a day. When we got to the orphange we talked about the povery of the people, and spoke of malaria and AIDS. He then graciously invited me to meet his family down the road.
A step back in time. As I rounded the corner, I saw his mud hut. His naked children playing in the dirt, and his wife putting the fish he caught, out in the sun to dry out. He introduced me to his family and asked me if I wanted a tour of his home...His name was Jackson, his wife, Hope. His children were Delisious, Believe, Unity, Harrison, Promise, David, Blossom.
I asked him if I could record it, and take photos, so I could show Canada that they need to help. As I walked through his home, as he showed me where the children slept, it took everything in me not to cry. All of the kids sleep on a little dirt mat, with no mosquito nets. He and his wife sleep on another mat, in another room, with no mosquito net. The mud walls with holes for windows, with no screens. The cut out for a doorway, with no door. As I filmed, I was telling him what a beautiful home he had, and how big it was. He was proud, I had no intentions of shaming him.
As I walked away from the house, it was more clear than ever before. I am going to get these people nets. We need to do more people! They are $6! I have never seen anything like this.
In the afternoon, we left the island to head to a village that was already netted by BAN.We wanted to make sure the people were happy, and be sure the nets were working well. We travelled by Boda Boda, a small scooter, to the vilage of Kisennego. I thought I saw poverty. I had not. We had a meeting with the villagers to discuss the nets and their progress. Faith was the interpreter and Gail and I asked questions, as did they. They gave me permission to look in their huts and take photos. I went from hut to hut, filming moms and babes under the nets, in front of the nets, asking if they were helping, always with the response of yes! This village is near a swamp, and they mosquitos are many. These nets have saved many lives. It was a great feeling to see what we have done. In the big picture it may not seem like much,it's just a net right, but saving lives...it doesn't get any better than that!
Climbing into an old wooden boat, to cross a lake, dirtier than I have ever seen, to get to an island called Bethany. We are there with Dr. Martin to assist with a free clinic for immunizatons and health care. There were so many people, so many children. There is an orphange there with 600 children, and they were all coming down the hill when we arrived. Tables are set up, benches for the moms holding babies. Some waled for 4 hours with their children in tow, babies on backs. They have a system in place, and everyone is seen. I am weighing babes, Gail is giving shots, we are doing what we can. So many children...It is amazing how little it takes to make a difference.
I saw a man coming up the hill with large buckets of dirty lake water. He had a big climb, so I went down to help him. I walked the buckets 1/4 mile up hill to the orphange...it was hard, and he does this alone, 3x a day. When we got to the orphange we talked about the povery of the people, and spoke of malaria and AIDS. He then graciously invited me to meet his family down the road.
A step back in time. As I rounded the corner, I saw his mud hut. His naked children playing in the dirt, and his wife putting the fish he caught, out in the sun to dry out. He introduced me to his family and asked me if I wanted a tour of his home...His name was Jackson, his wife, Hope. His children were Delisious, Believe, Unity, Harrison, Promise, David, Blossom.
I asked him if I could record it, and take photos, so I could show Canada that they need to help. As I walked through his home, as he showed me where the children slept, it took everything in me not to cry. All of the kids sleep on a little dirt mat, with no mosquito nets. He and his wife sleep on another mat, in another room, with no mosquito net. The mud walls with holes for windows, with no screens. The cut out for a doorway, with no door. As I filmed, I was telling him what a beautiful home he had, and how big it was. He was proud, I had no intentions of shaming him.
As I walked away from the house, it was more clear than ever before. I am going to get these people nets. We need to do more people! They are $6! I have never seen anything like this.
In the afternoon, we left the island to head to a village that was already netted by BAN.We wanted to make sure the people were happy, and be sure the nets were working well. We travelled by Boda Boda, a small scooter, to the vilage of Kisennego. I thought I saw poverty. I had not. We had a meeting with the villagers to discuss the nets and their progress. Faith was the interpreter and Gail and I asked questions, as did they. They gave me permission to look in their huts and take photos. I went from hut to hut, filming moms and babes under the nets, in front of the nets, asking if they were helping, always with the response of yes! This village is near a swamp, and they mosquitos are many. These nets have saved many lives. It was a great feeling to see what we have done. In the big picture it may not seem like much,it's just a net right, but saving lives...it doesn't get any better than that!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
36 Hours
My apologies, the internet in Africa is very slow and sometimes does not work. I will try my best, stay tuned...
After a long journey, we are full on.I have been to
Africa. I was in 3 countries. I saw, and I changed,
and I reacted. But it felt like my first time again.
I forgot about the heat, and the smell, and the air. I
forgot what it felt like to be here, really here. The
overwhelming ache in your heart as soon as you see
your first child, with no clothes, standing at the
side of the dirt road.The feeling in your chest like
you have had to expand your heart bigger than you ever
thought possible. Your head exploding with the things
you want to do to help...it's amazing. I am supposed
to be here!
Day 1. After a short nap, we met with Dr.Matin from
the WENTZ Medical clinic. We checked out the clinic,
and met with the nurses. We then walked through the
very poor district of Ggaba. The children are so
small. I spoke with a woman who held her newborn, but
the baby was 18 months...just so very small with lack
of food. We walked down through villages to say hello
and some children saw a white person for the first
time.
Day 2. After waking at 4:30 AM to roosters, we got
started. We had a meeting with the Malaria Consortium
Group to talk about relationships and partnership. We
are going to skope out some of their existing
villages next week. We then net with AMREF regarding
their policies and procedures concerning malaria
prevention. We made arrangements to vivit GULU in
Northern Uganda, and tomorrow we are going to
existing BAN villages, to check progress on the nets.
Everywhere we go, and everyone we speak with, tells us
what we know....malaria is the leading killer, and
that is why I am here!
So much has gone on since being here such a short
time...36 hours...and this afternoon, I ate GRASSHOPPERS!
I had to try them since they were offered, and you
know what...they are pretty good!
Love to you all, Nancy
After a long journey, we are full on.I have been to
Africa. I was in 3 countries. I saw, and I changed,
and I reacted. But it felt like my first time again.
I forgot about the heat, and the smell, and the air. I
forgot what it felt like to be here, really here. The
overwhelming ache in your heart as soon as you see
your first child, with no clothes, standing at the
side of the dirt road.The feeling in your chest like
you have had to expand your heart bigger than you ever
thought possible. Your head exploding with the things
you want to do to help...it's amazing. I am supposed
to be here!
Day 1. After a short nap, we met with Dr.Matin from
the WENTZ Medical clinic. We checked out the clinic,
and met with the nurses. We then walked through the
very poor district of Ggaba. The children are so
small. I spoke with a woman who held her newborn, but
the baby was 18 months...just so very small with lack
of food. We walked down through villages to say hello
and some children saw a white person for the first
time.
Day 2. After waking at 4:30 AM to roosters, we got
started. We had a meeting with the Malaria Consortium
Group to talk about relationships and partnership. We
are going to skope out some of their existing
villages next week. We then net with AMREF regarding
their policies and procedures concerning malaria
prevention. We made arrangements to vivit GULU in
Northern Uganda, and tomorrow we are going to
existing BAN villages, to check progress on the nets.
Everywhere we go, and everyone we speak with, tells us
what we know....malaria is the leading killer, and
that is why I am here!
So much has gone on since being here such a short
time...36 hours...and this afternoon, I ate GRASSHOPPERS!
I had to try them since they were offered, and you
know what...they are pretty good!
Love to you all, Nancy
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