Team Uganda: Safe Arrival + Sunday Funday

Despite a delayed flight, the team arrived in Uganda and spent the night in Entebbe. Early Sunday morning, we loaded the vans and headed to Masindi (about a 5 hour drive). The drive was absolutely stunning! We saw some of the “big city” life on our way north until we reached the countryside. Let me tell you: it will take your breath away. Everything is so green and full of life. There are various kinds of plants and trees, including a tree that looks like an abnormally large cactus (we later learned this is called euphorbia ingens), and they stretch for mile after mile. We saw many cows and goats being herded by locals, and even got to see a baby monkey (CUTE!) lounging on the side of the road.

In Masindi, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Masindi Hotel before heading to the Masindi-Kitara Medical Centre (MKMC) operated by OneWorld Health (OWH). On our walk to the facility, we met many of the local people who seemed genuinely excited to greet us and welcome us to their country. The kids were absolutely precious! At MKMC, we met Patrick, the Regional Administrator for OWH in Uganda, who shared with us about his role with the organization and the vision of the organization to provide quality, affordable care. We toured the facility and met more of the staff, and we were thrilled to learn of the success of the clinic as it treats approximately 2,000 patients every month.

In the evening, we prepared for our first day of clinic and enjoyed dinner with the team. A number of our team members shared their respective life stories with the team, sharing what God has done and is doing in their lives and how they came to be on this trip. It’s only been one day, but we already realize how blessed we are to come and serve in this community alongside each other. We are eager for what is to come this week, and we look forward to sharing more with you each day!

+ Micah Gillezeau, Business Consulting Intern, Long-Term Volunteer, Oklahoma