Day 7
Written by Sandy Lochhead
Today the medical team had a busy day. We started visiting Uganda Care, one of the many NGOs in Uganda specialising in caring for patients with HIV/AIDS. Our main purpose is to learn about all the practices and services already available in the country, by NGOs or the government, and try to find the best way to help those of our children who also suffer from this illness. The staff at Uganda care were very helpful and even allowed our team to sit through part of their clinic while they were seeing some patients. In the afternoon we met with the District Medical Officer, the person representing the government in Soroti responsible for dealing with all medical issues. He gave us some valuable information and offered the government’s support to our cause – which hopefully will be translated into action. During this trip we have also visited the Soroti General Hospital and two other NGOs –YWAM and TASO. Being originally from another third world country myself (Mexico) the lack of resources has not been a surprise, but what has really touched me is the faith and contentedness with which these people live, considering what little they have.
The building team had a break in the morning since it was time for the plasterers to finish the walls, but they were back to work in the afternoon
The children’s team had a lovely time visiting one of the schools supported by Global Care. The children were very happy and grateful since the team arrived with furniture, stationary packs and games. The team was very impressed with Richard, the headmaster, a very enthusiastic and inspirational person.
Overall it was another wonderful and productive day in Uganda. I won’t complain about how hot it has been considering it was snowing this morning back home in Scotland! God bless all of you who are reading this blog and saludos a Mexico!
Thank you so much to my wonderful daughter-in-law for writing today's blog and for all the contributions and so pleased to hear all are doing. Yesterday we had wonderful tributes to our dear friend and colleague Ron with so many special touches at the funeral, all with Ron's particular trade marks.....for one, he was late even for his own funeral! There was music by Westlife and Nigel Briggs, Amazing Grace, poetry by his grandchildren Ben and Alice, AV presentation showing Ron in many funny situations, balloons, and glowing tributes read by Steve, from Rachel and Esther; George Verwer. Ron's four grandchildren released the balloons outside Hope Church before we left for the crematorium.
It was a day of mixed emotions. As we stood together we remembered all of you meeting at the same time in Uganda. For Ron he is finally at peace and in no more pain. We can only thank the Lord for his amazing life and all that he achieved throughout the world. For ourselves faced with the challenge of continuing Global Care's work and vision without Ron....I know that we can do it with God's help. Please continue to pray for Rachel, Esther, their husbands and children and all Ron's brothers and sisters at this time of sadness and bereavement.
With my love to you all and please let my dear wife Christine know I am missing her terribly,
Norman