TOUCH Uganda goes to Uganda

Great video from Bwindi!!

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Thu, 9.24 - View of CHAPS building

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Thu, 9.24 - Closeup Singing

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Thu, 9.24 - Morning Singing

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Wed, 9.23 - Beauty out of nowhere

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As Sheila and I were talking outside - this woman came up over the horizon in the most beautiful long satin full length white dress carrying her baby on her hip and a satchel in her other hand. She was a vision of beauty! I was blown away.....

She had walked hours up the dirt roads to have her post-malarial check up. Both she and her daughter had had malaria.

She even had a bracelet that matched her earrings!

She carried this health card inside her satchel - she was so organized and on the ball...taking such good care of herself and her daughter.

Wed, 9.23 - Batwa Meal

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Wed, 9.23 - Batwa Interview

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Wed, 9/23 - Extended Batwa Family

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We saw almost 4 generations (3rd generation was heavily pregnant) living here. They had a sleeping hut as well as a cooking hut. I loved listening to them talk and watch how they interacted with us. Oh...and almost forgot - when we came up to their home they had the radio blasting. You won't believe the song they were listening to......Poker Face!!! I almost died. I just couldn't believe that all the way here in Uganda, half way across the world, this family was listening to the very same music that I hear on the radio everyday. It was surreal. They listen to our music - but how incredibly different our lives are. If they only knew....

I love this series of photos. I feel so lucky that this family was open and let us stay a while, chat, interview and photograph them.

Wed, 9.23 - The Family at home

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Some images of the batwa family that lived in the hut.

This mother had taken this baby to the Health Centre a week or so ago, but wasn't planning on going back until she had visited the traditional healer. The Batwa still believe in the power of the traditional healers and will believe more in their powers than doctors. We were told that the traditional healers would make knife marks down the chest, draw blood and then add other blood to the child's blood to make the child better.

At first I found this hard to believe, but later at other visits, I saw first hand the chests of grown women who had clearly been to the traditional doctor numerous times. Their entire chests from above their breasts was scar tissue.

Wed, 9.23 - Batwa House

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Patrick then took us on a tour of the hills behind the Byumba Health Centre where many Batwa live. Here is a home we saw below the centre on the mountainside. This family slept and did their cooking all in this hut. Many others had a seperate hut for cooking - and many of their sleeping huts had currogated steel roofs to protect them from the rain.

Wed, 9.23 - Malaria Prevention and ITN's

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I loved this - made on feed bag material for all to learn about malaria and how to use an Insect Treated Net:

Wed, 9.23 - Byumba Health Centre exterior

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These paintings were all the exterior of the Health Center. Very powerful tools for educating and preventing so many common problems (malnutrion, HIV, family planning, malaria).

My favorite is the one below which shows the burden of a large family on a Ugandan man. See the sweat coming off his face? If you look closely you can see his wife, many children (one girl who has her period - meaning that he'll have to supply her with cloths, one baby with the runs - meaning sickness) and the food he will have to supply. The message is "a smaller family is a wealthier family" (or something along those lines).

That's Patrick explaining this painting of a family getting HIV testing.

Wed, 9.23 - Family Planning Outreach in Byumba

2009-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Sheila and I headed out to Byumba Health Centre for the day. There was a family planning clinic there - putting depro-vera inserts in the upper arms of women - 5 years of birth control!

It was about an hour and half drive - mostly on dirt roads that looked more like river beds than roads. This Health Centre is apart of Bwindi and staffed by Patrick and Julius. Patrick spent the large part of the day explaining in great detail all they do here. They work so hard and are so proud of what they do!

Wed, 9.23 - "Hello"

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"Hello!"

That's what we woke up to every day. We ordered showers - which meant that Joseph would put warm water in the pully system shower.

Here was our tent:

This was our shower system:

and here are our beds :

Tue, 9.22 - Gorilla Video

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Tue, 9.22 - Gorilla Track

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Tue, 9.22 - Drive to Impenetrable Forest

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Mon, 9.21 - Through Queen Elizabeth National Park

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Mon, 9.21 - Learning from Paul

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Having Paul in the car with us for this long journey was just great. He was really able to focus on us and tell us everything we wanted to know about Uganda as well as the Bwindi Community Hospital. The history of the hospital is amazing. Dr. Scott Kellerman came to the area with his wife Carol in 2003 and saw that there was a huge need for these people. There was so much poverty, malnutrition, malaria, disease etc.

Scott and Carol started by driving around and doing outreach clinics under trees – helping those that came with what they could. Eventually they built a Clinic , the Bwindi Community Health Centre, in Buhoma – in southwest Uganda just near the DR Congo border – surrounded by the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, current home to the mountain gorilla and old home to the Batwa pygmies.

In 2006 Paul and Vicky came to the BCHC. When they arrived the clinic was one building. Today, there are at least 8? And 80 staff!

We want to learn as much as we can about the hospital. And the more Paul tells us the more we can’t believe how amazing the hospital is. As Paul is telling us all that they have done, I am in awe of what they have created and how they have thought of everything. They even have a radio show which lets listeners learn about all that is going on at the hospital. Radio is one of the primary ways that people learn of news in this part of Uganda.

Our focus is the children and the new Children’s Ward that we helped finance. I hope I have my numbers correct, but I think that Paul told us that 9 out of every hundred children in Uganda die before they reach their first birthday. And something like 15 (out of 100) die before the age of five.

The biggest problems are malaria, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diarrhea, pneumonia and complications at child birth.

Paul continued to tell us that treatment alone isn’t a solution – prevention is the solution! Teaching patients/parents about proper nutrition – about protein and vitamins – how to grow the right foods, drink and cook with clean water, use malaria nets, how to make rehydration syrup and family planning. Empowering the women to take care of their families with all this knowledge will secure their futures, reduce unnecessary deaths and lead to a healthier and more productive community.

I couldn’t wait to see the hospital. It almost sounded impossible – that all this great stuff could be going on in this remote corner of Uganda…or any place in Africa for that matter.

Mon, 9.21 - Equator

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Mon, 9.21 - Driving through Entebbe - Kampala

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We woke up early on Monday morning as we were being picked up at 7 for our long journey to Bwindi. Breakfast was on the porch of the Boma Guesthouse – simple and delicious. As the sun rose we could see that we were actually quite close to Lake Victoria. Asaf arrived in a Land Cruiser – our car for the next week. He put all our bags on the roof and covered them with a tarp to protect them from the rain.

Mon, 9.21 - to Bwindi

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Sun, 9.20 - Entebbe

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We finally arrived in Entebbe after some 24 plus hours of travel! It was about 8:30 pm Ugandan time and we headed straight to the Boma Guesthouse, just a couple kilometers away from the airport.

I got teary eyed (Sheila called them elephant tears) walking out of the airport - it felt so good to be back in Africa!

A typical day

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Just to give you an idea of what we are doing, here is what we did on Tuesday.

We had warm showers (Joseph fills the bucket with warm water - we have no running water), breakfast (eggs, toast and coffee) and head over to the hospital.

They start every morning with songs. It's a beautiful and calming way to start the day. The entire staff sits on 2 benches and after the singing listen to announcements and prayers. Then, the day starts.

We got a tour around the hospital from Vicky - wait until I have more time - they have thought of everything. This is such a community...it's wonderful.

Sheila and I went to an outreach clinic in Buyoma (I think?) and spent the day with Patrick and Julius, two Ugandans who run this clinic that caters to that area which also includes the Batwa Pygmies.

Patrick took us around and explained everything. The building was originally a school building.They did build a new school just a couple minutes walk down the ridge.

They see patients from 8 to 5 and they see a variety of illnesses - malnutrition, hiv, diarrhoea, and malaria and some TB. Patrick had great stats on his work since they opened in June. When he is unable to help the patient - he then gives them a referral to head down to Bwindi. He told us that he end up delivering a baby in June as the mother wasn't able to head down in time. A big obstacle is transportation - it took us an hour on a bad road (looks like a river bed) with a great driver to get us there.

Painted on the exterior walls of the Health Centre are educational information for the patients"

there is a man with an enormous hut on his back that is filled with different rooms: food, a mother and baby, 2 more children, 2 more children and then again 2 more children - some are shown with illnesses) and the man has lots of sweat coming off his face. the burden of life. And the words below say something like " a man with a small family is a wealthy man".
there is a painting of how to properly use an ITN (Insect Treated Net)/ bed net.
there are the food groups split us - especially showing what foods have protein.
and a family sitting together getting HIV testing.

All very powerful images!

Patrick also took us down onto the hillside where we got to meet some Batwa people. There homes are very simple - mud with thatch roofs and some of them of them have galvinized roofs to protect them from the torrential rains.

Gotta go for lunch - hope to post more later!

Thanks for your comments!

2009-09-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Kris, Cathy and Michelle!

I just read your comments - thank you!!! Only sorry that I have not been able to read them earlier!

The weather is beautiful - only a small bit of rain on the trip down here (maybe 45 minutes) otherwise it was clear. The mornings have been very warm and sunny with afternoon showers where it just DUMPS for about an hour (or less) and then it clears again.

You can hear thunderstorms around too....

Finally have access and time to write....

2009-09-20T03:23:00.000-07:00

This has been been the most incredible trip.... I will write a short entry and fill in later with many more details and photos.

We arrived here in Bwindi late on Monday night. We had left Entebbe at 7 in the morning, picked up Dr. Paul Williams on the way and drove to Bwindi! On the way we stopped for lunch, and just soaked in all there was to see. We even had out own private safari seeing about 30 elephants on the way down (there were even a couple on the road).

Uganda and it's people are beautiful.

We unloaded our 8 bags (6 of which were on the roof rack under a tarp) and got settled into our tents. Sheila and I are sharing a military style tent with 2 beds - a zipper door on both sides, a "powder room" with a sink and shelving at the back that is open and then a bucket latrine to the right and a shower to the right - will explain those in more detail later). We do have one light above us - but head torches are the way to go.

We then sat down to a delicious dinner (talapia) and finally got to bed!! That first night I was very aware of all the sounds around us, expecially as I really had no idea where our tent was located. I heard people all night, motorcycles, birds, owls, etc etc.

Up early on Tuesday to go gorilla trekking. We left in the dark and as the sun rose we could finally see what this area loks like. We couldn't believe how beautiful it is here. The hills, the green, the red soil, the homes, the tea plantations, the colorful clothing dotting the coutryside and of course the rain forest. Breathtaking.

We were lucky and did manage to see about 12 gorillas without having to do an 8 hour trek. They are the most amazing animals - so much like us - there hands, feet, arms, even the muscles in their arms. We even heard a big fight (while we were only standing about 15 feet away) and got to see the Silverback do a chest beating. All pretty exciting stuff!

Back at the tents for showers, a much needed nap and bed!!

Wednesday through Friday we have been at the Bwindi Community Hospital - main reason for being here.

We split up and have spent time in most areas of the hospital. Again, I will go into much more details with all that when I have more time - and it's so much better with photos!!!!

We are all well - and leaving tomorrow to head north to Mweya Lodge in Queen Elizabeth Park for 2 nights before we get back on the plain on Monday night to head home.

I love it here!

As we arrived at night we had no idea what the landscape was like here in Bwindi.

2009-09-20T02:11:00.005-07:00

fault of the travel agent. Oh, and Jerry wasn't refunded one penny. In the end, he had to buy a new ticket! All on board for Entebbe!

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the plane in Burlington and in Detroit. We had to wait in the transfer line for 45 minutes because he had no ticket. The agent could see it was 100% the

2009-09-20T02:11:00.001-07:00

Arrived in Amsterdam no problem. Then found out that travel agent (Child Travel) cancelled Jerry's entire trip. It was amazing that they even let him on

2009-09-19T11:45:00.001-07:00

At airport in Burlington. Flight to Detroit on time!

2009-09-18T14:21:00.001-07:00

Testing if uploading from my phone to the blog works. Technology is really amazing.

OK..now THAT was cool! It worked and was there instantly!

Less than 24 hours

2009-09-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Started the malaria pills today. So far so good! Also stocked up on more donations:

ink for printers
rechargable batteries
more baby outfits (4 x 6-9 months)
more baby toys (fun key chains, stacking cups, stacking rings)
a box of lollipops from Kris
a huge banana box of bandages from Kris
2 soccer balls, 2 pumps

Also got a poncho for the gorilla trek. Need to make sure have all technology, chargers and adapters!

Photo from Pediatric Clinic

2009-09-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo that we got - I can't believe I will be there soon:

Packing List

2009-09-17T11:40:00.001-07:00

As I am a list person - am trying to narrow down my packing list (I did the same when I went to Tanzania). Here's the list:

Documents:1.) Passport2.) 2 copies of passport4.) 2 copies of tourist visa5.) 2 copies of insurance cards
6.) Itinerary7.) CashClothing:
10 pairs of underwear
10 pairs of socks
3 pairs of light-weight pants
2 pairs of not short-shorts
1 long skirts
2 long-sleeved shirts 8 t-shirts
1 “nicer” outfit
Fleece jacket
1 sweatshirts
1 pair sweatpants, or lounging type pants
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Poncho for Gorilla Trek
Leather gloves for Trek
Flip flops or H2O friendly sandals (Crocs)
Rain boots (can be bought and/or borrowed here)
Low/lightweight hiking boots
baseball hat
Bathing suit (the lodge has a pool?)

Other things:

A head lamp and extra
Travel alarm clock
Sunglasses
water bottle?
Bug repellant (with DEET)
Powdered Gatorade/Hydration Tabs
Quick dry bath towel
Wash Cloth
Nail Brush
Swahili-English dictionary, instructional book, and/or Swahili phrase book
Day-pack, such as a small backpack or messenger bag
Money pouch
Visa/mc
Bed Nets

Entertainment:
Books to read
Binoculars
Camera with chargers
I-pod/headphones with chargers
Journal
Stationary items and pens
Computer with chargers
Cellphone with charger – Tanzanian phone/Blackberry
Adapters

Medicine:
Personal prescriptions
Malerone
Cipro and
Pepto-Bismol (chewable tablets are handy for traveling)
TUMS
Tylenol or Advil
Multi-symptom cold/flu medicine/Decongestant
Hand sanitizers (Purel and/or handi-wipes)

Toiletries:
Shampoo/Conditioner
Hairbrush
Cream
Face cream
Nail clippers
Glasses/sunglasses
Face scrub
makeup?? will I really need it?
deoderant

I know this is a boring entry - but will be very useful when I pack my bags Saturday morning and for any future trips (which I hope there will be!!).

Donations

2009-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just looked on the Bwindi site and saw this list:

New or used laptops (preferably less than 5 years old)
Head torches
Wind-up or solar powered hand torches
AA or AAA rechargeable batteries
Printer cartridges for our Hewlett Packard printers (must be HP 130, HP129 or HP135)
Blood pressure machines
Stethoscopes
Toys for children's ward

Will take that list with me tomorrow. I did find some toys and some baby pajamas today at TJ Maxx that I'll bring. I'm sure that the hospital can either keep them or donate them as well. I'll definately stock up on batteries and some cartridges as well.

Will also work on my packing list tonight as well as trying to figure out exactly how much cash we'll need. We were told $100 bills newer than 2006 are the best.

Malarone

2009-09-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Got the malarone. Will start on Thursday with breakfast. Haven't ever had bad reaction yet - so am hoping I'll be fine (no nightmares etc).

Also want to look into the de-worming tablet that got when left Tanzania.

I'm going to Uganda

2009-09-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

At the end of August I was talking with Scott about going to Mozambique this November. He and I were planning on going with Africa Impact for 3 weeks and volunteering. After discussing it again at length, he decided that he would rather go when he was in 8th grade.

This opened up a new opportunity for me! Several other of the board members from TOUCH Uganda (http://www.touchuganda.org/) were already booked to go to Bwindi to see to the pediatric unit that we helped to pay for. Their trip was planned for Sept 19 - 29.

But my only problem was getting a visa in time as I needed my passport for a quick business trip to Switzerland from Sept 9-14.

I did it - managed to get the visa (many thanks to CIBT), book my flights (thank you Peggy!) and as I already have had all my shots etc it was just a question of getting the Malarone (thank you Jerry!).

As I was so focussed on my Swiss trip, Sheila has been working like crazy to get our trip all planned. She has organized drivers, tents, lodges, hotels etc. She has been amazing. If it weren't for Sheila, I know I wouldn't be able to go! Thank you Sheila.

I'm now back at home and can now focus on this trip.

On the agenda today is to:

pick up my Tanzanian phone (because I can just buy a Ugandan SIM card)
pick my binoculars
get Malarone from Fletcher Allen
start this blog