Use it or Lose it

This seems to be the theme for our trip thus far. Also, just because you have it, doesn't mean that it works. I'm talking about the power. There is (surprisingly) power over here in Uganda, but it isn't very reliable. At any minute, the generator and electricity could just be taken away! A few days ago, when our power went out, it was actually due to the wire being cut, and then some of the positive cables connected to the negative, and vice versa. The hotel owner (who does not speak any English) has apologized profusely for this occurance. The staff feels that this was an act of sabotage; perhaps from a competitor (Ntinda Lodge is right down the road for anyone curious) or just from someone that wanted to be mischevious. This is why the delay in getting the power back on. I am pleased to report that there is now power everywhere in our hotel, which is more than even last night, where we had power just in the lobby area. I have gotten used to the candlelight for getting ready for bed, although I get quite nervous that I am going to start something on fire (like the giant mosquito net over my bed) so I have to be very careful. The same can be said for just about anything here-just because there is something here, does not mean that it is used, able to be used, or that people know how to use it. For instance, I think the stethoscope that I brought along (my personal one) was the first stethoscope that the nursing students here have seen. They did not know how it worked, or what it did. This reminded me of little Eric, my pediatric burn patient (3 years old, and cute as a button!) Maybe I'll see him again tomorrow? We have a few more gifts to take along today-each day, we are choosing a few gifts to take and give to whoever we feel is in need. I passed out blankets and beanie babies today; tomorrow, I am bringing more of the beanie babies, bulb syringes (for all of the babies we will be seeing) and also some little girl dresses.

Through my conversation with Dr. Mihai (the Romanian Pediatric Doctor), I understand that there is a need for any and all supplies, from medications, to gauze, alcohol wipes, diapers and blankets. The supply room is nearly empty-just a few doses of gentamycin are left. There is also no otoscope here; there are a lot of children that pull on their ears, so they maybe have an ear infection, but they end up getting treated for Malaria instead of an ear infection...which doesn't always work. There is one toddler that has been at the hospital for a month; severely malnourished when he first arrived. His mother is rarely around, so Dr. Mihai sometimes takes him home with him, as there is nobody to care for him overnight in the hospital. I don't remember the child's name...but he just kind of wanders around the Pediatric Ward, with these beautiful eyes that just look at you. He hasn't smiled at anyone, but he also hasn't been afraid of any of us either. He doesn't talk as well.

Every child here is beautiful...I feel the urge to just take them all home with me!!! I don't know quite how that would work on the plane ride though...not to mention, the adoption process??? Who knows. There was a cute little boy with the group of orphans who came to perform a traditional African Dance, and we were saying how adorable he was, and the leader said we could just keep him. It was a stunning comment. The boy stayed with the group though...I feel horrible when I think about the future he has. Next week, when we are working in the orphanages, I am certain I will have very difficult days.

Our hotel is approximately ten minutes by bus to the Iganga Hospital, and less than 5 minutes to Busoga University. We could walk, and I wonder why we don't...I think the concern is for our safety, and the roads here (dirt, narrow and high traffic) do not allow for safe travels. It is very dusty here; hot too. I think the weather forecast has been significantly different than the one on the internet. I would guess in the 90's every day, and very very sunny. It has rained maybe once since we have arrived; it is considered the "dry" season right now, which is why it is so dusty. The evenings are cooler; maybe in the 60's. Very buggy though-if you walk outside, you need your DEET spray on!

Well, I am headed to bed now. I hope all is well back in the US of A! I will be home before you all know it! I think I have nearly 400 pictures already, but plenty of room left for lots more! I think each memory card holds over 800, and I have two memory cards.

Good night, friends.