Dr. Bob's Injury

During our trip, Dr. Bob had a accident and injured his knee. We were not sure how serious his injury was, but we knew that he was in much pain throughout the trip. However, he was a super trooper and continued on with our trip. Entire team pitched to help him throughout the trip. Craig, Jamie, and Marco ran to the hospital in the middle of the night to get ice and plaster. They also had the pleasure of dealing with "nice" Ugandan nurses. Marco made two casts on Dr. Bob which was a master piece and held on until the last day. Great job to everyone for helping Dr. Bob during the trip. But, our kudos to Dr. Bob for showing us his continues dedication even through his ill-fated injury. We wish you a speedy recovery and back on your feet.

White water rafting on the White Nile

We ended our great trip with some fun in the White Nile. We rafted with the Nile River Explorers (probably the best rafting in the world) for a 40 km ride. It was simple a wild ride. We hit several class 3, 4, and 5. There were a few class 6 rapids, but I appreciated my life. Also, it wasn't part of the deal anyway. Well, we video taped our adventure, so enjoy.

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Link to the video: White water rafting video

We are back!

Thanks everyone for your support. We have returned safely from our trip. This trip has been an amazing experience and it will be hard to top it. I try to learning something from each trip, but it will take a while to process everything that I have experience in Uganda. I will try to get everyone from the trip to write their experience and share it with everyone so keep checking the blog.

Tororo, Uganda

We arrived in Tororo safely from Iganga. We were welcomed by Jean and Paul McFades who are a very close from of Dr. Bob. They are are originally from Albany area and moved to Uganda several years ago as missionaries. They have established themselves in Tororo and go back and forth to the States. They have graciously invited us to their house and cooked us a grand dinner. This was our first time eating some familar food since we left the States. She made us her "secrete" BBQ ribs, cole slaws, pumpkin mash, green beans, baked potatoes, and a amazing lemon pie as dessert. Anyway, I am pretty sure I am going to sleep very well tonight with my full stomach. Well, tomorrow is another day...

p.s. We saw baboons on road. Instead of deer, they have baboon on the road here.

Iganga, Jinja and the Nile

We took a break yesterday from clinic. David gave us a tour of Iganga which is the town we are staying right now. It's a small town with a main road going through it. He did take us little off the main road showed us the other side of the town. The picture was totally different from the side we were staying. We lived in a brick block that is no more than 20 feet by 15 feet with a tin roof. No running water, electricity, sanitation, and bathroom. There were smoke belowing from different spots where they were burning trash. It was an eye openning but not totally unexpected.

From Iganga we travelled to Jinja where David lived. White Nile river was very close to his house, so we went for brief visit. We are going back to the Nile for white water rafting, but that has to wait until end of the trip... Anyway, we did some shopping in Jinja. Some of us bought more that other and practiced our bargaining skills. I got 15000 shillings off a mask which was a pretty good deal. The shop keeper told us that in Africa woman are known for bargaining, but apparently it's opposite in the America because Marco and I bargained like there was no tomorrow.

After some shopping, we went over to David house for dinner. His wife cooked us genuine Ugandan food. We had chicken, peanut sause, fish stew, chapete (looks like tortillas), Ugali (flour and water pretty much), and fresh fruits. I thought I was going to loose some weight during this trip, but my scrubs are stopping on my thigh. This is not really good...

We are having a great time here in Uganda and learning from much from each other. We are heading out to Tororo which is about 2 hours east of Iganga. It's a much more rural area so we are expected to rough it more. I am not sure there will be internet connection in Tororo, so don't get too worried if you don't see any updates for a while. Wish us luck!

Nabintende Day 2

We survived another day. We went to a place called Nabitende in Kalilo district. We saw about 400 patients. I'll post more stories tomorrow when I have more time. Funny story... our bus ran out gas on our way back. Also, we chased down a cow in the middle road. This happens only in Uganda. Anyway, tomorrow is our last day in Kalilo district and we are heading out to Tororo on Saturday. We don't know what to expect tomorrow, but it has been unbelievable experience so far.

Shout out!

Ok, this is from everyone in the team.

Africa is amazing and Dubai was wild. No problems at all so far, can't wait to who you all the pix!
- Alana N.

The people are amazing here and I cannot believe how different the world can be. All is well! Thanks for all your suppor!
- Love, Jamie

Hello from Uganda! This country and its people are absoultely beutiful. We are havinga great time and doing beatiful wirk. Miss you all.
- Viv

Hi mom and Laura I am having an amazing time. The Coutnry and the people are beatifu. Love you.
- Janel

Hellofrom Uganda! I love you and miss you, but I am having a wonderful experience here. I can't wait until I can tell you about it! So far everyone on the trip is healthy and well, but please kepp us in your prayers! Love.
- Sara

Mbaeteko! Los muchachos... in saludos a todos desde Uganda a Paraguay...
- Marco

I am still alive. Although I am thousands of miles away, my thoughts are still with you.
- Jack

Mom, Dad, Kuyang,Dykang, Sean, Aden, I am doing well in Uganda. Don't worry I am doing well and enjoying myself. Love,
- Vic

Hey Gang, things are great! The team is doing a wonderful job. Africa is stillAfrica. Tia, praying for you all.
- Dr. Bob

Mom, Dad, Elaine. I am doing great in Africa. We arrived here without any problem. Uganda is a very beatiful place. I am trying to soak everything and as much as possible. I have only been here for two days, but I have so many stories to tell. Don't worry about me... no malaria yet. ;-)
See you when I get back. Much love,
- John