Time

I can't believe we are half way through our trip! The days go by too fast.

Today was interesting in an unsatisfying sort of way. We had tea to begin the day, as usual. We were supposed to go to the grand opening of the Suubi Medical Center and visit some high schools, but things involving time don't always work out here.

We drove over to Sixteen where the clinic is located. The program was supposed to be 2 hours long, but political and religious leaders kept showing up as the program got started. Almost everyone spoke. Some were of an age and respect level to say whatever they felt like, such as blaming the government publicly for stealing money and telling them to give it back. The highest chairman, LC 5, was there and he said they could maybe look into helping the clinic and praising the new president,  which we have been told stole the vote.
Pastor Peter from Gaba Community Church in Kampala was there to preach and also Pastor Sylver. The kids from Grace school at Kacungwa preformed music and Adams team performed the skit again.
All in all, it took about 5 hours. Many of us stayed to not be rude to the speakers and make enough presence because of the honor,  but the teens quietly interacted with some of the kids behind the tents.
It was a huge deal! They served all the people food afterward and many shops were closed for this festival.

I have to say the clinic is great looking! There is a birthing room, dental room, lab room, reception, doctors office and exam room, multi-bed rooms, bathrooms, and storage. The speakers described it as the best clinic in the whole district. We also found out they have an ambulance! That's exciting, but the roads are terrible. So far the government has not provided any free vaccines,  which are really needed to prevent diseases. The clinic has promised to send teachers out to educate the public on preventative measures to keep them from having to go to the clinic. They also pleaded with the people to wear seat belts and helmets, use mosquito nets and other basic information.

Needless to say, we didn't make it to the schools we were supposed to visit. Brandon did have a short meeting with some piggery people to talk about soybeans as a feed source.

We wish we had a few of these hours back to spend with our kids, but it was important for them to honor those involved in the clinic and express their thanks Ugandan style.

I also found out there are 40 tribes in Uganda. Four of them in the Kacungwa area. They are: Luganda, Luchiga, Kiniolo, and Kiniawanda.  Pastor Sylver belongs to the  Luchiga tribe, which is the language spoken in the SW Uganda.

It is late, I  have to pack and we leave early for Kampala tomorrow, so I will go for now.

Mukama Mulungi- God is beautiful,
Danelle