Hello to all!
Sorry about the long delay, but have been away from the computer for several days.
St. Monica's is turning out to be an amazing place. Sr. Rosemary knows many people and has them working here. For instance, at our first dinner here, looking around the table we see several nuns, three Italian construction workers from Milan who don't speak English
, two very earthy midwives from New Jersey along with their Rastafarian friend, and of course, our priest and guide, Father Don. The Italians are part of the order of Magenta, a construction volunteer organization. Luigi, the oldest, turned 82 on the 5th and the sisters threw a big party with a huge cake, way too much food and lots of singing and dancing. These sisters know how to cut a rug!
That evening Sr. Rosemary invited us to accompany her on Sunday to Moyo, the place of their mother house for the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. "It's about two hours to get there, depending on the roads."
We met for a few hours with the new clinical medical officer that recently started here, and helped him set up the new clinic in the morning after Mass. He was very excited about all the meds and surgical supplies.
We then set off on the road to Moyo with Sr. Rosemary, Sr. Victoria, and Brother Andrew, our very capable driver. It was very rainy and the road was very bumpy and we were rather nauseated most of the way. The most rugged 4-wheel drive road we've ever travelled. We caught the last ferry across the Nile
and made it into Moyo in a cool 6 hours.
We stayed with 2 Camboni missionary priests, Father Luigi (yes, another one) and Father Dino. Father Dino has spent 54 years in the west Nile region creating missions. Father Luigi is very skilled at accounting--the reason for Sr. Rosemary's vi
sit. They were excellent hoSr Victoria and sts.
The next day we went with Brother Andrew to tour the mother house, complete with full orchard and gardens. The people really live off the land here. They keep animals and grow most of the food they eat. We harvested lemons, grapefruit and mangoes there.
We then visited the orphanages and medical clinic run by the Sacred Heart Sisters. There was a baby house with about 20 babies, including brand new triplets! Then we went to the toddler home and were swarmed by about 50 kids as we handed out Jolly Ranchers and balloons. The kids here are great. They are so appreciative of even the smallest things. We then went to the home for the older kids and toured, but they were all in school. Because we didn't have time to stay for a meal, in keeping with African culture, Stan was presented to take home with him a beautiful live, white rooster--still cocka-doodle-dooing. We ate it that night for dinner for Fr. Luigi's birthday. They made fun of Stan for not knowing how to kill the cock!
The next day after Mass in a tukul (round traditional African building with straw roof), we took a very ill older neighbor from the village to Moyo hospital.
The medical assistant was "late", so the man lay semi-unconcious for 1 hour and 15 min on a wooden bench in the waiting area before being seen. Brother Andrew was most courageous and insistent and got him seen first. The man was accompanied by about 4 other villagers who were not his family. They brought supplies and food and stayed with him. These people really look out for each other. We took a self tour of the hospital. No one questioned our presence. The conditions are pretty grim--crowded, limited facilities, personnel and resources. Nobody smokes here, it's in their best interests to stay well.
The trip back to Gulu was equally touristical. The weather was good but the ferry was less reliable this time
. After waiting an hour for them to dredge a new dock with a backhoe, we set off across the Nile. But wait! Half way across the driver remembers to check the fuel guage--we have to turn back, we're almost out of gas! He commandeers a motorcycle to get fuel. After gassing up we head off again. But wait! Half way across the engine dies--we are adrift on the way to Sudan. Don't worry, they fixed the problem, we got across fine. They unloaded the cattle and we were on our way back to Gulu. We arrived home late to an extraordinarily warm welcome, and yet another birthday party for Srs. Assumpta and Pauline. What an adventure! Slept like logs. Today is Wednesday, the 9th, and we will rest.
Thank you all for your prayers and comments, know that you have ours in return from across the planet. Please continue to pray for the people of Northern Uganda. Their life has been unbelievably hard over the past 3 decades. Pray for ongoing peace.
Stan and Monique
Sorry about the long delay, but have been away from the computer for several days.
St. Monica's is turning out to be an amazing place. Sr. Rosemary knows many people and has them working here. For instance, at our first dinner here, looking around the table we see several nuns, three Italian construction workers from Milan who don't speak English
, two very earthy midwives from New Jersey along with their Rastafarian friend, and of course, our priest and guide, Father Don. The Italians are part of the order of Magenta, a construction volunteer organization. Luigi, the oldest, turned 82 on the 5th and the sisters threw a big party with a huge cake, way too much food and lots of singing and dancing. These sisters know how to cut a rug!That evening Sr. Rosemary invited us to accompany her on Sunday to Moyo, the place of their mother house for the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. "It's about two hours to get there, depending on the roads."
We met for a few hours with the new clinical medical officer that recently started here, and helped him set up the new clinic in the morning after Mass. He was very excited about all the meds and surgical supplies.
We then set off on the road to Moyo with Sr. Rosemary, Sr. Victoria, and Brother Andrew, our very capable driver. It was very rainy and the road was very bumpy and we were rather nauseated most of the way. The most rugged 4-wheel drive road we've ever travelled. We caught the last ferry across the Nile
and made it into Moyo in a cool 6 hours.
We stayed with 2 Camboni missionary priests, Father Luigi (yes, another one) and Father Dino. Father Dino has spent 54 years in the west Nile region creating missions. Father Luigi is very skilled at accounting--the reason for Sr. Rosemary's vi
sit. They were excellent hoSr Victoria and sts.
The next day we went with Brother Andrew to tour the mother house, complete with full orchard and gardens. The people really live off the land here. They keep animals and grow most of the food they eat. We harvested lemons, grapefruit and mangoes there.
We then visited the orphanages and medical clinic run by the Sacred Heart Sisters. There was a baby house with about 20 babies, including brand new triplets! Then we went to the toddler home and were swarmed by about 50 kids as we handed out Jolly Ranchers and balloons. The kids here are great. They are so appreciative of even the smallest things. We then went to the home for the older kids and toured, but they were all in school. Because we didn't have time to stay for a meal, in keeping with African culture, Stan was presented to take home with him a beautiful live, white rooster--still cocka-doodle-dooing. We ate it that night for dinner for Fr. Luigi's birthday. They made fun of Stan for not knowing how to kill the cock!The next day after Mass in a tukul (round traditional African building with straw roof), we took a very ill older neighbor from the village to Moyo hospital.
The medical assistant was "late", so the man lay semi-unconcious for 1 hour and 15 min on a wooden bench in the waiting area before being seen. Brother Andrew was most courageous and insistent and got him seen first. The man was accompanied by about 4 other villagers who were not his family. They brought supplies and food and stayed with him. These people really look out for each other. We took a self tour of the hospital. No one questioned our presence. The conditions are pretty grim--crowded, limited facilities, personnel and resources. Nobody smokes here, it's in their best interests to stay well.The trip back to Gulu was equally touristical. The weather was good but the ferry was less reliable this time
. After waiting an hour for them to dredge a new dock with a backhoe, we set off across the Nile. But wait! Half way across the driver remembers to check the fuel guage--we have to turn back, we're almost out of gas! He commandeers a motorcycle to get fuel. After gassing up we head off again. But wait! Half way across the engine dies--we are adrift on the way to Sudan. Don't worry, they fixed the problem, we got across fine. They unloaded the cattle and we were on our way back to Gulu. We arrived home late to an extraordinarily warm welcome, and yet another birthday party for Srs. Assumpta and Pauline. What an adventure! Slept like logs. Today is Wednesday, the 9th, and we will rest.Thank you all for your prayers and comments, know that you have ours in return from across the planet. Please continue to pray for the people of Northern Uganda. Their life has been unbelievably hard over the past 3 decades. Pray for ongoing peace.
Stan and Monique
11 comments:
Of course I was relieved to read another posting! It sounds like you are truly meeting and connecting to the people of God! I'm glad they know how to party! Prayers to all of you...I can't imagine what you must have felt like...adrift on the Nile.
Pat
Hi! It's so much fun hearing about your adventures... please keep them coming! We miss you, and continue to pray for your safety. I can't wait to hear all of the stories when you return. It's not quite the same around here without your laughter. Take care of each other. Love, Sue
Stan and Monique, It sounds like your making you way around just fine. I can't wait to hear the whole story of your mission. You two take care and stay safe. Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Christine
We love reading your updates! It sounds like you're having a great time despite the conditions. Did you happen to join the sisters in the rug cutting?? lol How was your cock a doodle dinner?? We thought you would be starving, yet you are trying new things. Are you enjoying the millet? How many patients are you seeing everyday? Have you been on the safari? Any lions nearby? We need more info on your next blogg. Glad you are healthy and happy. We miss your laughter and smiling face. We are anxiously anticipating your next entry. Love - Diana, Renee and Vidya
P.S. HOW'S THE MILLETT? SUE
you really do not have to post my response I am just writing them for alittle comic relief. Since thunder has been guarding the food bowl we are not sure if Domino has been eating so every night we fill the bowl and put it on the counter thinking Thunder can't make it up there. I came home tonight to find Thunder IN MY SINK eating a piece of meat that the girls deamed ineible I looked at hime he looked at me and (if he could talk) said WHAT DON"T YOU KNOW THERE ARE STARVING KIDS IN AFRICA! So I guess Thunder is alittle more nimble than we give him credit for. John can have the cookies I have left out on the counter from now on. That is it from here as you see I miss you guys we don't talk this much when you are here. Maybe it is the one way conversation. take care Love Peg
My, what adventures going back across the Nile! So glad you made it on the 3rd try. We have a mental picture of receiving a white rooster, and of poor Stan trying to kill it. Annette would have been thrilled . . . remember when she thought a "roaster" was a rooster for her Coc Au Vin? Wish we could have been there for the multiple birthday celebrations, especially to see the nuns cut a rug. You guys write so visually, it's like we get a little peek over your shoulder. We can't wait to see pictures. Thank you so much for taking the time to blog for all of us. We're doing fine here in Dallas; Mom working too hard and Dad and Barney being two grumpy old men. Uncle Ray & Aunt Peggy are going over to Weatherford with us for a Peach Festival on Saturday - lots of fresh peaches for sale and booths with peach foods to sample. Mom's other activity is getting ready for the wedding in New York. Speaking of active elders - GrandMarfa & Papa Tom ARE going to the wedding! Well, that's all for now. Sending our love and prayers to you two adventurers, Mom & Dad R
Hello from your Hale Street family!! We are all reading your notes w/excitement & anticipation of the experiences. Everyone looking forward to hearing about it all in person. Sending our thoughts, prayers and support...
~S
We are so proud of both of you. I saw a map today from Doctors without Borders and I proudly said "My doctor is doing that!"
Enjoy your adventure and stay safe - Peggy Paulick
P.S. Africa far exceeds Katrina!
What an adventure you are having!
I pray all continues to go well. I know you are doing much good. Just your being there lets the Ugandans know that the world does know and cares about them.
Doris F.
Hi Dr. Stan & Dr. Monique!! We are reading your blog here at the Family Medicine center and cannot believe all of the adventures you have already had - to think the month is already 1/3 of the way over! We miss you and are sending thoughts and prayers your way. Continue a safe journey!
~~Becca, Dimitra, Heather, Dr. Ridgel, et al.
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