"I Have Typhoid"

Today we spent the day in the city of Gulu. The other 3 days have been out in the bush in small villages. So being in the city was a very different experience. We were inside a building for the first time which was a great addition. We were very organized and structured which was also very beneficial. Large groups came in swarms to our clinic as the word got out. I don't have a number on how many people we saw, but it had to be very close to what we have done the last two days.

Highlight of the day. Whole schools brought there students to our clinic during lunch to be seen by the doctors. So picture this in your mind. A line of kids that are being asked if they are sick or not. If they are sick, they get to see the doctor. If they are not, they are given some vitamins and sent back to school. We walk down the line and asked them what is wrong with them. The students start out with some very basic symptoms. Sore throat, stomach ache, head ache, back pain, etc... We send none of them to the doctors. As we move down the line, students ailments get a little more serious. They begin to tell us that they have the flu, ringworm, whopping cough, etc...All the kids are trying to convince us to let them see the doctor. Up to this point, we have sent none. They all seem very healthy. We are half way down the line and get to a boy that had to be about 9 or 10 years old. He looked like any 9 or 10 year old in the US would look like. He looked and acted very healthy. We ask him what is wrong with him. Fighting back a grin, he says to us "I have typhoid." Really now, typhoid. You walked in here on your own power, played around with your friends in the front of the clinic, fought for a seat, and our now telling us that you have typhoid. I guess that some things are universal. Needless to say we gave him a high five for trying and sent him on his way.

Today was a very successful day. Today was our last clinic in Gulu. Tomorrow we are heading back down to Makono. We are making a stop at an IDP camp to speak with some people about their experience. Should be very moving.

Internet down in Makono is hit and miss. I will do my best to update, but not sure how often or how much. I promise I will do my best. And if I don't update, we are still all okay. Just no Internet.

Until next time. GOODNIGHT!!!!!!