New Albany Presbyterian Church visit to Uganda
Day 1
Whew . . . (heavy sigh). It is Tuesday night at 9 pm in Kampala (2 pm Eastern), and after 4 legs of a flight, 4 different countries, and 34 hours of waketime punctuated by brief, drool-generating naps, we’ve finished our first day in Uganda. The travel was exhausting (Dr. Dave has yet to give me a compelling medical explanation as to why sitting on your backside on a plane for multiple hours makes you feel like you’ve just attempted an IronMan), but we made it in country without problems. The highlight of the day was going to a “Remand Home” in Kampala (a juvenile detention home for 150 children ages 12-18) where Sports Outreach has a significant ministry presence. A man named Ronny leads this ministry by helping feed the children, mentoring them, sharing the Gospel, and teaching them how to prepare for life beyond the remand home. We worshipped with them as they sang songs in English and Lugandan, talked with them, prayed for them, and lastly (and leastly) attempted to dance with them, which if the cameras were flashing will produce some hilarious and awkward-looking photos. In addition, Dr. Dave and Jeff evaluated 40 kids with various illnesses ranging from malaria to strep throat to STD’s. Tomorrow morning we will drop off the meds that these kids need and then our group will travel to Gulu.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Pastor David
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Day 2
Hey NAPC,
Go Gulu! Praise God, we have arrived. For those of you have went in 2008, you will be so surprised how much everything has grown and the road exists now. I mean, it is paved and the drive was only about 5 hours and smooth. There are produce stands all around and so many schools all along the way. We are staying in a beautiful hotel – what a big treat.. I got to see Barnabas in Kampali this morning – he looks great. We went to the farm and you won’t believe how big it has grown. There are schools and a playground, a church, lots of cows and pigs; banana fields, papaya trees, corn, soy beans, pumpkins and lots more. God has surely been working hard here and the people are full of love and laughter. Aloysius was so happy to see David and me too – which made me feel so good. The weather is perfect – it rained a little bit this afternoon during our drive up here which cooled things off a bit. It’s about 9pm and around 70 degrees. Maureen cooked us dinner at the farm tonight and the food was four star quality. We had chicken, a tortilla type of item called ” chipatee”, mixed vegetables, rice, beans, fresh avacado, bananas, and chicken soup. We were all so full. Then we met with a group of women who were worshipping and we all introduced ourselves and spoke for a few mintues, of course when I mentioned that my son, Jeff, was with me, I teared up a little. David, Dr. Dave and Jeff cracked up – they keep making bets about how long I’ll last before I cry or other silly stuff – fun stuff, you know. Everyone is having a fabulous time. We have Dustin with us and a really cool girl from Colorado named Stacey. Also two guys who are making a documentary film about the rehabilitation of Gulu – DJ and Keith from Charlotte, NC. We also met a very sweet girl name Casey from California who is a nurse working in Kampali in an orphanage for two years and she’s going to come up to Gulu and help us with a coupld clinics for 2-3 days. We did our first clinic last night and it was full of hope for a lot of young men and women. Dr. Dave has got it together and he’s directing us very well. We are keeping you in our thougths and prayers and ask that you in particular keep our immediate family in your hearts while we’re gone. See you soon –
Loretta M.
To see pictures of the trip check out our photographers blog, here is the link
www.silentimages.org/category/international/
and select Uganda
Enjoy
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Day 3
You know you’re in for a hard day’s work when the assignments are being passed out and you draw “road construction.” We spent the day in Koro at the Sports Outreach farm just outside of Gulu. Aloysius Kyazze, the leader of SOI’s efforts in Gulu, hosted our team for a day of worship, working, and our first medical clinic. I spent the morning doing, well, see above. This consisted of digging into dirt a couple feet off the road, scraping out a new ditch, and expanding the existing (narrow) dirt road. Did I mention that it’s hot near the equator? Betsy and Loretta helped expand a chicken coup, Ina (mom) helped clear a field and plant maize, and Bob (dad) worked with me on the road. But the hardest work by far went to our top-notch medical team made up of Dr. Dave, Jeff, and Kaci (more on her later). Dave and I went to pick up meds at a pharmacy in the morning, and throughout the day the team saw approximately 400 people struggling with various illnesses (malaria, STDs, fungal infections, and strep throat). After the manual labor in the morning, Betsy, Ina and Loretta joined in as pharmacists. It was an amazing experience (check out the photos at www.silentimages.org/category/international/). So Kaci – we were just beginning our journey to Uganda, going from Columbus to DC, and I sat down next to a girl, strapped in, and said, “hi, how are you? You live in Columbus?” She proceeded to explain that no, she wasn’t from Columbus (visiting a friend for a week). She was from California, but didn’t live there currently. “Where do you live?” Any guesses? Yep, Uganda. When you are leaving Columbus on a flight, it’s extrememly rare to find someone who is from California (why would they come to Columbus?). But it is just plain weird to meet someone who is actually living in Uganda, WHEN YOU ARE GOING THERE that day. The moral of the story is that God provides in amazing ways. Kaci is a nurse, and she has become an adopted member of our team. She will be there for our next clinic tomorrow, and (hopefully) for the rest of them. What an amazing gift from God to carry out our work. We continue to have a great time together serving Christ and the poorest of the poor.
Keep the comments coming, we love to read them!!!!!!
Pastor David
To see pictures of the trip check out our photographers blog, here is the link
www.silentimages.org/category/international/
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Today we journeyed forth to the small village of Lagutu. It is a small village approximately 10 kilometers (I am an American, so I have no idea how many miles that is!) outside of the “metropolis” of Gulu. We first travelled by van on a small dusty road with only a few potholes, followed by a smaller more dustier road with more potholes, to finally a even smaller super dusty road with a whole lot of potholes. The best way to explain a “village” here in Uganda is to describe it as a small collection of circular mud brick huts, with a nearby school. In the surrounding “suburbs” however there are numerous families living in huts that can only be reached by small side trails, almost imperceptable to see by human eye. One cannot see the huts due to the tall grass (or as I try to speak the language of Mel Perkins and the Mutual of Omaha – “the bush”). Once we arrived in the village, we were greeted by several small pre-school children, who were attending class underneath some shady trees. Their joy at seeing visitors was infectious and soon we were engaging them in a round of picture taking followed by peals of laughter as both the photographer and the subject reviewed the results.
Next, we were given a tour of the village, conducted by the teachers, and members of of Sports Outreach. They spoke of pride at the improvements in the village and we were amazed that over 150 children attended the school on a daily basis. However, their joy was tempered as they informed us of the challenges that the school faced – the death of children to malaria, sickness, and hunger. We then met the elder matriarch and patriarch of the village, who donated the land to make the school happen.
We quickly set up the medical clinic in one of the classrooms, with everyone helping. Betsy and Loretta handled the medicines, while Pastor Dave, Jeff (a budding dermatologist specializing in wound care), Stacy (our resident obstetrician), Bob, and Ina taking the histories. Patients quickly poured in, and as they were waiting for their medicine, they were led in prayer. The patients were not just single adults, but usually a strong dominant mothers, with several children in tow, all suffering from the ravages of malnutrition, chronic disease, and squallor. However, although their bodies were weak, their spirit and faith in Jesus was strong. We laughed with families as they revealed the depth and richness of their lives. We met a sweet 2 year old girl named Sunday (born on Saturday) and even a 15 year old girl named Kevin. We saw beautiful families, and tried to provide comfort with our eyes, our prayers, and our hearts.
Finally, tonight, after a hearty dinner of rice and spaghetti (no Adkins diet here!), followed by our favorite Fanta orange (or as I call it – nectar of the Gods), we are sitting here playing “would you rather…” (actually quite revealing and probably better left in Africa). Today, we celebrated with the people of Lagutu the joy of Jesus, the contentment of peace, and the promise of hope.
Dr. Dave
To see pictures of the trip check out our photographers blog, here is the link
www.silentimages.org/category/international/
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Day 5
Hi Everyone! We miss you all but we are having the most incredible time! Today we drove to a small “village” of Lajwatek. To say it is a village is such an overstatement. There are circular huts as Dave said but this village is definetely hidden in the bush and is accessed by a lonely narrow muddy pothole-filled road. We were greeted by the village chieftan and Aloysius spoke informing them about the medical clinic. We quickly set up the clinic under a small open-sided hut with a hatch roof. All the sick sat in the shade of trees but all the “stations” to interview the sick were placed in the hut. Some of us interviewed the patients before Dr. Dave, “Dr.” Jeff, and “Dr.” Kacie saw the patients, made the diagnosis, and got the medicine. I interviewed with the help of my interpreter named Robert. Yesterday I had Pauline who was awesome and everyone wanted her today!! She is a sweet girl at University, now on break and volunteering at SOI.
Wow, what a mob!! So many so sick, mostly with malaria, but so friendly. Most knew the Lord and we prayed over them after they received their medicine. I was excited because one man accepted the Lord with me after I had asked him whether he knew Jesus and he said no. I’m praying for him, for his belief in God and his health ( did he just want the drugs??). Everyone worked so hard! The pharmacy (Loretta and Betsy) were just running back and forth with the drugs. I was overwhelmed at the end with a 4 big families with 5 kids each. It was the end of the clinic and still so many that wanted to be seen. I felt so sad that we couldn’t see more. I can’t imagine being a mom with malaria, having to take care of 5 sick children!! They are so brave.
After the clinic, we drove to the hut of Ester, who had an amazing story. It was almost like the story of Lazarus. It would take a book to explain so I’ll let someone else tell you that one. We walked into her hut which held 7 children and herself. It did not seem nearly big enough….. The hut is mud bricks with a thatch roof and a mud floor — no light, and a fire place. We have no clue with our wonderful houses. After leaving Ester’s, we drove back to Gulu and visited a widow (husband died right after the war in a random shooting) with 5 children. Her daughter had to quit school because the mom had no money for school. SOI bought her a pig and she has it beside the house in a piggery. It will have piglets that will sell to make money — so much like COLD MOUNTAIN. It was pouring down rain by then so we prayed for her and left. Then back to the hotel and a hot shower — sweet! This has been such an experience. I pray all of you at NAPC will one day be able to come too. Tomorrow church at Gulu Community Church ……..
Ina Milroy
To see pictures of the trip check out our photographers blog, here is the link
www.silentimages.org/category/international/
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Day 6
The Lord’s Day in Gulu (and much of Africa) is a quite a bit than in America. 4 hours worth of worship, to begin with. A little rest the afternoon, followed by more church in the evening. As a pastor, my opinion is that this schedule is awesome. At least in Gulu. Today our team split up to go to different churches. Dustin, Staci, Dave and Keith went to Koro, the SOI farm, for worship (Dustin – staff with SOI, best friend since 4th grade; Dave and Keith – professional photographer and videographer documenting the story of Northern Uganda and taking great pictures of our team in the process; Staci – great addition to the team, hails from Denver, garners more comments on the blog than the NAPC team combined). Our team went to Gulu Community Church, where we had a joyous reunion with our sister church. Pastor George and the people were incredibly gracious. They welcomed us with open arms and celebrated the presence of the New Albany “muzungus” (white folk) after a 2.5 year absence. I was invited to preach at both services, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had forgotten how hilarious George is, and how great a preacher (even though I was invited to preach, he still managed a few mini-sermons throughout the service). All told GCC has planted 5 new churches in various villages outside of Gulu, an amazing feat for a church that is so strapped financially. One highlight – a woman named Ann who works at the hotel where we are staying approached Loretta last night with tears in her eyes and asking if she could know Jesus. We prayed with her to receive Christ, and the next day she came with us to GCC. At the end of the service, she came up to publicly affirm her commitment to Christ, and just a few minutes ago she told me about how much joy she had in her heart because of her new relationship with God.
After church we were invited to George and Irene’s home for a great lunch of chicken, rice, and cabbage. We gave them gifts from our church – clothes for their soon to be newborn (November due date), books and outfits for Sara, age 2, and a laptop loaded with Bible software along with a projector for George and the church.
After a brief rest back at the hotel, we came back to the church for prayer, small group time, and a medical clinic all at once. We finished the clinic in near darkness, their generator providing power for the one lightbulb in the room.
All of this was added to an even more remarkable day experienced by the other half of our team today. In an amazing moment of God’s transforming power reminiscent of the New Testament, several SOM staff visited a remote cluster of mud huts to follow up with a family that Dustin had shared the gospel with a couple days earlier. The leader of the family decided that he wanted to follow Jesus, prayed to receive Christ, and the entire family followed suit with over 30 new converts. The Gulu team will follow up with them in the near future, and likely another new ministry site has been launched. All in all a more than memorable Lord’s Day!
Pastor David
To see pictures of the trip check out our photographers blog, here is the link
www.silentimages.org/category/international/
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Day 7
Hey there all!! It’’s my turn to blog and since I have never blogged before this could be very interesting. Greetings from Gulu to all of you, especially my Dave and my children Donald and Allaire. I told my Dave that even though I miss him I hear his name a lot with the 3 Dave’s on the trip. I will try to update you as to our day but we do so much and I hope I don’t forget anything. Be sure to get with the rest of our team on Sunday to confirm what we did!!
Today we were on Pastor George’s schedule. He needed us to paint a classroom at a school nearby. He already had some great guys working on the primer but painting in Gulu isn’t quite like what I’m used to. It dried very quickly because it was so watered down. The cream paint was watered down too so it took quite a few coats to cover the walls but some how we managed to get it done with the very few brushes we had. My
brush was a well used 1 inch one!! I did all the detail work! They shared their porriage with us for nourishment and soon it looked like it was done! We were supposed to get a take out lunch but ended up eating at The Florida Magnificent Hotel. More flavors of Fanta and Mirinda. We finally ended up at Kidical Village. We passed the well or “bore hole” on our way into the village. We took so many pictures of the bore hole to share with you so can see what your contributions have done for this community.
We are always welcomed by the village people when we arrive and by the heads of the village before we do any of the clinics,. We feel very honored and blessed to be with them, and they greet us
with applause, hand shakes, hugs, very high pitched sounds (I am trying to learn how to do this), and many Affoyos, which means hello, good bye and even thank you. We walked the short distance to where the bore hole was and Pastor George addressed the crowd. All of the people that were required to speak each got a minute and we heard from the family that had donated the land for the church and the bore hole. The bore hold is a really cool hand pumped source for clean water for a large area. It will make quite a difference for them.
Soon it was time for the clinic to begin. We had a large structure so set up was the same as before. Several stations to receive the patients as well as the pharmacy run by Loretta and me. We have the help of the medical students that came with us to work as interpreters and with the meds. It’s a little bit odd being the “pill pusher”. We dont’t get the same interaction with the people but we hear all the conversations at once. Patients describing their illnesses, the interpreters, the team talking to their group and the wonderful prayers that follow. In between we just try to fill their prescriptions quickly and efficiently. We have to have a cut off time because we just can’t stay forever although the need is there, we woud surely run out of meds and daylight.
Whitey said if we hurried before we might be able to get to Lydia and Annetees shop oof homemade goods. Of course you may think that it was just the women folk that wanted to run in htere and but them out but some of the men picked out some great items for you ladies at home, enough said.
This has taken me forever!! I had to correct all of my spelling misakes so you would actually understand some of what I was bloggin about. It has been a very full day filled with many blessings. We will have so much more to tell you all when we return.
Thanks for reading ,
love you,
Betsy
To see pictures of the trip check out our photographers blog, here is the link
www.silentimages.org/category/international/
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The tales of the final days of the Africa trip will go down in history. The details will be best shared in person, but the highlights are worth sharing now:
Tuesday: We journeyed to the village at the end of the earth. We started out leaving Gulu town in our two vans. We followed dirt road, after dirt road for about and hour and a half. From there we pulled into a village But we were merely passing through this village. We weaved through the huts to the walking path. We followed this walking path through 6 foot high bush grass for about 20 minutes. Then the walking path closed in, and we continued on. we passed through more huts until the path was gone. Then we continued through the bush. Finally we got out of the vans and journeyed by foot. After a long walk through the bush we arrived at a village with a thatch roof roof and mud walls. A few hundred people were there to greet us. We were welcomed by singing and dancing. After the welcome we were off to work. One half of the group helped run a medical clinic. The church was full with people pressing in through the doors hoping to get a treatment. Betsy and Loretta ran the clinic, Bob and Ina and Dr David ran the evaluation stations. We were missing our newest team member Kacie in a big way. For a few hours they provided treatment for a few hundred people. Meanwhile, Jeff, Stacy, Pastor David, Aloysius and myself headed to the football pitch. When it came to the match up against the team we were playing, we were small, but we were slow. So we had that going for us. Pator David and Stacy solidified our back line, Aloysius and myself played in the mid field and Jeff was our big man up top. The line up was filled with a few other SOI members and we were ready for the match. It started out well as we quickly took a 2-0 lead. We looked to make it 3-0 but Jeff swung and missed, folloed by a 360 spinning fall that surely seemed to tear multiple ligaments in multiple part of his body. jeff is young though and he got up with out a scratch. The other team scored twice before the half and it was 2-2 After much prayer and pleading to the Lord for help in the second half, we scored immediately after half time. Aloysius netted his second goal of the match. From there, it all went down hill. Pastor David was a rock in the back line, until he made a full fiend run up the field, could never quiet get his legs or breathe back, and followed it up by falling head first into the bush grass behnd the goal at full speed. The crowd erupted in laughter and awe as they could not believe a Pastor could pay with such dtermination and skill while having size 12 playing boots on. Meanwhile Stacy was a forced to be reconded with at right full back, Three players at a time could not get past her. She laughed most of the game which i think threw the opponents off. Jeff continued to work hard shoulder checking players right and left. With all that going for us, we could not keep them from scoring and tyiing the game up. The minutes went on and on, and we got worse and worse. The only thing going for us was that I was the time keeper, so i could call the game at any time. When it looked like we might give up another goal, I blew the whistle and the game ended in a tie 3-3. Legends were made and dreams were realized on this fine day on the pitch and in the church.
Wednesday: After a good bye to the staff we were off of the safari. A few hours of driving and we were in the beautiful Parrah Park Lodge. we quickly jumped onto a boat and were floating down the Nile river. A storm blew in, but that would not stop us. we continued on. We were able to see Hippos and crocidiles as well as Eagles, water buffaloes and Water Bucks. After a few hours, we got off the boat and headed towards the water falls to climb. An hour hick took us to a breathe taking view of the falls and the Nile. It truly was an amazing climb. Hiking MVP, Loretta, did an amazing job, And despite her son trying to talk her our of it, she made it to the top. The hike was folloed by a frantic van ride in the mus to make the last ferry across the Nile so we could sleep in our beds and not in the vans. We barely made it, thank you Jesus
Thursday: The day started with a 6 AM wake up call to have breakfast at 630 and be on the safari drive at 7. The drive took us through miles of beautiful plans, wooded ares and Nile river front. Giraffes, Topi, Impalas, Elephants, Hippos, Pumbas (Warthogs), Water Buffaloes were all an easy find. However the allusve and coveted lion was not so easy. We were seemingly hot on the trail of them, when were sabotaged by some poor information. The pride of 8 lions that we were tracking were gone, and we were never able to find them again. from the lodge we jumped on a quick and easy bus ride to Kampala. A farewell dinner and goodbye to the staff in Kamapala and off to the hotel. A god night rest is much needed as tomorrow will be a slower paced day as we make our way to the airport to come home to see you guys.
We all want to say thanks for praying for us, supporting us, encouraging us and most of all loving us.
YT
The team: Standing “L” Pastor David, Pop Tart and Coke breakfast man Dr David, , — Man River Bob, Bob’s much better half Ina, Pharaceutical Reps Loretta and Betsy, Cough/Fever = Malaria P.A. Jeff, Splash Keith, Impromptu sunday School teacher and photographer David, Hot Seat Champion Kacie and me, YT
53 Comments to “New Albany Presbyterian Church visit to Uganda”
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By Jeff Dreiling, August 2, 2010 @ 1:06 pm
My church family and dear friends,
I am praying for a safe trip, you all go deeper in christ, and will be a blessing to others. I miss you all and wish I was there with you!
By Brent Holbert, August 3, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Hello, Gulu team! We’re so proud of you all, and we’re praying that your trip is a tremendous success. May God richly bless you as you serve Him.
By Dave Mitchell, August 4, 2010 @ 3:52 am
Hope you made it there safely. I will continue to pray for you guys.
By Rodney Suddith, August 4, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Sounds like an awesome start – thanks for all you are doing to share God’s love. Please pass on a greeting to all the staff in Gulu as well as the wonderful people you will see at Gulu Community Church! Praying that God will work in and through each and everyone of you.
Rodney
By Sam Casey, August 5, 2010 @ 3:08 am
Stacy,
So proud of you girl as you took this huge step to get out there and see the beauty of Uganda! I’m glad you are getting to see Kampala and Gulu and hope you are having a great time. Be sure to tell the staff we send our greetings. Give HUGE hugs to Milly, Florence, and Christine! We are praying for you everyday and we love you lots and can’t wait until you get back to here all about. Enjoy every moment and drink a cold pineapple Novida for me!
Sam & Heidi
P.S. Pastor David: make sure that YT has a steady diet of swedish fish, twizzler’s, zebra cakes, lots of orange Fanta, and make sure he doesn’t sleep for more than 3 hours per night. He plays the guitar much better when he is in sleep deficit and his insulin levels have spiked dramatically.
YT: Really miss you wingman but know you are in our hearts and prayers and we are feeding your family loaded baked potatoes in your absence. Just a few updates. Tyler just composed his first symphony, Bryce just won his first PGA Championship, Dylan got really into 80’s heavy metal band, and Ava just started her own fashion line. Other than that not too much has happened…
By Stacy Poo, August 5, 2010 @ 4:00 am
Your Mom has no one to call 3x a day. Jackson is not answering his phone. Heidi and Chad watch calling id. See is calling Sam now. Mom says hurry back.
I know you are loving this place and the experience. Take it all in as it will go very fast. Tell Andrew and Dennis HI for me.
Dad and Mom
ps…if you don’t want to come back I can break the news to Jackson. Let me know.
By Milroys!, August 5, 2010 @ 4:34 am
Hi Everyone!
Daddy – we miss you and we love you! Be safe! Only 9 more days! We want you to come home now! We are praying for you!
Mimi & Papa – We heard you are barely making it
We love you!
xoxo- Hunter, Isabella, Katherine, Anna & Lia
By Kelly Parnigoni, August 5, 2010 @ 9:41 am
Stacy,
I hope you are having an amazing time and seeing amazing things. I am so bummed I cannot be with you for this experience. John and I are thinking about you and praying for you daily. Can’t wait to hear all about it upon your return and see your pics. See you back at the Drummond Racherito soon.
Love you,
Kel & John
P.S. Not sure what a cold pineapple Novida is, but it sounds yummy. Have one for me too, please!
By Heidi Casey, August 5, 2010 @ 1:19 pm
Hey Stac! I hope you are having a good time. Enjoy all the fresh fruit and veggies! love ya
By Rodney Suddith, August 5, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Wow, sounds like another day in paradise! Exciting to hear how God grew your team with the addition of Kaci. Also wonderful to learn that a new interstate highway will be going through the farm. Four hundred patients in a day – makes me think of how many people in and around Koro Farm will be going to bed with confidence that if they are not already feeling better they are on the road to recovery – thanks medical team.
Great pictures by DJ and I am looking forward to your report on the villages of Lajwatek and Lugutu.
May God continue to provide for all the needs of the team and protect you from illness or any harm and grant you a good nights rest -
Rodney
By Milroys!, August 5, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
WOW! 400 people, a new road built by two Milroy Men!, a field of maize and a chicken coup! See honey, you thought you weren’t handy! Go Gulu! How exciting to hear day by day and text by text how things are going! I’m so proud of all of you! Everyone is missing you here! It’s only day 4 and I feel like you have been gone a month. Prayers for supernatural rest (both for you and for me)!
xoxo – Lia
By Ralston Family, August 5, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
We are so proud of all the wonderful things you are all doing! The blog and photos are amazing. It is terrific to get a small glimpse into the extraodinary experiences you are sharing. We are holding all of you up high in our prayers and will continue to do so.
DRR-we love you so much!
xoxoxo,
Teri, Hannah, Catherine, Andrew & Sarah Grace
p.s. Cheetah ran a great race tonight!
By Stacy, August 5, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
Stacy,
I’m praying for you gal! What a wonderful opp you are having there. Now don’t go looking around for some veggies to munch on…no eating toasted twigs or marinated leaves. Hope you enjoy these precious folks. They always have so much to teach up when we get away for the US. Soak it in and call me when you get home to share of your adventures. I hope you are learning some new dance steps. I love you girl! Jill
By Kahea Milroy, August 5, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Hey Gulu Outreach!
Glad to hear things are going well! Us Californians (Ahem) are praying for you. I think Dave and Robby are missing Cigar for the “road expansion” project with her mad ditch digging skills. We miss you guys and hope you keep safe and keep posting pictures!
Love,
Dan and Kahea
By Kathryn Tarantino, August 6, 2010 @ 2:45 am
Good morning Uganda Team:
So proud of New Albany, Ohio for taking on the mission to heal many people! Your healing through spiritual prayer, medical means, and harvesting food is miraculous. Knowing Dr. Dave personally, we are confident all are receiving proper medical care and getting “back in the game” of life.
Thank you for sharing your diary. And know the New Albany Rosary Group continues to pray for your wisdom & strength. As you continue to make a solid difference. Enjoy! Enjoy! KT & Family
By Eric, Bridget and Fam, August 6, 2010 @ 6:03 am
You guys ROCK! Unbelievable work being done – physical, spritual, cultural and healthwise. What a great story about Kaci on the plane going to Uganda – God does work in many (surprising) ways. What an additinoal blessing for a blessed group. The meal at the farm sounds like it was outstanding – what a treat.
We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers … all of us back in NA are proud of you!
Enjoy and God bless and keep you all safe…
Eric, Bridget and Family …..
By Julie Skoulis, August 6, 2010 @ 10:07 am
I cannot get the smile off of my face as I picture all the places that you are visiting and remember the amazing feeling of truly being God’s hands, eyes, and feet…I am praying for all of you daily and we are so proud of the Gulu 2010 team! I am thrilled to hear about all of the progress on many fronts and it reminds me that we must all remember to dream and pray BIG! Most of all, I love thinking about our brother Jim, that he is smiling and loving seeing all of the projects (but this time, sitting next to our Jesus) does it get an better? I pray that the JOY OF THE LORD will continue to be your source of strength and perseverance. Much love to you all! JTime (David can explain)
By CC, August 6, 2010 @ 10:09 am
Hey you guys!
I hope you had a great day today! I am so envious you all right now! Soak in the joy of our African friends and send them a great big southern hug from me!
Dustin, we miss you and can’t wait to hear more about the adventures!
Praying for amazing things to happen in and through each of you!
By Nancy Ferguson, August 6, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Glad to hear so much progress has been made in Gulu! I would imagine it must be very inspiring to see God’s work first hand, and to see what a difference just a few people can make in the lives of the less fortunate.
We are so grateful for all you are doing!
Take care,
Nancy Ferguson
By Aimee Haley, August 6, 2010 @ 11:48 am
Hello Gulu:
Thank-you for these blogs. Many of us are able to feel your experiences through them. What an eye opener to realize a trip to the Urgent Care for antibiotics is second nature for those of us raising kids with strep throat, and the worthy people of Uganda may never get that relief. How wonderful for you to administer and minister to them. I’m praying you are all getting the rest you need to complete your mission. Prayers for a safe return.
Love Jim and Aimee Haley
By Matt & Lilly, August 6, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
Go GULU!! Matt and I love the blog and hearing about the work you’re doing. Dave, your wife is a tough cookie and your kids miss you terribly (unfortunately, no matter how much Matt sings “playing with the queen of hearts” he can’t compete with “Daddy”). We will continue to pray for you and wish all the best. Miss you Mom and Dad!!
XO
By Ralston Family, August 6, 2010 @ 1:13 pm
Hey Daddy,
We loved your entry about the trip to the Lagutu Village. You made Mommy cry. We can’t wait to see the self-portraits of alll the children. We miss you so much and are so proud of you. We are praying for you and the rest of the NAPC Gulu Team, as well as everyone you are reaching out to. The medical clinic set-up sounds SWEET! (I aka Hannah wants to OFFICALLY be a doctor now and go with you when I’m is older.) We love you dearly, and are counting the days until you get home!
Love,
Hannah, Catherine, Andrew, Sarah, and Mommy (Teri)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOX
P.S. Mr. Chipmunk ate a tomato this morning, Andrew sounds like a goose on his sax, and Tess is missing her alpha male dearly, she has been playing with her beloved dice and ice daily.
By Milroys!, August 6, 2010 @ 2:05 pm
Hi Daddy!
I love you! We went to the zoo today and saw polar bears and chipmunks. I fed the chipmunks. I saw the foxes. I saw a zebra. I colored a picture for you.
LOVE, KAY KAY
By Milroys!, August 6, 2010 @ 4:14 pm
Dave – really the kids are driving me crazy! I can’t make it without you! You just complete our family!
Mimi – we miss you and hope you are surviving two weeks with two Milroy men!
Papa – the kids want some donuts! Don’t hurt yourself!
All – can’t wait to hear the details of the “would you rather” game! You know I’ll find out!
Love & prayers, Lia
By Rodney Suddith, August 6, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
Way to go team! Another day of tremendous blessing and service to so many others. Cannot read about your day without remembering the first time NAPC was in Lagutu – thanks for going back!
DJ – the pictures are amazing and I cannot wait to see the video, powerful story about Jimmy
Dave Milroy – I find it interesting that your parents look so much younger than you! Also, when does the NAPC soccer team take to the pitch and the world marvels once again at the “Great Wall of Milroy”
Dustin – I wonder who came up with idea of playing “would you rather”?
By Milligans, August 7, 2010 @ 7:30 am
Hello Gulu Team!
We are glad to hear that you arrived safely and have enjoyed reading the posts about your days in Uganda so far. Thank you for all you are doing for the people there. We are keeping all of you in our prayers!
Glad you discovered Fanta Orange – it really is that good! Rob suggests that you stock up – he has been severely disappointed that it doesn’t taste the same back here!
Rob & Jannette
By dswinehart, August 7, 2010 @ 8:28 am
Hey Team!
I have loved reading all your stories and seeing your pictures. I know the Lord is moving through you and in you. Praise and glory to our Lord and King.
Stacy – I love the pictures of you! Seeing you with the kids takes me back to my time there. Enjoy every minute of it! We are praying for you and the team. Love you.
By Sam Casey, August 7, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
DJ,
Just wanted to let you know that Heidi and I decided to throw a neighborhood party at your house. Well lets just say things got a little out of hand and we added a “sun roof” to your office upstairs. Shouldn’t be more than $3000 to fix it.
But seriously brother so thankful to you for all your hard work and using your talents to bless this ministry. Water ice when we get back on me!
Your Neighbor
By Kelly Parnigoni, August 7, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Hey Stac,
Amazing stories and pictures. So glad you are having this experience. Praying for you and miss ya.
Love,
Kel & John
By Milroys!, August 7, 2010 @ 5:13 pm
Hi Friends!
Enjoyed a little ballet recital today featuring Hannah and Sarah Ralston and Isabella Milroy! So fun! Of course, most of Isabella’s fans are in Africa!
Praying for a blessed Sunday for you all – and some amazing preaching from the pastor, given! Don’t worry if your humor doesn’t translate, honey!
Miss you and love you – really LOVE you DHM!
Lia
By Ralston Family, August 7, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
Good Morning!
Wow! Another amazing day-you guys are a well-oiled machine serving the needs of so many. The photos of the children and people of Uganda are beautiful and you guys look pretty awesome, too!
The girls ballet performance was wonderful. Hannah, Sarah and Isabella were the stars of the show! I’m thinking I can talk Miss Tara into including an African dance piece into next years recital…any takers?
DRR we love you more than words can say…
xoxoxoxoxoxo,
Hannah, Catherine, Andrew, Sarah Grace & Teri
p.s. The Schaffirs send their love and prayers
By R.J.McWhorter, August 8, 2010 @ 5:22 am
Hello to our GULU crew.
It sounds and looks like you all are doing a fantastic job helping the people in the villages over there. We miss you all, particularly Lolo and Jeff. Max and Buddy are doing fine, but just cannot seem to get enough of each other. Buddy says hurry home Jeff. Max says that he needs a lap to lay on, Loretta. Well, I have to get off to church, so you all have a great day and most of all keep safe in everything you do. We love you, and cannot wait to see you this Saturday!
By Drummond Fam, August 8, 2010 @ 6:35 am
Stacy Poo
It’s hard to determine who is winning the brightest clothes contest thus far. You or the Ugandans! Can’t wait to see to post with tomorrow’s dress.
Also, nice to see that a shovel does fit into your hands. The ranch needs some work when you return.
Blessings to you for taking this awesome step to serve. We are really proud of you.
Dad and Mom.
By Jam Class, August 8, 2010 @ 6:36 am
The combined 5 YO thru 2nd grade JAM class sends our love and prayers! We are excited to hear your stories when you are back next week. Today we talked about the story of Jesus calming the storm and we pray for a calm trip home for all of you.
The Sunday JAM class
P.S. Isabella also says she loves Daddy!
By Kacie, August 8, 2010 @ 7:36 am
Back “home” in Kampala, wearing my Sports Outreach shirt around the house because I miss “my” team already!
By kacie, August 8, 2010 @ 7:57 am
Back “home” in Kampala, wearing my Sports Outreach shirt around the house because I miss “my” team already (and its awesome.).
By head over heals in love, August 8, 2010 @ 10:30 am
Hey love! Been “crazy busy” here! So sorry I haven’t been on here yet! Just know that we are dying without you! We miss you like crazy and can’t wait to see your hot self! We have had a lot of fun this past week though. A new amazing park adventure, a raw food bar (oh yes!), lots of pool time, the discovery place, and lots of play dates. Working hard to get ready for school, boys are pumped! I haven’t done one house project, though I have plenty in mind
I love you babe
By The Gurd's, August 8, 2010 @ 1:21 pm
Thanks for sharing this awesome story via the blog. We keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers, and are amazed how God is working through you.
Be safe and God bless.
The Gurd family
By Milroys!, August 8, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
Happy Anniversary, my love!!!! Best 13 years of my life
xoxo
By Ralston Family, August 9, 2010 @ 5:27 am
DRR- counting the days til you are home with us!
Lots of love and continued prayers,
Teri, Hannah, Catherine, Andrew & Sarah Grace
xoxoxoxo
By Debbie and Natalie Oien, August 9, 2010 @ 11:52 am
Hi Gulu Team! Natalie and I are thinking of you and praying for you! It sounds like everyone is having a wonderful experience and making such a positive impact on the people and village. God Bless you and your service.
Blessings
By jackson, August 9, 2010 @ 12:50 pm
Stacy Marie,
I can’t wait to have you home but am glad you are out there in the mother land.
The updates and seeing you in a couple pictures have helped me survive missing you a bit better– along with knowing how much the people in Gulu must love to be around you (i know from experience dude) and that your hard work is a big help to SOI. Its not easy loaning out your best friend for two weeks, but Its the least i could do to help the poor.
i love you estacy
Jackson
By Simpson Family, August 9, 2010 @ 3:59 pm
Coach Dave,
We enjoyed following your blog and looking at the pictures. You are doing amazing work!
Praying for your safe return,
Molly, Lexi, & Abi
By head over heals in love, August 9, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
Daddy,
I have been playing my guitar, but it is out of tune and i don’t know how to fix it. I need you to help me. I took out the trash and took it all down for trash day. It made Mommy smile when I did that for her. It is fun with our cousins here. We are very excited to go to the beach! I love you, Tyler
O H I O! Oh yeah, I can’t wait to watch the bucks games! Can we go see a game this year? I have been doing some flips for gymnastics, but I am kind’a getting nervous that I will be the only boy! The costume closet has been played in a lot. I have been helping keep it clean, but some of the hangers got broken. I am excited to skim board tomorrow at the beach! I love you, Bryce
I have been having fun with my cousins! We went to Maria’s pool today because Pine lake was closed. It was still fun, but there wasn’t a slide. I have been making my bed everyday and have slept in a lot for Mommy. She has been doing The Shred and I have done some too. I miss you Daddy, I love you, Dylan
Hi Daddy, Mommy said we can’t go shopping while you are in Africa. I NEED a new bag and pink ballet slippers!! I love having my girl cousins here to play with. They like all my toys and my bags. I think I would like a new baby. Baby AJ is so cute and his cry is very little. I am excited to stay in the hotel with my cousins. I love you, Ava
Hey HOT STUFF, I miss you like crazy and can’t wait to snuggle you when you get back. Just so you know, I am amazed by YOU!
I love you
By Dave Gehm, August 9, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
<Mission Team, sounds like you are doing so much work each and every day. Nice to see that Betsy was blogging and all of you are well. Take care and our thoughts and prayers are with you all each and every day. Thanks for sharing all the stories and efforts.
By Milroys!, August 9, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
How’s my Milroy Man? The kids and I really really really really reallly miss you (that’s 5 reallys – one from each of us)! They have eaten much of their candy – Hunter loved the sour gummy worms! Katherine thinks that you came back from Africa to leave a gift for her on her bed. She was looking for one again this morning.
Isabella is having her big sleep over tonight at the ballet studio – such a big deal! Hunter actually volunteered to go with me to drop her off – hmmm! Annie is on the verge of walking, but I know she is just waiting for you.
So since today is our anniversary, I had the wedding album out. We all had fun looking at it! And, Babe, I have to tell you that you have still got it – actually you are better than ever! I guess it’s true that men just get better looking with age – especially Milroy Men! (Don’t puff up your chest, Robby!)
Alright – that’s all I’ve got tonight!
5 more days – can’t wait! L
By Ralston Family, August 9, 2010 @ 6:59 pm
Hey Babe,
Thanks for staying up so late to make sure we got the chance to chat. I just love to hear your voice! Super busy with the kiddos today, but it’s all good! Tried a burger recipe for dinner and all I can say is you ate way better than we did tonight. Yick! Actually, double yick! Mama needs a new recipe to take to NYC! Catherine was polite and ate hers… Andrew took a bite and said “I really don’t care for it so much…can I please get a bowl of cereal?” Hannah and Sarah dodged the burger bullet by eating pizza at the ballet sleepover! Hmmmmm…
Talked to Ma and Pa Ralston tonight, they send their love and are so proud of you. You know your dad…”That Dave is tough now-he’s a Ralston!”
Saturday will be here before you know it and we can’t wait!
Love,
Hannah, Catherine, Andrew, Sarah Grace & Teri
xoxoxoxoxoxo
P.S. Great job on your 1st blog entry, Betsy! They have all been so wonderful to read-it is the highlight of our day!
By Michael Ralston, August 10, 2010 @ 10:31 am
Hey David Ralston,
So, do you feel like a tired intern once again….seeing so many patients in so little time? We are all praying for you and the team there. We can’t wait to see you and hear about your adventure. This must top the Hawaiian Waterfall Adventure over the “Tressel of Death”, the “Mudslide to Pain”, and the “Rock Trail to Broken Bones”. We miss you. I love you, brother. Remember Matthew 25:31-40!
Mike Ralston
By Matt & Lilly, August 10, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
We love reading all your blogs and we’re truly amazed by the work God has done and will continue to do during your trip. Funny that Davey and Bobby are now experienced ditch diggers; sounds like some exhausting father/son bonding. Much better than your heated contests on the links!
I know you’re probably wondering (maybe just Ina), but Lilly wanted you to know that the baby has been kicking like “crazy” in her belly. I’ve yet to feel it, so we’ll just take her word on this one.
The photos are fanatastic and look forward to continue following this phenomonal trip. Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to hear all your stories!
Love,
Matt & Lilly
By Ralston Family, August 10, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
Dear Daddy,
Have fun on your safari tomorrow. Take lots of pictures. Sarah wants you to bring her home a monkey in addition to a drum (and she’s not talking about a stuffed animal monkey…). Andrew is still playing his sax constantly, but now, he sounds more like a wounded goose, rather than one dying. Catherine and I have been working on homework, and tomorrow, we are going school supply shopping. The Vitellas’ house was a lot of fun. They want you to come over and share Africa stories and play Euchre (Mommy and Ms. Lisa promise not to cheat…). We love you sooooo much and are soooooo proud of you. We can’t wait to hear some more adventures when you return. We miss you!
5 days and counting…
Love,
Hannah, Catherine, Andrew, Sarah, and Mommy
P.S. Tess is a wild cat. She caught a fly today, but when she ate it, it was still buzzing in her mouth (GROSS!). She loves to climb on chairs to look out the window at Mr. Chipmunk, who is still constantly stealing our tomatoes (he took four today). Tess misses you and her soft under-belly attacks from you.
By R.J.McWhorter, August 10, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
Hello McWhorters & the Gulu gang!
We miss you here in the cow town. I spoke with Dr. Jeff’s honey, and she told me that Jeff called her on her way back from the Carolina’s and she told me the news of her new brother. I gave her the information to Blog you today. I got Lolo’s phone message today, Tuesday, sorry I missed you, I can’t wait to really hear from you, so I’m going to jump on a plane and come and find you guys…………..Just kidding. Anyway, It sounds like you all are working overtime, and everyone over there are appreciative of all of your efforts, keep up the good work, and we will keep looking daily at the pictures you all are sending. Our prayers are with you, be safe and I’ll blog you again soon.
All our love, Bob, Max and Buddy.
By Jeff's Honey, August 12, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
Jeffrey!! Your dad just told me about this site and the pictures. I was so excited to see them and be able to really picture where you are and what you are doing. It looks amazing! I love the ones of you and the children you look so tall standing next to them haha.. I hope you are having an amazing experience.. it looks like all of you are. I miss you terribly and think about you constantly. I can not wait for you to be home! I want to hear about EVERYTHING.. I’m so proud of you and the help and hope you are giving to Gulu and the medical hands on experience looks amazing i will be there waiting at the airport..I am SO exited to see you that i might even knock you down when i run and hug you so fair warning! I love you so much and please come back to me safely! and yes i’m being good
Loretta! HIIII I miss you so much, I hope you are having a great experience as well.. I read your post and I bet it is a really great experience to see all of the progressions and changes to Gulu. Sounds like you are being a very helpful pharmacologist this week thats great ha! I did not see any pics of you so jump into some of them so i can see you! Tell Pastor Dave i said hey and please be safe and keep my Jeffrey safe and i can’t wait to see you both!
Love Kaylan
p.s. My baby brother was born August 8th 2010 at 11:55am. 7.9 pounds 21 inches and his name is Collin Casto Mokas!!
By Rodney Suddith, August 12, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
You guys rock! I am so thankful for all the lives that were touched and the staff that was blessed and appreciated by you and your contributions to them as well as to those they serve. Thanks so much for the summary post as I sincerely pray that someone has a video of the match with a feature clip of Pastor David going into the bush. safe journey and a wonderful homecoming for you all.
Hope you get a chance to see Kacie before you head home!