curt's journal from Uganda-July 31

This morning we walked down to the clinic that is run by a woman at the church named Pauline. Hillary loves her. She provides a home for one of the boys we sponsor, Julius, so she calls Hillary her sister. She wasn’t at the clinic this morning, but she came by our apartment this evening. She’s been a doctor for more than 10 years and could probably make a lot more money and be in a nicer facility, but she prefers to help those in need who can’t afford it. I can tell Hillary really adores her and the feeling is mutual. She bragged about how great Hillary is at dispensing drugs and helping her in the clinic. We showed her Hillary’s graduation video, which highlights her life from birth on. She and Resty watched the whole thing and seemed to really love seeing how Hillary grew up. We’re going back to the clinic tomorrow morning to video-tape a third year medical student named Jolly who volunteers in the clinic. He is a graduate of the school in Lusaka where Hillary helps out and plays basketball. He was the one who organized the basketball game the other day between the older guys and the Prophets. He was still talking about the game. He wants a rematch. We’ll also interview a young lady named Joyce who volunteers there as well. ICN is hoping to start a new program to help young people like them who are trying to get their education to work with the less fortunate. I hope I can accurately tell their story. I’m nowhere near a being professional videographer. I hope I can do their stories justice.

I’m starting to feel much more independent, though on the walk home, Hillary said we’re not very smart they way we walk along the streets. Apparently, we’re not attentive enough to traffic. I’ll take her advice. I’ve seen how pedestrians are treated here! Today I felt good though. I purchased internet airtime, sat and used the internet, ordered a bottle of water, and then a newspaper from a guy walking down the middle of the street selling papers…all by myself. I know, I know, “goody for you, Curt,” but, for me, it’s quite an accomplishment.

Tonight, Hopkins (Pastor Moses’ wife) came over and we hammered out the details of what we’ll be doing for the next couple of weeks. We’ll be heading into the bush to visit many of the schools and spending more time with the kids in the choir. We’re all really looking forward to the next phase of our adventure. Now, to the adventure of getting some sleep…Welaba!