Never again...

As part of the follow up from last weekend’s mission, we have been running a series of short video clips from a dvd each looking at a different topic.  These have included “Trust” with a very amusing 2 year old learning to jump from the side of a pool into his father’s arms; “3 seconds” looking at the time to make a decision to do or not do, or say or not say, something.  This was illustrated by the author bungee jumping over the River Nile here in Uganda, something many of the audience had never seen. Will |I or won't I take the plunge?

On Thursday evening Herbert, one of our electricians, chose to do a poignant clip from Rwanda and the genocide memorial in Kigali which has the words “never again” on the structure.  It is hard to believe that such awful, terrible tragedies occurred so recently and only about 3 or 4 hours drive from here.  The message of the video was to live with forgiveness and love rather than revenge and hatred.  Challenging.

On Friday night I spoke at the final session to a full chapel all about our perspective on life – our “world view” - do we just see it as existence that eventually fizzles out and that’s it, or do we realise the eternal dimension that changes how we think about everything else?

I told a lot of stories including of the man who gets on the bus to Kampala and opens his bag and starts to wall paper the side of the coach, put up curtains and family photos to the amazement of the other passengers.  When asked what on earth he is doing he replies “setting up home”!  The others point out that this is just a bus on a journey, that he will be in Kampala this afternoon and he should focus on what he will do there rather than worry about the transient journey.  The story is of course a parable with life: we are just passing through this world with eternity ahead which changes our perspective entirely. But we should still enjoy the journey!

Finally, after stories, video clips, exuberant African rhythm singing and a bit of impromptu drama, the evening was over.

On Saturday we had a much appreciated lie-in to 8.30am then some domestic chores cleaning the house ready for 2 special visitors for a late lunch – Esther, our senior nursing officer, and Moses, our administrator. We have known and loved them both for many years so it was a special time for us to share together.  Esther is due to retire at the end of November which will be a huge change for her but also for Kisiizi.  I don’t think many people realise quite how much she has done / does to hold things together.  She has faithfully worked with a line of Medical Superintendents including myself over the years and has given wise counsel and support. 

I was interrupted to go and see a baby but the conversations continued whilst I was away and on my return.  Then, after quite a few enjoyable hours, we escorted our visitors home as befits local custom.

Today the English service at 9am included a sermon by Dr Gabriel, our excellent surgeon.  He spoke very well on the familiar story of the Good Samaritan but drew out some fresh points.

Afterwards passed via the baby unit then the hospital shop to get milk [bring your own jug] and home to read up some papers and prepare some talks, answer emails etc.

Then this evening a very nice meal with friends – Herbert [electrician] who did a lot of translating for me in the past week and was MC for the mission; his wife Sayuni, a nurse on children’s ward with their lovely tuneful little daughter Faith.  Joined by other members of their family for a lot of laughs and sharing of stories, mostly amusing, some sad, all memorable.

On the way back passed the wards [light on in Maternity theatre so probably doing a caesarean section] and enjoyed the stars which were clear.

Now it’s a bit late so the internet speeds up from tortoise speed to crab speed as less people are competing for the link and I am trying to finish this blog before crashing out for the night…