It’s 5:00 am and this by far is the toughest blog/facebook posting I’ve ever had to write. The day started off wonderfully as we went to the Disabled & Handicap School (that’s the name they call it here in Uganda) and the 113 children were their usual loving selves. We sang with them and received lots of hugs and kisses and many jumping in our arms, not letting go. We de-wormed them giving them sweets, cookies and each a stuff animal. This is always a highlight for many on the team, including myself.

After a trip to the pharmacy to big up another batch of medicines we were off to Pastor Henry’s little church to conduct our 2nd full medical clinic. The clinic ran very smoothly as we treated over 300 adults and children. All seemed to be running so efficiently without many hitches.

We then proceed to take our administrator, Sarah, back to the children’s home and spent a little more time with our 16 beautiful children at the home. On the way back from the children’s home, I received a phone call from Pastor Henry with the most devastating news. One of the young mother’s came to the medical clinic with malaria and brought her 7-month-old child who had a bad cough. Malaria medicine was prescribed by one of our local doctors (we have several doctors that volunteer with us at our clinics) to treat the women’s malaria and a liquid amoxicillin was prescribed for the baby. Our two nurses then describe into detail how to take the medicine (also written on each packet) through a translator. The women went home and grounded up FOUR malaria tablets and gave it to the young baby and the baby DIED within a short time! This by far has been the biggest pain and hurt that has happened within our ministry in our five years in Uganda. I have begun to ask God WHY? Why when we are trying to save lives is one so young taken so needlessly? My heart breaks terribly for this mother and family. The evening was extremely hard for me as I ached for this family. I’ve had my fellow Ugandans tell me that this is not uncommon here for mix ups for Ugandans, but that doesn’t lessen the pain of a mother loosing her child unfortunately at her own hands through not fully understanding. The team also is devastated and has fervently prayed for this situation that the family would be comforted and that satan would not have the final victory. I will admit that my faith has been shaken asking that big question WHY. It almost doesn’t feel right to say that God is still in control – which is what everyone is trying to tell me. I have been in my room since we heard the devastating crying out to God. I will say that I have felt the prayers of the many prayer warriors that are on this team and know that somehow we will get through this awful time.

Today, Friday, the team is going to the Nile and de-worming clinic at the church that my parent’s built in 1970. When going to bed last night – I made arrangements for my administrator, Sarah, to take the team along with the 16 children from the home. The team was in full agreement (sent by word from Ken) that I should go and let them be a hedge of love – surrounding me through this time. What a fabulous team God has given us – especially for this low time in our ministry. I will try my best today to go and not let satan will this battle. Please pray for the family of this little baby – especially the mother who also must be guilt ridden. I don’t know if they are believers – so pray that this would be a turning point in their lives and that they can be assured that they will see their little one again one day in heaven. Death of babies and children is not uncommon here in Africa, but that doesn’t lessen the pain to the families – they hurt just as we would hurt loosing a child. Pray also that others would have their faith strengthen through this tragedy.

Your continued prayer for the team and the many tasks that lie ahead are also GREATLY appreciated. We know without a doubt that there is a spiritual battle that is ragging for the souls of the people here in Uganda.