An Awesome Ugandan Mission

Having been to Uganda four times now, I have a good feel for the health of the children at the orphanage there, as well as in the surrounding villages. The children have both good eyes and good teeth (yes, we also do dental screenings!) (Figure 1).

PROVIDING MEANINGFUL EYE CARE

Regarding providing eye care, one thing that is helpful is at least being able to quantify refractive error. Most of the children at the orphanage are nearly emmetropic, so they rarely have need for prescription eyeglasses. The surrounding adult community, however, has great need for accurate presbyopia correction. Thankfully, we were able to use a loaned handheld autorefractor. It took me all of 10 minutes to become an expert in using this loaned handheld autorefractor, and I was able to train the resident social worker to deftly use the device in about 15 minutes.

The handheld autorefractor allowed us to quickly assess the adult population’s baseline refractive status, which enabled us to more accurately determine the power needed for correction (Figure 2). As a result, the mission team and I were able to help the adult community see better at near, enabling them to perform near tasks more easily. Helping to see our mission through, the on-site social worker said she would arrange to get the few surgical patients to the capital city of Kampala for definitive care. Our mission would cover all the expenses.

EXPERIENCING JOY FIRSTHAND

Watching these adults’ faces light up when looking through reading glasses was so rewarding; their smiles said it all!

LEARNING HOW THEY LIVE

Both Kenya and Uganda have their own (and different) verbal languages, yet all signage and formal teaching is in English—this is a truly hybridized communication system.

While the children are well-nourished and well-housed, this is not the case for the community residents (Figure 3). They grow most of their own food (primarily corn and beans) and can get rice at nearby markets.

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE

A few years ago, a well was dug that supplies the orphanage with drinkable water. Specifically, a spur line was built so the local people could come and fill their jerry cans with clean water. Otherwise, they would have to walk a mile or 2 to nearby ponds to get water. Such a supply of healthy well water fosters healthier living and builds great appreciation in the surrounding villages—a win-win situation.

When I was first at the Ugandan orphanage in 2018, the “kitchen” was three large stones that supported a metal grill. In addition to no well or formal kitchen, there was no electricity or quality housing; it was all very primitive. Now, there is good water, a formal kitchen, and nice dormitories—all funded by the Mission Servants organization, a local organization sponsored by the church I attend. Perhaps more importantly, the children are able to go to school and love having the privilege!

If anyone has an interest in going on one of the Mission Servants ministry trips, they can visit the website, www.missionservants.org. It would be a pleasure to have you join us!