But seriously...

Before I return home with the IGNITE team , I thought I better make a few serious comments. I understand that one of the teams themes will regard the prospect of aging,and at 62 I can honestly say that my experience here in Uganda has confirmed that you are never too old to learn or experience new things.I have taught history ,art and drama to secondary pupils for the first time. I've never preached before , Ronald an extremely able physio, has taught me the basics of treating children with contracted limbs. Other aspects of the learning process has been to adapt to a completely new way of life. Life without TV, and many other commodities that I have grown accustomed to.Those things that I miss the most are contact with family and friends and freedom of movement as personalized transport is lacking.I also miss the fellowship aspect of interacting with our church house group.Not surprisingly I also miss cycling and country walks. I have had greater time to reflect which is a paradox as I lack the "time saving" devices such as washing machines etc. Maybe the lack of TV is the reason I have more time?? Two years after retiring , I've had time to reflect whether retirement was the right decision as this trip has given me the opportunity to see patients. And although it's been imensly interesting and stimulating to use the internet as a source of information to give health talks and learn about diagnosing and treating a whole range of diseases that I've never seen before,( never too old to learn) I still don't miss the NHS. I think God opens "doors" up for us and it's our decision whether we go through those doors, I'm so glad we came through this "door" to Uganda. The people are very friendly and Ugandans put a high priority on giving time to each other, which can sometimes cause frustrating delays,making waiting and lateness a common occurence.I have made good friends with several people during my stay here and I value that very much. One such friend took me to a "Pork Joint" which is an unknown Ugandan treasure that I've not seen mentioned in any guidebook, but in my books it's a "must".My friend say's never seen a mazunga ( white person) in one before. He stressed that one should always choose a clean one ( the alternatives are very obvious from the outside),they sell only pork (not for Muslims or Jews) BBQ'd or fried in tomatoes diced and served on a large shared platter with accompanying piles of chopped tomatoes and onions, avocado chunks, casava ( a starchy root), greens, ,mashed plantain,salt and pepper.There are no knives and forKs and no plates (and Mac Donalds thought they came up with that idea first!), you use your hands( which the waitress helps you wash before and after eating).The only beverages are either beer or soda.The atmosphere was so relaxed, and it was one of the best meals I've had here. Most Ugandans agree that corruption is the main reason their country is slow to regain it's economic strength following the years of Idi Amins' regime.It's a real shame because the country is blessed with a wonderful climate remaining around 25 degrees all year, at the moment it's the rainy season , so the temperatures around 22 and feels like an overcast English summer day.The soil is very fertile , one local said he finds vegetables growing in his garden and didn't know how they got there!Theres adequate water, several large lakes including lake Victoria which is the largest single lake in the world.This provides abundant fish, and the rivers including the Nile are a source of hydroelectric power.Other natural resources include fantastic mountainous scenery in the west with several tourist magnet game reserves, copper,iron and gold ore. I find here a freedom from the stranglehold of the sometimes petty political correctness in the UK, although like every society they have their own versions of social correctness that they inflict on people. Talking of opinions, we in the west see images of African problems and organisations formulate plans to help them deal with those problems.What we need to remember is that those solutions are from our perspective which isn't necessarly from the African point of view. As a result , help is politely accepted , then ignored or used for an alternative unforseen purpose. This is a lesson Lynne and I have learned from anecdotal, practical and observational experience.I think it is important for any aid or mission team to bear in mind when coming out to help in foreign countries.In the same way , finances are finite and when one is beset by such a seemingly bottomless pit of need,mission workers such as those at Wellspring have the unenviable task of rationing out the scant resources to those with the highest need. Prioritising when face to face with the affected individuals can be distressing especially when your sole aim is to help. It has been my privilege to go into many of these peoples homes, it is inspirational to see the positive attitudes of some families despite their circumstances ,by contrast, sometimes the indifference and dispondency that purveys the home is very evident . Finally, I am so glad to have come here in so many ways, the details of which you will deduce from the previous blogs. It's not been easy, but it will be something I'll remember and cherish for a long time.