February 14, 2008
One cool quote I heard one of our leaders state a few times is a really impressive mindset/attitude/vision-type statement. Brian Seay casually mentioned a few times that “Compassion isn’t real big on re-inventing the wheel.” They find someone that’s doing something effectively and they partner with them and empower them. Another really cool (and humble) sidenote to their credit is that you don’t see any signs at the projects and places they work with that say, “Supported by Compassion International” or something. They’re not blowing a trumpet and announcing their good works. This is the biblical way of giving and serving. God sees what we do and any credit that we need will be given by Him.
It also, I think, answers the question in the subject heading. Why re-invent the wheel or start a brand new structure, fill out a staff, buy start-up materials and whatnot if there is someone else already doing the same job effectively. We saw a real good example of that each time we went to a project. There were no plaques on the walls or signs that described or labelled Compassion’s partnership with this. Today we went to the HIV/AIDS clinic here in Kampala. It was both an educational and motivating visit, but also a punch in the gut. Later on in the bus afterwards, my lovely and knowledgable wife explained some of the medical facts about HIV (and the difference between it and AIDS). When she shared the sobering statistics about young children that have HIV and get an opportunistic infection are pretty much not likely to survive for too long … These opportunistic infections might not damage a healthy person, but someone who is HIV positive will not have the basic strength and immunity to fight them off. … When she explained this, it hit home that perhaps all of the sweet and tiny little babies getting care in the clinic we saw today had very low chances of surviving more than a year or two. It was a very sad moment.
The facility we visited is one of only two clinics in the world that exclusively treat HIV/AIDS and nothing else. It is called the MildMay Centre and it is a beautiful place. The land that it is on is like a lovely retreat or campus. Lots of hills, trees, and grass surround several first class buildings.
I was reminded of how some people give the best. We have some friends called the Tuceks (Daniel plays bass still for One Bad Pig; and Cathy used to sell ads for HM). If someone they know or hear about loses their house in a fire, for example, they will go out and buy them some brand new clothes. None of this rummaging around in the garage, attic or closet for the Tuceks. They’ll find out the person’s size and go out and buy some brand new and really nice clothes. It’s love mixed with respect, class, and big-hearted generosity. That’s what this complex reminded me of. It was just beautiful. Shannon Lowe, one of our bloggers, mentioned that it really felt like a sanctuary. That’s a great way to describe this place (mildmay.or.ug). It offered a visual sense of peace and shelter in the midst of what must be a terrifying time for the patients that come there for treatment (which is free, by the way).
We heard a lot of statistics today. You have probably heard some statistics about HIV and AIDS, too. In 1986 or so the President of Uganda came out and admitted to the world that “we have a problem here.” And they were thus the first to really ask for help. Other African leaders apparently denied it or avoided the subject. This devestating plague has wiped out so many adults and children. Addressing it is most definitely a serious need. The major funder of the MildMay Centre is the Center for Disease Control (CDC), based in Atlanta, Georgia. The US Government has in the last 9 years or so given lots of funds, many from the Pepfar program.
There is lots of treatment done here, which is pretty much done on an outpatient basis. All of the adults come in and out for treatment, though they have 30 or so inpatient beds for children. They do lots of training, as well as educating those patients with the disease. The centre was initially funded by the British government. It was given to the Ugandan government not too long after it was established (about two years). Everywhere we looked it seemed like there was comprehensive help for those with HIV and/or AIDS. They had their own ambulance, so if someone needed immediate care they could go get them and not have to wait for a city vehicle. Initially, it was the only clinic treating for this in the country, but now they have some satellite clinics that help those further away.
It was strange arriving at a gate with high fences and a guard house. Our arrival with Compassional International staff was arranged in advance, but we still had to pass through checkpoints. This might be a reflection of British government attitudes or maybe just common sense security by being located in an urban setting.
We saw some waiting rooms, where patients were there for treatment and doctor’s appointments. Many of those with HIV can get treated, in case you didn’t know, and live productive, healthy lives. Some of the drugs they need (like anti-viral drugs) are dispensed here. We were served “tea” (which, as anyone who’s visited an English country will know, means hot tea, as well as snacks). We had some muffins, juice and sausages. We went into their dentist office, which we were told was the only HIV dentist office. There’s been issues, of course, with health care workers about the caution and risks in treating an infection/virus that is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. An obvious concern is someone operating in a person’s mouth, for example, and contracting the virus through that contact. Medical workers use a lot of care for this, and dentistry is one area that’s given concern. Here we saw a very friendly dentist and assistant working on a small girl’s mouth. I felt bad for the girl, because it’s always weird when people (especially strangers) are staring at you. I imagine she had some novacaine or other pain killer, because she wasn’t crying. The dentist used one utensil and then retrieved the pliers for a tooth extraction. Wham! It was just like that — a quick procedure — that gave most of us in the room ‘the willies.’ We left shortly thereafter and toured the children’s section up the hill. I can’t state how fantastic and first class this place is. Even if it were located in Malibu, California or Boston, Massachussetts, this facility would get high marks from anyone visiting. I want to look more into this facility. I’ll blog more about it later, I’m sure.
One of the children’s wings was named after Veronica Moss. She’s someone I’m definitely going to google when I get the chance. I’m rushing on this blog as we prepare for a dinner with the young men and women that are going through the leadership program here with Compassion. They’re basically being put through college with Compassion’s help. It will be an awesome picture, I’m sure, of the blessing and outcome of child sponsorship at the next level.
Coming up soon will be a blog about our experience with meeting our sponsored child. Be sure and read that one.
Visiting Africa is really a life-changing experience. You can’t see the need of your neighbors (who in our modern age of high-speed transportation and communication, are not that far away anymore) and not be changed somehow. I’ve participated in child sponsorship and would recommend it to anyone; but now I’ve seen it up-close and personal and I emplore you to simply ask God if you can sponsor a child. I’m willing to guess that God will provide a way to help you meet the serious but reasonably small monthly committment of sponsoring a child. Would you be willing to just pray about it and listen for an answer? I know that’s pointed, but we can all do something to help here and this is just a very simple and practical way to do that. Some of you reading this have done that … and that is so awesome. You would love to hear the thankful refrain from so many people here. They love what Compassion is doing and the Child Sponsorships are helping them out and doing so much for them.
Info on sponsoring:
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 14, 2008 10:26 AM
Comments