Human Sacifice is on the Rise

Yes, according to the front page of Saturday's newspaper, human sacrifice is on the rise. Idi, my host father, told me that witch doctors and such people perform human sacrifices but they will not sacrifice circumcised men or women with their ears pierced, that is why a lot of parents pierce their baby girls' ears. I never thought that my decision to not pierce my ears would have a life threatening consequence. Maybe I ought to reconsider.

On Saturday we went with Oliva to the village to visit her family. Oliva lives with us and is the niece of Idi. We had to take a motorcycle ride for about an hour through the country to get there and let me tell you, it was beautiful! Children off the side of the road kept yelling from their huts and small homes, "muzungu!, muzungu!" They got so excited when we smiled and waved. I almost felt like I was in a parade. When we finally arrived to the village, Oliva's family gave us the warmest welcome. The children and neighbors came to see us and sing Christian songs for us. We also sang some primary songs for them. They took us to see their grandparents' grave sights and to meet many of their relatives. These people were so happy to share with us the things that mattered most to them. It made me think of how I should strive to share my life with others.

Yesterday we went to church in Jinja where we met new senior missionaries- the Shipleys from Canada. They are a great example to me of people who are willing to bravely give all of themselves in whatever capacity the Lord sees fit. I recommitted to always be willing and able.

Today in the Maternity Ward I was able to witness a C-section. Wow, that was something else!
Michael, our in-country director, told us yesterday that all of the volunteers have fainted when they get in the operating theater. I somewhat pridefully thought to myself, "I'll be fine, I have a very strong stomach." WRONG!! I was fine when we walked in a saw a man getting a cyst removed from his back and I was fine when they made the first incisions in the woman's abdomen. Without getting graphic I'll just say that somewhere along the line I started to get really light headed. I kept telling myself, "You've seen this before. You're fine. Just breathe." But by that time I was already on a track to blacking out and I couldn't stop myself or talk myself out of it, it just kept getting worse with tunnel vision, pail face and sweating . Finally I told Erin, "I'm going to faint." She led me to a seat where I was able to regain control again. If it weren't for her I probably would have blacked out. It was so amazing to see the baby when it was all over. What a miracle! I will definitely be going back to witness more. The mother was a sweet 15 year old. Before the doctor came in she was in so much pain and the only thing I could do to make her feel better at all was to fan her face. Though she didn't speak any English or understand me, she did managed a, "sank you sister" and I felt happy to be there.

Earlier today we met a woman who was carrying twins. She was in a lot of pain. We tried to make her comfortable but she didn't speak English. She just took my hand and placed it on her body where she wanted me to massage and as I did, she rubbed my arm in gratitude. I learned again that people do not always need words to have a connection or to communicate.

I love being here and getting to meet some of the warmest and most genuine people the world has to offer. I only hope I can be of service to them.