Last week was my first week working in the clinic with the premature babies. We are able to help the premature babies better than the local hospital and usually the nurses work in this room and keep the ridiculously small and sick babies alive.
This week I worked in there, and all the babies are doing well. The two smallest are in the incubators, one being Eli who came about 2 weeks ago weighing just under 1kg. He's a strong little fella with lots of fight, and he loves getting taken out for cuddles.
Anyway the other night a baby came in at just before 6pm. He was WHITE which is apparantly not that abnormal for African babies, but it looked a little like those strange cats with no fur. Quite a scary sight.
His mother was with him, and the story goes that she had tried to abort him at 36 weeks (as most of you know this is not far of birth) this induced labour and she then gave birth to a live baby. She tried to abandom him but was seen and brought to us. So baby Jonathan was born in the morning and arrived with us in the evening. He was cold and sickly looking. His mother had not even cleaned up from the birth.
While we warmed the incubator and cleaned it (having just kicked out another baby who didn't need to be in the incubator as much as this one did) Rachel held him to warm him.
He was placed in the incubator and we watched him for a while, wondering how he was going to do.
At 7pm we finished out shift.
At 8pm Nicola went to feed him and noticed his heartrate dropping dramatically, she rushed him to hospital but he died.
Today we have his funeral.
It breaks me heart that his mother did this to him, that she thought it was her only way, it makes me cry that he was not wanted, yet many couples go childless and would have given anything to have this baby. If the mother waited and gave birth naturally and then abandoned him safely, then even that would have been better for this poor boy.
Now Jonathan is gone. He lived a day. It was so hard, I just wish there could have been another way.
So Its been a sad few days. I am not used to this death thing.
Bye for now
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The Village
I visited the village today where the children who are 2- 18+ live.
Unfortunatly I only filmed it instead of photos (my digital camera is broken because I put it in my pocket to pick someone up and little hands grabbed it and dropped it)
The homes have all been built by volunteer teams from around the world, some come in families, church groups or organise random groups online. The bricks are made on site and the teams build with Ugandan builders to create a home.
The Homes have a kitchen, dining/lounge area and 3 bedrooms, 2 for the children (they sleep 4 in each room) and 1 room for the Mum. There is also a proper bathroom with running water.
The employ the Mums who are mostly widows or grandmas and they live in the houses until the kids are old enough to move out, at which time the the Mum can retire to a retirement village provided by Watoto.
The Villages have many homes set in clusters to create a community feel, and they have kindergartens, Primary Schools and High Schools. They also have a church on site. In the future they hope to build things like sports grounds, a pool, a medical clinic etc.
The concept is brilliant and they hope to eventually be self-sufficient (not relying soley on international donations) They hope to set up farms and grow and produce and farm their own food, as well as supplying the neighbouring communities. They also hope to expand their small production facilities that currently make the furniture and clothing to be able to run like businesses not only supplying their own needs but to sell to the community.
The model is proving a massively successful way for Africa to cope with its orphaned children problem, and many churches and groups from across to continent are being encouraged to replicate the model in their own countries and settings.
I was in awe at the village and I got to see my newly moved toddlers (who I mentioned moved from the Babies home into their new home in the village with a new Mum) and they are all settling in well. Eventually they will have new brothers and sisters join them until there are 8 per house (right now they are starting each new Mum with 3 new toddlers so as not to be too overwhelming) - it was so exciting to see them in their new homes but I will miss them a lot.
I will post photos of the villages next time i visit.
As for everyday life, I am struggling to live on their diet of CARBS, CARBS and more CARBS, every meal is rice, potatos, breads, mushy banana stuff that tastes gross and usually some kind of bean or meat. So I am buying my own fruit and veg which is not cheap.
The pineapple here tastes divine though!!!
Anyway I will write again soon
From Felicity
Unfortunatly I only filmed it instead of photos (my digital camera is broken because I put it in my pocket to pick someone up and little hands grabbed it and dropped it)
The homes have all been built by volunteer teams from around the world, some come in families, church groups or organise random groups online. The bricks are made on site and the teams build with Ugandan builders to create a home.
The Homes have a kitchen, dining/lounge area and 3 bedrooms, 2 for the children (they sleep 4 in each room) and 1 room for the Mum. There is also a proper bathroom with running water.
The employ the Mums who are mostly widows or grandmas and they live in the houses until the kids are old enough to move out, at which time the the Mum can retire to a retirement village provided by Watoto.
The Villages have many homes set in clusters to create a community feel, and they have kindergartens, Primary Schools and High Schools. They also have a church on site. In the future they hope to build things like sports grounds, a pool, a medical clinic etc.
The concept is brilliant and they hope to eventually be self-sufficient (not relying soley on international donations) They hope to set up farms and grow and produce and farm their own food, as well as supplying the neighbouring communities. They also hope to expand their small production facilities that currently make the furniture and clothing to be able to run like businesses not only supplying their own needs but to sell to the community.
The model is proving a massively successful way for Africa to cope with its orphaned children problem, and many churches and groups from across to continent are being encouraged to replicate the model in their own countries and settings.
I was in awe at the village and I got to see my newly moved toddlers (who I mentioned moved from the Babies home into their new home in the village with a new Mum) and they are all settling in well. Eventually they will have new brothers and sisters join them until there are 8 per house (right now they are starting each new Mum with 3 new toddlers so as not to be too overwhelming) - it was so exciting to see them in their new homes but I will miss them a lot.
I will post photos of the villages next time i visit.
As for everyday life, I am struggling to live on their diet of CARBS, CARBS and more CARBS, every meal is rice, potatos, breads, mushy banana stuff that tastes gross and usually some kind of bean or meat. So I am buying my own fruit and veg which is not cheap.
The pineapple here tastes divine though!!!
Anyway I will write again soon
From Felicity
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Things I would do differently...
So things are going well - but here is what I would have done different:
* I would have changed my name from Felicity to something simple like Kate or Jane, because the people here cannot say my name at all, I get everything from Feliss, Felicia, Fricks, Fely, etc..... even Flick is not good because they have trouble pronouncing Ls.
* I would have worn a fake wedding ring to avoid many many many conversation with overly eager men who want to marry a white woman to solve all their problems. My friends have had so many proposals, and its kind of bizarre.
* I would have brought clothing that I didn't mind having 20 babies vomit on, put their food covered hands all over, and leak out of their nappies onto
Hmm that's it for now, the rest has been marvellous!
The toddlers had a party to say goodbye as they move into houses with their new Mummys - it will be sad to see them go, on the other hand it will free up beds for the many new babies we recieve each week.....
Here are some more photos: First is me and Emmanuel, he is from Gulu a war torn area in the North of Uganda, and in the 4 weeks I have been here - he has not put on weight. He's been plagued by vomitting and diaroah (which I can't spell) - and has constantly been sick. He loves cuddles. He origianly tested positive for HIV, but a DNA test showed he's all clear. This week he started to get better. We're praying this continues. HE IS MY FAVOURITE!
This is a group photos of Nannies (employed Ugandan women who look after the children) and all the children! 86 something crying babies on the grass - was lots of fun
That's all for now. :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Meet more babies
This is Dr Moses, if you watched the video I posted earlier (the one showing the babies home, not general Watoto) - you would have seen Marilyn talking about Dr Moses and his story - so I won't repeat it here....
Anyway he is cheeky and charming and so much fun! You should hear his squeeky little voice. Enjoy the photos.
Then here are some smaller babies... (This is Gabby, Toby and Mia getting ready for feeds)
This is Gabby - she smiles all the time and gets into everything. I love her.
Ok that is all I could upload for 45 mins, so I will be back with more photos and stories later.
Bye
Anyway he is cheeky and charming and so much fun! You should hear his squeeky little voice. Enjoy the photos.
Then here are some smaller babies... (This is Gabby, Toby and Mia getting ready for feeds)
This is Gabby - she smiles all the time and gets into everything. I love her.
Ok that is all I could upload for 45 mins, so I will be back with more photos and stories later.
Bye
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Meet some of my babies
This is Julian and John (wearing my glasses), they came and picked me up from the airport.It takes like 15 minutes to upload photos here - so I will do more later.
Everything is good. We had tropical rains for a few days and it is back to being sunny again.
Today is my first day off in 9 days and I am wrecked. WHo knew kids could completely drain you. I'll update again soon.
-Felicity
Thursday, February 7, 2008
They call me Mummy
I have been working with the Toddlers more lately and they call all of their carers Mummy. It is so strange but so endearing. They are all so amazing - and because they talk - they say and do the cutest things.
Most of the time they want cuddles or someone to play with, but there are so many of them and not enough of us, so sharing yourself around can get exhausting.
I still have not taken photos yet - but today I am taking my camera - so we'll see what happens.
We are so overcrowded and full that we are having to send babies away - which is heartbreaking.
Seperate to this - EVERYWHERE we go - the men stare and offer marriage proposals. They all want to marry white girls.... its crazy.
This morning on the way to the internet cafe we ate gelati which tasted great - but it was rather surprising to find a good italian cafe with gelati in Uganda.
Anyway more updates later.
- Felicity
Most of the time they want cuddles or someone to play with, but there are so many of them and not enough of us, so sharing yourself around can get exhausting.
I still have not taken photos yet - but today I am taking my camera - so we'll see what happens.
We are so overcrowded and full that we are having to send babies away - which is heartbreaking.
Seperate to this - EVERYWHERE we go - the men stare and offer marriage proposals. They all want to marry white girls.... its crazy.
This morning on the way to the internet cafe we ate gelati which tasted great - but it was rather surprising to find a good italian cafe with gelati in Uganda.
Anyway more updates later.
- Felicity
Monday, February 4, 2008
IN UGANDA AT LAST
The moment I arrived at the airport in Uganda the differences were obvious. Despite knowing better I did not have my visa money ready for customs ($50.00 US) and so they sent me with a note out of the doors to find a money exchange store. They did not take travelers cheques, my ATM card did not work (turns out they forgot to load the machine with money – but I found that out later) and so I changed the pounds I had remaining from England. 30 minutes later I get back through the doors (with my note) to the baggage claim area, sure that by now they had removed my backpack and taken it to unclaimed luggage, but NO there it was slowly winding around the baggage carousel. I grabbed it and ran.
I was met by a WATOTO driver and apologized for being so delayed, only to find out that he is not the only one who came to pick me up. Outside there was Vicki (a supervisor at the Babies home) with two gorgeous little boys from the home called Jonathan and Julian. The drive to Kampala took about an hour, the scenery is amazing. The kids were so gorgeous, they sat on my lap (yup no child restraints) and pointed out the window.
I arrive at the babies home and am given a tour, the facilities are great, but I am overwhelmed by the number of children. On this day it is 82 – and they range from weeks premature to 2 year olds. If the flight didn’t wear me out, then the tour around certainly did, after I went straight to my accommodation and slept.
My accommodation is great and I will talk more about it at another stage, when I can show photos. Staying here with me are other volunteers (all girls) and they are all lovely, I’ll probably talk more about them later too (with photos).
So as I publish this blog I will be about to start my fourth shift (day) working at the Babies home. I’ll describe an average day (thus far) for you:
I wake up, and head down for breakfast at the accommodation (normally cereal and toast, but sometimes omelette or pancakes)
Then I shower, get ready and head to the gazebo to lie in the sun and read for 2 hours, I will soon fill this time with exercise or something more productive, but for now I am lazing about. We have a great garden to do this in with a great view of the city and lake Victoria.
Then I catch a cab to the babies home with either Daniel or Grace as our driver. (You pick a driver and make them yours – telling them your start and finish times and they will be there)
At the Babies home we eat lunch (usually lots of carbs and a tiny bit of meat and if I complain enough I get Veggies – yay) and head to which ever section needs help.
The day consists of following a schedule for the babies, which basically include feeding, changing, playing, feeding, napping, bathing, feeding, sleeping. Oh and if there is time – cuddles – lots of cuddles.
This takes up 8 hours.
There are lots of babies, lots of mouths and lots of bottoms. I am slowly learning their names, but it will take time. They are all so amazing with their cute little personalities and smiles.
I’ll be adding photos soon with stories.
When we finish it’s 7pm and we catch the cab home.
We eat dinner at the guesthouse when we get there. After dinner I am so hot and so tired, that I hang around for about an hour and then go to bed!
The problem is we are understaffed and there aren’t enough people to look after all the children so it’s a real struggle some days – and kids are left crying unattended for too long just because we can’t get to them all – it breaks your heart.
Since I’ve been here they have added 3 more children – one is called Jane. She was found in a plastic bag in a rubbish pile. Some men who were clearing the rubbish saw the bag move and found her. She is a week old and doing surprisingly well considering the circumstances. They all have similar stories.
I think I have said enough for now. When I can get a better internet connection – I will post photos and more stories.
Thanks for all the support.
- Felicity
I was met by a WATOTO driver and apologized for being so delayed, only to find out that he is not the only one who came to pick me up. Outside there was Vicki (a supervisor at the Babies home) with two gorgeous little boys from the home called Jonathan and Julian. The drive to Kampala took about an hour, the scenery is amazing. The kids were so gorgeous, they sat on my lap (yup no child restraints) and pointed out the window.
I arrive at the babies home and am given a tour, the facilities are great, but I am overwhelmed by the number of children. On this day it is 82 – and they range from weeks premature to 2 year olds. If the flight didn’t wear me out, then the tour around certainly did, after I went straight to my accommodation and slept.
My accommodation is great and I will talk more about it at another stage, when I can show photos. Staying here with me are other volunteers (all girls) and they are all lovely, I’ll probably talk more about them later too (with photos).
So as I publish this blog I will be about to start my fourth shift (day) working at the Babies home. I’ll describe an average day (thus far) for you:
I wake up, and head down for breakfast at the accommodation (normally cereal and toast, but sometimes omelette or pancakes)
Then I shower, get ready and head to the gazebo to lie in the sun and read for 2 hours, I will soon fill this time with exercise or something more productive, but for now I am lazing about. We have a great garden to do this in with a great view of the city and lake Victoria.
Then I catch a cab to the babies home with either Daniel or Grace as our driver. (You pick a driver and make them yours – telling them your start and finish times and they will be there)
At the Babies home we eat lunch (usually lots of carbs and a tiny bit of meat and if I complain enough I get Veggies – yay) and head to which ever section needs help.
The day consists of following a schedule for the babies, which basically include feeding, changing, playing, feeding, napping, bathing, feeding, sleeping. Oh and if there is time – cuddles – lots of cuddles.
This takes up 8 hours.
There are lots of babies, lots of mouths and lots of bottoms. I am slowly learning their names, but it will take time. They are all so amazing with their cute little personalities and smiles.
I’ll be adding photos soon with stories.
When we finish it’s 7pm and we catch the cab home.
We eat dinner at the guesthouse when we get there. After dinner I am so hot and so tired, that I hang around for about an hour and then go to bed!
The problem is we are understaffed and there aren’t enough people to look after all the children so it’s a real struggle some days – and kids are left crying unattended for too long just because we can’t get to them all – it breaks your heart.
Since I’ve been here they have added 3 more children – one is called Jane. She was found in a plastic bag in a rubbish pile. Some men who were clearing the rubbish saw the bag move and found her. She is a week old and doing surprisingly well considering the circumstances. They all have similar stories.
I think I have said enough for now. When I can get a better internet connection – I will post photos and more stories.
Thanks for all the support.
- Felicity
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