Uganda, Africa
October 2009

In October of 2009, Sherill made another trip to Uganda, Africa. Here is a word about her trip.

Hi Everyone,

I am writing to share with you the exciting details of my recent trip to Uganda. I am continually blessed by the opportunities the Lord provides, not to mention His protection as I travel to this third world country that is so unstable. As usual, this trip was truly amazing and very gratifying. The blessings that it provided to these needy people are a gift from God.

I was a blessing to have my friend Paula Cleary along with me. She had a crash course in becoming a birth coach on the way there and had some amazing experiences, sharing in the difficulties as well as the beauty of birth while spending a week along side me in Labor and Delivery at Kisiizi Hospital.

The first week of our trip was spent with Kathy Hitchborn of Arche' International, Africa. Kathy's vision is to build and operate a medical facility for specialists, in Fort Portal, Uganda. She would like this to include a freestanding birth center.

I was able to spend time getting to know Kathy as well as the others in Uganda that are part of Arche International. They were all extremely warm, loving and hospitable and I feel that I made many new friends. As of now, Arch has purchased 10 heads of cattle that will bring income to Arche' and its medical facility. They are also in the process of opening a photo shop (there is not one in Fort Portal) that will provide jobs for the unemployed and generate income for the medical facility. They are currently looking at a 10 acre parcel to build on. I am not sure at this time what my part may be in this, but I am open to the Lords leading.

After a long, 8 hour journey over mostly dirt roads, we finally arrived at Kisiizi Hospital in Rukingiri District, close to the borders of Rwanda and Congo. Its beauty and the peaceful setting of the hospital quickly brought calmness to both Paula and I. It felt so good to be back there and I could hardly wait to start working. Sister Ester and the Midwives of Kisiizi were so kind to welcome me back.

During our 6 day stay I was able to catch 13 babies and receive 3 babies at C-Sections. I was able to practice many of the procedures pertaining to my midwifery, including my first and hopefully my last episiotomy! The experience that I receive while there is invaluable and I was able to be involved in situations that I may not otherwise get to experience at home. I was able to catch a 26 week old baby boy weighing 1 lb 3oz.


The little hat is about the size of a small orange!

I can not describe the feeling of holding that tiny, fragile, crying little baby boy, barely big enough to fit in the palms of my two hands. Praise God, he lived and was doing well when I left. I was also able to be part of a very difficult breach birth and unfortunately that baby died. The mother had come to the hospital alone and with no belongings. I know that the Lord has been preparing me for "such a time as this". It was by His strength that I was able to care for the baby boy. We attempted resuscitation (with the limited equipment that we had). I then cut and tied the cord, weighed him, cleaned him up and wrapped him in a new blanket (thanks to your generous contributions to this ministry). Even though we spoke different languages, I was able to comfort and support the mother as we placed her precious baby son in a used cardboard box so she could take him home with her the next day.

These are the moments when I most feel the presence of the Lord and that He is using me to touch the hurting through my heart and my hands.

I am already anxiously looking forward to my next trip. Hopefully in a short time I will have a new website up and running thanks to Caline and Andrei Ivanoff. I was blessed to be their birth assistant during the birth of their last baby. They have generously come along side me in creating a website for "A heart 4 Africa" and I am so grateful.

At this time I am in need of some help in forming a non-profit (501-c3) corporation. If you or anyone you know would be willing to help in this area or if you feel that the Lord may be leading you in any other way to participate in this ministry, please let me know.

Any donations are greatly appreciated. Please mail them to me at 34505 Via Catalina, Capistrano Beach, Ca. 92624. When I receive donations directly I can then better follow up on them and thank those who give accordingly. Until further notice, continue to make your donations out to Calvary Life Fellowship. In this difficult financial time, I do not take your gifts lightly. Thank you again for your prayers, love and support.

In His Love,
Sherill

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