It's gonna take a lot to take me away from you

It is a little sad to end my Uganda posts, it means I really am home for good.

But the thing is- studying maternal health in Africa those few months has sparked my interest beyond what I imagined it would. So what will come of this interest?

MY MASTER'S THESIS!! (well hopefully)

I hope to be starting my Masters in Sociology this coming fall at BYU. I plan on taking all of my Africa research thus far and turn it right into my thesis. Hopefully that means I'll find a way to return to Africa next year, But until then I have a lot to do. Maternal healthcare in Africa is a bleak topic, but I hope my research can shed some light on what has worked for them and what changes will make the difference.

Because these women deserve so so much more.

And even those short three months in Uganda- I felt like I gave them a little piece of the security they deserve.

So until I return,

Thanks for everything Uganda. I hope to never see the world the same again.

This is the Solar Suitcase we evaluated. It is giving women light that otherwise delivered by the light of a candle. 

The Solar has been installed in 20+ places like this near where we stayed. Otherwise there are hundreds all over Africa.

One night we got to see it in action. There was a women in labor in that very dark room. She said that now she does not have to fear the night. 

The Solar Suitcase includes a fetal doppler that allows the mother to hear her baby.  This technology did not previously exist in rural Uganda- so the mothers faces would light up knowing that they could hear their babies heart.

They even installed a Solar Suitcase bulb on that large light, giving the operation room light in case the power shut off during a surgery. 

It was truly an honor to be involved in such a life changing program. I saw these women deliver babies without medication, blankets, sanitation, and support. There was rarely a husband or family member by their side to welcome the new life into the world.

I heard women talk about giving birth by candle light, until any wind or movement would blow it out. Leaving them in the dark, and still in labor.

These women delivered with the things they brought. If they were able to buy a blanket, then the baby would have one to be wrapped up in in the cold night. If the women could afford a sheet then she could deliver on a sanitary surface, otherwise she was left on a metal table left from the mother before.

These mothers would often walk many miles to the nearest health center while in labor. Or if they had some shillings to spare then they could get a motorcycle ride. Or they would deliver at home by themselves, often resulting in death of the mother or baby.

To me this was so sad, because I know the amenities and technology that are in the world but denied to them. But to these women this is simply life. And if I can help that life even the slightest bit, then by all means...

...count me in.