Amy's Blog: Country Music, Futbol and the Joy of Hard Work

Amy McRee, NEWS 9

Thursday, March 18th

Day 3 is in the books and what a day it has been. I'm sitting outside our hotel right now on our patio, listening to Alan Jackson (apparently they really like country music over here) and to toads croaking so loudly, it's nearly deafening. The country music gave me a sense of being at home in Oklahoma, but the additional amphibian sound track quickly brought me back to reality. I'm most definitely in a third world country, and the sights I witnessed today only affirmed that.

We started the day at St. Monica's daycare to drop of some candy for the children. (These are children whose mothers are getting educated at the school.) They were divided in this little pavilion, singing their hearts out. We all were ready to take a few of them home with us. They were so precious and had such joy. It was truly moving.

We moved on to Restore Leadership Academy for high school children. The players got in a little soccer match (Uganda football) with some of the students and Roy, Tommie and Mark showed the kids a thing or two about real "football," the American way. It was so great to see the players interacting with these kids. Many of them were tremendous athletes and gave the players a run for their money.

One NFL player, noticeably absent, is AD. (I mentioned this in my first live shot on Tuesday, but the signal wasn't great.) His flight out of Houston on Monday was delayed which pushed everything back. We are actually awaiting his arrival tonight, at any moment. In fact Roy, Mark and a few of the volunteers are at a nearby table ready to greet him. Needless to say, he has been missed and everyone is excited to get to work with him. We will definitely get the chance to visit with him tomorrow as we head to another local school to set up a clinic and build a well, so be sure to stay tuned for that.

The players skills were then put to the test in well digging. They helped dig holes in 90 degree heat. They did a great job and the school couldn't wait to finish it up, so they could have their 3rd well ready and available at the school. (Water 4 has been here all week. They just finished up a new well for the school today. It's much needed since the kids have to walk hundreds of yards to shuttle water from a local source, to the school. They were thrilled to say the least.)

We wrapped up the day at St. Monica School for girls. We watched the local doctors who are with us in action. It was exciting to see, because many of the patients could receive immediate treatment for their problems, yet saddening as some were diagnosed with brain tumors and other ailments that could not be treated. Those people will have to rely on additional care at local hospitals, but without insurance or finances to pay for treatment, it is unlikely they'll get the additional help they need. (Something tells me these doctors won't stand for this. I heard talk of them trying to raise money for an operating room, so they could immediately operate on those who need it. More to come I'm sure.)

I've got another full day, with a 4-hour car ride ahead tomorrow, so I better call it a night. Its 11:10 p.m. local time and I've been up since 5 a.m. It's a good time to retire I'd say. Look for another blog tomorrow morning. Until then, all the best friends. More adventures tomorrow.