Weeks three and four at Kiwoko were mostly a continuation of the rhythm I had come to know. I spent more time in the wards and assisted in several OR cases. Each day brought familiar routines and steady learning, and I gradually felt more at ease in the hospital’s daily flow. On the first day of the third week, I was invited to share my testimony in front of a large crowd of high school students—a moment that reminded me of the power of stories and faith to connect people, even across cultures.
At the end of week three, we took a break from the clinical setting and set off on a much-anticipated safari trip. We rode a minibus toward our next destination. Partway through, we had to stop in the middle of the road to pump a tire, only to end up with a flat not long after—somewhere near Luwero, close to Kiwoko. Stranded for a bit, another bus came to pick up the remaining passengers, while those of us from the guesthouse were thankfully rescued by Dennis, our safari driver.
Dennis drove us to our campsite, and to my surprise, the tents had real beds inside—definitely not the sleeping bags I had imagined. The food was amazing, and everything felt incredibly well-prepared. We visited Murchison Falls, which was absolutely breathtaking. A rainbow stretched across the cascade, and the fresh smell of water hung in the air. The force of the falls sent mist raining down on us—it was a full-body experience that left us soaked and smiling.
The next day, we went on a game drive. Dennis’s vehicle had a liftable roof, so we stood up and looked out over the vast landscape. We saw buffalos, elephants, giraffes, deer, antelopes, and even a couple of lions. One lioness was resting high in a tree—she noticed us but stayed calm, completely unbothered by our presence. Being that close to such wild beauty felt surreal.
On our final day, we visited a rhino sanctuary and saw several rhinos roaming peacefully. Later, we boarded a cruise near the falls and spotted countless hippos and even a few Nile crocodiles. The entire trip was beautiful in a way no camera could capture. No matter how good the pictures were, nothing compared to seeing it all with the naked eye—something I believe was a gift from God. It was a refreshing, unforgettable break from the wards.
Back in Kiwoko, I had three final days in the hospital. I spent them wrapping up, saying goodbye to staff and patients, and quietly taking in those last moments. On my final morning, I left Kiwoko and returned to Entebbe Airport. After two or three days of travel—including a surprise delay—I finally made it home.
I jumped right back into rotations in the States. The past two weeks have been busy, but I wanted to take a moment to share this final reflection. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to have been part of this experience. It was a chapter full of learning, awe, connection, and memories I’ll carry with me always.