A humble beginning on mission of mercy

The medical team from Duke is assembled, and we are on our way to Uganda via Amsterdam. Everyone is excited, and a little nervous, as many of us first timers don't know what to expect.

One of the things a lot of people have packed is food for the trip and medications. We look like pack mules with our backpacks laden with all of our provisions.

There is a nervous energy among us as we take the first step in this long journey. There are two doctors, many nurses and other medical personnel who will set up two new operating rooms and perform surgeries. They plan to hit the ground running on Sunday with patients, some who have been waiting for months, already lined up to have everything from minor surgeries to brain surgery.

One of the things I've been asking everyone is why they want to go on this trip. Some have been 10 times, others have been twice, others have never been before. The answer is always the same, they say every time they go they "are changed" by what they see. While the lessons they learn don't always stay consistent as long as they would like, they tell me there is a "forever change" when you see people in such need and can help them. They also tell me the biggest challenge is having to leave patients at the end of the week, some who will recover, others who will not.

I am humbled to be able to be a fly on the wall on this mission and be able to tell their stories.

Until Africa...