If you would like to help support my time in Africa, I would be honored and grateful: I will pass on your generosity with pride, explaining to people, "Your brothers and sisters in America wanted to pass on gifts to you!". I try to live as a minimalist, so be assured that any contributions will NOT go to my newest trendy African head-dress, but to support my travel and any needs that will inevitably present themselves as I work with the people of Uganda and Rwanda.
Checks are tax-deductible and can be sent to:
Northeast church of Christ
2217 Beechnut Dr
Kingsport, TN 37660
**please write "Erika Ross" in the memo line**
Thanks. Asanti sana. Namaste. Kongoi missing. One love.
Is this the NICU?
After a Csection, we did some baby CPR and this one's fine!
Hey Baby!
While cleaning this infant up after birth I noticed a 6th finger. The solution was simple enough: tie it tight and wait for it to fall off.
Weekend in Kigali
Amanda, my friend from college, also in Rwanda
Amanda actually gave me the contact to Shyira. While in transit from Uganda to Rwanda, I got to stay with her and do a day safari. Our car got chased by this 100 year old elephant!
Land of a Thousand Hills
A visit to the valley after rounds on Saturday
Colorful Market in Vrunga
At the top of the mountain of Shyira hospital, we get food and supplies from the market in the valley below. It's a steep walk, but it's how patients are transfered on stretchers carried on foot by community volunteers when one needs care.
Somali women
Many Muslim Somali women frequent our clinic. They have come to Kampala as refugees. Ellen feels they enjoy coming to see a woman doctor. Many come with complaints of pelvic and menstrual pains. The culture still practices a female circumsion in which the labia minora and clitoris are cut at puberty. They are sewn up and then ripped open at marriage, which explains their pain. I wonder what they think of Ellen and I: two single, independent women working as medical professionals--no covering on our heads, no oppression.
Manjo's home: Kenya
Fun with a Stethoscope
Children from the Orthopedic Hospital
Uganda-Kenya Border
I joined Ugandan missionaries on a 3-day bike trip around Mt. Elgon. This was a view from a small village.