Welcome to my blog

My name is Chris Richert, I'm 20 years old, and I am going to Uganda.

This all began with my Mom and I talking about possibly taking some time off from school to refocus on the upcoming years of school that I still have. I will be a Jr. when I return to school leaving two years of college, 4-5 years of medical school, then residency and internship. Basically its a lot. So I decided that right now, as opposed to later, would be the best time for me to take some time off before the 8+ years of school gets any more intense.

While throwing this idea around, we had also discussed what I would do during this break. I cant just sit around and do nothing, right? So we began looking into a possible mission trip. After exploring a few possibilities, I talked to our family friend, Karl Zeile, and his father-in-law, Larry Thrasher. They both are on the board of directors of ARM, Africa Renewal Ministries (http://www.africarenewal.org/) I told them about my situation and asked about doing a medical mission trip in Uganda. They both were excited about the idea and said they would bring it up at their next board meeting. The board was apparently in favor of the idea and have been very helpful in the planning of this trip.

So, once I got the go ahead from the board here, I was put in contact with Dr. Martin and the group at Wentz Medical Center in Kampala Uganda (http://www.wentzmedicalcenter.org/). From there the past month or so has been finalizing traveling, where I will be staying, etc.

I've got a week to finish getting everything together on my end, buying anything I need for my 3 month stay. I'm stoked for all this. Everyone, or at least almost everyone, asks if I'm nervous. I reply, "No, but I anticipate for everything to really hit me in the next couple days." Which is fine, I'm excited for that too.

I welcome you to follow my travels and experiences on my blog here, feel free to suggest it to your family, friends, co-workers, whoever. Along with that I ask for prayers for myself, those who I will be working along side, and those that God can use me to touch not only on a medical base but also in furthering His kingdom.   Your prayers are much appreciated.