Reflecting on the last four weeks in Kenya I think about the beauty and warmth of the area (relative to Minnesota that is), and the many diseases that I saw either for the first time or hadn’t seen for quite some time. I think about the interesting food that I consumed and morning training runs accompanied up the hills by very interested Kenyan children wondering what the mazungu was doing that early in the morning. I think of the many tragedies that I saw including many untimely deaths of a young mother and premature infants as well as the financial hardships faced by most of the people that I was serving. However, what I think most about are the many people that I met and how they helped me or impressed me in so many ways. This blog is for you. I wish that I could thank all of you but time does not permit. For those not mentioned here I send a heartfelt “Asante Sana” (Thank you very much) and “Mungu akubariki” (God Bless You).
First for the countless Kenyans I met I would like to thank our gracious housekeeper Ednah. You are a humble, warm and hardworking women. Thanks for the invitation to your house. I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it but the kids loved their time there. Thanks also to the chaplains at the hospital. Thanks for tirelessly helping me with the many spiritual and emotional issues that I faced while taking care of patients. In particular, thanks to Pastor Charles and your lovely wife Jane for opening up your home to us. We enjoyed the food and fellowship and will be praying for your sister Eunice as well.
Thanks to Doctor James Kenua for giving me a mini-fellowship on managing HIV patient in Africa, as well as TB and various other illnesses germane to your country. I wish you well with your upcoming marriage and as you pursue training as a surgeon. Working with you the first two weeks made the rest of my time much easier as I was better prepared to treat the medical patients that I saw. Thanks also to Dr. Wilfred Kimosop for your help with the very young and very small babies in Kapsowar. You do a wonderful job with those little patients and and I wish you well as you eventually move on to become a Pediatrician.
Thanks to Michal Yano for not only having us over to your house two times, but for also teaching the kids how to make chipati. That is a skill that will come in handy at our home for years to come. You are a very welcoming and giving person and you taught us all a lesson about what it means to serve others. Thanks to Mama Brian for help with the trek up Mt. Kipkannur and for your shopping advise. You are a survivor, with God’s help. Don’t lose your focus on Him as you move forward raising your young son.
Thanks to the people of the Rorok church. We felt very welcome there and enjoyed the teaching and worship. We will pray for you as you minister to your community and to the kids at your school. Thanks to the teachers at the Shammah school for letting the kids have so many ministry opportunities there. They enjoyed their time working with the kids and meeting each of you.
Thanks to the many translators that I had for the Swahili and Kalingen speaking patients. In particular, thanks to Elizabeth on the men’s wards. Thanks for taking the time to talk with Jonah. I pray that that discussion produces fruit. Thanks also to Alex for teaching me many things about your lovely country. You are a good student and excellent translator. I trust that God will help you as you continue your education at the nursing school. Thank you Festus as well. You are a hardworking and dedicated nurse for the laboring mothers and their precious babies. I hope the stethoscope comes in handy with your future resuscitative attempts. Thanks to Wilson on the Women’s ward. You too, are a hard working and trustworthy nurse. Kapsowar is fortunate to have you working there.
I could go on and on about the many nurses and other staff that I worked with on a daily basis. You all made me feel welcome and made my work at the hospital much easier. You take care of very sick patients with limited resources for the Glory of God.
I turn now to the many wazungu friends that we all made in Kapsowar. First to Drew for being one of my running partners and for your help on things electronic. I will be praying for you as you decide on a career path and practice location. God has obviously given you gifts and I pray that you will use them for His glory. Thanks to Christina for making us feel very welcome at your home for dinner and movies and games. We all looked forward to those times. We missed you when you were in Kijabe. I’m glad that me being there helped you to be able to go. Thanks to Kyle as well. You are a very smart and humble young physician. I learned a lot from you and enjoyed being your colleague. My prayers are for you and your young family as it gets used to life in Africa.
Thanks to “the girls”. I’ll be praying for the match for you Kristen and for your father. Thanks for your help with rounding on the maternity patients. You are a hard-working and dedicated student. I’m sure that you will do well as you further your education. Thanks to Amber for her help with the patients in the hospital and friendship as well. I’ll send some SI and TMJ patients your way now that I know a trustworthy therapist living in the same state. My prayers are with you as you seek God’s guidance for your next adventure. Thanks to Ariella for your indispensable help with the mural and for your meals and laughter and friendship. My prayers are with you as you decide on your career path as well.
Thanks to Dave for being my daily running partner. Don’t settle for a 5K in Alaska. I look forward to seeing photos of the completed project. If I ever get up to Alaska I’ll contact you ahead of time to try to get together and get travel advise.
Thanks especially to the Bill and Laura. You are a very warm and welcoming couple. You both set a Christ-like example for the entire staff. It was a joy getting to know you and work with you and learn from you both. Your testimonies are compelling and your lives are lived for God’s glory. I pray that my life can be the same.
Thanks ultimately to God for many answered prayers. Answered prayers for safety and provision. Answered prayers for ministry opportunities and new friends. Answered prayers for redirecting priorities that are more eternally than temporarily centered. God is so good.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Kapcheswes
Kapcheswes (cap chess wes) is a children’s home about 2 miles away from the hospital. There are 35 boys and girls living there. They are essentially orphans, but not adoptable for various reasons. There is a board of directors that oversees the home. There have been various adults there that provide some sort of supervision and mentoring for the kids. However, the children are essentially self-sustaining. They harvest their own food, milk their own goats, wash their own clothes, etc. They attend school through the 8th grade. If their score is high enough on the national exam they are given the opportunity to attend secondary school and even a university because of funds provided from outside sources.
I made my first trek up there last night. The rest of our group has been there several times. They have been painting a “study” at the home. The ultimate goal was to paint a picture of the world on one of the walls. That is a major undertaking without brushes suitable for that purpose. We had to purchase paint from Eldoret because adequate quality water based paint is not available in Kapsowar. There are no paint rollers available nor masking tape nor drapes for the floor. All of the equipment has to be transported up there by foot, including the paint and the water to clean the brushes.
Life there is hard for the kids. I don’t even know if they have kerosene lanterns for light at night. There is no running water, nor electricity. There is minimal security. However, the community and local church looks out for the kids. Despite the circumstances, it is basically a safe place to live.
The plan was for the kids to spend the night last night and finish the job today. Everything was being prepared when Laura Rhodes came with terrible news. She did not feel it was safe for the kids to spend the night there. She had just heard that the male adult who was providing some of the supervision for the kids had alledgedly raped one of the girls at the home. Additionally, the female supervisor of the girls had been released because it was believed that she was stealing food from the children.
We found the kids there in remarkably good spirits. They enjoyed having us come and spend the time with them. They watched us fill in the map, one country at a time. We had purchased the primary colors (blue, red, and yellow) and mixed them together to provide contrasting colors for each country. We made small paint brushes by cutting bristles off of the larger brushes we had purchased and used rubber bands to secure the bristles to sticks. We cut a water bottle in half, the long way, and made two paint containers for the paint. We nearly finished the map, but it was getting dark and we had to leave. The job will be finished next week by Amber (a physical therapist visiting here from Minnesota) and Ariella (a pre-med student from Harvard).
Before leaving we handed out shoes and clothes for each of the kids. These were either brought to Kenya by the kids, or purchased here. Anjaela sent a dress and we gave it to a little girl. She was very pleased to receive it. All of the kids were excited with their gifts. They did not hoard the clothes. They looked out for each other, making sure that each child got their fair share.
We then left for home to share a meal with friends in our modest home with running water, electricity, refrigerator, etc. They likely went to bed not long after we left. The sad thing is that they went to bed alone. There are no adults there now to look after them. The board of directors needs to find trustworthy adults willing to live in that situation, essentially functioning as a volunteer. A miracle is needed.
Please pray for the children of Kapcheswes. Pray for wisdom for the board of directors. Pray for the emotional and physical protection of the girl affected by the tragedy. Pray for the perpetrator as well.
We leave tomorrow for home with the people of Kapsowar and the children of Kapcheswes in our hearts. We long to be home as well. Thanks again for your interest in this adventure of ours.
I made my first trek up there last night. The rest of our group has been there several times. They have been painting a “study” at the home. The ultimate goal was to paint a picture of the world on one of the walls. That is a major undertaking without brushes suitable for that purpose. We had to purchase paint from Eldoret because adequate quality water based paint is not available in Kapsowar. There are no paint rollers available nor masking tape nor drapes for the floor. All of the equipment has to be transported up there by foot, including the paint and the water to clean the brushes.
Life there is hard for the kids. I don’t even know if they have kerosene lanterns for light at night. There is no running water, nor electricity. There is minimal security. However, the community and local church looks out for the kids. Despite the circumstances, it is basically a safe place to live.
The plan was for the kids to spend the night last night and finish the job today. Everything was being prepared when Laura Rhodes came with terrible news. She did not feel it was safe for the kids to spend the night there. She had just heard that the male adult who was providing some of the supervision for the kids had alledgedly raped one of the girls at the home. Additionally, the female supervisor of the girls had been released because it was believed that she was stealing food from the children.
We found the kids there in remarkably good spirits. They enjoyed having us come and spend the time with them. They watched us fill in the map, one country at a time. We had purchased the primary colors (blue, red, and yellow) and mixed them together to provide contrasting colors for each country. We made small paint brushes by cutting bristles off of the larger brushes we had purchased and used rubber bands to secure the bristles to sticks. We cut a water bottle in half, the long way, and made two paint containers for the paint. We nearly finished the map, but it was getting dark and we had to leave. The job will be finished next week by Amber (a physical therapist visiting here from Minnesota) and Ariella (a pre-med student from Harvard).
Before leaving we handed out shoes and clothes for each of the kids. These were either brought to Kenya by the kids, or purchased here. Anjaela sent a dress and we gave it to a little girl. She was very pleased to receive it. All of the kids were excited with their gifts. They did not hoard the clothes. They looked out for each other, making sure that each child got their fair share.
We then left for home to share a meal with friends in our modest home with running water, electricity, refrigerator, etc. They likely went to bed not long after we left. The sad thing is that they went to bed alone. There are no adults there now to look after them. The board of directors needs to find trustworthy adults willing to live in that situation, essentially functioning as a volunteer. A miracle is needed.
Please pray for the children of Kapcheswes. Pray for wisdom for the board of directors. Pray for the emotional and physical protection of the girl affected by the tragedy. Pray for the perpetrator as well.
We leave tomorrow for home with the people of Kapsowar and the children of Kapcheswes in our hearts. We long to be home as well. Thanks again for your interest in this adventure of ours.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Jonah
Jonah is a 19 year old young man with Diabetes. He was diagnosed with disease that when he was in 10 years old. He takes daily insulin, when he can afford it. Because of his diabetes, and likely for other reasons, he only completed the 5th grade. He lives at home with his parents and two siblings. No one at home is employed.
He presented to the hospital nearly comatose. His blood sugar was very high. He was severely dehydrated. He hadn’t taken his insulin for 1 week, having ran out of it. He also had pneumonia. Basically, he was very sick. His pneumonia was treated. His blood sugars were lowered. His dehydration was also treated. He was treated in the hospital for 4 days. His bill was 13,000 Shillings ($170). After discharge he remained on the ward. He didn’t have the money to pay the bill. He just waited to see if his family would be able to come up with the money. In Kenya, you can’t leave the hospital until the bill is paid. There are no insurance companies to pay for the majority of the patients, nor are there collection agencies to track down people who can’t pay the bill. It is generally up to the family and patient to find the money to pay the bill. Until that is done, patients wait, sometimes for months, before they can go home.
The family had little resources. There was a small piece of land that they had left for Jonah to have when he left the home. That was basically his only major possession. They tried to sell that property to pay the bill but were not able to do so. So he sat on the ward for four extra days waiting. Waiting for visitors that did not come. Waiting for family members with news about the bill.
I knew about his medical problems, having been his treating physician. I noticed that he was still on the ward after discharge and learned more about his situation. My church (West Cohasset Chapel) had given me money to help with such problems. I found Elizabeth, a patient attendant (essentially an LPN) who worked on the ward. She spoke excellent English and Kalingen (his tribal language). We brought him to a private place and talked with him about his situation. I told him that my church back home wanted to pray for him. I did not tell him, nor Elizabeth, of my intentions of paying for his hospital charges. I asked him what he would like me to have them pray for.
He gave me the above history. He also said that he was having “bad thoughts”. By that he meant feelings of worthlessness and abandonment. My heart went out to him. Here was a young man, in the prime of his life. He had a serious life-long disease. He had minimal education and a poor support system. His job outlook was poor. His prospects for the future were not good.
I asked him if he knew who Jesus was. He did, having attended periodically a local non-protestant church. I asked him if he knew why Jesus came to earth. He said that he did not because his church did not talk about that. I explained, with the help of Elizabeth, that Jesus was God’s son, and that he came to earth in order to forgive the sins. That his sins separated him from God and that the only way to God was through belief in Jesus, and for forgiveness of his sins. That following Jesus did not guarantee that life would be always good, but that his life would have purpose. We had the opportunity to pray. He was happy that my church would be praying for him as well. He made no decision about Christ at the time. Without fanfare he learned the next day that his bill was paid and he went home. I didn’t get the chance to tell him goodbye.
Please pray for Jonah. His prospects in this life are bleak at best. He has a poor foundation to build his life on without Christ. Having said that, he now has heard that his life can have a purpose. That he can find acceptance and forgiveness in Christ. I hope that the debt that was paid for him will cause him to think of a debt that he has that no one on this earth can pay. The debt caused by his sins that causes separation from God forever without the forgiveness that he can have through Christ alone.
Please also pray for me as I finish my work here. Pray that I’ll use my time effectively. Pray that I’ll be sensitive to the opportunities that God gives me to do more than take care of the physical needs of my patients. Pray that what I do here brings glory to God and not to myself. Pray for my family back home who I miss dearly and who are also experiencing joys and occasional trials on a daily basis. Thanks again for your interest in this journey of ours. Your prayers and concerns for us mean more than you can ever know. Wish you were here.
He presented to the hospital nearly comatose. His blood sugar was very high. He was severely dehydrated. He hadn’t taken his insulin for 1 week, having ran out of it. He also had pneumonia. Basically, he was very sick. His pneumonia was treated. His blood sugars were lowered. His dehydration was also treated. He was treated in the hospital for 4 days. His bill was 13,000 Shillings ($170). After discharge he remained on the ward. He didn’t have the money to pay the bill. He just waited to see if his family would be able to come up with the money. In Kenya, you can’t leave the hospital until the bill is paid. There are no insurance companies to pay for the majority of the patients, nor are there collection agencies to track down people who can’t pay the bill. It is generally up to the family and patient to find the money to pay the bill. Until that is done, patients wait, sometimes for months, before they can go home.
The family had little resources. There was a small piece of land that they had left for Jonah to have when he left the home. That was basically his only major possession. They tried to sell that property to pay the bill but were not able to do so. So he sat on the ward for four extra days waiting. Waiting for visitors that did not come. Waiting for family members with news about the bill.
I knew about his medical problems, having been his treating physician. I noticed that he was still on the ward after discharge and learned more about his situation. My church (West Cohasset Chapel) had given me money to help with such problems. I found Elizabeth, a patient attendant (essentially an LPN) who worked on the ward. She spoke excellent English and Kalingen (his tribal language). We brought him to a private place and talked with him about his situation. I told him that my church back home wanted to pray for him. I did not tell him, nor Elizabeth, of my intentions of paying for his hospital charges. I asked him what he would like me to have them pray for.
He gave me the above history. He also said that he was having “bad thoughts”. By that he meant feelings of worthlessness and abandonment. My heart went out to him. Here was a young man, in the prime of his life. He had a serious life-long disease. He had minimal education and a poor support system. His job outlook was poor. His prospects for the future were not good.
I asked him if he knew who Jesus was. He did, having attended periodically a local non-protestant church. I asked him if he knew why Jesus came to earth. He said that he did not because his church did not talk about that. I explained, with the help of Elizabeth, that Jesus was God’s son, and that he came to earth in order to forgive the sins. That his sins separated him from God and that the only way to God was through belief in Jesus, and for forgiveness of his sins. That following Jesus did not guarantee that life would be always good, but that his life would have purpose. We had the opportunity to pray. He was happy that my church would be praying for him as well. He made no decision about Christ at the time. Without fanfare he learned the next day that his bill was paid and he went home. I didn’t get the chance to tell him goodbye.
Please pray for Jonah. His prospects in this life are bleak at best. He has a poor foundation to build his life on without Christ. Having said that, he now has heard that his life can have a purpose. That he can find acceptance and forgiveness in Christ. I hope that the debt that was paid for him will cause him to think of a debt that he has that no one on this earth can pay. The debt caused by his sins that causes separation from God forever without the forgiveness that he can have through Christ alone.
Please also pray for me as I finish my work here. Pray that I’ll use my time effectively. Pray that I’ll be sensitive to the opportunities that God gives me to do more than take care of the physical needs of my patients. Pray that what I do here brings glory to God and not to myself. Pray for my family back home who I miss dearly and who are also experiencing joys and occasional trials on a daily basis. Thanks again for your interest in this journey of ours. Your prayers and concerns for us mean more than you can ever know. Wish you were here.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Aaron's Feb 11, blog
Yesterday was an awesome day! The school that we have been helping at for the past week and a half had a tournament with another private school. They had a girl’s soccer game and then a boy’s soccer game. We lost both games but it was fun. When someone scored the rest of the teams school would all start screaming and jumping. It reminded me of like a professional football game or something.
I loved hanging out with the kids who weren’t playing. It looked really funny because on the hill that we were sitting there would be one of us wazungus sitting down with ten other Kenyans sitting on top of us. They found it really funny how much I could “change my face”, they thought that it was amazing that my tongue could turn all the way around in my mouth too. They all tried to copy me and got a kick out of it… and people say I know too many useless skills.
We went to the school today they told us that they were taking a day off to rest because all the teachers were tired from the game. So we just hung around and played with the kids who were done with their school work until the day was over.
Tonight we had a party for Kristen’s 26th birthday. Kristin is a fourth year medical student visiting here for a month from Wisconsin. Hudson and I made some oatmeal muffins for the party… but we didn’t get to bring them because they burned :P. Tomorrow we are getting up early in the morning to teach the kids at the school a Bible lesson before they start. We decided to do a skit on the watchman in Ezekiel. After that we will be going to the children’s home to work on our painting project. We’ll finish the project sometime next week. We are planning to spend the night at the orphanage so we can finish painting the walls white and finish painting the picture of the world.
I really love all the things that God is doing in and through me, and I love the attitude of the people here. They care for others usually more then they care about themselves. Yesterday I saw a girl (Shannon) who I met probably two Mondays ago. She was in the O.R. when I met her and then again yesterday. She saw me and noticed that I didn’t have my brace on so she kind of waved me down and then asked me about it and was concerned about me, and then she was happy for me that it was mostly better. I then asked her about her foot which she had something growing on it that she had scraped off when I first met her. She told me it was fine and that it was getting better, then she took off the gauze to show me and she had a huge hole on her ankle like 5 by 3 inches! It was down to almost her bone and she had no problem with it. It’s amazing to think of the kind of things we complain of in America.
I loved hanging out with the kids who weren’t playing. It looked really funny because on the hill that we were sitting there would be one of us wazungus sitting down with ten other Kenyans sitting on top of us. They found it really funny how much I could “change my face”, they thought that it was amazing that my tongue could turn all the way around in my mouth too. They all tried to copy me and got a kick out of it… and people say I know too many useless skills.
We went to the school today they told us that they were taking a day off to rest because all the teachers were tired from the game. So we just hung around and played with the kids who were done with their school work until the day was over.
Tonight we had a party for Kristen’s 26th birthday. Kristin is a fourth year medical student visiting here for a month from Wisconsin. Hudson and I made some oatmeal muffins for the party… but we didn’t get to bring them because they burned :P. Tomorrow we are getting up early in the morning to teach the kids at the school a Bible lesson before they start. We decided to do a skit on the watchman in Ezekiel. After that we will be going to the children’s home to work on our painting project. We’ll finish the project sometime next week. We are planning to spend the night at the orphanage so we can finish painting the walls white and finish painting the picture of the world.
I really love all the things that God is doing in and through me, and I love the attitude of the people here. They care for others usually more then they care about themselves. Yesterday I saw a girl (Shannon) who I met probably two Mondays ago. She was in the O.R. when I met her and then again yesterday. She saw me and noticed that I didn’t have my brace on so she kind of waved me down and then asked me about it and was concerned about me, and then she was happy for me that it was mostly better. I then asked her about her foot which she had something growing on it that she had scraped off when I first met her. She told me it was fine and that it was getting better, then she took off the gauze to show me and she had a huge hole on her ankle like 5 by 3 inches! It was down to almost her bone and she had no problem with it. It’s amazing to think of the kind of things we complain of in America.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tyler's belated blog post (Feb, 4, 2010)
Well, this has been cool. I am a little tired right now but I think that’s because I only got about 5 hours of sleep last night. God is good and He totally made this place awesome!!
So a lot has gone on since I wrote last. Let’s see, the day after I wrote we hiked Mt. Kipkannur, which took about 3 and a half hours to get to the top. That was pretty difficult. It was weird though, because my legs weren’t really sore the next day, only my rear. So that was interesting. Mama Brian was our guide and she cut us bamboo walking sticks with her machete. Those were cool. The top was amazing and the walk was awesome and it was all bomb diggidy!!
That night we went to Nehemiah’s house which was also sweet! We found out that his mom works at the hospital and she found out that he had invited us to his house so she told my dad that we all should come. That was probably the most food I’ve had since I’ve been here. I went up 3 or 4 times to fill my plate. She was happy that I enjoyed it so much. My dad commented to her about her knowing so many wazungus, and she said that she invites them over so they can say thank you. I thought that was pretty cool. As the night wore on, my dad suggested going soon but Nehemiah thought it was too early to leave, so we stayed a little later. Nehemiah’s parents were able to afford his high school so he was leaving Monday morning, so Aaron and I visited him for a bit the next day to say bye.
Umm, and a lot more happened between there.
Last night there was something scratching and clawing and crawling somewhere through the ceiling. That kept us up pretty late. In the morning Hudson and Jude came over and walked into Aaron’s and my room. It was about 10:30 so we should have been up but we didn’t get very much sleep. They wanted us to play with them while they crawled all over us as they were explaining this. We explained to them why we were so tired and Aaron told them that we needed to eat breakfast anyway when we did get up. Jude thought that some part of that sentence was pretty hilarious. They then just sat on our beds and were going to wait till we got up. We finally convinced them to go home and have fun and we would play with them later. Those kids crack me up. I guess it was kind of a nice alarm clock.
Later today, we went to a Lutheran private school and chilled with them for a while. We had met the third grade teacher, Philemon, the day before who had asked us if we would visit. We joined the kids during phy-ed. That was pretty fun. First we started running laps, and then we played this game where we all had to run around all crazy like and then when Philemon yelled a number, we all had to quickly get in groups of that number. It was weird because Philemon told everyone that if they weren’t in a group, he would beat them with his stick till they found a group. We started and after the number was called, Philemon just chased kids around and wacked them in the rear till they got in a group. Everyone was having a great time though. It was pretty funny.
Then we played tug of war. While I was waiting for the class’s turn that I was with, a bunch of the kids were sitting around me holding my hand or just staring at me waiting for me to do something so they could break out in laughter at me. They all thought it was pretty fascinating that when they stretched my skin it turned white and when they let go it turned back to red. They also kept feeling my arms because I had hair on them and they thought that was pretty cool. After games we had chai and then we went to sing songs about God. The songs were pretty sweet, and the end of one of them consisted of us raising God higher and stomping Satan to the ground. This whole time one of the teachers was holding Hannah’s and Bethany’s cameras and was having a blast taking pictures. He asked me later if, when I went back to the states and then came back again, if I could hook him up with one. I told him that I didn’t know.
After school, Philemon took us through the center and introduced us to his mom and his wife. That was pretty cool. And we just got back from a movie night at Christina’s, and now I’m going to go to bed. I hope those things in the ceiling died or something. They can go down to the valley and live a long happy life there. Haha well goodnight everyone!! God bless!!!
So a lot has gone on since I wrote last. Let’s see, the day after I wrote we hiked Mt. Kipkannur, which took about 3 and a half hours to get to the top. That was pretty difficult. It was weird though, because my legs weren’t really sore the next day, only my rear. So that was interesting. Mama Brian was our guide and she cut us bamboo walking sticks with her machete. Those were cool. The top was amazing and the walk was awesome and it was all bomb diggidy!!
That night we went to Nehemiah’s house which was also sweet! We found out that his mom works at the hospital and she found out that he had invited us to his house so she told my dad that we all should come. That was probably the most food I’ve had since I’ve been here. I went up 3 or 4 times to fill my plate. She was happy that I enjoyed it so much. My dad commented to her about her knowing so many wazungus, and she said that she invites them over so they can say thank you. I thought that was pretty cool. As the night wore on, my dad suggested going soon but Nehemiah thought it was too early to leave, so we stayed a little later. Nehemiah’s parents were able to afford his high school so he was leaving Monday morning, so Aaron and I visited him for a bit the next day to say bye.
Umm, and a lot more happened between there.
Last night there was something scratching and clawing and crawling somewhere through the ceiling. That kept us up pretty late. In the morning Hudson and Jude came over and walked into Aaron’s and my room. It was about 10:30 so we should have been up but we didn’t get very much sleep. They wanted us to play with them while they crawled all over us as they were explaining this. We explained to them why we were so tired and Aaron told them that we needed to eat breakfast anyway when we did get up. Jude thought that some part of that sentence was pretty hilarious. They then just sat on our beds and were going to wait till we got up. We finally convinced them to go home and have fun and we would play with them later. Those kids crack me up. I guess it was kind of a nice alarm clock.
Later today, we went to a Lutheran private school and chilled with them for a while. We had met the third grade teacher, Philemon, the day before who had asked us if we would visit. We joined the kids during phy-ed. That was pretty fun. First we started running laps, and then we played this game where we all had to run around all crazy like and then when Philemon yelled a number, we all had to quickly get in groups of that number. It was weird because Philemon told everyone that if they weren’t in a group, he would beat them with his stick till they found a group. We started and after the number was called, Philemon just chased kids around and wacked them in the rear till they got in a group. Everyone was having a great time though. It was pretty funny.
Then we played tug of war. While I was waiting for the class’s turn that I was with, a bunch of the kids were sitting around me holding my hand or just staring at me waiting for me to do something so they could break out in laughter at me. They all thought it was pretty fascinating that when they stretched my skin it turned white and when they let go it turned back to red. They also kept feeling my arms because I had hair on them and they thought that was pretty cool. After games we had chai and then we went to sing songs about God. The songs were pretty sweet, and the end of one of them consisted of us raising God higher and stomping Satan to the ground. This whole time one of the teachers was holding Hannah’s and Bethany’s cameras and was having a blast taking pictures. He asked me later if, when I went back to the states and then came back again, if I could hook him up with one. I told him that I didn’t know.
After school, Philemon took us through the center and introduced us to his mom and his wife. That was pretty cool. And we just got back from a movie night at Christina’s, and now I’m going to go to bed. I hope those things in the ceiling died or something. They can go down to the valley and live a long happy life there. Haha well goodnight everyone!! God bless!!!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
What I have learned in Kenya-Part 2
Feb 9, 2010
Kenyan parents are generally quite calm as their children are being treated. Last night I was admitting a 5 year old boy who had been vomiting blood and whose hemoglobin (protein in the red blood cells) was 5.3 (about 40 percent of normal). His mother was very calm as I evaluated him and explained what I was going to do. Another mother’s boy had accidentally ingested several of his grandfather’s psychiatric medicines. She too was quite calm and patient as the nurses hurried to take action to treat her young son. The calmness of the parents spills over to their children. Therefore, the kids generally do not put up a fight when their blood is drawn or tubes are put in various parts of their bodies for treatment. All of this makes it much easier to treat them since a calm patient and calm parents make for a calm caregiver (doctor or nurse).
Kenyan doctors are very good at taking care of what they see very often. I am learning a tremendous amount from the two Kenyan physicians on staff at the hospital. Taking care of sick patients with AIDS related illnesses (Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Meningitis, liver abscesses, etc) is common for them. Just as taking care of diabetics and heart patients is germane me. I am thankful for having them here as consultants and I hope that I have been able to teach them a little as well.
Kenyan kids are very curious about wazungus. I run most mornings at 6am. Every morning I am followed at least part of the way by 2-3 Kenyan school children as they are heading for school. They think it is unusual for a person to be running simply for exercise. They run alongside me, usually on the uphill portion and just laugh and talk with me in Swahili. I have no idea what they are saying, but they certainly seem to be having fun. Generally they are bundled up in a sweater or coat with a warm hat on as they walk to school at that hour. I’m wearing running shorts and a t-shirt. That is probably unusual for them as well.
Kenyans value their education; seeing it as their only chance for a better life for themselves. They want to know about how children in America are educated. They are very respectful in their questioning and a joy to talk to. They have to get a certain score on a national exam at the end of 8th grade to move on to a good secondary school. All of them seem very intent on scoring well. Having said that, since secondary school is not free for Kenyans, they can only move on if their parents can pay for their childrens education. I spoke with a 14 year old boy last weekend who proudly told me that he had the 3rd highest score on the national exam in his school. When I asked him about moving on to secondary school he said, “if it is the Lord’s will”. He smiled as he said that, fully acknowledging that scoring well enough wasn’t the only hurdle that he faced with his education.
Kenyans take care of their family and their community. Culturally, the youngest son will be responsible to take care of the parents when they are old. If he is unable then his wife has that responsibility. The people that I have talked with take those responsibilities very seriously. When a patient is discharged they have to pay their hospital bill before they can leave. If the family does not have enough money then the community comes together to help. The community schedules a “Harambee”. That means “come together”. Basically, people are invited to what essentially is a fund raising event. If invited, you are expected to show up and pay up. It is not coercion. It is accepted as part of life in Kenya and fosters cooperation and unity.
Lastly, for today, Kenyans are very thrifty. They reuse anything that they can and throw away very little. It is hard to find scrap paper at the hospital to write notes on because nothing is wasted or thrown away. Parts of elastic gloves are used as tourniquets. They reuse empty vials that formerly contained medicines. These vials later will be used to help transfer urine samples, pathology specimens, etc. This generally is a good thing. However, last weekend we were transporting some pathology specimens from Kapsowar to Eldoret. They subsequently would go to another mission hospital that has a pathologist to examine the tissues. There were several specimens in the box in recycled vials that were intended for other purposes. Therefore, the seals on the vials weren’t ideal for the purpose of holding biopsy specimens floating in a preservative. Halfway to Eldoret, I noted the unmistakable smell of formaldehyde. My eyes started watering and my sinuses cleared. We quickly put the box on the top of the vehicle.
I trust the samples got to their final destination safely. I pity the person who had to open the box. Life in Kenya can be interesting indeed. Wish you were here!!
Kenyan parents are generally quite calm as their children are being treated. Last night I was admitting a 5 year old boy who had been vomiting blood and whose hemoglobin (protein in the red blood cells) was 5.3 (about 40 percent of normal). His mother was very calm as I evaluated him and explained what I was going to do. Another mother’s boy had accidentally ingested several of his grandfather’s psychiatric medicines. She too was quite calm and patient as the nurses hurried to take action to treat her young son. The calmness of the parents spills over to their children. Therefore, the kids generally do not put up a fight when their blood is drawn or tubes are put in various parts of their bodies for treatment. All of this makes it much easier to treat them since a calm patient and calm parents make for a calm caregiver (doctor or nurse).
Kenyan doctors are very good at taking care of what they see very often. I am learning a tremendous amount from the two Kenyan physicians on staff at the hospital. Taking care of sick patients with AIDS related illnesses (Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Meningitis, liver abscesses, etc) is common for them. Just as taking care of diabetics and heart patients is germane me. I am thankful for having them here as consultants and I hope that I have been able to teach them a little as well.
Kenyan kids are very curious about wazungus. I run most mornings at 6am. Every morning I am followed at least part of the way by 2-3 Kenyan school children as they are heading for school. They think it is unusual for a person to be running simply for exercise. They run alongside me, usually on the uphill portion and just laugh and talk with me in Swahili. I have no idea what they are saying, but they certainly seem to be having fun. Generally they are bundled up in a sweater or coat with a warm hat on as they walk to school at that hour. I’m wearing running shorts and a t-shirt. That is probably unusual for them as well.
Kenyans value their education; seeing it as their only chance for a better life for themselves. They want to know about how children in America are educated. They are very respectful in their questioning and a joy to talk to. They have to get a certain score on a national exam at the end of 8th grade to move on to a good secondary school. All of them seem very intent on scoring well. Having said that, since secondary school is not free for Kenyans, they can only move on if their parents can pay for their childrens education. I spoke with a 14 year old boy last weekend who proudly told me that he had the 3rd highest score on the national exam in his school. When I asked him about moving on to secondary school he said, “if it is the Lord’s will”. He smiled as he said that, fully acknowledging that scoring well enough wasn’t the only hurdle that he faced with his education.
Kenyans take care of their family and their community. Culturally, the youngest son will be responsible to take care of the parents when they are old. If he is unable then his wife has that responsibility. The people that I have talked with take those responsibilities very seriously. When a patient is discharged they have to pay their hospital bill before they can leave. If the family does not have enough money then the community comes together to help. The community schedules a “Harambee”. That means “come together”. Basically, people are invited to what essentially is a fund raising event. If invited, you are expected to show up and pay up. It is not coercion. It is accepted as part of life in Kenya and fosters cooperation and unity.
Lastly, for today, Kenyans are very thrifty. They reuse anything that they can and throw away very little. It is hard to find scrap paper at the hospital to write notes on because nothing is wasted or thrown away. Parts of elastic gloves are used as tourniquets. They reuse empty vials that formerly contained medicines. These vials later will be used to help transfer urine samples, pathology specimens, etc. This generally is a good thing. However, last weekend we were transporting some pathology specimens from Kapsowar to Eldoret. They subsequently would go to another mission hospital that has a pathologist to examine the tissues. There were several specimens in the box in recycled vials that were intended for other purposes. Therefore, the seals on the vials weren’t ideal for the purpose of holding biopsy specimens floating in a preservative. Halfway to Eldoret, I noted the unmistakable smell of formaldehyde. My eyes started watering and my sinuses cleared. We quickly put the box on the top of the vehicle.
I trust the samples got to their final destination safely. I pity the person who had to open the box. Life in Kenya can be interesting indeed. Wish you were here!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Bethany's Blog 2
Bethany 2/04/10
Today was a great day! Aaron, Tyler, Hannah and I were able to help at a private primary school called Shammah, which is very close to where we live. When we first arrived we met Philemon, who is one of the teachers there. He invited us to join him and some of the other teachers for a meeting. We were very welcome there and the meeting was actually very interesting.
When the meeting finished, it was time for PE. The kids were all very excited to see us “wazungu” and immediately ran to grab our hands. We started out with running three times around the church, which is placed right in the middle of the school grounds. Boy, was I tired after that! I think I’m too accustomed to the altitude here now to use that as an excuse any more. I’m just plain out of shape. :)
After that we did some stretches and played tug of war and a couple other games. The teams were divided by their classes, and I was on the class three team. As our team sat out to wait our turn, I got to talk to some of my teammates. They asked me where I was from, and I told them I was from America. After a bunch of “oohs” and “aahs”, one of the girls asked me if I knew a girl named Diane. I told her no. She said, “You don’t? She’s from Canada.” She was surprised that we were from the same continent and we didn’t even know each other. Then she started to list off all of the wazungus she had ever met, asking me if I knew any of them. I told her I didn’t, and she said, “Well you don’t know very many people then!” I told her that I do know a lot of people, but there’s a lot of people in America and I can’t know them all. “No, you don’t know very many people,” she said. Call me a sheltered homeschooler I guess. ;)
When the games were finished, we took a quick chai break. Then we all stood in rows and sang a few songs. At the end of the last song, all the kids said at once, “Our school motto is ‘rise and shine for the Lord!’” Then they all ran out the gate and went home. I would be antsy to go home too if I had to be at school until four o’clock!
After the kids had left, the teachers invited us to have Fanta and chai with them in their staff room. Julius, one of the teachers, was fascinated with my camera and was taking a bunch of pictures with it. He asked me if I could print some of the pictures off for them so that they could keep them in the office and always remember us. Philemon wants us to paint pictures and our names on the wall in one of the classrooms so the kids can remember us too. All the teachers were so grateful that we were there, and all we did was play with the kids for a few hours! I’m glad that such a little thing we could do was such a blessing to them. I’m really excited to go back again!
Today was a great day! Aaron, Tyler, Hannah and I were able to help at a private primary school called Shammah, which is very close to where we live. When we first arrived we met Philemon, who is one of the teachers there. He invited us to join him and some of the other teachers for a meeting. We were very welcome there and the meeting was actually very interesting.
When the meeting finished, it was time for PE. The kids were all very excited to see us “wazungu” and immediately ran to grab our hands. We started out with running three times around the church, which is placed right in the middle of the school grounds. Boy, was I tired after that! I think I’m too accustomed to the altitude here now to use that as an excuse any more. I’m just plain out of shape. :)
After that we did some stretches and played tug of war and a couple other games. The teams were divided by their classes, and I was on the class three team. As our team sat out to wait our turn, I got to talk to some of my teammates. They asked me where I was from, and I told them I was from America. After a bunch of “oohs” and “aahs”, one of the girls asked me if I knew a girl named Diane. I told her no. She said, “You don’t? She’s from Canada.” She was surprised that we were from the same continent and we didn’t even know each other. Then she started to list off all of the wazungus she had ever met, asking me if I knew any of them. I told her I didn’t, and she said, “Well you don’t know very many people then!” I told her that I do know a lot of people, but there’s a lot of people in America and I can’t know them all. “No, you don’t know very many people,” she said. Call me a sheltered homeschooler I guess. ;)
When the games were finished, we took a quick chai break. Then we all stood in rows and sang a few songs. At the end of the last song, all the kids said at once, “Our school motto is ‘rise and shine for the Lord!’” Then they all ran out the gate and went home. I would be antsy to go home too if I had to be at school until four o’clock!
After the kids had left, the teachers invited us to have Fanta and chai with them in their staff room. Julius, one of the teachers, was fascinated with my camera and was taking a bunch of pictures with it. He asked me if I could print some of the pictures off for them so that they could keep them in the office and always remember us. Philemon wants us to paint pictures and our names on the wall in one of the classrooms so the kids can remember us too. All the teachers were so grateful that we were there, and all we did was play with the kids for a few hours! I’m glad that such a little thing we could do was such a blessing to them. I’m really excited to go back again!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
What I have learned in Kenya-Part 1
We’ve been here for over 10 days and have experienced many new things and met many new people. There are several stories that I would love to elaborate on and perhaps I will be able to later. For now I wanted to pass along some things that have struck me as interesting.
Kenyans are very friendly people. They greet you on the street saying “Habari” (literally-what is the news?). The obligatory answer is “nzuri” (good). Even if things aren’t that good. They are very peaceful and smiling people unlike in Russia where it has been said that “Russians smile only when necessary”. They shake hands enthusiastically and look you in the eye sincerely.
Kenyans love to welcome you to their home. We were graciously treated to a huge Kenyan feast by Mikel, a nurse at the hospital, her son Nehemiah who the boys had met playing basketball, and her husband Daniel. Mikel showed us a photo album that she had and I noted several wazungus (white people) in the photos that were taken at various times, mostly at her house over a meal. I told her that she was a very welcoming people to new people. She said “I invite people to my house so that they can tell me thank you”. I found that simple and profound at the same time. Simple thanks for giving of yourself is really what is important. By the way, the food was excellent and many genuine “thank you’s” were said by everybody. I think that was very satisfying for her.
Kenyans are patient people. They wait for the doctor while he is doing other things. They understand that I have other people to see and trust that I will get to them as soon as I am able. They understand that I need breaks as well and so I can take my daily Chai tea and Mandazi (like fried bread) break at 11 am even though I might not be completely done with my rounds. That makes work much less stressful than in the US where I am constantly trying to take care of people’s expectations. How refreshing!!
Kenyans understand what “I’m doing the best that I can” means. Their expectations are reasonable and if they know that the doctor or nurse is trying his or her best then that is good enough. The outcome may not always be what they want, but the sincere effort is extremely appreciated. I tried to help a women deliver a baby last night who had been pushing for 12 hours at an outside hospital. She came to Kapsowar because of her difficulty delivering the baby. I was unable to deliver the baby and so she needed a c-section. Just prior to the c-section the baby was experiencing some distress. As we quickly moved her to the “theatre” (operating room) the nurse looked at me and said “you did the best you could Daktari”. That was very comforting to me. By God’s grace the baby was fine.
Kenyans learn to live without life’s “necessities”. As I write this letter we are without running water at our home. No one is getting all worked up about it. They are doing their best as well to fix the problem. Life will go on. We have been unable to transfuse people blood because the hospital was out. We have been unable to collect sputum tests for AFB smears (tuberculosis tests) because the hospital was out. We have had no electricity at least once. Last night at the hospital there was no running water so I scrubbed with some alcohol like cleanser before the c-section instead of surgical soap and water. On none of those occasions were anybody outraged or questioning or mad at the hospital maintenance people or supply staffers. They accepted it as life in a rural Kenyan hospital and went about their business, doing their best given the circumstances.
Lastly for now, I have learned that life in Kenya is much more enjoyable with my kids (and Hannah) here than it was when I was in Kijabe in 2001 by myself. Having said that, life in Kenya would be so much better with my wonderful wife Cheri and daughters Anjaela and Dasha here as well. I miss them very much and wish that they could be here with us, learning new things as well. They are having their own learning experiences and need your prayers as much or more so than we do here in Kenya.
My entire family thanks you for those prayers. That is really what “doing your best” means. Asking God for help in the midst of life’s unfolding adventure.
Kenyans are very friendly people. They greet you on the street saying “Habari” (literally-what is the news?). The obligatory answer is “nzuri” (good). Even if things aren’t that good. They are very peaceful and smiling people unlike in Russia where it has been said that “Russians smile only when necessary”. They shake hands enthusiastically and look you in the eye sincerely.
Kenyans love to welcome you to their home. We were graciously treated to a huge Kenyan feast by Mikel, a nurse at the hospital, her son Nehemiah who the boys had met playing basketball, and her husband Daniel. Mikel showed us a photo album that she had and I noted several wazungus (white people) in the photos that were taken at various times, mostly at her house over a meal. I told her that she was a very welcoming people to new people. She said “I invite people to my house so that they can tell me thank you”. I found that simple and profound at the same time. Simple thanks for giving of yourself is really what is important. By the way, the food was excellent and many genuine “thank you’s” were said by everybody. I think that was very satisfying for her.
Kenyans are patient people. They wait for the doctor while he is doing other things. They understand that I have other people to see and trust that I will get to them as soon as I am able. They understand that I need breaks as well and so I can take my daily Chai tea and Mandazi (like fried bread) break at 11 am even though I might not be completely done with my rounds. That makes work much less stressful than in the US where I am constantly trying to take care of people’s expectations. How refreshing!!
Kenyans understand what “I’m doing the best that I can” means. Their expectations are reasonable and if they know that the doctor or nurse is trying his or her best then that is good enough. The outcome may not always be what they want, but the sincere effort is extremely appreciated. I tried to help a women deliver a baby last night who had been pushing for 12 hours at an outside hospital. She came to Kapsowar because of her difficulty delivering the baby. I was unable to deliver the baby and so she needed a c-section. Just prior to the c-section the baby was experiencing some distress. As we quickly moved her to the “theatre” (operating room) the nurse looked at me and said “you did the best you could Daktari”. That was very comforting to me. By God’s grace the baby was fine.
Kenyans learn to live without life’s “necessities”. As I write this letter we are without running water at our home. No one is getting all worked up about it. They are doing their best as well to fix the problem. Life will go on. We have been unable to transfuse people blood because the hospital was out. We have been unable to collect sputum tests for AFB smears (tuberculosis tests) because the hospital was out. We have had no electricity at least once. Last night at the hospital there was no running water so I scrubbed with some alcohol like cleanser before the c-section instead of surgical soap and water. On none of those occasions were anybody outraged or questioning or mad at the hospital maintenance people or supply staffers. They accepted it as life in a rural Kenyan hospital and went about their business, doing their best given the circumstances.
Lastly for now, I have learned that life in Kenya is much more enjoyable with my kids (and Hannah) here than it was when I was in Kijabe in 2001 by myself. Having said that, life in Kenya would be so much better with my wonderful wife Cheri and daughters Anjaela and Dasha here as well. I miss them very much and wish that they could be here with us, learning new things as well. They are having their own learning experiences and need your prayers as much or more so than we do here in Kenya.
My entire family thanks you for those prayers. That is really what “doing your best” means. Asking God for help in the midst of life’s unfolding adventure.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Hannah's Blog Entry
January 31, 2010
Well, yesterday was Sunday and with that came church plans. There are several churches that we could have gone to, but we ended up going to Christina’s church. That ended up working out really well because we were all pretty tired from climbing Mt. Kipkannur the day before. I know right? With a name like Kip how bad can it be? Anyway, I was pretty happy when I found out the church was close by!
The second we stepped inside the gate it struck me how much different churches in our area are compared to this one. It was a single-room building with chairs and benches lined in back-to-back rows. Also, their service started with a chorus of songs sung by the cutest kids you’ll ever see!
Everyone we met was really friendly and inviting, but I’m finding that’s how it is with most Kenyans. Their worship music had a freedom and joy to it that I thought was really cool! Worship definitely transcends language and culture differences and I feel really blessed to have experienced that here.
One thing though: apparently it’s normal for “wazungu” visitors to be ushered up front and introduce themselves to the congregation. When I write "Kenyan Churches for Dummies" this will be the second chapter, right after the one about chai and its place in society.
Speaking of sweet and creamy goodness– I’m starting to see that it’s really the way to go if you want to make friends and influence people! We were all invited to stay after the service and drink chai tea with some of the elders and teachers. Anyway, I really enjoyed my first Kenyan church experience!
Well, yesterday was Sunday and with that came church plans. There are several churches that we could have gone to, but we ended up going to Christina’s church. That ended up working out really well because we were all pretty tired from climbing Mt. Kipkannur the day before. I know right? With a name like Kip how bad can it be? Anyway, I was pretty happy when I found out the church was close by!
The second we stepped inside the gate it struck me how much different churches in our area are compared to this one. It was a single-room building with chairs and benches lined in back-to-back rows. Also, their service started with a chorus of songs sung by the cutest kids you’ll ever see!
Everyone we met was really friendly and inviting, but I’m finding that’s how it is with most Kenyans. Their worship music had a freedom and joy to it that I thought was really cool! Worship definitely transcends language and culture differences and I feel really blessed to have experienced that here.
One thing though: apparently it’s normal for “wazungu” visitors to be ushered up front and introduce themselves to the congregation. When I write "Kenyan Churches for Dummies" this will be the second chapter, right after the one about chai and its place in society.
Speaking of sweet and creamy goodness– I’m starting to see that it’s really the way to go if you want to make friends and influence people! We were all invited to stay after the service and drink chai tea with some of the elders and teachers. Anyway, I really enjoyed my first Kenyan church experience!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Aaron's Blog Entry
It’s Friday the 29th and I think it’s safe to say that we are good at cooking in Kenya now. We popped out a few pans of Dutch babies in around an hour instead of three hours like earlier this week :) We are also pretty much experts at making Kenyan chai tea. Now we just need to learn how to do our meals without using a million extra dishes! I’m pretty sure I used the same pot at least five times within our three meals the other day!
It feels weird that we’ve been here for almost a week now. I was expecting to be doing full out evangelism but doing things around the house like cooking and cleaning (especially cleaning!) take up a large chunk of the day. I really like doing it though because it’s really fun doing it with the four of us kids. Also, because I think it really helps Dad out to be able to focus more on his patients and then have fun relaxing doing stuff with us later.
A lot of my time has also gone to playing with Hudson and Jude, Dr. Jones kids who are 4 and 2. I think that is making it easier on them. They are really funny kids and Hudson and I are pretty much best friends. He always comes over to the house to see if anyone of us can do anything with him. We’ve drawn giant chalk animals with him. I went over and watched a movie with him that he’s been wanting to show me since the first day. Two days ago I went to the children’s ward with him Jude and Lauren (who is staying with them) to visit their dad and meet all the kids and their moms. We brought a bunch of farm stickers and a big bag of Obama gum to give to the kids. They loved it!
We got to pray for two little premature babies who weighed 1.4 and 1.06 kilograms and their moms. Hudson’s prayer ended in asking Jesus to heal the babies faster than He has ever healed before :) Yesterday Tyler, Bethany, Hannah, Lauren and I went to the children’s ward and women’s ward with Pastor Margaret to sing songs. She explained the songs when we were done and my dad gave his testimony in the children’s ward. We’re going back on Monday and we are playing in chapel on Wednesday. Sometime next week we’re planning on painting the study room in the orphanage.
Pastor Margaret taught us a lot of Swahili and the different context that certain words are used in. It was kind of embarrassing today though because Sasa is a kind of slang word that the people here use when talking to younger people that means how are you, but I realized that (only today) I’ve been telling people “saba”. So everyone would see me wave at them and say “seven”. I was wondering why people where laughing.
Sharon (the girl who needed the wheelchair) is going home tomorrow so we brought over the chair for her. Amber is a Physical Therapist from Minnesota who is visiting for two months. She taught the mom how to use the wheelchair and how to take Sharon in and out of it. Amber, Hannah, Bethany, Tyler and I all took turns praying for them. The mom was so happy that she couldn’t stop crying. It was really neat and I think God is going to work in their lives even more than He has already!
Tyler and I just got done doing inventory on the sutures that where donated and sent with us so the doctors can keep track of what they have. Tyler and I also got to watch a c-section! The mom had already had two c-sections, but both of her children had died. Doctor Christina (an OB/GYN) prayed for her before starting and I was praying the whole time. It was a little freaky because they had some trouble while pulling the baby’s head out but they cut her stomach open a little more and the baby came out fine! Everyone started cheering and laughing :) It was weird watching after that because while Christina and my dad were clipping things and sewing different innards together Thomas (the Anesthetist) was having a conversation with the lady who was wide awake! It went a lot faster than I thought a c-section would take. Thank God that she has her first living baby!
So looking back I guess God has been using me more than I thought. It’s just that He’s been using me in different ways than I though.
It feels weird that we’ve been here for almost a week now. I was expecting to be doing full out evangelism but doing things around the house like cooking and cleaning (especially cleaning!) take up a large chunk of the day. I really like doing it though because it’s really fun doing it with the four of us kids. Also, because I think it really helps Dad out to be able to focus more on his patients and then have fun relaxing doing stuff with us later.
A lot of my time has also gone to playing with Hudson and Jude, Dr. Jones kids who are 4 and 2. I think that is making it easier on them. They are really funny kids and Hudson and I are pretty much best friends. He always comes over to the house to see if anyone of us can do anything with him. We’ve drawn giant chalk animals with him. I went over and watched a movie with him that he’s been wanting to show me since the first day. Two days ago I went to the children’s ward with him Jude and Lauren (who is staying with them) to visit their dad and meet all the kids and their moms. We brought a bunch of farm stickers and a big bag of Obama gum to give to the kids. They loved it!
We got to pray for two little premature babies who weighed 1.4 and 1.06 kilograms and their moms. Hudson’s prayer ended in asking Jesus to heal the babies faster than He has ever healed before :) Yesterday Tyler, Bethany, Hannah, Lauren and I went to the children’s ward and women’s ward with Pastor Margaret to sing songs. She explained the songs when we were done and my dad gave his testimony in the children’s ward. We’re going back on Monday and we are playing in chapel on Wednesday. Sometime next week we’re planning on painting the study room in the orphanage.
Pastor Margaret taught us a lot of Swahili and the different context that certain words are used in. It was kind of embarrassing today though because Sasa is a kind of slang word that the people here use when talking to younger people that means how are you, but I realized that (only today) I’ve been telling people “saba”. So everyone would see me wave at them and say “seven”. I was wondering why people where laughing.
Sharon (the girl who needed the wheelchair) is going home tomorrow so we brought over the chair for her. Amber is a Physical Therapist from Minnesota who is visiting for two months. She taught the mom how to use the wheelchair and how to take Sharon in and out of it. Amber, Hannah, Bethany, Tyler and I all took turns praying for them. The mom was so happy that she couldn’t stop crying. It was really neat and I think God is going to work in their lives even more than He has already!
Tyler and I just got done doing inventory on the sutures that where donated and sent with us so the doctors can keep track of what they have. Tyler and I also got to watch a c-section! The mom had already had two c-sections, but both of her children had died. Doctor Christina (an OB/GYN) prayed for her before starting and I was praying the whole time. It was a little freaky because they had some trouble while pulling the baby’s head out but they cut her stomach open a little more and the baby came out fine! Everyone started cheering and laughing :) It was weird watching after that because while Christina and my dad were clipping things and sewing different innards together Thomas (the Anesthetist) was having a conversation with the lady who was wide awake! It went a lot faster than I thought a c-section would take. Thank God that she has her first living baby!
So looking back I guess God has been using me more than I thought. It’s just that He’s been using me in different ways than I though.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tyler''s Blog entries
Jan 25, 7:22 am
Well, I’ve never blogged before, but here it goes. The trip so far has been very interesting, although we haven’t done too much so far. After we got off our second flight in Nairobi, we went through customs which was surprisingly easy and met our driver Patrick. He drove us to where we were staying that night and was going to be back at 6:00 the next morning. I didn’t get much sleep that night since it was mid day where you guys are, but after probably about an hour of listening to cool animal noises, I kept hearing someone walking past the rooms outside. After a while I caught a glimpse of the guys arm outside from my bed and I thought it might be Patrick. So I got out of bed to ask my dad what time it was when Patrick walked up to our door and saw me in my boxers. He kind of smirked and then told me it was 6:30 and we needed to leave, so we all packed up quick and hopped in the van.
We got to the airport and flew 45 min to Eldoret where we were picked up by the hospital’s ambulance. Laura, the main doctor’s wife, and another guy whose name I forget at this moment picked us up. We then went to the market to pick up some food. Aaron and I found some sun dried fish which they call here Onema, but I’m pretty sure there minnows. So I’m pretty excited to try those out. :D when we left there, we were packing up our food and some kids were asking us for something that I didn’t understand and I didn’t know if I was supposed to give them anything or not or how I was supposed to act so I just smiled and waved and turned around and kept packing the van. Laura went back inside and bought some bread and brought it out and gave it to the kids. Then we hopped in the car and asked Laura if they were homeless and she said yes and that they were addicted to sniffing glue so she would usually get them something to nourish them because if they get money they would just buy glue and sniff it all day. That was sad. But she also said that there was a big need for ministry for these kids, so if any of you reading this think that would be cool, you should definitely pray about it. :D
After this we drove 2 hours to the medical base. It was a little windy and Aaron noticed that a lot of people were wearing jackets. Laura said that they all thought it was cold. I thought it was hot so I guess I have it made here.
We got to where we were staying which is sweet, and we have an amazing view!! I actually woke up this morning at 5:30 and then got up again at 7ish right as the sun was finishing rising and it was sweet! Actually a little bit chilly too. Anyways, last night we went to a bible study and then hung out with everyone. That was cool. There were some kids there, Jude and Hudson, who were crazy hyper. Hudson thinks I’m Taylor. They were going wild and Hudson feels bad that Aaron has only one arm and he really wants Aaron, Bethany, Hannah and me to come to his house and play with him. He was pretty funny.
Now I’m up and hopefully Aaron and I will be able to paint a house. I’m excited for this trip!
Jan 25 at night
Well today was good. After the last post, Aaron and I made oatmeal for everybody. The girls didn’t want to get up though so we just got more for ourselves. After we ate, my dad went back to the hospital and Aaron and I went outside to kick around the soccer ball till they got up. Hudson and Jude were outside and yelled across the yard to us. So we got to hang out with them for a good hour in the morning kicking the soccer ball around and hunting for pine cones and sticks that were sticking up in the ground. They were pretty great. Then I got Hannah and Bethany up and we headed over to Laura’s house so she could show us around. Hudson told us that he would stand and guard the pinecones and sticks till we got back. I told him that we were going to be gone for a few hours so he said that maybe then he would go inside and eat lunch and then come back out and guard the sticks.
First Laura showed us through the hospital. That was pretty cool. People here are huge on greetings, so we got really used to waving and shaking hands. Fortunately for me, they also do the nod here so they understand my greeting when I forget to wave.
Then we were shown through the town close by. They call it the center. Town is what the town is called if you travel to Eldoret. Laura showed us where we could get safari cards and minutes so we can call or use the internet, and where we could get other foods. Pretty much all the little stores sell the same things, so she said she usually goes to a different one each time so she doesn’t give money to just one person. Laura pointed to these vehicles with a big enclosed back on them which were driving through the center, and she said that they were matatus. You can take a matatu anywhere between or to here and Nairobi, and it constantly picks people up on the way. I asked how many people a matatu could fit and she told me that matatu means three more so it can always hold more. She said her son was in one and he said that there were 42 people in it.
Then we headed up to the forest. First we stopped at the public school. We were greeted by all the kids and tried to greet them. Then we went to the orphanage. We were greeted by two ladies there. The first one just come up and gave us a big hug. I guess you’re supposed to rub cheeks on both sides when you hug. The second lady just shook our hands and said hello. We were taken through the whole orphanage. The kids there are so self sufficient. They all grow, harvest, and cook their own food, and milk the cows and just take care of themselves and each other. One kid who had just finished making his food wanted us to take his picture eating.
Then we went to another school a ways further into the forest. We are going to paint some of the school later. They said that they had brushes so we would just have to bring paint and they would let us spend the night if we wanted to. So I’m excited about that. Then we headed back.
On our way back there were some cows walking on the path and Aaron asked if anyone was watching them. There were two little girls who were probably about 5 walking a bit behind them and Laura said that it was probably them.
We got back a few hours later and Hudson was waiting for us. It was pretty funny. My legs killed so I just plopped on the ground and started talking to him. Later we went to the center and took Hudson with us. We got eggs and some fruit. The eggs were more expensive then back home but the fruit is amazing. A larger mango is only 4 shillings. It’s 75 shillings to a dollar, so you could buy 20 mangos for $1.07! I was pretty excited about that.
Well, I’ve never blogged before, but here it goes. The trip so far has been very interesting, although we haven’t done too much so far. After we got off our second flight in Nairobi, we went through customs which was surprisingly easy and met our driver Patrick. He drove us to where we were staying that night and was going to be back at 6:00 the next morning. I didn’t get much sleep that night since it was mid day where you guys are, but after probably about an hour of listening to cool animal noises, I kept hearing someone walking past the rooms outside. After a while I caught a glimpse of the guys arm outside from my bed and I thought it might be Patrick. So I got out of bed to ask my dad what time it was when Patrick walked up to our door and saw me in my boxers. He kind of smirked and then told me it was 6:30 and we needed to leave, so we all packed up quick and hopped in the van.
We got to the airport and flew 45 min to Eldoret where we were picked up by the hospital’s ambulance. Laura, the main doctor’s wife, and another guy whose name I forget at this moment picked us up. We then went to the market to pick up some food. Aaron and I found some sun dried fish which they call here Onema, but I’m pretty sure there minnows. So I’m pretty excited to try those out. :D when we left there, we were packing up our food and some kids were asking us for something that I didn’t understand and I didn’t know if I was supposed to give them anything or not or how I was supposed to act so I just smiled and waved and turned around and kept packing the van. Laura went back inside and bought some bread and brought it out and gave it to the kids. Then we hopped in the car and asked Laura if they were homeless and she said yes and that they were addicted to sniffing glue so she would usually get them something to nourish them because if they get money they would just buy glue and sniff it all day. That was sad. But she also said that there was a big need for ministry for these kids, so if any of you reading this think that would be cool, you should definitely pray about it. :D
After this we drove 2 hours to the medical base. It was a little windy and Aaron noticed that a lot of people were wearing jackets. Laura said that they all thought it was cold. I thought it was hot so I guess I have it made here.
We got to where we were staying which is sweet, and we have an amazing view!! I actually woke up this morning at 5:30 and then got up again at 7ish right as the sun was finishing rising and it was sweet! Actually a little bit chilly too. Anyways, last night we went to a bible study and then hung out with everyone. That was cool. There were some kids there, Jude and Hudson, who were crazy hyper. Hudson thinks I’m Taylor. They were going wild and Hudson feels bad that Aaron has only one arm and he really wants Aaron, Bethany, Hannah and me to come to his house and play with him. He was pretty funny.
Now I’m up and hopefully Aaron and I will be able to paint a house. I’m excited for this trip!
Jan 25 at night
Well today was good. After the last post, Aaron and I made oatmeal for everybody. The girls didn’t want to get up though so we just got more for ourselves. After we ate, my dad went back to the hospital and Aaron and I went outside to kick around the soccer ball till they got up. Hudson and Jude were outside and yelled across the yard to us. So we got to hang out with them for a good hour in the morning kicking the soccer ball around and hunting for pine cones and sticks that were sticking up in the ground. They were pretty great. Then I got Hannah and Bethany up and we headed over to Laura’s house so she could show us around. Hudson told us that he would stand and guard the pinecones and sticks till we got back. I told him that we were going to be gone for a few hours so he said that maybe then he would go inside and eat lunch and then come back out and guard the sticks.
First Laura showed us through the hospital. That was pretty cool. People here are huge on greetings, so we got really used to waving and shaking hands. Fortunately for me, they also do the nod here so they understand my greeting when I forget to wave.
Then we were shown through the town close by. They call it the center. Town is what the town is called if you travel to Eldoret. Laura showed us where we could get safari cards and minutes so we can call or use the internet, and where we could get other foods. Pretty much all the little stores sell the same things, so she said she usually goes to a different one each time so she doesn’t give money to just one person. Laura pointed to these vehicles with a big enclosed back on them which were driving through the center, and she said that they were matatus. You can take a matatu anywhere between or to here and Nairobi, and it constantly picks people up on the way. I asked how many people a matatu could fit and she told me that matatu means three more so it can always hold more. She said her son was in one and he said that there were 42 people in it.
Then we headed up to the forest. First we stopped at the public school. We were greeted by all the kids and tried to greet them. Then we went to the orphanage. We were greeted by two ladies there. The first one just come up and gave us a big hug. I guess you’re supposed to rub cheeks on both sides when you hug. The second lady just shook our hands and said hello. We were taken through the whole orphanage. The kids there are so self sufficient. They all grow, harvest, and cook their own food, and milk the cows and just take care of themselves and each other. One kid who had just finished making his food wanted us to take his picture eating.
Then we went to another school a ways further into the forest. We are going to paint some of the school later. They said that they had brushes so we would just have to bring paint and they would let us spend the night if we wanted to. So I’m excited about that. Then we headed back.
On our way back there were some cows walking on the path and Aaron asked if anyone was watching them. There were two little girls who were probably about 5 walking a bit behind them and Laura said that it was probably them.
We got back a few hours later and Hudson was waiting for us. It was pretty funny. My legs killed so I just plopped on the ground and started talking to him. Later we went to the center and took Hudson with us. We got eggs and some fruit. The eggs were more expensive then back home but the fruit is amazing. A larger mango is only 4 shillings. It’s 75 shillings to a dollar, so you could buy 20 mangos for $1.07! I was pretty excited about that.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Bethany's Big Birthday Bash
Bethany 01/27/10
Yesterday was my birthday, which is kind of a big deal of course. :) I had a great day, but it was definitely not like any other birthday I’ve had before. Well obviously, I mean I’m in Kenya for crying out loud!
The day started out with waking up at about 9:00 and starting making breakfast at 9:30. Aaron, Tyler, Hannah and I were very proud of our first successful meal… two and a half hours later when we finally finished making it. :) We’re still getting used to our stove and oven and how to cook around here.
After that we decided to take a half hour walk down to the river. The walk down was really nice, and when we got there we met about ten kids who were very interested in us “wazungu” (white people). We played with them for a little while then headed back up. Notice I said “up.” The whole way back was uphill and we thought we were going to die. Now I know why Olympic runners come here to train, because the altitude is so high. I’m pretty sure I’ve never been more out of breath in my life, and all I was doing was walking up a hill for Pete’s sake. It’s kind of nice to have the altitude for an excuse though. It makes me feel better about myself. :)
When we got back, Hannah, Aaron, and Tyler set to work making my big sugar cookie that I have every year for my birthday. They told me I couldn’t help, but they didn’t know what they were doing so I pretty much ended up standing in the kitchen the whole time telling them what to do anyways. What can I say? I’m a pro at making big sugar cookies. It was quite tasty though. Thanks guys! :)
After that we headed over to our friends Bill and Laura’s house, where we ate homemade pizza and had a little birthday party. She even had a sweet candle that sang happy birthday. It was awesome. :)
So it was a good day. I’ve never had a birthday before where I spent two and a half hours making my own breakfast and got sun burnt, but it was really fun! I’m glad I get to say that I had my 18th birthday in Africa.
Peace out!
P.S. Happy Birthday Mrs. Drown! :)
Yesterday was my birthday, which is kind of a big deal of course. :) I had a great day, but it was definitely not like any other birthday I’ve had before. Well obviously, I mean I’m in Kenya for crying out loud!
The day started out with waking up at about 9:00 and starting making breakfast at 9:30. Aaron, Tyler, Hannah and I were very proud of our first successful meal… two and a half hours later when we finally finished making it. :) We’re still getting used to our stove and oven and how to cook around here.
After that we decided to take a half hour walk down to the river. The walk down was really nice, and when we got there we met about ten kids who were very interested in us “wazungu” (white people). We played with them for a little while then headed back up. Notice I said “up.” The whole way back was uphill and we thought we were going to die. Now I know why Olympic runners come here to train, because the altitude is so high. I’m pretty sure I’ve never been more out of breath in my life, and all I was doing was walking up a hill for Pete’s sake. It’s kind of nice to have the altitude for an excuse though. It makes me feel better about myself. :)
When we got back, Hannah, Aaron, and Tyler set to work making my big sugar cookie that I have every year for my birthday. They told me I couldn’t help, but they didn’t know what they were doing so I pretty much ended up standing in the kitchen the whole time telling them what to do anyways. What can I say? I’m a pro at making big sugar cookies. It was quite tasty though. Thanks guys! :)
After that we headed over to our friends Bill and Laura’s house, where we ate homemade pizza and had a little birthday party. She even had a sweet candle that sang happy birthday. It was awesome. :)
So it was a good day. I’ve never had a birthday before where I spent two and a half hours making my own breakfast and got sun burnt, but it was really fun! I’m glad I get to say that I had my 18th birthday in Africa.
Peace out!
P.S. Happy Birthday Mrs. Drown! :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Karibu (welcome) to Kenya
Jan 25, 2010
The trip to Kenya was uneventful. It was exciting landing in Nairobi and actually being here. The temperature is about 70 degrees and no jackets were needed as we went outside to pack our ten checked in bags, five carry on’s and the five of us on a van to head to the Mennonite Guest House for an overnight stay. Then to bed at midnight and up at 6:00 am for a quick trip back to the airport to travel to Eldoret by plane (45 minutes) and then on to Kapsowar by vehicle (two hours in the hospital ambulance).
Among the ten checked bags were several pounds of items that we will leave in Kenya. This included gifts for the permanent missionaries here sent to us from friends for quick and safe delivery. Also included were several pounds of books donated to the nursing school here. Additionally, I brought along hundreds of sutures donated from the Deer River Healthcare Center which were badly needed.
One other item that we will leave here is a wheelchair that was given to Lois Patton that she cannot use. Hannah and Lois found a blog about a children’s home in the area that deals with handicapped children. They surmised that most likely a wheelchair would be helpful.
We were met at the Eldoret airport by Laura Rhodes. She is the wife of Dr. Bill Rhodes, a long-term surgeon in Kapsowar. They have lived here nearly 12 years, home-schooling their four kids. The last just graduated from high school. She graciously gave up most of her day helping us pick up needed items at the market in town and explaining a little more about life in Kapsowar. She has big plans for the kids as well. After stating several things that they could do she then said “You are only limited by your imagination”. If you know anything about the boys and their imagination, they are in for a wild four weeks.
At the airport Laura noted that we had brought the wheelchair. She then explained that only two days prior she had spent much of the day unsuccessfully trying to locate a wheelchair in Nairobi for a child in the hospital with cerebral palsy who had also been burned badly enough to further hamper her mobility. I noticed that Hannah was grinning from ear to ear as Laura explained the story. God had put on Hannah’s and Lois’s heart to bring the wheelchair and it was meeting a very present and pressing need. Laura was pretty excited as well. The wheelchair is now reassembled and ready for delivery before the girl is discharged from the hospital.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and bible study at the Rhodes home at night. Much of the medical staff were there. Bill (Rhodes) led the study, predominantly from the Old Testament, about how God over and over, through various prophets, puts a high value on about taking care of widows, orphans (fatherless) and aliens. I read ahead in James 1:27 which reads “Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”.
That immediately took my mind back home to what my wonderful wife is doing nearly a half a world away. For information on that check out. I’m not sure why God has us ministering to other’s needs on separate continents being separated for such a long time. However, He is helping us as we do this and stretching us and strengthening our faith. Thanks for your interest in these journeys of ours and particularly for your prayers.
The trip to Kenya was uneventful. It was exciting landing in Nairobi and actually being here. The temperature is about 70 degrees and no jackets were needed as we went outside to pack our ten checked in bags, five carry on’s and the five of us on a van to head to the Mennonite Guest House for an overnight stay. Then to bed at midnight and up at 6:00 am for a quick trip back to the airport to travel to Eldoret by plane (45 minutes) and then on to Kapsowar by vehicle (two hours in the hospital ambulance).
Among the ten checked bags were several pounds of items that we will leave in Kenya. This included gifts for the permanent missionaries here sent to us from friends for quick and safe delivery. Also included were several pounds of books donated to the nursing school here. Additionally, I brought along hundreds of sutures donated from the Deer River Healthcare Center which were badly needed.
One other item that we will leave here is a wheelchair that was given to Lois Patton that she cannot use. Hannah and Lois found a blog about a children’s home in the area that deals with handicapped children. They surmised that most likely a wheelchair would be helpful.
We were met at the Eldoret airport by Laura Rhodes. She is the wife of Dr. Bill Rhodes, a long-term surgeon in Kapsowar. They have lived here nearly 12 years, home-schooling their four kids. The last just graduated from high school. She graciously gave up most of her day helping us pick up needed items at the market in town and explaining a little more about life in Kapsowar. She has big plans for the kids as well. After stating several things that they could do she then said “You are only limited by your imagination”. If you know anything about the boys and their imagination, they are in for a wild four weeks.
At the airport Laura noted that we had brought the wheelchair. She then explained that only two days prior she had spent much of the day unsuccessfully trying to locate a wheelchair in Nairobi for a child in the hospital with cerebral palsy who had also been burned badly enough to further hamper her mobility. I noticed that Hannah was grinning from ear to ear as Laura explained the story. God had put on Hannah’s and Lois’s heart to bring the wheelchair and it was meeting a very present and pressing need. Laura was pretty excited as well. The wheelchair is now reassembled and ready for delivery before the girl is discharged from the hospital.
We had a wonderful time of fellowship and bible study at the Rhodes home at night. Much of the medical staff were there. Bill (Rhodes) led the study, predominantly from the Old Testament, about how God over and over, through various prophets, puts a high value on about taking care of widows, orphans (fatherless) and aliens. I read ahead in James 1:27 which reads “Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”.
That immediately took my mind back home to what my wonderful wife is doing nearly a half a world away. For information on that check out
Friday, January 22, 2010
We're Off!
Tom, Tyler, Aaron, and Bethany Howard with Hannah Patton are embarking on a trip to minister to the medical, social, and spiritual needs of the Maraqwet people in Kapsowar, Kenya in East Africa. We appreciate your interests in our journey and your prayers for our safety and for the work we will be doing.
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