This is from the very beginning of my trip in Nairobi with Dr. Spears at the Giraffe Park.
This past week has been full of some major changes in the people I'm around; almost all of the visitors who were here when I arrived have left, and now there's a totally different group of people here. I'm getting the feel for what the missionaries go through with all the new visitors; it's weird being on my own and having to start relationships over, but God has always provided a community for me. The day my three PA school friends left is the same day I found out my mom is coming to visit me at Tenwek for a week!! I am beyond excited to see someone from my family; I think going through all of these community changes and not having the constant presence of my family, which I'm used to, is very different and has definitely taught me to rely on my Lord even more.
Several homes and gardens beside Tenwek Hospital.
The Tenwek Guest House, where I've been living! With lots of college pride hanging from the windows and balconies.
The dam and hydroelectric plant by Tenwek; it's only a 10 minute walk from the guest house.
Yesterday, I road two hours in the covered-cab of a truck over rough dirt roads with Tenwek Community Health to help with an immunization/physicals clinic in the Mau forest; sadly, the forest is now only a few scattered trees, and we set up camp in a stick-and-mud, two-room building that also serves as a school and church. Because of the forest's destruction, the Kenyan government isn't allowing anyone to live in the area, so the building is a temporary structure and the women had to walk up to 10 km (6.2 mi) with their babies or pregnant bellies to get to our clinic! Absolutely incredible. I got to help give out oral polio vaccines, vitamin A pills, put together syringes, and hold babies while they received their immunizations. As our number of patients lagged, I went out to spend some time with the Kenyan women who were chatting while drinking chai and porridge in the grass (which they, of course, continually offered me because hospitality is such a vital part of the Kenyan culture). Their English and my Kipsigis (the area's tribal language) and Swahili were all very limited, but we managed to somewhat communicate through sign language, and they were really excited about my camera and the fact that they could see themselves on the screen afterwards. Unfortunately, we got a flat tire on the way back, so my day ended up being incredibly long, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Our community clinic on top of a mountain in the Mau forest.
Giving an oral polio vaccine to a baby at the clinic.
On top of all this, I've been beyond blessed to be able to watch my fabulous UK basketball team in the NCAA tournament! I'm surrounded by UNC, Kansas, Louisville, and Duke fans, but we all gather together in the guest house activity room with our bowls of popcorn to watch the games on the projector screen; sometimes we have to stay up really late or watch a recording, but I've been staying in touch with the US that way! Besides basketball, we've become pretty obsessed with the card game, Dutch Blitz; we'll often organize a game late at night when there isn't a game on. So I'm definitely having some competitive fun out here too!
Katie, Tammy and I just caught up on your blog. Again feels like we're there with you. We love your writings. We're so glad God is using you in such wonderful ways. Your experiences sound amazing and it's neat to see how God is working through you. Tammy really wants some of that chai time, but we know she's really thinking of coffee! It's really cool that you got to see a delivery. We just talked to your mom and she told us she was going to see you this weekend. That's awsome. We send our love and thanks for keeping us posted. We love you. Dan and Tam
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, how exciting to hear of all your adventures. You'll probably be able to write a book
ReplyDeleteon your experiences. How cute that the little girls love your hair. We take so much for granted. I can so understand why the people are so amazed at your camera and are able to see themselves on it. Even I love my camera and absolutely love to take pictures. I have so many photo albums and sit down alot and look through them. I think my camera was one of the nicest gifts my children have given me, and I have received many really nice gifts from them. We had
a nice weekend. Grampy and I sang a special at Church and received so many compliments. It was really a great service. We know how you feel about doing God's work. God does work through His people and that is why it was so important to us to be instrumental in building our new facility. The bottom line is seeing souls saved. We are so blest, aren't we all? I bet your Mother is eager to see you and I pray you are both kept save and have a special time together. Love, Grammy
Hello Again! Wonderful to read your latest installment of Katies' Kenyan Experience. How exciting. I spoke with your mom and she is so excited to see you. Make sure you give her the grand tour. Give her a big hug because I can only imagine how much I would miss the boys if they were traveling. Am I giving you too many order? Just do this please and make your moms' day. Love you and I hope this time together for you and your mom is one you'll never forget. God bless you and lots of love. Aunt J
DeleteStop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey. The further one goes, the less (he realizes he) one knows. Flights to Luanda
ReplyDelete