Getting up this morning at 5:30 AM was challenging after being out so late at the Carnivore the night before. We had to load up and head to the Nairobi National Park for our "Safari." The animals are the most active in the early hours of the morning.
We were out in the park for almost 5 hours limping along in the vans over roads that should not be called roads. We were tossed about in the vans like weeble wobbles...and no one fell down!
A few of us would have preferred to be at home in bed as we got hit pretty hard with another round of the wonderful flu bug that we have all been sharing since the 3rd day we were here. It definitely was not the place to be when feeling nauseous.
We were very fortunate to see just about all the animals you can see in the park. We had a great time.
Following the safari, we headed to Beacon to say our final goodbyes. I can't really expound on this experience as I was back at Kijiji lying prone in bed with the flu. I do know that everyone enjoyed their time there and are very thankful for all that God did in our lives through the work of Beacon of Hope.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sunday May 30th
We started the day out by attending Maggie's church - Mavuno Downtown Chapel. It was an amazing service. We all felt very blessed to be able to have this experience.
Following church, we switched hotels today and went to a more serene setting. Kijiji is made up of 2 “cottages” (two story, octagonal buildings with 16 rooms each) and is set off the main road quite a ways in the midst of a setting consisting of trees, plants, flowers and a pond. It will provide a peaceful place for us to debrief.
We had our celebration dinner tonight with Rosemary and the Wathome’s. We went to a restaurant called “Carinvore,” which, by the way, was voted to be amongst the top 50 restaurants in the world. Hmmm…I’m not sure the herbivores would agree with this.
Upon entering the restaurant, you are immediately greeted with a huge (and I mean HUGE) rotisserie of various different meats cooking on their respective skewers. I don’t think I have ever seen so much meet at one time!
The meet menu for the night:
Round 1: Pork Sausage
Round 2: Chicken
Round 3: Potatos
Round 4: Spare Ribs
Round 5: Lamb Chops
Round 6: Beef
Round 7: Pork
Round 8: Crocodile (yes...crocodile!)
Round 9: Turkey
Round 10: Chicken Gizzards
Round 11: Leg of Lamb
Round 12: Ground Ostrich meet balls
These were brought to the table on the HUGE skewers that they were cooked on in the rotisserie. The waiters had a huge, very sharp knife and simple set the skewer on your plate and began to shave the meet onto your plate.
The table had a white flag on it and when you decided it was time to surrender to your gorged stomach, you pulled the flag from its base and the waiters would no longer come to your table with more meet. Until then, it was eat as much as you can!
Following church, we switched hotels today and went to a more serene setting. Kijiji is made up of 2 “cottages” (two story, octagonal buildings with 16 rooms each) and is set off the main road quite a ways in the midst of a setting consisting of trees, plants, flowers and a pond. It will provide a peaceful place for us to debrief.
We had our celebration dinner tonight with Rosemary and the Wathome’s. We went to a restaurant called “Carinvore,” which, by the way, was voted to be amongst the top 50 restaurants in the world. Hmmm…I’m not sure the herbivores would agree with this.
Upon entering the restaurant, you are immediately greeted with a huge (and I mean HUGE) rotisserie of various different meats cooking on their respective skewers. I don’t think I have ever seen so much meet at one time!
The meet menu for the night:
Round 1: Pork Sausage
Round 2: Chicken
Round 3: Potatos
Round 4: Spare Ribs
Round 5: Lamb Chops
Round 6: Beef
Round 7: Pork
Round 8: Crocodile (yes...crocodile!)
Round 9: Turkey
Round 10: Chicken Gizzards
Round 11: Leg of Lamb
Round 12: Ground Ostrich meet balls
These were brought to the table on the HUGE skewers that they were cooked on in the rotisserie. The waiters had a huge, very sharp knife and simple set the skewer on your plate and began to shave the meet onto your plate.
The table had a white flag on it and when you decided it was time to surrender to your gorged stomach, you pulled the flag from its base and the waiters would no longer come to your table with more meet. Until then, it was eat as much as you can!
Beacon of Hope Medical Clinic
Sorry, folks, for getting so far behind on the blog as we wind down here in Kenya
Line of tents: Triage, Doctors/Nurses, Pediatrics, GYN
We started our morning with a word of prayer with all 200 volunteers gathered together in His name. It was pretty cool. Michael (a Beacon staff member) came over the loud speaker to give us instructions, finishing with letting us know where the exclusives are. As he finished, one of the other Beacon staff members went up and whispered in his ear – we were all curious as to what was going to be said. Many of us must have had a dazed look on our faces as the next thing Michael announced was: “For those of you wondering what the exclusives are, they are the two portable bathrooms over to your left.” A low rumble of giggles rippled through the crowd.
"The Exclusives"
It didn’t take long to become overwhelmed with a long line of patients. The line backed up for blocks outside the Beacon of Hope gates (which was still quite a ways from where we held the clinic). It was clear the local volunteers had the distinct advantage over us using their native tongue (Kiswahili) to “direct traffic,” while we “musungu’s” (white person) relied on smiles and polite gestures. Somehow, we still got our message across.
Line at the second gate.
The line at the first gate was two blocks long.
Patients patiently waiting for treatment.
As many as possible sought solace in the shade from the tree.
One of the "little" patients :)
Paul assessing a patient.
I remember him telling the patient his blood sugar was high.
Triage Tent
Everyone had to start here to get their vitals.
The pharmacy.
The lines (or crowd) got progressively larger as the day wore on.
Everyone had to start here to get their vitals.
The lines (or crowd) got progressively larger as the day wore on.
The day wore on…everything moving along very well…until tea time. In Kenya
"Tea Time"
As I headed back to lunch (I skipped tea), it struck me how casually everyone just stopped what they were doing to go get tea or food, as if it were expected. The stark contrast between that and seeing the level of poverty emanating from the patients was a lesson I will take with me forever. It brought tears to my heart, knowing how each and everyone of those patients go through daily struggles just to survive.
At the end of the day, over 2000 patients were seen. Wounds were treated, one patient was transferred to the hospital, children received immunizations, coughs and fevers were treated…but most of all, the patients knew that there were people that cared enough to offer them compassion through their struggle to stay healthy.
Patients relaxing at the end of the day.
Most waiting for their prescriptions.
Children passing the time by
playing games on the squares.
Isn't she adorable?
May God get all the glory for the many riches he provided at this clinic.
Jody
On behalf of the entire Kenya
Friday, May 28, 2010
Two days at Beacon of Hope
BEACON OF HOPE
Yesterday and today was spent at Beacon of Hope. We all went our various ways to experience the daily functioning of BOH. Some shadowed providers in the medical clinic, others sat with the grandmas watching them knit, some did interviews with the weavers in production, others sorted and inventoried medications. Jess went out with Humphrey each day in the "mobilization van" speaking Swahili through a megaphone inviting everyone to the free clinic. She was awesome!
Some of us went on home visits to check in on current patients or ladies that work in the production rooms at Beacon. Some had to take “Matatu’s” to visit the ladies; others walked in the areas close to Beacon.
Definition of a Matatu: 1) suicide on wheels, 2) 12 passenger van with too many seats and is a pseudo taxi, 3) disco taxi with adult size seats in a "Little Tykes" van, 4) a rolling vehicle precariously weaving in and out of traffic, frequently with the side door open.
Today was the first day of rain since we arrived. The dirt streets quickly turned to mud and became very slippery as we plodded along to the home visits. It sure made us appreciate the cement streets and sidewalks in America.
Four of us walked within the area today to visit a couple of families that have applied for help through Beacon of Hope. We went with two of the Social Development directors to see the assessment process. It was very eye opening. Both families had homes that consisted of only two rooms. One paid $35/month, the other $40/month. One had cement walls the other corrugated steel walls. There was a living room no larger than 9x7 and an additional room that was divided into the kitchen and sleeping quarters.
The first family was affected by HIV/AIDS. The father's first wife died of AIDS 5 years ago...only one year following the birth of their son, who also has HIV. He remarried and they have a 3 year old son as well. They are seeking help from Beacon of Hope.
The pre-school that Beacon supports was celebrating all the May birthdays today so we made all the birthday hats and cards for them. Or should I say..."the boys" (Andy & Tony) made the hats. The balance of the afternoon was spent celebrating with the school children. There were 16 kids with May birthdays. Each received a colorful hat to wear and sat at a table of honor.
Then, much to my surprise, as I was busy documenting the event with pictures, my name was called and it became evident that my team members had schemed behind my back and arranged for me to join the children (my birthday is on Sunday). It was a birthday celebration never to be forgotten.
We had our usual 4:00 tea...which on Kenyan time is usually anywhere from 4:15-4:30 pm...then packed up and headed back to the hotel and to our routine dining experience at the Prestige Mall food court.
Brenda, Ben and Christine.
We have a very busy day tomorrow at the Beacon Medical clinic. We expect to see 2000 patients. We're very thankful to have the help from the staff at Gertrude's Teaching Hospital.
We're winding down after tomorrow and will take a few days to de-brief before heading home. I'm sure all of you are anxiously awaiting to see more pictures and hear more stories upon our return.
God's blessings,
Jody Nibbe
on behalf of the entire Kenya team
Yesterday and today was spent at Beacon of Hope. We all went our various ways to experience the daily functioning of BOH. Some shadowed providers in the medical clinic, others sat with the grandmas watching them knit, some did interviews with the weavers in production, others sorted and inventoried medications. Jess went out with Humphrey each day in the "mobilization van" speaking Swahili through a megaphone inviting everyone to the free clinic. She was awesome!
Amy interviewing one of the ladies
that weaves rugs in the production room.
Jane is just about done with this rug.
It took her a day and a half to make.
Some of us went on home visits to check in on current patients or ladies that work in the production rooms at Beacon. Some had to take “Matatu’s” to visit the ladies; others walked in the areas close to Beacon.
Definition of a Matatu: 1) suicide on wheels, 2) 12 passenger van with too many seats and is a pseudo taxi, 3) disco taxi with adult size seats in a "Little Tykes" van, 4) a rolling vehicle precariously weaving in and out of traffic, frequently with the side door open.
**Picture coming Soon**
Today was the first day of rain since we arrived. The dirt streets quickly turned to mud and became very slippery as we plodded along to the home visits. It sure made us appreciate the cement streets and sidewalks in America.
Four of us walked within the area today to visit a couple of families that have applied for help through Beacon of Hope. We went with two of the Social Development directors to see the assessment process. It was very eye opening. Both families had homes that consisted of only two rooms. One paid $35/month, the other $40/month. One had cement walls the other corrugated steel walls. There was a living room no larger than 9x7 and an additional room that was divided into the kitchen and sleeping quarters.
The first family was affected by HIV/AIDS. The father's first wife died of AIDS 5 years ago...only one year following the birth of their son, who also has HIV. He remarried and they have a 3 year old son as well. They are seeking help from Beacon of Hope.
The pre-school that Beacon supports was celebrating all the May birthdays today so we made all the birthday hats and cards for them. Or should I say..."the boys" (Andy & Tony) made the hats. The balance of the afternoon was spent celebrating with the school children. There were 16 kids with May birthdays. Each received a colorful hat to wear and sat at a table of honor.
Jody, Andy, Larry, Kortney, Paul, Jess, Tony & Pam
The crew making the birthday hats and cards.
Andrea and Kortney really enjoying making cards.
Is that a Hippo you're drawing, Kortney?
Be sure to look for the hippo in one of the next pictures.
One of the birthday girls all dressed up for the big day.
She was waiting for her yellow hat.
Then, much to my surprise, as I was busy documenting the event with pictures, my name was called and it became evident that my team members had schemed behind my back and arranged for me to join the children (my birthday is on Sunday). It was a birthday celebration never to be forgotten.
Jody receiving her hat.
All standing for the birthday song.
Jody's friend, Tyrone, celebrating together.
Jody getting her piece of cake from Cecilia.
It's tradition here for each child to feed
the piece of cake to the next person.
Each child does a "catwalk" as part of
their special recognition.
Of course, they made Jody do it, too!
The group "catwalk."
Andy giving one of the birthday girls her card.
Tony taking his turn :)
Is that the hippo??
Kortney and friends :)
The children are so fascinated with our hair.
We had our usual 4:00 tea...which on Kenyan time is usually anywhere from 4:15-4:30 pm...then packed up and headed back to the hotel and to our routine dining experience at the Prestige Mall food court.
Prestige food court. Our nightly place to hang out.
Ben was our regular waiter each night.
Yes...here in Nairobi there are waiters at the food court!
Ali, Andrea, Kortney and Leslie...well...being silly.
We have a very busy day tomorrow at the Beacon Medical clinic. We expect to see 2000 patients. We're very thankful to have the help from the staff at Gertrude's Teaching Hospital.
We're winding down after tomorrow and will take a few days to de-brief before heading home. I'm sure all of you are anxiously awaiting to see more pictures and hear more stories upon our return.
God's blessings,
Jody Nibbe
on behalf of the entire Kenya team
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Machakos Medical Clinic
MACHAKOS CLINIC
PREPARATION DAY
CLINIC DAY
PREPARATION DAY
We began the day with devotions at 8:00 am at Beacon of Hope. In the 2 hour wait prior to leaving for Machakos, we sorted out and inventoried school supplies we brought from home - they will be used at BOH.
We departed for Machakos at 11:00 AM - loaded up all our overnight gear once again and headed for the mountains (elevation: 6000 FT - does that count as a mountain??). Machakos is a 2-3 hour drive south east of Nairobi. The views were beautiful as we headed up the mountainside. It certainly isn't the vision we think of as Americans when we think of Aftrica. But then again, Africa is a very large continent with many different terrains. This area of Kenya is breathtaking.
This side trip, in particular, is a special treat as we are staying with Ken Wathome's mother at his childhood home. She has been so gracious to take 30 people into her home and not only feed us but provide a place to sleep under the heavens in the mountains of Machakos. We praise God for the provisions and fellowship at the Wathome home.
The Wathome Home
See that black "tank" on the left?
That's what supplies the clean water to the house.
Sleeping quarters for "the boys."
There were quite a few boys!
A huge lunch was prepared for us upon arrival. We find it amazing the amount of food that is prepared with so few resources - no kitchen - just a charcoal firepit to cook on. Kortney, Jody and Christine spent some time out back with the cooks and tried our hand at peeling potatoes.
Hangin' with the cooks :)
Jody peeling potatos
Soon after lunch Mama Wathome invited Maggie, Kortney, Jody & Christine to go for a ride and visit her sister. Everyone in the village knows when Mama Wathome emerges from home...she is the only person up here who has a car. Cute as can be, Mama Wathome sat behind the wheel of her Toyota all wheel drive and headed down the rain gutted dirt road to our destination. Like a boat parting a path amongst a swarm of water bugs, pedestrians would part to the sides of the road as Mama honked her horn, not slowing down for anything.
Mama Wathome driving :)
What a treat to meet Mama's sister. Everywhere we go we are greated with pure joy. Terasea (tear-ah-see-ah) lives just up the road from Mama Wathome on the mountainside. After enjoying some oranges together, Kortney and I (Jody) were invited to walk down into the valley to harvest some sugar cane to bring back with us. Terasea's helper made Kortney and I look like "white city folk" as, at 50-60 years old, she walked down into the valley as though she were a 6 year old bouncing down the hillside. Meanwhile...we were slipping and sliding doing everything we could to stay upright!
"Mama" and Maggie
View outside Terasea's front door.
We harvested six 10 foot stalks of sugar cane to bring back up. Terasea's helper also showed us a papaya tree and guava tree...as well as some banana plants. These were beautiful. The flowers on the banana plants were HUGE - at least 12-18 inches in length. Time to head back up the hillside...we each carried two sugar cane stalks - one on each shoulder, making sure the back ends criss-crossed to help them stay steady. Kortney and I were huffing and puffing and dripping with sweat by the time we got up there and Terasea's helper wasn't even tired!! She definitely made us look whimpy!
Cutting down the sugar cane
Banana plant.
The purple thing is the flower.
Look closely at the top of the flower....
The bananas are just starting to grow.
They're growing.....
Ready to be picked!
Kortney showing off her prize sugar cane :)
Walking back up the hillside
We made it!!
After another great dinner, we sat around a fire singing songs and fellowshipping together. Well into the evening, as the singing began to feed our hearts, the dancing began. Kenyans teaching Americans dances and Americans teaching Kenyans dances. Much laughter filled the night air as 8 people cramed into a space no larger than 8x6 and attempted to do an American dance to a Kenyan beat. Music and dance is a language that has no boundaries and there certainly weren't any on this night as a group of Kenyans and Americans joined together for a night never to be forgotten.
Andrea, Kortney & Amy singing
Dennis trying his hand at the guitar.
Everyone loves Dennis!
Jess must be saying something pretty interesting!
Just how many people are you going to try and fit in there??
Amy showing off her dancing skills :)
CLINIC DAY
The waiting line at Bisil pales in comparison to the line here at Machakos. We were expecting 7 providers (doctors & nurses) and ended up with only our six for the first hour. However, when the local providers from the Machakos hospital joined us, patients were being shuffled through the lines in warp speed sending the pharmacy into overdrive! Even though the pharmacy had 4 people dispensing medications along with 3 people filling the prescriptions, they struggled to keep up with the pace.
Looonnnnnnggggg waiting line!
Kayla taking a blood pressure
Allison waiting for her next injection or wound care patient.
Pam at the weigh in station.
One of the sick children treated today.
Maggie tending to the last wound of the day.
The VCT (Voluntary Counseling Therapy) lines were much longer here than at Bisil. VCT is counseling given to those patients that are HIV positive and teaches them about healthy living and eliminating as much of the stigma and myths as possible. They are so grateful for the information they learn here.
VCT Tents
By 1:00 PM the pharmacy was starting to run out of many medications. Mostly pain and fever reducers and antibiotics. Many substitutions had to be made. Just before 4:00 PM the last of the Ibuprofen and Tylenol was dispensed, the tent for the waiting line was taken down and we packed up the remaining medications to return to BOH. Final count for patients seen was 797 Adults and 289 Children for a grand total of 1086!! Today was a good day. Praise God for providing all the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medications and all the behind the scenes support personal for a very triumphant day.
Saying our goodbyes....
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