Tearful Reunion

I made it out to GIWA (now known as Shalom) for a short visit over the weekend. It was like going back home. We cried, we laughed, we danced, had meetings, played with babies and visited goats.

In the two years that have passed, there have been some big improvements and some things have remained the same. A few of my friends or children have passed away, so I am all the more grateful for those that I can embrace once again.

Overall the community is growing in health and strength. I am still completely in awe of the difficulty of rural life in Kenya. After only two days, I am exhausted, very dirty and a little sick. The shower back in town is very welcomed.

You know how difficult circumstances can bring people together? That is what happened to me at Shalom. My time there built some very deep bonds and my friends here are like family.

Once again I will have to delay writing a long update because I am on the move to the next project. But I have more pictures to share and stories to tell because you all are a part of this community too. The people of Shalom wanted to make sure that I tell you “Thank You”!

Africa has been calling

I cannot believe it has been two years since I left Africa and since my last post. I meant to share all of my stories, but somehow time seems to move at lightening speed in the western world. I am finally back in Kenya and so the urge to write is here again.

I have come for a short volunteer trip with a remarkable organization that provides water solutions in Kenya, Well Aware.  I started volunteering with the Austin based non-profit after my last trip. With my decision to close my midwifery practice and my first hand experience with the hardships caused by a lack of water; I felt it was the perfect fit.

I have been working with the community team of Well Aware to develop field household and facility surveys that will help the organization measure the health, education, environmental and economic impact that their projects have on a community. The impact measurement project displays the organization’s commitment to their mission, and I am proud to be a part of it. My work this trip also includes the assessment of community needs regarding water quality, health, hygiene and sanitation training.  

It is strange to be here without my beautiful daughter and a medical kit in hand, but I am greatly inspired by the idea of facilitating community development and just plain giddy to finally be back among these people that have taught me so much. I have already visited the FreMo clinic in Kawangware and will make a quick visit out to GIWA. So, I will be able to update you all on the previous projects you helped to support.

Someday I will publish my story in it’s entirety. For now, I will strive for small tidbits and a few good pics from the field. Love to you all!

Merry Christmas!

Here we go!

Finishing up the last details. We leave tomorrow, on my 37th birthday. We arrive in Nairobi at 1:30am on July 18th, Kenya time, which is 8 hours ahead of Texas. My friend, Albert, has agreed to pick us up which is a great relief. We will stay for the first couple nights at the Shalom House, where I stayed in Nairobi before. I hope to meet Vicki and Moffat and see the FreMo clinic the day I arrive before Vicki leaves. Then we will go from there. I will have internet access at the Shalom House, so I will post an update once in Nairobi.

Our only personal possessions fit in one backpack each.

Here is a glimpse at our luggage full of donations which includes… pregnancy tests, IV equipment, portable Hgb machine, blood typing tests, urinalysis, first aid supplies, herbs, supplements, gloves, suture materials, manual suction device, glucometer, anti-hemorrhagic meds, bulb syringes, cord clamps, syringes/needles, baby blankets, cloth diapers, knitted baby hats from Jenn Winter and more! Too much to list it all 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

A huge thank you to all the in-kind and cash donations. Now it’s time to put it to work. I will keep you all posted as I can. Keep us in your prayers. All my love!