Saturday, June 28th - Sightseeing and Shopping

Our last full day in Kenya.  Later breakfast today and Jackson picked us up at 10 am, to see a few sights and do last minute shopping.  Being Saturday we ran in to quite a bit of traffic, but it is always interesting to watch the colourful and rather chaotic life in downtown Nairobi.  We were able to stop at a scenic view of the city and take photos.  We were also able to get pictures of the Kibera rooftops from another higher vantage point.  Visited a beautiful craft market, which divested us all of our remaining funds.  We invited Jackson for lunch at the café and had a great time.  He is so full of knowledge and eager to share.

View of Nairobi

All Saints Cathedral

Kibera Rooftops

Westgate Mall, site of terrorist attack Sept/13. Top floors
had collapsed.  Restoration well under way.

Back to MGH, and started packing for the trip home later tomorrow.  Took a cab to the Mall and ate at one of our favourite restaurants.

(Fran typing this blog)  As a rebuttal to the comments (from Ruth) that I am always falling asleep, it is 10:30 pm and I am trying desperately to finish the blog.  I’ve downloaded my pictures on the computer, so that I can add these in during our 6 hour wait in the Paris airport on the way home. 

We have had a great adventure and have enjoyed working together very much.  Even in the midst of such poverty and need, it is always necessary to keep smiling.  Through what we have seen and experienced over the last two weeks, it is a reminder that there is always another project around the corner.  If your heart is open, there are always challenges and new goals to reach for, even as we grow (a bit) older.

Friday, June 27th, Visit to St. Nicholas Children's Home and School.

Clinic work done, Jackson picked us up at 9:30 am we headed to St. Nicholas Children’s Home and School, Karen.  Unfortunately Canon Naomi was away but we were welcomed by the school’s manager and head teacher who were eager to show us the updates that have occurred over the last year.  We first met in the Diocesan offices, had tea, and then headed up the path to St. Nicholas.  We were first taken to a classroom where 40 children or so, met with us.  They were all dressed in blue track suits.  Apparently an American supporter had purchased these for all of the children and this is their uniform on Fridays.  They sang us a song and had various other interactions with the “visitors”.  Staff and students are very appreciative of the dispensary that we keep well stocked.  The dispensary with bandages and medicines saves many costly trips out for treatment.  The social worker who runs the dispensary, can also call Dr. Stanley, relay symptoms, and then dispense whatever he feels is necessary.  We presented back packs to the children, made by the St. James’ Sunday School.  We continued our tour, visiting the 8 new classrooms, finished this year.  These classrooms are bright and airy, with new desks, chairs and blackboards.  The washrooms in the new building are very modern and clean.  It is impressive to see the advances they have made in the four years that we have been involved.  The children appear very healthy and happy.  The school continues to sell purified, bottled water as one of their fundraising efforts.  We left feeling quite satisfied with the progress at St. Nicholas, relative to the newly identified needs of the school children and orphans in Bungoma.

School Manager, Head Teacher, Ruth, Rosemarie and
Rev Makokha, as we present the Diocese Office with picture
of St. James' Church picture, entitled "Looking Up".

Plaque comemorating opening of new classrooms.

Front door of new building.

Old classrooms on the left, new on the right.

Courtyard in the new building, total eight new classrooms.

Updated (upgraded) bathrooms.

Bottled Water, fundraising project.

Bottled Water Project.

Rosemarie being thanked for bringing backpacks
from St. James' Church, Sunday School.

Student reading letter from St. James'
Sunday School.

Students display backpacks.

  We then visited the Karen Blixen Museum, set in Karen Blixen’s home (you will remember this from the movie “Out of Africa”).  Spacious house and beautiful grounds.  We had a lovely lunch at the new Karen Blixen Café located just down the road, at the site of her plantation manager’s home.

Karen Blixen's home.

Photo of Karen Blixen with her dog.

Lunch at the cafe with Jackson.

Next stop was the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust-Elephant Orphanage.  Being foster parents already we were allowed to visit at 5 pm in a relatively small group.  As the babies and junior elephants came in from the forest with their keepers for supper (bottles of milk and alfalfa leaves),  it was basically a stampede, as they realized supper was waiting for them.  Both of Fran’s current fostered elephants have graduated to areas in Kenya where they are slowly introduced back in to the wild.  Fran fostered the newest arrival for her nephew Robert and Ruth also signed on. 

Here come the young elephants, on to supper.

No help needed with this bottle of milk.

New baby Mbegu, whom Fran fostered for her
niece and nephew.  Tired after a long day in the forest.

I love my keeper!!!!!

Returning to MGH, we tried the Orchard Restaurant, located in the Methodist Conference Centre next door.  The food served was less than stellar and sorry to say we won’t be returning there.

Thursday, June 26th-Medical Clinic at Kibera

(Blog by Ruth, again)

After arriving so early the day before – we decided to leave a half hour later this morning.  The drive was very easy again.  You cannot believe the number of people walking to work or living on the side of the road.  There are many shabby lean-to type shops on the side of the road – each maybe 5 to 10 feet wide and the next one right beside.  One wonders how these remain standing and if they got an occupancy permit.  They are selling everything imaginable.  My guess is they make enough money today to by food for the family for tomorrow.

By the way tax returns are due on June 30^th in Kenya – big ads all over the place.  I think these vendors are not reporting.  In fact our drive told us that if your income is below a certain threshold you do not need to file a return.

Again, we were the first group to arrive at Holy Trinity.  We did have another short worship session and pep talk.  From the American team, an ardent young woman spoke about her delight in spreading the Gospel to the many Muslims coming into the clinic.  All three of us bristled at her urge to proselytize, but it was Ruth who got up and politely disputed this attitude, ie trying to convert Muslims.  From that point on they looked at Ruth as though she were the devil incarnate.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Interior of Holy Trinity

We were very pleased to see that Muslims were sufficiently comfortable to attend our clinic and bring their children to the parish school.  The young Muslim female students wore the same uniform, but had long pants and the traditional head ``scarf``.  That peaceful interaction was enough for us – we did not need to convert them.

We brought ``sweaties`` for the children who came to the clinic and enough for the classroom children as  well. 

Today, with all the staff there for the day and a compliment of four docs, we saw 280 patients.

Again, the church women worked very diligently to provide us with tea and samosas  - today Ruth tried the tea and was sorry she had not participated the day before and tried to get a second samosa – but was not allowed.

Lunch was very tasty and Ruth went out to the back to get a cooking lesson from the ladies and learned how to make the cabbage dish.  All food is prepared in large pots outdoors over open fires. The dishes and cutlery are washed on large basins on the ground.

Ruth stopped registering patients at 4 pm – but it took until a little after 5 pm to finish with the patients who were there and to pack up the drugs, etc.

We headed off to the Junction Mall for dinner at the Art Café and a bit of shopping then back to MGH for the evening – again – Fran went to sleep immediately (give me a break!!!!).  She was awake by 4 am.

Wenesday, June 25th-Medical Clinic Kibera

This is Ruth again.  Rosemarie composed the following info for the days at Holy Trinity on the edge of Kibera.  Now, apparently, Rosemarie and Fran got up at 5:30 am for a 7 am departure.   That is just silly – I got up at 6:30 am for a 7 am departure and still made it.

Jackson arrived on time at with the van and somehow got us to Holy Trinity within 20 minutes.   We were the first to arrive – by a long shot – other than the kids who were already playing in the yard. Eventually the American workers arrived along with other local church workers and medical people.  We started the day 45 minutes late (Africa time) with a short but lively worship service.  Then the US Doc took over and had debriefing from the day before.

I was doing “intake”, Fran of course was being a doctor and Rosemarie was helping with the pharmacy. We had more help that we might have needed – other than docs, and the day went smoothly.  Please see the pictures of the clinic and the school.  Oh my goodness – we are lucky to have been born in Canada.  However, these people are very grateful for our help.  Any children we saw did not seem to be as tired or hungry as the children in Bungoma.  Fran – bless her heart – did pick up two cases of Typhoid.  Fran did not herself see an HIV case, but four were diagnosed in Bungoma, none in Kibera – this time.  Dr. Stanley will follow up in Bungoma with the HIV cases.    New additions to the services at Holy Trinity are cervical cancer screening and breast cancer screening. 

Fran and Rosemarie, along with others, enjoyed a lovely lunch of lentils, potatoes, rice and cabbage.  (Ruth was afraid to eat and had a granola bar from the Bracebridge Shoppers Drug Mart (very tasty)).

After lunch the Americans visited a woman`s prison and reported the next day that they had saved 20 people (they were not allowed to practice medicine at the prison). While they were away Fran and Dr. Stanley continued to see patients.  Total for the day was 206.

After the clinic, Dr. Stanley showed us a train container that had been donated to the clinic.  He is working on converting this into a maternity centre – please see the attached picture.  At the moment there is not water or electricity to this ``building`` - but they do hope to have this hooked up soon. 

We are also showing you pictures of the so called ``dental chair`` that is used in the dental clinic.  We hope to be able to raise enough money to purchase – even a used chair for the dentist.  At this time she can do only extractions and teeth cleaning.

We then had an interesting drive in rush hour to the mall for dinner and some shopping. 

Fran then was asleep by 7:30 pm (from Fran-I really am getting caught up in my sleep and am feeling quite refreshed-thank you Ruth!)

Dr Stanley and another local doctor, at the Medical Camp

Dr Tom from North Carolina

New "Computer College" next to the library,
set up by Pat & Jennifer in 2012 (on right).

Prospective Maternity Clinic

Ruth at the ready again, at triage.

Nurse Practitioners at intake.

Local Social Worker

Dental Clinic

Infamous Dental Chair, we really need
to do something about this!

Tuesday, June 24th

Slept in a bit this morning and after a good breakfast at The Methodist Guest House, started some sightseeing at The National Museum of Kenya.  Very interesting info about the beginnings of mankind.  They have a skull there that dates back 17 million years.  Also much about the history of Kenya and the 42 tribes that occupied this region of Africa.

Ruth & Rosemarie outside the National Museum

Magnificent display of wildlife.

17 million year old skull

2-3 million year old skulls

We had a long drive then to the home of Rev Philip Makokha, of The Vine Foundation where we had been invited for lunch.  What a lovely home, he and his wife Rebecca have.  We were treated to what we initially thought was lunch, however after an hour or so a large spread of food was unveiled, including beef stew, chicken, ugali, curried rice, potatoes, spinach and cabbage.  Returned to Nairobi through very dense traffic. 

Philip and Rebecca Makokha.

Pat and Jennifer then preparing to return home, planning to leave MGH very early Wed morning.  We shopped in the MGH gift shop, had a rest for an hour or two and then back to the Art Cafe for 
supper.

Monday, June 23 - Travel Day back to Nairobi

We were up early for our return drive to Nairobi.  A beautiful day and interesting scenery, especially alongside the Rift Valley.  Fran not feeling well, but survived the trip.  Thank goodness for Cipro and Imodium.  Checked in to The Methodist Guest House and off to dinner at The Artcaffe in the Junction Mall.

Michael & Jackson, our drivers.

Leaving Lake Nakuru

Church along the way, built by Italian prisoners
of war, WW II.

Stopped for a break at this view point.

Great Rift Valley, from whence we all came.

Three Days at Lake Nakuru

Up early (5 am) Fri June 20^th, we all packed in to the van including Dr Stanley’s team, for the drive to the Kisumu airport.  Fran, Ruth and Rosemarie met up with Jennifer and Pat for the short flight to Nairobi.  Luckliy we were met by two drivers and vehicles for the trip to Lake Nakuru for a couple of days of R&R.  We were driven by Samson and midway we ran into problems with the car.  The 3 of us then bundled in to the van with Pat & Jennifer, leaving Samson to wait for Jackson to arrive and then go on to fix the car.  Began to see animals as we approached Lake Nakuru National Park including baboons, zebra and gazelles.  We finally arrived at the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, a beautiful oasis of lovely gardens and buildings.  Rooms were quite luxurious as opposed to previous accommodation and hot water was much appreciated.  Meals served in a large dining room.  We sat around a bonfire and watched native dancers and then went in to an excellent supper.  Mosquito netting around the beds was very inventive, on tracks and didn’t make you fight with them trying to get out of bed.  Getting caught up in the netting has proved quite amusing at times over the trip.

Vehicle Breakdown.

Piling into van with Jennifer, Pat and Michael (driver, known
as a speed demon!!!)

Entering Lake Nakuru National Park,

famous for it's flamingos,

however flooding over the past few years has severely reduced
their population here, as their food supply has diminished.

Wonderful lodge, in the Sarova chain.

Our cabins.

Innovative mosquito netting.

Innovative bird feeder at the lodge, hollowed out log.

Up early Sat June 21^st for a hearty breakfast with many choices.  We were then met by Jackson and in to the van for our first game drive.  Weather was overcast with sporadic rain, but not a deterrent.  Saw many animals-zebra, gazelles, water buffalo, baboons, monkeys, black rhino, a large group of giraffe and flamingos.  Also saw lions who had made a kill overnight.  One of the lions was protecting the carcass from two jackels and buzzards, who were lurking nearby.   Visited Baboon Cliff where we met up with Jennifer and Pat.  Prior to getting up the hill we heard screaming on the two way radio, and Ruth said she wondered where that was coming from.  In fact a very aggressive baboon had jumped in to Pat & Jennifer’s van through the open top and they were terrified.  He was obviously looking for food, of which there thankfully was none, and gradually left the way he had come in.  The girls were left shaking for quite some time.  After the game drive we arrived back for a late lunch and rest, followed by a glass of wine and another generous 

dinner.

Lioness guarding kill, with jackel behind.

Other two lioness' lounging around, while their sister was
hard at work.

Bad, bad Baboon!!!!!!!!

Came across a group of twenty giraffe, they couldn't wait to
move away.

Rhino, very solitary animals.

Up very early, Sun June 22^nd, for another game drive, this time taking another route within the park.  Again saw hundreds of animals of all varieties.  We came across three lions sleeping, and waited quite some time to see if they would raise their heads.  Finally the two females raised their heads to see what the noise was about and then the magnificent male roused.  Later in the drive we came upon white rhino, at a very close distance.  Usually they are lying down or quite far away, being very solitary creatures.  Rosemarie and Ruth spent the afternoon by the pool, Fran having come down with the usual GI upset.  Enjoyed another marvellous evening and then off to bed.

Beautiful birds.

Our group on game drive.

Crown prince.

Finally this gentleman raised his head!!!!!