Orphanages and Operating Rooms

My students arrived safe and sound and I must say, they are quite fantastic. They are a group of 8 nursing students, some of whom have never really left the country before, and they have embraced everything Kenya whole heartedly. We arrived a few days ago at Mercy Mission Hospital in Nakuru where we will be spending a week. The guest house, where the 10 of us would be sleeping, had 6 available beds. I love Kenya planning:). But they jumped right in and said that's okay, we'll share. These are single beds mind you. Three of the girls pushed the beds together and rigged up a double mosquito net over them. So resourceful. I was so proud. We also do not have anyone to cook for us, so Vivian (the other instructor) and I will be cooking for 10 :). They have a hot water heating system, but it heats the sink water and the shower is frigid.......wiring problem or just ridiculously bad planning?

Last night our drivers, Shadrack and Tony, joined us for dinner and we were regaled with the most fascinating stories of growing up on the Maasai Mara and of the manhood ceremony that involves circumcision and killing a lion. Crazy. Each of us was sitting on the edge of our seat in suspense for about 2 hours. What a lost art story telling is, and how delightful to spend an evening with someone who excels at it. Just fascinating. They gave us gory details of how each animals like to kill their prey. And you all know how nursing students love gory details.

Our first day, to ease them in, we visited an orphanage and mission hospital run by the hatholic church that blew me away (see pic below). It was so pretty and well-kept and well managed. For those of you who know Kenya-this is nothing short of an act of God. It was quite encouraging to me, and gave me hope for the future of the Phoebe House. At least I now believe it can be done.

 

Yesterday we started rotations in the HIV testing and clinic, the wards, maternity and outpatient surgery. Yesterday on our tour, about 10 minutes in, we walked in on a woman who had come in for a incomplete abortion (spontaneous miscarriage) and had retained products of conception and was bleeding heavily. The medical officer introduced himself and asked them to jump in and assist. Yikes. A little intimidating, but true to form they embraced it and learned a lot. It's been great so far. As much as I miss Maseno right now and my own work I am doing there, I love being an instructor. I love teaching, and most of all I love seeing the students falling in love with this country, and these people. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.

Today we started the day a little early with an emergency C-section and 2 of my students got to scrub in and receive the baby. Very interesting to be in the OR here, quite a different experience than what we are used to. Yes-we are wearing skirts, gowns, and rubber boots with no socks (except Aaron). We were all impressed with the skill and precision of the medical officer who performed the surgery. The rest were spread out between the delivery room, the outpatient clinic and the wards. I'm waiting to hear all their stories tonight. One got to assist in her first birth!

That's all I have for now. More fascinating updates to come!

Jessie