Kenya through Kaitlin's Eyes

(Blogspot by Kaitlin Backes, fellow nurse and friend of Jess and Catherine).

When Jess and Dave arrived this week, we were hopeful that they'd had plenty of rest on the plane because we had a busy week ahead of us! Our week was full of meetings about the land and building the new house. Buying land in Kenya is complicated enough for Kenyan natives, and it seems 10-fold to us mzungus. At least through our meetings, we met some awesome people who are doing great things for Kenya. The most impressive meeting was with Florence, a woman who runs an organization that sponsors  orphans who stay with relatives and provides them with lots of educational and spiritual support. They even run a micro-financing group among the guardians. Florence was an inspiration and told us to never give up.

We were also very impressed with our contractor, Michael. He seems like a very efficient, hardworking man and we are very excited about the house plan! We spent our walks to the land admiring other roofs that Michael has done. 

Jess drawing up blueprints 

Catherine revising house plans

Another meeting we had was with the house’s oldest boy, Joshua. He completed form 4 last year, and is sitting in limbo right now awaiting his next stage in life. We talked about the options he has for school, and set up a plan for him to take some short-term classes before polytechnic college starts in the fall. We’d also like for him to gain some experience shadowing people in fields he might be interested in. Like many American teenagers in his position, he has a lot of options before him and little experience to evaluate his options. But he is a kind, smart boy, and we’re excited to see what his future holds.

Valentine's treats for Jemo sweeties

 The rest of our week consisted of another pad talk and hanging out with the kids. Jess brought supplies to celebrate her favorite holiday with them (Valentine’s Day) before we took off for safari. Catherine and I’s last day in Maseno started with a sunrise hike, which was a challenge but worth the effort. 

A mountaintop experience :)

Our afternoon had an unexpected meeting, when a man that Jess and Dave met on the plane called and needed some wound care from trained nurses.  All the public hospitals are closed and have been for 2 more the because the doctors are on strike. Good thing nurses come prepared with sterile strips, and antibiotics  can be purchased over the counter here :) 


Kaitlin.