We were back at Mt. Elgon early this week, helping to
coordinate medical camps in some of the poorest villages in Western Kenya. But
before we even began our medical mission, we encountered a problem. Our
LandCruiser was stuck in the mud. And it wasn’t ordinary mud. It was knee high
mud. Thick and slushy mud. So much so that it was over the top of the wheels of
the SUV on one side and the vehicle was tipped to the side almost completely.
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| Our LandCruiser in the mud. |
The team had lodged the SUV in the mud late Monday night and
had spent the evening/next morning in the vehicle to make sure that no one
stole or vandalized it. But the next day, after much talking, slushing about, putting
4x4s and rocks under the tires and ultimately a strong tow from another car, we
finally got the LandCruiser out of the mud and onto Mt. Elgon.
Up high in the mountains we went, curling up the red hills
of Mt. Elgon. When we arrived on site, there were hundreds of people – mostly women
and children – waiting for medical assistance from the Kenya Red Cross team.
Though we had several doctors and a few nurses and pharmacists as well as many
volunteers, we were still overwhelmed by need (or at least I was).
At the camp we saw everything; malnutrition, broken arms, malaria, jiggers,
skin infections, HIV/AIDS. It was quite indescribable to see that we were the
first and possibly only medical aid that many of these patients would receive. And
though we tried to stay busy, I had a great sense of not being able to do
enough - a bit helpless in a very difficult situation. We finally headed out
for the evening around 5pm, leaving ¾ of the team to finish up seeing patients
(we did have to close the doors to many people at that time).
For today, Spencer went out on another medical mission - I
had to stay back to finish preparing for the peer education group. I’m
completing my field experience at the Kenya Red Cross this summer coordinating
and implementing a peer education program on life skills. We’re reaching out to
20 schools in the Bungoma District to talk to students about everything from
relationships to communication to sex and drug abuse. Though it’s completely
worthwhile, this project is proving to challenge my skill set, which I’m enjoying.
I’m finally using my public health knowledge on the ground, which feels great.
I should let you know that Spencer and I will be on holiday
starting this Saturday and ending on June 25th. We’ll be heading to
Mombasa for several days to enjoy the beach and then going on a safari (which is
a must when you visit Kenya). We’re both looking forward to some much-needed
R&R.
Hope all is well in Minnesota. Sending everyone my love!
k
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