Bring your love to life inside of me

Hello friends!  I have decided to keep up with blogging.  We'll see how it goes.  I know it won't be filled with anymore pictures of lions and orphanages, but hopefully you will still find it worth the read.  I was moved to share with you about a song I heard today on KLOVE.  For those of you who don't know, KLOVE is a contemporary Christian music station that can probably be found in the city where you live.  Anywho, the song is called "love come to life" and its by Big Daddy Weave.  This song may not be that new to you, but remember, I was in Kenya for 2 months, so its new to me :)  Below you can find some of the lyrics from the song:

I've been restless on the iside

wondering about this heart of mine

I've been desperately trying to find

A way to prove that I'm still alive

Has the love I speak so loudly of quietly grown cold

Has my life been an empty voice?

What I say needs to be seen

I need to step out and make the choice

To let go of everything

Would you reignite this heart spark here in the dark?

Bring you love to life inside of me

Why don't you break my heart til it moves my hands and feet

For the hopeless and the broken

For the ones that don't know that you love them

Bring your love to life inside of me

I love how this song challenges us to reignite our love and passion for God.  I love the part where it states "what I say needs to be seen."  I recall the scripture from 1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."  And I pray that my honest prayer can be for God to break my heart until it moves my hands and feet.  James 2:17 tells us, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not prove itself with actions, is dead."  It is easy for us to hear a song, see something on the news, or even experience first hand the needs of others and be emotionally moved.  But perhaps God is calling us to action...to be physically moved.  What if we all stopped saying, "thats for someone better qualified to do."  We serve a God with limitless power.  What if we allowed him to use his power through us.  God bless you and Merry Christmas!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrRbPU8YRxs&ob=av2n

Blessings

Well, I am officially back in the ol' routine.  Back in the U.S. almost completely adjusted to the time difference and back to studying and the normal chores that accompany my life as a wife and student.  Surprisingly, the change in time has been the easiest adjustment.  I have talked with Kelly since returning, and it seems that we are both experiencing a bit of culture shock.  Weird huh? Two Americans experiencing culture shock in the United States. As I was driving to meet my parents at the mall on Monday, I couldn't help but feel a little guilty.  There I was driving my 2010 Toyota Highlander, wearing my favorite pair of boots that were given to me for my birthday last year (easily over $100), wearing my wedding band and engagement ring (which I decided not to take to Kenya), and my pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.  I had the realization that the value of my outfit that day could easily pay for food, a surgical procedure, or even a cow for a family to milk in Kenya.  I remember being young and going to Camp Cowen for the summer.  You leave after a week of fellowship and growing in your relationship with Christ "on fire" for God.  Sure, it stays with you for a few weeks, maybe even a few months, but the fire eventually fizzles and you are back where you were before.  I pray that the lessons I learned while in Africa stay with me for a lifetime.  I always want to be reminded of how little some have, and how much God has blessed me.  I pray that I always think twice about buying things in excess and think more about what great things God could do with my time and my money.  I realized that everything I have has been graciously given to me by God.  I'm not sure why he decided to give to me as he has, but I now realize that nothing I own is mine, it has all been entrusted to me.  I realize now that as long as I know from where my blessings flow and try and glorify God in all aspects of my life, there is no need to feel guilty about my blessings.  I have also learned that although the people of Bomet have much less than we have, they are still blessed.  They are more appreciative than anyone I have ever met.  They allow themselves to trust God daily for their needs, and I hope that I can learn to do the same. 

Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

All Good Things...

Well, our African adventure is almost at its end.  I appologize that I haven't blogged in a while, but as you can imagine, technology has its struggles here sometimes.  We have been without internet for about a week.  We have had some bad rain storms and I heard that a tower was down.  Anywho, I would like to fill you all in on what has been going on here at Tenwek in the last week.

As mentioned in previous blogs, Kelly is now in Pediatrics and I have been in general surgery (although there is nothing "general" about the surgeries performed here).  I have scrubbed in on various procedures including esophagectomies (this area is a hot spot for esophageal cancer), bowel resections, 3rd and 4th degree burn debridement, VP shunt placement, removal of a lipomyelomeningocele (which in the states would be done by a neurosurgeon), tumer excisions, and the list goes on and on.  I have also had the personal challenge of managing the patients in the mens surgical ward....talk about responsibilities!  There has been a doctors strike in the country of Kenya which has led to some healthcare shortages in government hospitals and even at Tenwek.  Not everyone at Tenwek is under the government, but some are, which lead to an increased need for accessible healthcare and people like me having to step up and do things that we may not always feel adequate enough to do.  I have been getting up at 5 every morning and prerounding on my pre and post op surgical patients, ordering lab studies, imaging, writing discharges, seeing patient's in the outpatient clinic, perscribing meds, and admitting patients.  I would be lying if I said that I was excited when they told me what all I would be doing, but the Lord has been faithful and never left my side.  I was never asked to do something that I didn't feel comfortable with, and I could always find help, whether it be in the form of translation or obtaining clinical guidance.  Needless to say, this rotation has been one of many challenges, personal growth, and feeling like the Lord has used me to make some kind of an impact.

Kelly and I also got to go to another orphanage called "Umoja".  We had such a great time!  There were about 40 kids there that ranged from the age of 2 all the way to 17.  When we arrived, they introduced themselves, sang us songs, and recited their favorite bible verse from memory.  I have never seen such disciplined kids!  Kelly and I were accompanied by our friends Patsy and Rachel.  Patsy told the kids a cool story about candy canes and how they tell the story of Christ's coming to earth.  Then we had picture time which the kids (and adults) LOVE.  They love to have their pictures taken and then want to see the result on the digital screen.  Below are a few pictures of our time at Umoja. 

Me, Patsy, and Rachel with all the kids at Umoja

Pretty girl :)

The kids singing silly songs and dancing



Anyone notice anything weird about this picture?  Kelly had no idea!  Oh the joys of Kenya!

Kelly and I have made some great friends while at Tenwek.  Laura, Joanna, and Carolyn have become dear friends of ours.  Joanna and Carolyn even had us over to their apartment on a few occasions to get a break from the guest house food (it was a welcomed change!)  These two ladies have a garden where they seem to have a never ending plethera of sweet potatoes.  What do you do with tons of sweet potatoes?  You make sweet potato pie, caserole, cookies, and our big group accomplishment.....SWEET POTATO POPTARTS!  We spent a Friday evening baking, listening to Christmas music, and swapping stories.  What great friendships the Lord has blessed us with while here at Tenwek!

Pizza night at Joanna and Carolyn's



Laura and Joanna made scones!



Kelly and the guest of honor...The Sweet Potato!

I also had the pleasure of celebrating my 26th (yikes) birthday in Kenya!  It was by far one of my most memorable birthdays.  Vince and Dolly, who are like another set of grandparents here at Tenwek, made a special birthday dinner for me and invited about 15-17 people to come and celebrate.  We had turkey noodle soup which was delicious! We also had brownies, ice cream (which is hard to come by here) with chocolate topping, whip cream, and cherries.  People made me homemade birthday cards, and Patsy and David even gave me some shillings so I can do some last minute shopping on our way to Nairobi.  I couldn't help but be amazed at how God has a way of bringing people together...this time 2 months ago I didn't even know these people, and here I was celebrating my birthday surrounded by genuine people who succeeded in making me feel special. 





All the ladies

Kelly and I and the birthday card she made for me :)



Kelly and I with Vince and Dolly

 I decided to put together a little list of things I have learned while in Africa.  Enjoy! And thanks again for all your love and support during this journey.  We have had an amazing time, but we look forward to heading back home to be with our families :)  God is so good and his presence is felt all over Tenwek Missionary Hospital.

Things I've Learned While in Africa:

• Weekends seem longer without television
• Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder
• God is the same no matter what continent you are on or what language you speak
• Healthcare screening is essential
• It's okay to stare at Mzungus
• Not everyone is the same as me
• Don't order something unfamiliar off of a menu (you may end up with intestines- Kelly!)
• Malaria prophylactic pills WILL make you nauseous, so take them with dinner
• Mosquito nets can be somewhat cozy and comforting when you are sleeping alone at night
• Skype is the greatest invention to date
• Lizards like to shower with humans
• Everyone understands a smile :)











No Translation Necessary

Regardless of what language you speak, there are two words that seem to be understood by everyone in Kenya.  The first is HIV, and the other is cancer.  Yesterday was World AIDS Day.  What a time to be in Kenya, a country where 1.5 million of its residents suffer from HIV/AIDS (a prevelance of 6.3%) and where 1.2 million children are orphaned due to this virus.  To put this in perspective, about 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV vs. 1.5 million in Kenya (which is geographically about the size of Texas).  If you spend any amount of time in Africa, you will hear the word "PEPFAR", which stands for the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and was initiated by President George W. Bush.  Through PEPFAR, $15 billion was committed over 5 years to providing anitretroviral therapy (ART), support, and prevention free of cost to those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.  It has since been carried on by President Obama.  Tenwek is a major recepient of PEPFAR funds.  Thanks for paying your taxes :)

Yesterday for World AIDS Day, there was a gathering held at the Church at Tenwek.  A pastor of a Kenyan church spoke about the effect of AIDS and the associated descrimination.  You may be as surprised as I was to find that such a negative stigma exists around a diagnosis of HIV in Kenya.  I assumed since the illness was so common, that it would be more accepted here.  I assumed wrong.  The pastor told a story about his church which participated in outreach programs to minister to prostitutes living in their community.  All of whom were afflicted by AIDS.  The congregation was overjoyed one Sunday when a bus full of these women pulled up to the church and they started singing praises as they made their way down to the alter.  Twenty-eight women received Christ that morning, and the church was ecstatic!  Naturally, the next step for the women was baptism.  The pastor was stunned when members of the church approached him about their concerns of their children being baptized in the same water as the former prostitutes.  They even gave suggestions that perhaps their children could be baptised first, and then the women of the community could follow.  In the end, that pastor baptized everyone alphabetically therefore mixing all the participants together.  After the first former prostitute was baptised, she fell down into the water sobbing and praising God for salvation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Never before had the pastor witnessed a baptism where he could truly feel a person dying with Christ on emersion and being raised to new life.  The pastor made the point that "People can be hurt by the Church", but the Church should be a place of hope, restoration, and healing.  Although we as humans (and Church) often fail, praise the Lord for a savior who chooses to bring forgiveness and healing and new mercies every morning. 

The other word that needs no translation is cancer.  Many of our patients at Tenwek seek medical attention when it is too late.  This is usually due to financial restraints.  Patient's live too far and don't have the transportation or money for medical treatment so they often try home remedies to no avail. Often times their cancer is so advanced when they arrive that palliative care is all we can offer them.  I have been in the room with many patient's when they are told they have cancer and no matter what language they are being spoken to in, the word is always the same..."Cancer".  I have had the opportunity to pray with many patients while here, and I pray that they find comfort in the promises of Jesus, the mighty healer. 

Give Thanks

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever."  Psalm 100

As you can imagine, being in Kenya for 5 weeks has made me more aware of the blessings that the Lord has so graciously given me.  I have been surouded by a community of people who are truly grateful unto the Lord.  Many of whom we back in the States may look at and wonder what exactly they are thankful for.  I am touched by the humble hearts of those here at Tenwek, and the fact that any blessing, no matter how big or small, is understood to have come straight from God. 

I have many things to be thankful for this year.  I decided to share some of them so that the one who gave them to me can get the recognition and praise that he deserves. 

• Salvation in Jesus Christ.  Lord knows I fall short every day, but his mercies are new every morning.
• Mark.  I'm not sure why God chose to make him mine, but I am so glad that he did.  I am constantly in awe of the man that my husband is and continues to become.  Serving together in Kenya has been yet another reminder of his generous heart and his selflessness. 
• My family.  Unconditional love, that is what they give to me.  What comfort in knowing that no matter what is going on in life, I can always go home.  I am also thankful for the opportunity to extend my definittion of family when I married Mark, giving me even more people that love me and make sacrifices for me. 
• My friends.  I am one blessed girl! I truly have the best friends anyone could ask for.  I believe that their love for God enables them to love me more fully.  I can honestly say that I have friends that would put my needs before theirs, how comforting!
• The Physician Assistant Program at UK and my Classmates.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to educate myself and persue a profession I love and that will allow me to help others.  It has also given me the opportunity of a lifetime here in Kenya.  And my classmates? Well, praise God for them.  Its no secret that I tend to stress, but having them to remind me to "get it together" and have fun has not only gotten me through countless marathons of studying, but have made the process a very enjoyable one.
• Cooper.  I truly believe that God has blessed me through my dog.  He never fails to bring a smile to my face.  Any while sometimes I get annoyed that he ALWAYS greets Mark at the door and usually greets me, he will always be our first child.
• My sister.  Lindsey was in a car accident the morning of Thanksgiving while driving home in the early morning after a night at work.  And while her car was likely totaled, my sister was not. I will count this my greatest blessing.  Praise God for keeping her perfectly safe in the palm of his hands.  What joy to know that he still has great things in store for her.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list of all my many blessings.  I guess you know you are really blessed when you have to cut your list short.  Being in Kenya has reminded me to be thankful for other things that I might usually take for granted...a roof over my head, transportation, food, access to healthcare, clean water, clothes, and the list goes on.  Thank you to all who read this blog.  Many of you have blessed Mark and I by your prayers, encouragement and financial support for this mission trip. I pray Gods blessings on all of you and I hope you had a wonderful and very happy Thanksgiving!

changes

Well, there are a lot of changes going on here at Tenwek.  Yesterday, Kelly and I completed our last day of our Women's Health rotation.  And although I don't see a furture for me in OB/GYN, I am going to miss all the staff on the OB floor.  And even though it was our last day, it prooved to be our most eventful.  Kelly and I each got the opportunity to be first assist in a cesarean delivery AND close.  I haven't sutured since my ER rotation, and I haven't done a subcutaneous stitch since we practiced on pigs feet in class, but thankfully I had good instruction at UK and it came back pretty quickly. 

I contemplated not sharing a particular case with you, but as this has been a learning experience for me, I thought I would share.  As you can imagine, not every day on the OB floor is a particulary happy day.  Here, the people do not have access to all of the imaging and diagnositic testing that we are priveledged to have in the states.  For example, back home, pregnant mothers have something called a Quad Screen when they are 16-18 weeks pregnant.  This test will tell the physician and family the risk a patient has for delivering a baby with Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or nural tube defects (NTDs).  I can only imagine that by conducting this screening, it can better prepare families and physicians for dealing with a child that may have specific needs once he or she is born.  Many of the patient's here never receive an ultrasound during their pregnancy.  Sounds crazy, right.  Families in the states look forward to finding out the gender of their baby.  Women here will only have an US if their is uncertainty about the gestational age of the fetus or if a problem arises.  The patient who's surgery I helped with yesterday had received an ultrasound that measured her babies head much larger than it should be.  Again, without access to all the diagnostic tests we have in the states, we had to assume the possibility that this baby had hydrocephaly.  A form of nural tube defect where an abnormal amount of cerebral spinal fluid builds up in the cavities of the brain.  This condition can cause all kinds of developmental problems and even death.  So there I was, scrubbed in on a C-section that may not have a happy ending.  One thing I love about Tenwek is that we pray with our patients before every surgery.  I have even had the opportunity to pray for a few of my patients. So of course we prayed for this mama, and as we all need prayer, I couldn't help but think this mother and child needed it most.  So we did the surgery and this baby did indeed have hydrocephaly.  I won't go into too much detail, as some of you reading may not do well with medical graphics, but the increased size of this infants head made the delivery much more difficult.  I had to put all of my weight on the mother's abdomen to try and maneuver the child out of the incision that had been made.  Upon further evaluation, the infant had a meningocele.  This is more commonly referred to spina bifida.  Here, an unfused portion of the spinal column allows a portion of the spinal cord to protrude.  There is usually some degree of paralysis, and infections are very common.  As of today, the baby is actually still living and breathing on his own.  NTDs are usually caused by inadequate amount of folic acid in the mother.  The nural tube has developed by the time a woman misses her first period and therefore before she even knows she's pregnant, so the recommendation is for every woman of reproductive age to take 400 mcg of folic acid daily espeically those who want to conceive within three months.  I asked my preceptor if these women have access to prenatal supplements.  He stated that there is a theory that women who live in countries with a corn based diet have greater incidences of NTDs that is possibly due to a folic acid antagonist found in the food.  Interesting.  Please keep this mother and her child in your prayers.  We serve the mighty healer.  Yesu anaweza- God is able.

On a different note.  Today is Mark's last day in the physical therapy department at Tenwek.  He will be headed back to the States on Monday :(  Several of his co-workers have asked Mark to become a full time missionary here! (don't worry family, we aren't planning on it)  They love him, and who wouldn't :)  I have gotten to watch Mark interact with the people here at Tenwek and it has been absolutely amazing to see how God has used him.  Mark has a special gift of making those around him feel special and happy.  Doing missions in Africa has always been one of my dreams, and now I think Mark would agree that it has become a passion for him as well.

As for Kelly and I, we will start our new rotations on Monday.  Kelly will be headed to pediatrics and I will be headed to general surgery.  Please keep us in your prayers as changing rotations, especially in a different country, is usually accompanied by some anxiety.  Thanks for your continued prayers and words of encouragement.  Please remember Mark as he makes the long journey back home by himself.  God Bless!!

Yesu anaweza

Today we had another wonderful service at the African Gospel Church.  Praise and worship time was especially awesome.  We sang some songs in English and some songs in Swahili.  While some people may find that languages such as Itialiano or French are pleasing to the ear, I find myself drawn to the beauty of swahili.  Today I learned "Yesu anaweza" which translates, "God is able". 

Today, the pastor talked about finding our spiritual giftedness.  I believe that everyone has something to offer to the Lord to help further his kingdom and bring those who are lost to salvation in Jesus Christ.  The key is in finding out what area you can best serve the Lord.  Sounds easy...but is it?  I find that often we are better at finding the areas that God has blessed others.  "If I could only sing like her I could use my talent to witness to others."  "If I were as comfortable speaking infront of crowds like him I could lead others to Christ."  Do you see what I mean?  Have you ever said some of these same things?  Its also easy to assume that if God really wanted you to do something, it wouldn't be so difficult.  I'm sure Moses felt the same way.  In Exodus 3, the Lord tells Moses to go to Pharoh and ask for the release of the Israelites.  Moses asked, "who am I that I should go to Pharoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"  The Lord responded with, "I will be with you."  In chapter 4, Moses raises his concern about being "slow of speech and tongue".  The Lord replies, "Who gave human beings their mouths?  Who makes them deaf or mute?  Who gives them sight or makes them blind?  Is it not I, the Lord?  Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."  What comfort!  God doesn't ask us to go blindly, but to step out in faith with the knowledge that he will be right there with us.

I am still searching for my spiritual giftedness, but I pray that as I seek God, he will make it known to me.  Today the pastor said something that I thought was important.  He said, "Great things are done through people who say 'yes' to God and make the neccessary adjustments."  Saying "yes" to God requires a change, and change is not always easy, nor is it comfortable.  But remember, Yesu anaweza....God is able.

I challenge all of you reading, as well as myself, to ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts so that you can play a part in furthering his kingdom.  We love and miss you all, God Bless!!

-Emily

Generous Hearts

My preceptor for my Women's Health rotation, Dr. Carrie Huber, allowed me to borrow a book from her called "African Friends and Money Matters."  The purpose of this book is to try and bridge the gap between Westerners and Africans by explaining cultural differences and reasons behind their (and our) ways of thinking.  In being here only 3 short weeks, I see the need for a better understanding of the people I now encounter on a daily basis, in hopes of being able to meet their needs more completely.

I know many of you reading this blog have seen the show "Hoarders".  Some of you may even be self-proclaimed acquirers of this trait.  Lets also include the show "extreme couponing," because although being smart with your finances is an admirable trait, it can lead to hoarding of things like toothpaste, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.  While Americans seems to "need" more and more, Africans see possesions in a different light.  Here, it is a general rule that people expect that money and commondities will be used or spent as soon as they become available.  If their is no immediate need for the resource, there is always someone who could benefit from it (family, friends).  Holding on to an resource without using it is considered hoarding and is considered unsocial.  In thinking of shows like those mentioned above, its easy to see the excess...who needs 25 tubes of toothpaste!  But when we examine the lives of those who maybe aren't as extreme, I'm sure we can still find areas of excess and "hoarding".  For example, off the top of my head I can recall that back home I have 2 glass measuring cups (exactly the same), 2 sets of plastic measuring cups, 3-4 mixing bowels, 6 other bowels that I never use because they don't match the others, and more cups/glasses/mugs than 2 people could ever need.  And this is just in my kitchen!!  In Africa, "surplus" cannot be separated from "selfishness".  In this thinking, there certainly must be many in the family who are needy and deprived, and if you were fulfilling your family obligations, you wouldn't have acquired so many goods.

Another lesson I learned from this book is that Westerners are more charitable than we are hospitable.  Africans are just the opposite.  As westerners, we are more likely to make a financial contribution to organizations like the Red Cross, but are also more likely to get annoyed when a visitor stops by our house at meal time.  Africans are less likely to make charitable donations, but are more likely to invite you into their home and spend time and whatever resources (food, tea,etc) they have with you.  We have only been here 3 weeks and Mark and I have already experienced the heart of hospitality the Kenyan people have.  Solomon, the physical therapist at Tenwek that Mark has been working with, just invited us to his house to eat and then teach Sunday school at his church!  A nursing student that I have been working with for a few days invited me to her family's house in Bomet for tea.  And you can even see this influence on the long term missionary families here at Tenwek as we have been given countless invitations to their homes for meals. 

I think the culture here is starting to rub off on us as well.  I have a patient on the OB floor who has recently been diagnosed with an epigastric mass.  This patient desperately needs surgery, not just because of the symptoms she is experiencing daily due to this mass, but also due to further complication in the fact that she is pregnant.  Many of the patients we have encountered here are anemic, and this women is no exception.  She requires a unit of blood before surgery as well as 2 other units of blood for during and possibly after the surgery.  Her blood type is O- and just like in the U.S., this is a rare blood type that is also highly desired by blood banks because it can be used in transfussion for a person of any blood type.  The blood bank at Tenwek often runs low and patients are often asked to bring a family member that can donate a unit of blood for them.  This patient has brought in 12 different friends and family, none of whom have matched her O- blood type.  Her surgery has been delayed until she can get 3 units of blood.  Guess who I know that has O- blood?!

That's right, my husband, Mark Gibson!  I think we were both a little concerned at first because the words Africa, blood, and needles, bring to mind HIV and other blood related illnesses.  However, many of the missionary doctors here donate blood as often as they can.  I personally watched the procedure and feel very confident in their supplies and techniques.  Mark willingly gave what he had in excess so that my patient can get the surgery she needs.  More good news is that another patient that had O- blood on hold incase it was needed during their cardiac surgery is probably not going to need their reserve blood and will give it to my patient so that she will have the 3 units of blood she needs....there again is an example of that African attitude of giving to others in need.  Praise God for their generous hearts and the heart (and blood) of my husband :)

The Wild Side...

This past weekend, Kelly, Mark and myself had the privilege of going on a Maasai Mara Safari along with our new friends also visiting at Tenwek: Seth, Laura, Shelly, and Barbara.  We left on Friday and stayed until Sunday.  What a great time we had!!!  We had been told that this place was nice, but we had no idea what to expect.  Our housing for the weekend were tents.  Now these aren't the tents we are used to in WV and KY.  Mark and I felt like we were on a second honeymoon.  See some pictures of our room below. 

When we first walked up onto the porch of our tent, the first thing we noticed were the hippos in the river just outside of our tent.  These hippos provided loads of entertainment as they were very vocal and playful.  Each morning we were awakened by someone coming to our tent with coffee and hot chocolate.  We would go on a morning and an evening safari.  Once we got back in the evening, there would be a hot water bottle in our bed keeping it nice and warm for us.  Talk about service!  The meals served by the resort were amazing and included things like steak, lobster, and lamb.  Laura and I even had the luxury of an hour long full body massage during our stay.  It was much appreciated, especially after the bumpy "roads" we traveled to get to the resort and then out on excursion!  All the staff at the resort know you by name.  I have never been treated with such service.  It was truly an amazing experience. 

As for the Safari...we saw all kinds of wildlife!  We saw rhinos, hippos, leopards, lions, giraffes, baboons, zebras, worthogs, topi, a cheetah, cape buffalo, all kinds of different species of antelope, jackals, hyenas, etc.  We even got to witness a cheetah trying to chase down a baby antelope...however, mama antelope stepped in a scared off the cheetah, it was amazing. It was interesting to watch all the animals stand still and keep their eye on the cheetah.   It was also interesting to see a lot of the animals grazing in the same fields.  You would see a giraffe surounded by zebras and antelope, all living harmoniously together.  Although giraffes were not an uncommon site, I never got tired of seeing them.  I am still amazed by their size and surprising elegance. 

Once again, I am reminded of the size and power of my God.  How creative he must be to design all these animals.  Each with special skills and characteristics that help them survive in what can be a hostile environment (as we saw with the cheetah).  The Maasai Mara is so vast and so beautiful, you can see God's brush work through a beautiful sky, a rainbow following an afternoon rain, a perfectly placed tree, or the amazing camoflauge of the animals.  Our group was reminded of the Garden of Eden and what an incredible place it must have been for Adam and Eve to begin life.

 




Cheetah, resting after the chase

 






So grateful to share this experience

  



"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."  Psalm 24:1



"My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.  Let every
creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 145:21

  


Mark's birthday celebration!  African style!  Hopefully one he'll never forget!

 



My Africa Moment...

As you can imagine, removing yourself from what is comfortable (i.e. America) can be very difficult.  Some people adjust rather quickly to immersion into a new country and culture, and others have a more difficult time.  While I have enjoyed my time in Africa thus far, I have struggled with  various aspects of the culture.  The most obvious obstacle being the language barrier.  Off the top of my head, I can think of four different languages that you encounter in Bomet alone.  I have struggled feeling that I can connect with my patients.  If I try and talk to them, will they just be confused and rather I not?  Mark has reminded me on multiple occasions that everyone understands a smile.  So this is what I have tried to do...smile...a lot.  Another obstacle is PDA, or public displays of affection.  In America, it is totally acceptable for a husband and wife to hold hands, or place your hand on hour spouses knee when seated, etc.  Here, we have to keep reminding ourselves that it is not the way of the Kenyan people, and being outsiders, we want to respect their customs.  Another obstacle is clothing.  The women here are expected to wear knee length skirts or longer unless you are in the Operating Room, or "theater" as they call it.  Today we will be going on a hike.  And what will the ladies be wearing?  You guessed it....skirts.  Needless to say, fitting in and feeling comfortable has been a challenge.
But today I had what I like to call "my Africa moment".  We attended church at Bethesda Africa Gospel Church.  We started our praise and worship time and one of the songs that was sung was "Shout to the Lord" (mind you it had an African flare with a little boy pounding on the drum).   As I was standing there singing praises to my God, I realized that we are all singing and worshiping the same God.  What a realization that gave me the connection to the people of Kenya I have been searching for!  I found it difficult to sing as I was holding back my tears.  My God is so great, and in that moment, he provided for me what I have most desired...a feeling of belonging.  Today I have experienced just how big our God is, not only is he Emily's God that is worshiped in Morehead, Kentucky, but 7,700 miles away in Bomet, Kenya, he is the same God.  And I praise him for that!

A Day at the Orphanage

Today Emily and I had the opportunity to go to a local orphanage (1.5 hrs away).  It was an amazing experience.  To begin we had 12 people in a Toyota Land Cruiser, that is fun on Kenyan roads, most of which were not paved.  We traveled through amazing country, most of which was tea fields.  Kenyans love tea, especially Chi.  Anyway we traveled out and arrived at the orphanage and we were greeted by 30 children.  The one thing I have noticed in  the short time we have been here is how friendly the people are, especially the children.  At the orphanage they have 30-40 children varying in age from elementary to high school.  Their home is located in a beautiful area with a view that is just amazing. They look out on farm country and also the border of an enormous forrest (don't remember the name). 

The reason for our visit was to perform feet washing, give out shoes, socks, and t-shirts.  Dr. Bemm was the physician that invited us, and he led the children through the story of the last supper when Jesus washed his disciples feet (John 13: 1-17).  It was awesome to hear the the children answering Dr. Bemm's questions.  The knowledge that these children have biblically is unreal, it makes you want to sharpen your own knowledge!

It's just so cool to see the kids.  The big thing that I wanted out of this trip was to have a new perspective, and in my eyes these kids are the perfect example how to live life.  Emily and I were talking on the way home about the locals and how they don't think they're poor.  I told her that they aren't, that's subjective, and these people are very rich in spirit.  They may have less money than we have been blessed with but we look at them through westernized eyes.  These are rich people, maybe not financially according to us, but spiritually they are loaded...lol!! 

Talking specifically about about the kids we met today, our prayer is that God just blesses them.  We pray that they grow in Him, and just have wonderful lives.  Life has started hard for these kids, I'm not sure why they are orphans, but if their spirit that we saw today holds true, these kids will be amazing!!!

Good night from Kenya!!

Psalm 139:13-14

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:13-14

Today was my first real day on the OB/GYN floor.  You will probably be as amazed as I was to hear that there were 46 women on the OB/GYN floor!  You may also be surprised to know that many of them share a bed with another patient.  According to Mark, this isn't unsuaul on the other floors either.  Something I noticed that tugged at my heart strings is that many of the expectant mothers and post delivery mothers are in the same room as mothers who have experienced IUFD (intrauterine fetal demise) also known as a stillbirth.  This is when the fetus dies before birth, usually after 20-24 weeks gestation.  The mothers who have delivered keep their babies with them in their bed unless the newborn is ill or requires extra attention.  Those babies who require extra attention are sent to the nursery, which can serve as a PICU.  There were over 30 babies in the nursery!! Needless to say this place has babies galore!! 

Part of the Nursery

Kelly and I also got to see our first delivery while at Tenwek.  Interesting fact: here at Tenwek, the nurses deliver the infants unless there is a problem or a c-section is neccessary.  The delivery room consists of 3 beds devided by curtains. 

Kelly and I also had the priviledge of getting to spend some time with the children who live around the hospital.  Thanks to the donations by Keith and Holly Hoover, I was able to take the children paper, pens, and crayons, and boy did they LOVE IT!  More and more children kept coming.  We all sat down and practiced writing numbers, drawing pictures, and writing (in English!).  The kids were so fun and so grateful!



To end the day, we had bible study.  The women met at one house and the men at another.  It was the perfect way to end what had been a great day.  Thank you for your continued prayers!

Day one....

Day one down and Emily and I survived!!!  I must say that it was amazing, and very nerve racking!!  At the time of us walking to morning medical meetings Emily and Kelly still did not know the rotation that they would be starting with, so that just added to the anxiety.  Eventually they did find out that both with be on OB/GYN for the first 4 weeks of our time at Tenwek.  I on the other hand knew what I was going to be doing, just not to what capacity.  It was comforting to see that they actually have a small rehab department.  I was kept on a short leash today, I told Emily that they may think I'm a student, not for sure....lol.  PT here is very different.  They write orders(x-rays, CT, etc.), do a lot of casting (which we do in the U.S.), but I still haven't figured out the flow of the PT department just yet, but its only day one.  Emily had some interesting stories from her experiences today, actually a little to much to describe here...lol.  One of the brightest parts of the day that I think I'm really going to like is the 10:30 tea time.  Everyday at 10:30 everyone stops to have Chi tea.  Chi tea consist of tea (not sure the type), milk, water, sugar (lots of sugar).  A very delightful little treat!  
I've only been here really a day and a half but it's easy to see that this is a special place.  The people and the culture are so inviting and caring that it is impressive to watch as an outsider.  The morning meetings are begun with someone praying and then they take prayer requests and pray again to end the meetings! Try to do that in America and see how fast you are in a lawsuit....ridiculous America!  Anyway, the thing that has stuck out to me the most is the kids.  They are just amazing, even the kids that are patients seem to all be smiling and positive.  Kids are everywhere around the hospital playing and when you walk by they reach out to shake your hand.  I had one little girl this evening who had fractured her arm today.  It was a green stick fracture.  She was probably 3-4 years old.  I noticed her looking at me out of a doorway in the PT department.  I walked toward her and she came right to me to shake my hand.  Maybe I looked funny to her because she ran back to her mom just laughing!!  I'm not sure if she spoke english but I kept telling her that "You are to pretty to be hurt.", and again she would just laugh and laugh.  Pretty cool to see such a small person be so welcoming and so brave at the same time when she has a fractured arm.  With this being day one I'm sure the blessing are just going to continue to come.  Good night from Africa!!!

Made it to Kenya!

Good morning from Nairobi!  Mark, Kelly, and I made it here safely.  We ran into a little trouble in Amsterdam and got re-routed to London.  Then, that flight got delayed....so we made it, but about 9 hours behind schedule.  So we got a taxi to the Mennonite house that we were scheduled to stay at and took a nap for 1 1/2 hours before breakfast (which was delicious!).  Now we are awaiting the arival of our driver and will go to the grocery store before making the 3-4 hour drive through the Great Rift Valley to get to Bomet, Kenya.  Its amazing how a good meal and a hot shower can perk you up after 30+ hours of traveling!

The countdown is on...

So our trip across the pond is getting very very close, like 48 hours close!  Emily and I decided that a blog would be a great way for us to  share our "wild and wonderful life" adventures with everyone.  We are so excited to leave, I expected a little more nerves but so far we just have excitment.  The hardest part of creating this blog was deciding on the title...lol.   However tonight at dinner I (Mark) just spouted out "our wild and wonderful life."  "Wild and wonderful" because our our WV roots, and "life" because of what we want to experience on this adventure.  Our wonderful friends Keith and Holly Hoover bought us a magnet that had a quote on it that has become our motto for this trip.  The quote is "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."  How appropriate, and Emily and I have really taken this to heart.  My prayer is that we can help those in need, and that our lives are changed for the better, but most of all, that God is glorified in everything that we say and do.  So with all that said, make sure that you follow us on this blog while we are gone so that we can all experience this together!  It's time for life to begin!!

So....What Mark forgot to tell you is that we are going to AFRICA!  We will be traveling to Bomet, Kenya and doing medical missions at Tenwek hospital.  Mark will be working as a Physical Therapist in the rehab department, and I will be completing two of my PA school rotations at the hospital.  Mark will be in Kenya for 4 weeks, and I will be staying for eight.  My classmate Kelly McDonald will also be with us on this journey so I'm sure you will be hearing a lot about her as well.  As Mark said, we hope that this trip is life changing.  We hope that we learn to be consistently grateful for all the blessings that the Lord has given us.  We hope to learn that more is not always better.  And we hope to learn what it is to live outside of our comfort zone.  We haven't even left the states yet and God has already revealed himself to us.  We have been so touched by the generosity of family and friends that have given us the financial means to seize this opportunity.  So please follow us on this journey as we share how God is working in Kenya.