Saturday's free medical camp at Beacon of Hope was a HUGE success! When our team arrived at 7:30 am, there were already a few hundred people lined up ready for the doors to open at 8:30 am. The camp was held in partnership with Gertrude Children's Hospital. In addition to seeing physicians, attenders were also able to receive HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, medicines, nutritional counseling, and lab tests. Our team was dispersed throughout the camp to help with a variety of tasks - checking blood pressure/pulse, giving medical examinations, filling prescriptions, ushering people to specific areas, cooking for staff, testing and counseling for HIV/AIDS, and musical entertainment for those waiting. By the end of the day, we had provided services to 2000 people which was a new record from previous camps where 1300 people had been seen.
From a personal point of view, I was impressed with how organized things seemed to flow as well as how members of our team were willing to do whatever was needed to be done. Two days prior to the camp, two team members each day traveled in a van, with a generator in the back and a PA system, throughout the community for 4 ½ hours each day advertising the medical camp. They listened to the same announcement over and over again while trying not to get carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator fumes. They were a bit dazed when they returned but yet their task was a success based on the many people who attended.
I enjoyed being a part of the music entertainment at one point in the day. It was our goal to sing and play some songs for the many people who were waiting to be seen. What started out as Joel and the group turned into an interactive Kenyan karaoke band. Regardless, it helped pass the time while waiting and we were able to hear various versions of several songs.
At the end of the day, some of us were tired and some were sunburned but I think we were all pleased with the success of the day and grateful to have been a part of it.
Lisa
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Machakos Medical Camp
Wednesday, July 15 marked the date of our Medical Camp at Machakos! We woke up at Ken's mother's home and were fed a hearty breakfast, complete with Kenyan oranges (which are actually green) and with drinking chocolate, a big team favorite! We loaded up our things and drove down the dusty mountain road to the school which was our clinic site. Classes were canceled for the day so the empty classrooms were transformed into examination rooms, a pharmacy, and a staff multi-purpose room. An open-air waiting room was set up outside using about 50 of the students' chairs.
When we arrived at the school at 8am, there were already people there waiting for the clinic to open. Local folks learned about the camp through churches in the area. And by “local” I mean that some people had walked 3 or more hours to attend!
From the moment of our arrival, time flew by as we scrambled to organize ourselves and decide what each team member's role would be. Many of us didn't know what we would be doing at the Medical Camp until minutes before we started registering patients! Our team members were so flexible and willing to serve wherever there was a need. Some great examples of this flexible attitude were Joel and Tony. These guys had never laid hands on a stethescope, and yet they took a 30 second crash-course in taking blood pressure, and then spent the entire day working in triage taking blood pressures, pulses, and temperatures! When everyone is trying to work as fast as possible, it is NOT easy to learn a new skill and put it into practice at the drop of a hat. We estimated that each of us in triage took vitals for at least 150 people!
Joel and Tony did a great job. One story that we've been laughing about comes from an experience that Tony had working in triage. For some reason, kids were frequently fairly afraid of Tony. There was often an inconsolable child screaming at his station. On one occasion, he had offered to hold a young child while his mother stepped onto the scale to be weighed. The mother took one look at Tony and then set her baby down on the ground! Maybe there isn't a career in pediatrics waiting for Tony, but he definitely was a trooper!
The camp was a success. We saw about 1000 individuals between 8:30 and 4:30! Each team member played a key role whether it was pharm tech, doctor, nurse, or crowd control. The staff from Beacon of Hope exemplified great patience and skill, and the staff from the Machakos Clinic were a pleasure to work with. The Wathome family also lent helping hands throughout the day.
It was difficult to turn away people at the end of the day because the clinic needed to close. There were still many people waiting to be seen. We have discussed as a team the need to recognize that our small team is not capable of bringing healing to the entire village of Machakos. Healing comes from the LORD, and we need to remember them in our prayers. We must trust that God will care for the people of Machakos and meet their needs.
The clinic concluded with a prayer circle formed by all of the individuals who had worked at the Medical Camp. It was the perfect way to end our hectic time there.
We packed up our things, and began the long and bumpy ride back to Nairobi. We grabbed dinner at the Prestige Plaza around 8:30pm, and then crashed for the night back at Gracia. This was an exhausting day for everyone, and there are so many more stories to share! Machakos was a great experience, and we have really bonded as a team. As I am typing this update, we are preparing for our next Medical Camp at Beacon this Saturday.
Asante sana (many thanks) for your interest and support!
Clare
When we arrived at the school at 8am, there were already people there waiting for the clinic to open. Local folks learned about the camp through churches in the area. And by “local” I mean that some people had walked 3 or more hours to attend!
From the moment of our arrival, time flew by as we scrambled to organize ourselves and decide what each team member's role would be. Many of us didn't know what we would be doing at the Medical Camp until minutes before we started registering patients! Our team members were so flexible and willing to serve wherever there was a need. Some great examples of this flexible attitude were Joel and Tony. These guys had never laid hands on a stethescope, and yet they took a 30 second crash-course in taking blood pressure, and then spent the entire day working in triage taking blood pressures, pulses, and temperatures! When everyone is trying to work as fast as possible, it is NOT easy to learn a new skill and put it into practice at the drop of a hat. We estimated that each of us in triage took vitals for at least 150 people!
Joel and Tony did a great job. One story that we've been laughing about comes from an experience that Tony had working in triage. For some reason, kids were frequently fairly afraid of Tony. There was often an inconsolable child screaming at his station. On one occasion, he had offered to hold a young child while his mother stepped onto the scale to be weighed. The mother took one look at Tony and then set her baby down on the ground! Maybe there isn't a career in pediatrics waiting for Tony, but he definitely was a trooper!
The camp was a success. We saw about 1000 individuals between 8:30 and 4:30! Each team member played a key role whether it was pharm tech, doctor, nurse, or crowd control. The staff from Beacon of Hope exemplified great patience and skill, and the staff from the Machakos Clinic were a pleasure to work with. The Wathome family also lent helping hands throughout the day.
It was difficult to turn away people at the end of the day because the clinic needed to close. There were still many people waiting to be seen. We have discussed as a team the need to recognize that our small team is not capable of bringing healing to the entire village of Machakos. Healing comes from the LORD, and we need to remember them in our prayers. We must trust that God will care for the people of Machakos and meet their needs.
The clinic concluded with a prayer circle formed by all of the individuals who had worked at the Medical Camp. It was the perfect way to end our hectic time there.
We packed up our things, and began the long and bumpy ride back to Nairobi. We grabbed dinner at the Prestige Plaza around 8:30pm, and then crashed for the night back at Gracia. This was an exhausting day for everyone, and there are so many more stories to share! Machakos was a great experience, and we have really bonded as a team. As I am typing this update, we are preparing for our next Medical Camp at Beacon this Saturday.
Asante sana (many thanks) for your interest and support!
Clare
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Meet the Wathomes
The vision of Beacon of Hope comes from a couple named Jane and Ken Wathome. Both affluent Kenyans, they have taken their passion and giftings, along with their influence throughout Kenya (Ken leads Bible Studies with some of the most powerful government officials in the country) to make a HUGE difference in the community and throughout Kenya.
Beacon of Hope was created in 2002 because Jane saw a need in the community to help lift women affected by HIV/AIDS out of poverty. Please take a look at the Beacon of Hope YouTube site to learn more about its creation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPhD7kjjcqA
As mentioned in the previous entry, Machakos is a rural mountain village surrounded by BEAUTIFUL, breathtaking landscape. It is Ken's birth place (literally . . . he was born on the estate that we stayed at) and the town which he considers “home.” Because Kenya has such a hospitable culture, it took A LOT of work to host our team of 16 (plus about 10 other volunteers from Beacon that came with us). It was quite an honor to be asked into this village, and the Wathomes made sure that we were treated well. We stayed at Ken's mother's home, but she wasn't even in the country while we were there. However, she and Jane recruited several women from the village to help make our stay there amazing. Jane met with this group of women for a couple of different meetings to work out every meticulous detail of our stay. We were fed like royalty, with meals big enough to feed an army. One of my favorite things was eating the fresh avocados taken from the tree out back. (Side note . . . as I'm sitting in a conference room at Beacon writing this entry, a staff member just walked in to take our morning tea dishes. She is singing. I asked her what she is singing and her response . . . “I am praising the LORD!” Very cool) All of these women were true servants of the LORD, and seemed to have much joy in honoring him while serving us. We left Beacon on Tuesday morning around 10:00, and after about 90 min. came to Machakos Town. We then traveled another 25 min “off road” (or so it seemed) before reaching Ken's home. It was on a beautiful piece of property surrounded by lush bushes, avocado and guava trees, and other greenery. Except for the whole mountain thing, there were times I felt as if I could be in northern Wisconsin. It surprised me to see Kenya had parts like that. We unpacked our things and headed to the clinic which took place at a school about ½ mile away. We set up the pharmacy, lab, and doctor's office and headed back to Ken's. That evening we shared some sweet music and prayer time around a campfire with our team and our other Kenyan friends. It was really cool to worship together in that environment. The section of Machakos that we were in does not yet have electricity (it is supposed to be there sometime in September), and although the house we stayed in did have a generator, the mountaintop we were on was completely dark. We all saw some of the brightest, most beautiful stars we had ever seen. It was awesome. We went to bed relatively early in preparation for the clinic the next day.
Ah! This entry is getting so long and there are so many more things that I want to share. I want you to all know the details of the sounds, the smells, and the sights that we're experiencing. I want you to be able to see the smile on the children's faces, hear the laughter in their voices. See the differences and similarities between the Kenyan and American cultures. Know that we are feeling so thankful for being here and covet your prayers over the next 10 days. Thank you for being part of our team!
Until next time,
Amy
Beacon of Hope was created in 2002 because Jane saw a need in the community to help lift women affected by HIV/AIDS out of poverty. Please take a look at the Beacon of Hope YouTube site to learn more about its creation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPhD7kjjcqA
As mentioned in the previous entry, Machakos is a rural mountain village surrounded by BEAUTIFUL, breathtaking landscape. It is Ken's birth place (literally . . . he was born on the estate that we stayed at) and the town which he considers “home.” Because Kenya has such a hospitable culture, it took A LOT of work to host our team of 16 (plus about 10 other volunteers from Beacon that came with us). It was quite an honor to be asked into this village, and the Wathomes made sure that we were treated well. We stayed at Ken's mother's home, but she wasn't even in the country while we were there. However, she and Jane recruited several women from the village to help make our stay there amazing. Jane met with this group of women for a couple of different meetings to work out every meticulous detail of our stay. We were fed like royalty, with meals big enough to feed an army. One of my favorite things was eating the fresh avocados taken from the tree out back. (Side note . . . as I'm sitting in a conference room at Beacon writing this entry, a staff member just walked in to take our morning tea dishes. She is singing. I asked her what she is singing and her response . . . “I am praising the LORD!” Very cool) All of these women were true servants of the LORD, and seemed to have much joy in honoring him while serving us. We left Beacon on Tuesday morning around 10:00, and after about 90 min. came to Machakos Town. We then traveled another 25 min “off road” (or so it seemed) before reaching Ken's home. It was on a beautiful piece of property surrounded by lush bushes, avocado and guava trees, and other greenery. Except for the whole mountain thing, there were times I felt as if I could be in northern Wisconsin. It surprised me to see Kenya had parts like that. We unpacked our things and headed to the clinic which took place at a school about ½ mile away. We set up the pharmacy, lab, and doctor's office and headed back to Ken's. That evening we shared some sweet music and prayer time around a campfire with our team and our other Kenyan friends. It was really cool to worship together in that environment. The section of Machakos that we were in does not yet have electricity (it is supposed to be there sometime in September), and although the house we stayed in did have a generator, the mountaintop we were on was completely dark. We all saw some of the brightest, most beautiful stars we had ever seen. It was awesome. We went to bed relatively early in preparation for the clinic the next day.
Ah! This entry is getting so long and there are so many more things that I want to share. I want you to all know the details of the sounds, the smells, and the sights that we're experiencing. I want you to be able to see the smile on the children's faces, hear the laughter in their voices. See the differences and similarities between the Kenyan and American cultures. Know that we are feeling so thankful for being here and covet your prayers over the next 10 days. Thank you for being part of our team!
Until next time,
Amy
Prepping for Machakos (catching you up from Monday)
It's another beautiful day in Kenya! We've been fortunate with the weather so far, with warm sun and beautiful blue skies each day.
Today began with an early breakfast at our hotel, Gracia. After breakfast (which is really similar to home, as we enjoy fresh pineapple that's tastes more like heaven than fruit), we met up with our drivers, Anthony and Jorim, for the bumpy trek to Beacon of Hope. We made it to Beacon just in time for their devotional time, which they host daily for teachers and students. After a bit of worship time (some songs sung in Swahili, and a couple familiar tunes), and a short devotional by David, the lead instructor in the weaving program here at Beacon, we were off and running for a busy day of preparation for the medical camp we'll help with on Wednesday.
We've counted thousands of pills and filled hundreds of medicine bottles with medications that we hope will help the hundreds of people that will come to the medical camp on Wednesday – people who might otherwise not have access to such amenities as anti-inflammatories, anti-fungal medication, and cough syrup. We'll travel tomorrow (Tuesday) to Machakos, a rural mountain village about 70km from Nairobi, where Wednesday's camp will be held, to set up. In the past, these medical camps have yielded anywhere from 800-1200 patients. This will be Beacon's first attempt at a medical camp in Machakos (and incidentally, the first ever medical camp in Machakos), where they hope to eventually have a partnership with an existing clinic in the village. We hope to help re-establish the villagers' trust in the existing clinic, so they might see it as a resource for them in their own community.
The experience so far in Kenya has been beyond eye-opening. It's incredible to be on the opposite side of the world, fellowshipping and worshiping with believers in the same Lord – in English, Swahili, and other tribal languages. It's unlike any other experience... watching these faithful followers of Christ, as they live out their faith in many of the same ways we do – thanking him for his Goodness, Love, Provision, etc, even as they struggle to feed their families, and send their children to school. Their faith is unmovable, counting on the Lord for – literally – their every need. It's quite an example, and illustrates such a fantastic picture of the Body of Christ.
Thanks for your prayers. We are all well, and look forward to telling you all about the people here, and all that we've learned. Kwaheri (goodbye) for now.
Cammie
Today began with an early breakfast at our hotel, Gracia. After breakfast (which is really similar to home, as we enjoy fresh pineapple that's tastes more like heaven than fruit), we met up with our drivers, Anthony and Jorim, for the bumpy trek to Beacon of Hope. We made it to Beacon just in time for their devotional time, which they host daily for teachers and students. After a bit of worship time (some songs sung in Swahili, and a couple familiar tunes), and a short devotional by David, the lead instructor in the weaving program here at Beacon, we were off and running for a busy day of preparation for the medical camp we'll help with on Wednesday.
We've counted thousands of pills and filled hundreds of medicine bottles with medications that we hope will help the hundreds of people that will come to the medical camp on Wednesday – people who might otherwise not have access to such amenities as anti-inflammatories, anti-fungal medication, and cough syrup. We'll travel tomorrow (Tuesday) to Machakos, a rural mountain village about 70km from Nairobi, where Wednesday's camp will be held, to set up. In the past, these medical camps have yielded anywhere from 800-1200 patients. This will be Beacon's first attempt at a medical camp in Machakos (and incidentally, the first ever medical camp in Machakos), where they hope to eventually have a partnership with an existing clinic in the village. We hope to help re-establish the villagers' trust in the existing clinic, so they might see it as a resource for them in their own community.
The experience so far in Kenya has been beyond eye-opening. It's incredible to be on the opposite side of the world, fellowshipping and worshiping with believers in the same Lord – in English, Swahili, and other tribal languages. It's unlike any other experience... watching these faithful followers of Christ, as they live out their faith in many of the same ways we do – thanking him for his Goodness, Love, Provision, etc, even as they struggle to feed their families, and send their children to school. Their faith is unmovable, counting on the Lord for – literally – their every need. It's quite an example, and illustrates such a fantastic picture of the Body of Christ.
Thanks for your prayers. We are all well, and look forward to telling you all about the people here, and all that we've learned. Kwaheri (goodbye) for now.
Cammie
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Checking in...
Hi everyone! It's 10:30 on Wednesday evening and we just got back from our two-day adventure in Machakos. Due to some computer issues on Monday and a lack of time/resources in Machakos, we have been unable to post a blog entry since Saturday. Our apologies to all of you loved ones who may have been worried :) Now that we are back, we will work on getting caught up once we're rested. We have lots to share...including how we saw around 1000 people at the medical camp today! Looking forward to telling you all about it...and getting some much needed zzzzz. Lala salama (sleep well)!
Holly, for the team.
Holly, for the team.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Spinning in Kibera
After our first few nights, I think we are finally recovered from our jetlag. Today has been a low-key sort of day. We have enjoyed sitting in the Kenyan sun laughing and playing cards as we gear-up for next week's work and bond as team.
Beacon is fantastic. We spent yesterday touring the facilities with some of the staff and hanging out with some of the kids in the preschool. I am very impressed by the way everything at Beacon is so well run. There seems to be so much going on all at once within the different divisions. In a single day, the clinic sees upwards of 100 patients, the school teachers work with almost 150 students and dozens of women are taught handiworks by vocational professors. It is quite incredible to experience the consistent buzz around Beacon.
I think I was most intrigued by the clinic. They charge about 50 cents to be seen by a doctor and receive any necessary medications. However, if a patient tests HIV positive all further treatment is free. This includes social work services, counseling, ARV medications and future CD4 (immune cell) counts. It is fantastic to see how much Beacon is doing in the area.
This morning we went to go visit a few women who spin the wool for the rugs made at Beacon of Hope. Both women live in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi. Kibera is a community of one million plus people living on only a few square kilometers of land in small homes made out of corrugated metal and mud. It is unlike anywhere in the United States. The pathways between houses are small, windy and scattered with raw sewage. Dale one of our team members, describes Kibera as “a harsh reality, but not an unhappy place”. He could not speak more truthful words. Joyce and Esther, the two wool spinners exemplify this idea perfectly.
Joyce has been spinning for Beacon for many years. She works in a group of 7 women who all share profits and work together on projects. Through their spinning, all 7 women are able to support their families and send the children and grandchildren to school. Joyce welcomed us into her home to show us her spinning room and share her story. We also walked over to Esther's house to learn how to card wool with two large brushes. We had a few sad attempts at trying to get the wool ready for spinning, and I'm fairly certain that Esther has already re-done our work to get the wool up to standards. We all had a lot of fun watching her work and attempting (or watching others attempt) to make the wool into long, soft bushels ready for spinning.
Joyce and Esther were so full of joy. Their love for God shows through their attitudes and all that they do. I am so glad we were able to meet them and learn just a little about their lives. It is important to focus not on the surroundings in which these women live, but the inspiring lives they live and the joy that radiates from within them.
-Sarah
Beacon is fantastic. We spent yesterday touring the facilities with some of the staff and hanging out with some of the kids in the preschool. I am very impressed by the way everything at Beacon is so well run. There seems to be so much going on all at once within the different divisions. In a single day, the clinic sees upwards of 100 patients, the school teachers work with almost 150 students and dozens of women are taught handiworks by vocational professors. It is quite incredible to experience the consistent buzz around Beacon.
I think I was most intrigued by the clinic. They charge about 50 cents to be seen by a doctor and receive any necessary medications. However, if a patient tests HIV positive all further treatment is free. This includes social work services, counseling, ARV medications and future CD4 (immune cell) counts. It is fantastic to see how much Beacon is doing in the area.
This morning we went to go visit a few women who spin the wool for the rugs made at Beacon of Hope. Both women live in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi. Kibera is a community of one million plus people living on only a few square kilometers of land in small homes made out of corrugated metal and mud. It is unlike anywhere in the United States. The pathways between houses are small, windy and scattered with raw sewage. Dale one of our team members, describes Kibera as “a harsh reality, but not an unhappy place”. He could not speak more truthful words. Joyce and Esther, the two wool spinners exemplify this idea perfectly.
Joyce has been spinning for Beacon for many years. She works in a group of 7 women who all share profits and work together on projects. Through their spinning, all 7 women are able to support their families and send the children and grandchildren to school. Joyce welcomed us into her home to show us her spinning room and share her story. We also walked over to Esther's house to learn how to card wool with two large brushes. We had a few sad attempts at trying to get the wool ready for spinning, and I'm fairly certain that Esther has already re-done our work to get the wool up to standards. We all had a lot of fun watching her work and attempting (or watching others attempt) to make the wool into long, soft bushels ready for spinning.
Joyce and Esther were so full of joy. Their love for God shows through their attitudes and all that they do. I am so glad we were able to meet them and learn just a little about their lives. It is important to focus not on the surroundings in which these women live, but the inspiring lives they live and the joy that radiates from within them. -Sarah
Friday, July 10, 2009
Karibuni Kenya!
We are happily writing this blog on a gorgeous Friday afternoon at Beacon of Hope...we made it! Our journey here was as smooth as we could have hoped. Our only glitches were a 1-hour delay in Amsterdam and the loss of one team bag...only one bag! Everyone received their personal bags, which I believe is a first for Kenya mission teams. :) Phew! Our flights were wonderful, airport staff were friendly and helpful (especially in Chicago), all of our checked baggage ended up being free of charge, and our Kenyan visas were half the cost we thought they would be. When we made it through customs, we were happily greeted by our driver, Jurim...a great guy that we have missed very much! There's nothing like a familiar, smiling face and a big embrace when you've just traveled across the world.
We made a quick stop at the local grocery store to stock up on water for the team and grab some snacks to hold us over til morning, then proceeded on to our lodging for the next week and half. Once again, the hospitality that abounds in Kenya was extended to the team as we were anxiously greeted by the staff of Gracia Guesthouse. The team slept fairly well, although some of us woke up wide-eyed at 4:30am. We arrived at Beacon this morning by 8:30am and were able to join in their morning devotions. Jane and everyone graciously welcomed us and made us feel immediately at home here. It is SO good to be back...for those of us returning, it feels like a homecoming to people who have truly missed us. For the ones here for the first time, they have been quickly embraced as family.
We have already been blessed beyond measure in Kenya, and we've only been here 16 hours! Stay tuned for more postings. Tomorrow will take us to the Kibera slum to meet the wool-providers, which will be quite an experience for all of us.
Once again, thank you for your prayers! And please know how much this team, and everyone at Beacon, appreciates you for what you have helped to accomplish through this continuing partnership.
Holly
We made a quick stop at the local grocery store to stock up on water for the team and grab some snacks to hold us over til morning, then proceeded on to our lodging for the next week and half. Once again, the hospitality that abounds in Kenya was extended to the team as we were anxiously greeted by the staff of Gracia Guesthouse. The team slept fairly well, although some of us woke up wide-eyed at 4:30am. We arrived at Beacon this morning by 8:30am and were able to join in their morning devotions. Jane and everyone graciously welcomed us and made us feel immediately at home here. It is SO good to be back...for those of us returning, it feels like a homecoming to people who have truly missed us. For the ones here for the first time, they have been quickly embraced as family.
We have already been blessed beyond measure in Kenya, and we've only been here 16 hours! Stay tuned for more postings. Tomorrow will take us to the Kibera slum to meet the wool-providers, which will be quite an experience for all of us.
Once again, thank you for your prayers! And please know how much this team, and everyone at Beacon, appreciates you for what you have helped to accomplish through this continuing partnership.
Holly
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