Kenya shillings
I was too tired to write yesterday ...
FRIDAY - Feb 4th
After we had breakfast, then headed for our last day at the clinic. I worked in the lab again. By mid-afternoon, we ran out of 1 and 3 ml syringes that I had been using to draw blood. All that was left was TB syringes. Now, for those that know what TB syringes look like, there is a very small, short needle. I had to insert the needle at about 60-75 degree angle to draw blood. And, for a sharp container, there is only a small one so I am extra careful trying not to get a needle stick and praying for safety.
I also worked at triage and got to do some well-child exams on the MCF children ... we did vitals on the kids, and asked them about pain and if they had any rashes. If they needed to be seen by a physician, we'd direct them for that, otherwise, they would get a sticker, toothbrush and toothpaste.
We finished our day about 630-7. A group of gals when with Mama Esther this afternoon to deliver food and clothes to a family in the community. I stayed back to help finish up at the clinic. Then, we headed for another delicious dinner. After which, the mission choir group of about 22 beneficiaries (students who have finished Gr 12 and are waiting their turn to go to college or university) came and sang for us and 3 of them gave their testimony. Words can't describe how incredible how it was. Tears were in my eyes as I listened to their BEAUTIFUL voices fill the evening air. You could see so clearly the joy on their faces and their intense love for God. Hearing their testimonies and life stories was so moving and amazing. They all talked about how they came from very difficult lives in poverty and life on the streets and now to their life at MCF. They talked of how God is in us and that he does hear our prayers and dreams and He is so much bigger than any problem or situation.
Mama Esther opened the "market" at MCF then. The children help make jewelry. There is are also other items from Kenya here for purchase.
We got to our rooms and to bed about 11-12pm. It's sad that we are leaving tomorrow - I feel like time has gone by so fast and there is still so much to do and so many ways to help. What Dr Charles Mulli has started here and continues to do here is truly a miracle and a blessing of God.
SATURDAY, Feb 5th
So much peace, love and joy here.
Sarah and I are getting picked up this morning to head out for our last adventure here in Kenya before heading for home. Today, we will head to Nairobi and tour the Kiberia Slum. Then, we will stay at Wildebest Camp for the night before heading out for safari. I was hoping to get a CD of the mission team choir before leaving but there are none available here at this time. (( I have found this through the Canadian MCF team and bought a few copies))
One thing that is crystal clear here is that it takes no money to love -- to love our family, our community and to share that love. To share God's love. This trip has refueled the fire in my heart to trust and learn more of God and grow spiritually. I want to make a difference in others lives here on earth - to share God's love and joy that I know is so true and tangible. I pray for God's guidance as a mother and wife and that our children will have heart that seeks God.
MCF
~ over 6000 kids have graduated Gd 12 or have vocational training and have moved on from the MCF facilities
~ currently 52 kids in college and university (funded by Mama and Daddy Mulli and donations). The cost is approximately $5000 per child per year
~ many kids are waiting for the opportunity to go to college or university. For the time being, they are pitching in and working at MCF
Sarah and I said our good-bye to the group and MCF and were picked up by African Veteran's Safari. Our driver and guide for the next 3 days is James. It was tough to try to search and find a good company that I felt we could trust. I found this company through reading excellent reviews on Trip Advisor and, prior to coming to Africa, I've have frequent emails with Martin (the owner). When you are booking and making plans, wiring money halfway around the world, it's a little scary. But, I had trust and know that God was part of this trip. After meeting James (and Martin at lunch), I know that we are blessed with a good company and a wonderful guide.
We drove to Nairobi and had lunch at an authentic Kenyan restaurant. We had told James we wanted to eat where he would eat. We were the only mzunga (white people) in the place; very good food =)
Sarah - at lunch restaurant
Our food
Then we head for the Kibera Slum tour and there is a post about that.
Police are often seen just standing at the side of the road while we are driving (often one on each side of the road). They will wave you through or wave you to stop and will check for current / unexpired licenses. If you fail to stop, they will call the enxt officers farther down on the road to stop you and you will be fined.
There are also "sleeping policemen" frequently on the highways -- large, unmarked speedbumps.
About 5pm, James dropped us off at the Wildebest camp for the night. We had dinner here, a couple of drinks and some good conversation with other travellers from England and Australia.
Wildebest Camp in Nairobi
Sarah
We were told that the guy that started making this beer was killed by an elephant
Breakfast
SARAH's JOURNAL
Saturday
Yesterday was a busy, long and such an interesting day! It was our final clinic day and we were all exhausted by late afternoon. Esther Mulli came at the end of the day and half the team joined her to help a family nearby. A mother had recently given birth to a little boy, Phillip, only a week ago. It was her fourth child and we were heading out to bring the family food, diapers, and clothes. We walked about 3/4 of a mile to their home ... when I say "home" it was one room they all lived in - Mom, Dad and 4 children ... smaller than a standard bedroom. It was so sad to see the kids without enough clothes to wear and no mattress to sleep on - they slept on the hard soil floor. The father was a drunk and takes everything of value (even food) to sell for more alcohol. Momma Esther Mulli shook her finger in his face and scolded him for not caring enough to provide for his family. She told him that if he took anything that we brought over and sold it, she would find out and report him to the police. I had to wonder what they would do and can only hope and pray that he will begin to see the effect his drinking has on his family. As we were there, children came from all around - as well as their mothers. It brought such joy to them to have their picture taken and then they would all scramble to see the picture. It was so fun to snap a picture as they crammed together and them show them their smiling faces! I also felt such sadness for the little baby, Phillip ... knowing what a difficult life was in store for him. We walked back to MCF farm with a deeper appreciation for all that we have and talked about how many little things we take for granted every day.
In the evening (last night), the beneficiaries came while we were eating to bless us with their music. As they sang accapella to us and shared their stories, I couldn't help but cry. Tears were running down my cheeks as I thought of the hope that MCF has given them through Dr Charles and Esther Mulli.
What a difference MCF has made in their lives and continues to make in each day to lead and guide these children - to encourage and love them. ... feed / clothe / educate and giving each child HOPE for their future. What an amazing gift!
Saturday afternoon ...
We've just checked into the Wildebest camp where we had reserved a deluxe double tent - it has a washroom and stand-up shower (even though the water drizzles - I'm sure it's to conserve water as it's trucked in daily). It felt so good to have a shower and we are heading to the garden area for a beer soon!
