We had breakfast this morning Dr. Bransford’s home and had a wonderful discussion around the table. Noel from Norway, Pierre from Belgium, a missionary named Rick who was working in northern Kenya and his brother Mike from California, Dr. Bransford, Dr. Patey, and myself. We spoke at length about everyone’s work in Africa. Pierre and Noel as advocates for education and medical intervention for children with spina bifida, Dr. Bransford and Dr. Stewart regarding plans for Bethany, and about Joytown, a school for disabled children. Dr. Bransford shared with us a story about how he was visiting Joytown one day and watched as the children made their way from classes to the cafeteria. Students all suffered from various physical disabilities and Dr. Bransford remembers watching them help one another across the yard to the cafeteria, each moving at their own pace, and noting that with medical intervention, he felt that he could he and his doctors could correct 80% of them. That is a staggering statistic and indication of the lack of support and education which continues to exist here in Kenya and throughout Africa. Apparently, the state of affairs at Joytown for these children is appalling and Bethany is considering how to intervene on behalf of these students. There is no concrete plan in place now, but simply a recognition of need in the community. It is interesting when they differ to my opinion from a school administration and pedagogical perspective, especially since I have not been there yet. We do plan on visiting Joytown tomorrow. We will also be visiting another school for disabled children that is run by Feed the Children after Joytown. Pierre and Noel then take their leave from us as they are heading up to Uganda from here.
What struck me as the conversation around the table progressed and opinions and ideas were shared is how everyone became involved here in Africa. Both Noel and Pierre lost children to the disease and are working to help prevent other parents from going through the same thing. Dr. Bransford and Dr. Stewart have felt called to contribute to the children of Africa. None of these people ‘fell into’ their roles or became involved because of luck or fortune. They made conscious decisions to intentionally make an impact, to seek out and contribute to organizations which are doing good things for others here in Africa. I am both inspired and humbled by their commitment to service to others.
We had the unique opportunity to attend a baptism this morning as part of the Sunday service. We were outside under large trees and a large basin in which children were baptized. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to take part in a local celebration.
We were invited up to Dr. Pinero’s house (one of the main surgeons at Bethany) so we could have the opportunity to get on line and sit on his porch and look out at the incredible views across the Rift Valley and the mountains in the background. It must be one of the most spectacular views in Africa. I have included a picture of the view with this post. Across the valley are white ‘dots’ of tents. These are settlements of displaced people who lost their homes during the civil unrest during the elections in January of this year. The interesting this is that these people set up makeshift settlements out of nothing. The government gave them 10,000 Kenyan Schillings each (there are approximately 65 Schillings per dollar so 10,000 is approximately $150) for their trouble. They then pooled their money together and actually purchased the land on which they were temporarily settled on. Not everyone is happy about it, but it highlights the resiliency of the spirit to move on.
Dr. Pinero conducted a session here with two medical residents from Cameroon. As I mentioned in a previous post, a goal is to educate African doctors on the surgeries and intricacies of the work on children with spina bifida, hydrocephalous, club foot, etc. and their care. Dr. Pinero regularly hosts doctors as the mandate of Bethany expands to include doctors from around the continent who can continue to carry out the work for the children. While he was meeting with the surgeons from Cameroon, Pierre was inside the house meeting with another surgeon from Tanzania about the possibility of joining them up on Uganda. The connections that everyone makes with one another is inspiring and very grassroots. One doctor or volunteer NGO introduces to another, contacts are made, and plans developed to support the various projects in the area.
I am staying in a remarkable little two room structure with a tin roof. There are no roads in the way we would think of them. Simply worn footpaths of red clay that snake their way around the area. With no television, phone access, and limited internet (when I visit other’s houses) there is a lot of room for reading, writing, and reflection.
What struck me as the conversation around the table progressed and opinions and ideas were shared is how everyone became involved here in Africa. Both Noel and Pierre lost children to the disease and are working to help prevent other parents from going through the same thing. Dr. Bransford and Dr. Stewart have felt called to contribute to the children of Africa. None of these people ‘fell into’ their roles or became involved because of luck or fortune. They made conscious decisions to intentionally make an impact, to seek out and contribute to organizations which are doing good things for others here in Africa. I am both inspired and humbled by their commitment to service to others.
We had the unique opportunity to attend a baptism this morning as part of the Sunday service. We were outside under large trees and a large basin in which children were baptized. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to take part in a local celebration.
We were invited up to Dr. Pinero’s house (one of the main surgeons at Bethany) so we could have the opportunity to get on line and sit on his porch and look out at the incredible views across the Rift Valley and the mountains in the background. It must be one of the most spectacular views in Africa. I have included a picture of the view with this post. Across the valley are white ‘dots’ of tents. These are settlements of displaced people who lost their homes during the civil unrest during the elections in January of this year. The interesting this is that these people set up makeshift settlements out of nothing. The government gave them 10,000 Kenyan Schillings each (there are approximately 65 Schillings per dollar so 10,000 is approximately $150) for their trouble. They then pooled their money together and actually purchased the land on which they were temporarily settled on. Not everyone is happy about it, but it highlights the resiliency of the spirit to move on.
Dr. Pinero conducted a session here with two medical residents from Cameroon. As I mentioned in a previous post, a goal is to educate African doctors on the surgeries and intricacies of the work on children with spina bifida, hydrocephalous, club foot, etc. and their care. Dr. Pinero regularly hosts doctors as the mandate of Bethany expands to include doctors from around the continent who can continue to carry out the work for the children. While he was meeting with the surgeons from Cameroon, Pierre was inside the house meeting with another surgeon from Tanzania about the possibility of joining them up on Uganda. The connections that everyone makes with one another is inspiring and very grassroots. One doctor or volunteer NGO introduces to another, contacts are made, and plans developed to support the various projects in the area.
I am staying in a remarkable little two room structure with a tin roof. There are no roads in the way we would think of them. Simply worn footpaths of red clay that snake their way around the area. With no television, phone access, and limited internet (when I visit other’s houses) there is a lot of room for reading, writing, and reflection.
3 comments:
so delighted to read your account Brendan. Wow you have seen an awful lot already. I am sure this trip will affect what you do and how you do it for the rest of your life.
the pictures are a great addition to your narrative. Make sure you and Ivan are in a picture or two.
love you a lot.
talked to Sarah today. She seems to be enjoying her visit with her Mom
Your trip to Africa is truly an inspiring one. The staff and students at St. Vincent School should be so very proud of themselves for making a difference in the lives of so many children – your fundraising efforts are humbling.
This trip is also such an incredible learning opportunity on so many levels. It provides a small glimpse into a very needy place in this world. It too provides us an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to be Canadians. Thank you for sharing your experiences – already I personally have been reminded of how blessed I am to be Canadian and to have such an amazing health care system looking after the needs of my family. Enjoy your time – looking forward to more updates!
LS
I am so happy that you are reading and following along. These last two days have been incredibly moving. The "Bethany" post above was actually quite difficult to write because it was such an experience. Today at the orphanage and school for children was another day I am trying to put into words and hope to post tomorrow. Thanks for your comment as a reflection of the support of the community. I have heard from a few teachers who have said that they read the postings to their classes today and will throughout the week. That is encouraging. Thanks!
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