Nyaharuru

Today we’d like to tell you about our medical adventures in the breezy, high-altitude town of Nyahururu, where we were surprised to learn that some places in Kenya have 50 and 60 degree weather! The lack of sweltering heat was a pleasant surprise most of the time, though nighttime often left us wishing we had brought a few sweatshirts. We spent a wonderful two weeks there in the apartment building behind the wall in this adorable pic of Esther and Davey. The picture also displays one of the inventive modes of transportation available outside of the US, the tuk-tuk!

Also, check out the incredible view we enjoyed. Kenya is absolutely beautiful.

Before diving into the medicine, we’d like to introduce you to the Waweru family. This generous family, particularly Fr. Gabriel Waweru, coordinated our entire Kenyan adventure. We met Fr. Gabriel (who lives and works in MN) around ten years ago. When we heard that his father is a doctor in Kenya, we excitedly suggested that perhaps I could work with him someday… Fast forward ten years, when this was FINALLY a possibility, and Fr. Gabriel was on board 100%. He contacted priests and sisters who hosted us while in Kenya, arranged housing, found facilities for me to work in, and constantly helped us by phone while we were in country. Our trip would not have been possible without Fr. Gabriel, and we are incredibly thankful for this fun-loving priest!

Additionally, Fr. Gabriel’s parents provided our housing for half of the trip. We got to visit his family home in Ol’Kalou, where we were hosted by the indomitable Mrs. Waweru. (More on that in another blog!) In Nyahururu, we stayed in Dr. Waweru’s on-call housing. This apartment was just down the street from the hospital, providing the perfect opportunity to take mototaxis to and from work. We haven’t ridden on these fun modes of transportation since our time in China, so we were pretty excited that Nyahururu brought them back into our lives. Nic and I loved it much as the kids did.

Man we wish we had gotten a pic when Nic, Christian, AND Hudson hopped on one of these. 🙂

So, onto the medicine …  In Nyahururu I spent two weeks at Pope Benedict XVI Hospital, which was founded by an Italian bishop who has done extensive work in Kenya. This facility is an impressive, well-oiled machine that provides excellent medical care.

 

The staff welcomed me with open arms and I joined them for both inpatient and outpatient care. They generously asked for my input on clinical cases and taught me new procedures. In fact, I was assisting in the OR on my first afternoon. On my last afternoon, I was performing some of those new procedures. I saw multiple medical conditions really seen in the US and gained valuable insight about serious diseases that need to be ruled out when evaluating a patient in Africa. This was absolutely invaluable, as I began to learn about the things I need to add to my American medical training. Working at a local hospital also gave me the chance to learn about the medical services that are typically available in Kenya. It was the perfect foundational experience. My most rewarding experience at Pope Benedict XVI Hospital was playing a vital role in the resuscitation of a teenage girl.

Below is Dr. Bridget, a talented doctor from Uganda, whom I spent most of my time with at Pope Benedict Hospital.

Here are Sr. Eunice, who is one of the hospital administrators, and Sr. Celine, who manages the kitchen. Sr. Celine helped our entire family well-fed during my days at Pope Benedict Hospital.

Check out their Land Rover ambulance! Nic and I have long envisioned ourselves riding through exotic and distant terrain in one of these.

Stay dialed in to FreelyGiven for more stories from Kenya! Missed our first blog from Magumu? Click HERE!

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