We made it home safely to a cold Wisconsin.Everything went smoothly at the airport (except they lost Josiah and Robb's check in). It was great to see all the families waiting for their loved ones to get off the bus. We can truly say we spread HOPE in Africa and have come home a changed person. We hope that this trip has opened the eyes (and hearts) of all the team members and we are sure they will continue to reach out to those in need no matter where they are. We had a great team, from Josiah (the team leader and youngest at 24) to Corinne (the oldest at 89), each team member brought their own valuable gifts to share. So, though we are saying good bye for now, we will see you all at the picture party!!!Thanks to all the family and friends for your prayers and support.
Thanks Rachel, Andrea, Marci, Jen, Robb, Beth, Josiah, Lance and Corinne for coming to Africa and being willing to take time out of your busy schedules to give HOPE.We hope you all come back.
Side note: On the flight home from Brussels to Chicago we heard an overhead page for a doctor or nurse to come to the back of the plane-we had plenty of them with us. It ended up being a minor problem that Dr. Laura and Dr. Robb were able to take care of.
Blessings,
Mama Julie (Parve)
Saturday, March 29, 2014
sad to leave
We are on our way home! We are in Brussels right now for a lay over and then we have a 8 hour flight to Chicago.
Yesterday we had an early morning game drive and saw more gazelles, lots of elephants, ostriches and jackals. When we left the park we just missed hitting some running giraffes who crossed the road in front of us, they roam free here like deer in Wisconsin. Next we did some shopping and then off to the airport. The Kenya Hope Without Borders staff gave us a wonderful send off.
We all share a bond that will keep us friends. Of course the team is missing their families.....see you all soon.
Yesterday we had an early morning game drive and saw more gazelles, lots of elephants, ostriches and jackals. When we left the park we just missed hitting some running giraffes who crossed the road in front of us, they roam free here like deer in Wisconsin. Next we did some shopping and then off to the airport. The Kenya Hope Without Borders staff gave us a wonderful send off.
We all share a bond that will keep us friends. Of course the team is missing their families.....see you all soon.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
The Journey
After our much needed leisure day in Mombasa, we travelled 8 hours via extremely bumpy gravel roads to Amboseli National Park for a safari! Our drivers call the bumpy roads "a free massage." The trip was uneventful but full of moments that will forever be in our memories. At one point we wiped our faces with wipes and were horrified of how dirty the wipes were. The dust was unbearable at times.
We made several friends throughout the drive. Children love waving and calling out to us as we drive by. They spot us from a mile away.
We saw several animals on the way and gorgeous scenery. Pictures do not do this place justice.
Giraffes, zebras, cows, goats, elephants, and there's a...bird oh my!
We arrived at Amboseli around 1600. Cheetahs greeted us shortly after we entered the park. Josiah was pumped because he's been to Africa four times and has never seen a cheetah.
We watched two cheetahs stalk a very brave and confident gazelle for quite awhile. They must have had a big breakfast because they did not execute the mission we were all patiently waiting for.
We drove around for around 2 hours and saw....
Wildebeests
Gazelles
Monkeys
Cheetahs
Elephants
Zebras
Warthogs
Secretarybirds
Crown crested cranes
Ibis birds
Bustard birds
....to name a few.
Our drivers are amazing and very knowledgable about the animals. We ask A LOT of questions; they have the patience of saints. They are able to teach us about every animal we see. Simon and David have been with us from day one and are two of the kindest human beings on the planet. We are certain that gentler souls do not exist. It will be hard to say goodbye to our new friends.
We were also able to see the base of Mount Kilimanjaro several kilometers from our destination. We were hoping, praying, and crossing everything we could so we would be able to see the summit while on the safari. It is often called the 'shy mountain' because it clothes its peak with clouds. As we were on the safari, Mama Julie mentioned that she thought she spotted the peak. Apparently we are all mountain experts because we quickly corrected her telling her that was definitely not the peak.
A few minutes later, the clouds parted and revealed a large portion of the peak. Mama Julie, please forgive us for doubting you :)
We were all in awe of the beauty of the land and the ability to see animals (that we only see on TV or magazines or internet) in their natural habitat.
At Serena lodge, we met up with the Tanzania team. We were able to enjoy a hot shower (something we have not experienced in 9 days) and had an amazing dinner.
A few of us played a card game of Pick and had a blast. Not that we are keeping track...but, Kenya team 2 Tanzania team 1.
Tomorrow we are off to another safari at 0600 followed by breakfast and a visit with the Maasai tribe that lives off the land in the park.
Our journey is coming to an end. A sign of a great trip is when we refuse to talk about going back to reality. Of course we want to see our loved ones, but we would love to spend more time on this beautiful continent.
Reflecting on our experience here, we have discussed the importance of not taking anything in life for granted, the importance of serving others, and doing whatever we can to make the world a better place. We have witnessed firsthand how small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.
On behalf of Josiah, Robb, Beth, Andrea, Rachel, Corrine, and Jen, thank you all for your support, prayers, understanding, and love. I am certain that we will all return to Africa someday and we will remain friends for life.
Tomorrow we will leave African soil and return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The memories we have made and people we have met will forever be in our hearts. We are all truly grateful for this opportunity to work with Hope Without Borders. Lance and Julie are the most selfless, loving, and caring people on the planet.
Kwaheri kwa sasa
Marci
We have awesome pictures to share. We will post them tomorrow!
We made several friends throughout the drive. Children love waving and calling out to us as we drive by. They spot us from a mile away.
We saw several animals on the way and gorgeous scenery. Pictures do not do this place justice.
Giraffes, zebras, cows, goats, elephants, and there's a...bird oh my!
We arrived at Amboseli around 1600. Cheetahs greeted us shortly after we entered the park. Josiah was pumped because he's been to Africa four times and has never seen a cheetah.
We watched two cheetahs stalk a very brave and confident gazelle for quite awhile. They must have had a big breakfast because they did not execute the mission we were all patiently waiting for.
We drove around for around 2 hours and saw....
Wildebeests
Gazelles
Monkeys
Cheetahs
Elephants
Zebras
Warthogs
Secretarybirds
Crown crested cranes
Ibis birds
Bustard birds
....to name a few.
Our drivers are amazing and very knowledgable about the animals. We ask A LOT of questions; they have the patience of saints. They are able to teach us about every animal we see. Simon and David have been with us from day one and are two of the kindest human beings on the planet. We are certain that gentler souls do not exist. It will be hard to say goodbye to our new friends.
We were also able to see the base of Mount Kilimanjaro several kilometers from our destination. We were hoping, praying, and crossing everything we could so we would be able to see the summit while on the safari. It is often called the 'shy mountain' because it clothes its peak with clouds. As we were on the safari, Mama Julie mentioned that she thought she spotted the peak. Apparently we are all mountain experts because we quickly corrected her telling her that was definitely not the peak.
A few minutes later, the clouds parted and revealed a large portion of the peak. Mama Julie, please forgive us for doubting you :)
We were all in awe of the beauty of the land and the ability to see animals (that we only see on TV or magazines or internet) in their natural habitat.
At Serena lodge, we met up with the Tanzania team. We were able to enjoy a hot shower (something we have not experienced in 9 days) and had an amazing dinner.
A few of us played a card game of Pick and had a blast. Not that we are keeping track...but, Kenya team 2 Tanzania team 1.
Tomorrow we are off to another safari at 0600 followed by breakfast and a visit with the Maasai tribe that lives off the land in the park.
Our journey is coming to an end. A sign of a great trip is when we refuse to talk about going back to reality. Of course we want to see our loved ones, but we would love to spend more time on this beautiful continent.
Reflecting on our experience here, we have discussed the importance of not taking anything in life for granted, the importance of serving others, and doing whatever we can to make the world a better place. We have witnessed firsthand how small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.
On behalf of Josiah, Robb, Beth, Andrea, Rachel, Corrine, and Jen, thank you all for your support, prayers, understanding, and love. I am certain that we will all return to Africa someday and we will remain friends for life.
Tomorrow we will leave African soil and return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The memories we have made and people we have met will forever be in our hearts. We are all truly grateful for this opportunity to work with Hope Without Borders. Lance and Julie are the most selfless, loving, and caring people on the planet.
Kwaheri kwa sasa
Marci
We have awesome pictures to share. We will post them tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Much needed day of leisure....
Today was a little cooler thank god! We started the day with a large breakfast so we would be set for the day. Then we went to Whitesand Seroba, a beachside hotel, for a day of luxury. The team enjoyed tropical drinks by the beach, shopping for trinkets and artifacts, dodging shop owners saying, "sister/brother PROMOTE ME," and riding camels named bob, charlie, and george; even corinne didn't need convining. Some highlights of the day were signs that said, "NO SMOKING, violaters will be shot, survivors will be shot again," and trading my 9$ american eagle sandels plus 1500 ksh for a HUGE hippo made of wood (thanks marci for letting me borrow an extra pair of sandels), Robb was lucky enough to leave with his shirt, which was a hot commodity, though his pen wasnt as lucky... A nice bar named Cocoa beach bar was awesome and used for some more tropical drinks and some extra R & R. Lance vanished for an hour because he went on a catamaran, which he continuously brags he thoroughly enoyed. We then ate dinner at Sarova and continued home to eat our freshly caught lobster and tuffie. Now we will swim in the pool to brush the sand off our bodies until we are tired for sleep. Tomorrow we will be venturing into the Amboseli park to meet the tanzania team in the Serena lodge. I can't wait to eat there, and seeing some animals is always a plus. Goodnight and thanks for staying tuned! All is well and the team is doing great.
-Josiah out
-Josiah out
Roughing it......
Fresh lobster and fish fresh from the Indian Ocean
Corinne and Julie riding a camel.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Hot day
We left Nairobi this morning at 8 ish and our 8 hour ride turned into a 12 hour ride journey in sweltering heat. The team consensus was that it was in the 90's with at least 50% humidity. We had a brief shower but not enough to cool things off. Josiah fell asleep and woke up burned on his arm and half his face not a good combination in the heat.
We stopped in Voi to visit Sister Gen at the St. Joseph's Hospital, clinic and HIV outreach Center where they serve an area of 50,000 people were HIV/AIDS is rampant. They have an orphanage too but most of the orphans are put in foster homes. We were able to give them much needed medicine and supplies including scrubs from Robb. They were needing scrubs and jumped for joy when they opened the bags of scrubs.
When we got to our Villa the cook did not make any sauce for our spaghetti, so people just used ketchup, Everyone has been a trooper today including Corinne (who we all call grandma) She slept a few hours in the sweltering car and never complained once and she was even cracking some jokes.
Tomorrow we are off to the Indian Ocean to find another adventure, so stay tuned!
We stopped in Voi to visit Sister Gen at the St. Joseph's Hospital, clinic and HIV outreach Center where they serve an area of 50,000 people were HIV/AIDS is rampant. They have an orphanage too but most of the orphans are put in foster homes. We were able to give them much needed medicine and supplies including scrubs from Robb. They were needing scrubs and jumped for joy when they opened the bags of scrubs.
When we got to our Villa the cook did not make any sauce for our spaghetti, so people just used ketchup, Everyone has been a trooper today including Corinne (who we all call grandma) She slept a few hours in the sweltering car and never complained once and she was even cracking some jokes.
Tomorrow we are off to the Indian Ocean to find another adventure, so stay tuned!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday: medical camps part two
Today was the second session of medical camps. We traveled to Kibera slums, which is the largest populated slum in Africa and the most densely populated place on earth. We can all attest to the fact that this is likely the worst living conditions we will ever visit. We tried to leave early but Monday rush hour was disastorous. The roads in the slum could only take us so far and we had to carry our supplies through narrow paths between buildings all while trying to avoid stepping into the flowing sewage below.
Of course we ultimately made it and on arrival a school full of children was waiting. We san songs for them and they sang songs for us. The sound was so joyful it would bring anyone to tears. Next, we set up our medical camp under a tent in the area behind the school. The teachers acted as translators and we saw around 100 children. Most were suffering from cough, ringworm and belly aches. We treated everyone we could and all the kids seemed to feel immediately better with a lollipop in hand along with some much needed medicine. They were all so cute in their school uniforms and enormous smiles. One would no idea based on their smiles that many were orphans and how terrible their living conditions were. More than half were orphans, mostly at the fault of AIDS. The school children were aged 3-11 years and were separated into classes by age group. The school was built of mud with no running water or other form of sanitation. The school was run by a local church that also feed the children one meal per day. Lance did water purification education with some of the school leaders. They were delighted. We nearly caused a riot with our bags of candy.
After packing the reminder of our supplies back to our vehicles, we made our way out and dropped off our armed guards. We then returned to the freeway to drive to the opposite side of the same slum. We could see the rooftops of the shacks for what seemed like miles. We made our way to another school where the children were beyond excited to have visitors. They were delighted to have their picture taken and shake hands with everyone. A lucky few were treated to a bird's eye view with a lift from Robb. Then we did another medical camp with seeing the children and treating them for a myriad of typical complaints. Today, Rachel and Andrea were examining, diagnosing and writing orders. Marci and Jen worked the pharmacy-dispencing medications and providing education. This was the opposite roles from the last camp so everyone got a chance to do everything. Beth and Robb did more diagnosing because we couldn't figure out the pharmacy. Lance taught more water purification and Josiah photographed everything. Mama Julie kept everything running smoothly all while seeing her own patients. We saw another 65 kids and 35 adults for good measure. Ultimately it got a little late and since we had dropped off our armed guards, it was getting dark and it was wise for us to depart. Before we left, all the kids got more candy and hugs.
We've only been here four days but we've seen more than enough people in destitute conditions than one could imagine. It's hard to believe it's real sometimes. As one person said, "it feels like we are driving through a movie set." Unfortunately it's all too real. There aren't enough adjectives to describe how these people live and scenes playing out before us. We experienced part of this for two days and it's hard to grasp that these people live it every single second every single day. All in all we are couping well. In the last day or so we have all even received shower curtains in our rooms which were previously absent. Ah, the little things. While the traffic has been unlike anything we've ever experienced, traveling in large vans has given us the opportunity to chat, exchange stories, bond and build friendships, not only amongst our group but also with team members from Kenya. It's only been four days but it seems like we've known each other much longer.
Corrine enjoyed a day of leisure today away from the slums. She had a lovely day with Mildred and even spotted herds of zebra, giraffe and warthogs. Tonight is our last night at Lukenya Getaway. We look forward to Mombasa and beyond. We've seen lots of good and lots of bad but we always continue to carry hope in our hearts and we can certainly see hope in the faces of the people we help. These things make it clear that at least on some scale we are making a difference. We are all missing our families and thinking of home but still enjoying our time here in Kenya. Goodnight for now.
Apologies for our lack of photos today. We tried, but our internet connection has been a bit spotty tonight and apparently, like us, is tired after a long days work.
Of course we ultimately made it and on arrival a school full of children was waiting. We san songs for them and they sang songs for us. The sound was so joyful it would bring anyone to tears. Next, we set up our medical camp under a tent in the area behind the school. The teachers acted as translators and we saw around 100 children. Most were suffering from cough, ringworm and belly aches. We treated everyone we could and all the kids seemed to feel immediately better with a lollipop in hand along with some much needed medicine. They were all so cute in their school uniforms and enormous smiles. One would no idea based on their smiles that many were orphans and how terrible their living conditions were. More than half were orphans, mostly at the fault of AIDS. The school children were aged 3-11 years and were separated into classes by age group. The school was built of mud with no running water or other form of sanitation. The school was run by a local church that also feed the children one meal per day. Lance did water purification education with some of the school leaders. They were delighted. We nearly caused a riot with our bags of candy.
After packing the reminder of our supplies back to our vehicles, we made our way out and dropped off our armed guards. We then returned to the freeway to drive to the opposite side of the same slum. We could see the rooftops of the shacks for what seemed like miles. We made our way to another school where the children were beyond excited to have visitors. They were delighted to have their picture taken and shake hands with everyone. A lucky few were treated to a bird's eye view with a lift from Robb. Then we did another medical camp with seeing the children and treating them for a myriad of typical complaints. Today, Rachel and Andrea were examining, diagnosing and writing orders. Marci and Jen worked the pharmacy-dispencing medications and providing education. This was the opposite roles from the last camp so everyone got a chance to do everything. Beth and Robb did more diagnosing because we couldn't figure out the pharmacy. Lance taught more water purification and Josiah photographed everything. Mama Julie kept everything running smoothly all while seeing her own patients. We saw another 65 kids and 35 adults for good measure. Ultimately it got a little late and since we had dropped off our armed guards, it was getting dark and it was wise for us to depart. Before we left, all the kids got more candy and hugs.
We've only been here four days but we've seen more than enough people in destitute conditions than one could imagine. It's hard to believe it's real sometimes. As one person said, "it feels like we are driving through a movie set." Unfortunately it's all too real. There aren't enough adjectives to describe how these people live and scenes playing out before us. We experienced part of this for two days and it's hard to grasp that these people live it every single second every single day. All in all we are couping well. In the last day or so we have all even received shower curtains in our rooms which were previously absent. Ah, the little things. While the traffic has been unlike anything we've ever experienced, traveling in large vans has given us the opportunity to chat, exchange stories, bond and build friendships, not only amongst our group but also with team members from Kenya. It's only been four days but it seems like we've known each other much longer.
Corrine enjoyed a day of leisure today away from the slums. She had a lovely day with Mildred and even spotted herds of zebra, giraffe and warthogs. Tonight is our last night at Lukenya Getaway. We look forward to Mombasa and beyond. We've seen lots of good and lots of bad but we always continue to carry hope in our hearts and we can certainly see hope in the faces of the people we help. These things make it clear that at least on some scale we are making a difference. We are all missing our families and thinking of home but still enjoying our time here in Kenya. Goodnight for now.
Apologies for our lack of photos today. We tried, but our internet connection has been a bit spotty tonight and apparently, like us, is tired after a long days work.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Jambo!
Today was an exciting day filled with fun and adventure. First, we started off with a unique and exciting church service at the hotel where we discussed treating our neighbor as yourself. There were many thought provoking lessons that made us reflect on our own lives and the changes we can make in order to make us better human beings and providers. We were fortunate to have our friends Duncan and Elijah join us!
On our drive into Nairobi this moring, we were able to see wild hartbeasts, impalas, one giraffe (good eye Rachel! how did you see that so far away?!), zebras, and cows (we think). Thank you David for stopping and allowing the crazy Americans a few moments to enjoy the view! I am sure he is getting tired of us yelling at everything we see out the window!
Later in the morning we stopped at the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, an environmental education center, where we were able to see many giraffes in a controlled natural habitat. They thoroughly enjoyed eating food out of our hands and mouths. Giraffe kisses are very gentle, but their tongues are rough like a cat's tongue; it was definitely worth it! We had a blast! Even Grandma got a sloppy wet one :)
Next, we went to Bomas of Kenya, a walking tour that displays homesteads belonging to the different Kenyan tribes. It was fascinating to see the differences between the villages and how they once lived. After the walking tour, we attended a traditional African dance ceremony. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the different tribal practices. The best performance was an acrobatic type dance with fire eating and all! They pulled our team leader, Josiah, on the stage and basically spun him around so fast he nearly lost his lunch! It was amazing and by far one of the best things we have experienced!
Lastly we went to Ya-Ya market where locals sell their handmade goods. This experience was exciting and allowed for plentiful shopping. This experience was a little overwhelming as we were being pulled in many directions to look at all of the goods as they fought for our attention. We had to bargain with them to get a fair and reasonable deal. Robb apparently had 'sucker' written all over his face, he walked away with the most goods! We all got many different trinkets here. It was definitely an experience we will never forget!
The weather has been in the 80s and sunny everyday! Sorry Wisconsin folks, we hate to rub it in, but duty calls!
We are having the time of our lives and enjoying every moment. We continue to be amazed and touched by the kindness and humility of the locals here. We have been reminded that good does exist in the world and are looking forward to sharing our experience with every one of you!
Thank you for your support, love, prayers, and thoughts.
Our team has been bonding and getting to know each other more with every experience; we will be connected for life. For those concerned, we are all healthy and happy and making sure we all stay hydrated and nourished. Mama Julie and Papa Lance keep a very close eye on all of us. Duncan and Elijah are our right hand men and keep an even closer eye (eyes) on us. Our drivers, David and Simon, ensure we are safe in our vehicles when we are travelling to and fro. The traffic experience alone is one for the books! We won't share those stories yet though! Josiah has been the best team leader and keeps us all on schedule, Africa schedule that is! The sun has been our guide.
We hope this message finds you all happy, healthy, and whole!
We are off to bed to rest up for a busy medical camp in the morning at Kibera slums.
Kwaheri kwa sasa!
Marci and Jen
Today was an exciting day filled with fun and adventure. First, we started off with a unique and exciting church service at the hotel where we discussed treating our neighbor as yourself. There were many thought provoking lessons that made us reflect on our own lives and the changes we can make in order to make us better human beings and providers. We were fortunate to have our friends Duncan and Elijah join us!
On our drive into Nairobi this moring, we were able to see wild hartbeasts, impalas, one giraffe (good eye Rachel! how did you see that so far away?!), zebras, and cows (we think). Thank you David for stopping and allowing the crazy Americans a few moments to enjoy the view! I am sure he is getting tired of us yelling at everything we see out the window!
Later in the morning we stopped at the Giraffe Center in Nairobi, an environmental education center, where we were able to see many giraffes in a controlled natural habitat. They thoroughly enjoyed eating food out of our hands and mouths. Giraffe kisses are very gentle, but their tongues are rough like a cat's tongue; it was definitely worth it! We had a blast! Even Grandma got a sloppy wet one :)
Next, we went to Bomas of Kenya, a walking tour that displays homesteads belonging to the different Kenyan tribes. It was fascinating to see the differences between the villages and how they once lived. After the walking tour, we attended a traditional African dance ceremony. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the different tribal practices. The best performance was an acrobatic type dance with fire eating and all! They pulled our team leader, Josiah, on the stage and basically spun him around so fast he nearly lost his lunch! It was amazing and by far one of the best things we have experienced!
Lastly we went to Ya-Ya market where locals sell their handmade goods. This experience was exciting and allowed for plentiful shopping. This experience was a little overwhelming as we were being pulled in many directions to look at all of the goods as they fought for our attention. We had to bargain with them to get a fair and reasonable deal. Robb apparently had 'sucker' written all over his face, he walked away with the most goods! We all got many different trinkets here. It was definitely an experience we will never forget!
The weather has been in the 80s and sunny everyday! Sorry Wisconsin folks, we hate to rub it in, but duty calls!
We are having the time of our lives and enjoying every moment. We continue to be amazed and touched by the kindness and humility of the locals here. We have been reminded that good does exist in the world and are looking forward to sharing our experience with every one of you!
Thank you for your support, love, prayers, and thoughts.
Our team has been bonding and getting to know each other more with every experience; we will be connected for life. For those concerned, we are all healthy and happy and making sure we all stay hydrated and nourished. Mama Julie and Papa Lance keep a very close eye on all of us. Duncan and Elijah are our right hand men and keep an even closer eye (eyes) on us. Our drivers, David and Simon, ensure we are safe in our vehicles when we are travelling to and fro. The traffic experience alone is one for the books! We won't share those stories yet though! Josiah has been the best team leader and keeps us all on schedule, Africa schedule that is! The sun has been our guide.
We hope this message finds you all happy, healthy, and whole!
We are off to bed to rest up for a busy medical camp in the morning at Kibera slums.
Kwaheri kwa sasa!
Marci and Jen
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Saturday March 22, 2014
Today we had our first medical camp in the Mukuru slums. We set up tents outside of a small clinic in the slums, and were astonished to see that people were already lined up for treatment before we even arrived.
Julie, Rob, Beth, Marci, and Jen did the patient care, while Rachel and Andrea manned the pharmacy.
We worked for 8 hours without a break to try to see as many people as possible but still had to turn many away because it was getting dark. There was no way to work after dark because there wasn't electricity and it's not wise to be out after dark. We saw 200+ patients with a variety of medical conditions. Some the diseases are things that we are not used to treating in the United States (like stomach worms). It was amazing to see how happy the patients were to get 20 tablets of ibuprofen! The experience has really made us appreciate things that we do everyday that we take for granted. So tonight before you go to bed count your many blessings.
Usiku mwema,
Andrea and Rachel
Today we had our first medical camp in the Mukuru slums. We set up tents outside of a small clinic in the slums, and were astonished to see that people were already lined up for treatment before we even arrived.
Usiku mwema,
Andrea and Rachel
Friday, March 21, 2014
We are getting ready to leave for our first medical camp in the slums. We have everything packed and are ready to go! Almost everyone on the team got sleep last night and thank god it was well needed because every one on the team was starting to have some serious blonde moments. One of our members asked, "how do they even drive?? Do they drive on both sides??". Thankfully I was there to answer this difficult question. I will admit the driving does look rather uncontrolled/chaotic, but it's nothing different from driving with my dad; for those of you that know him. Anyways time to head out it's our teams first time to visit the slums and the different life. The life of the survivor.
-Josiah Out
-Josiah Out
Getting ready
Today Dr. Gottschlich and Julie headed towards Nairobi to order meds for the medical camps tomorrow. On the way they saw zebras, wildebeest and gazelles. The Tanzania team was able to leave on the bus to Tanzania after lunch.
Because it was too late to go safely into the slums, we took a tour of Athi River. Most of the team was shocked to see such poverty. We explained that these are not the poorest slums, which they will see tomorrow and Monday.
We have enjoyed weather in the 80"s, delicious food and getting to know each other. On the way home we were able to see widebeest, gazelles and a few hyenas. Everyone is tired and went to bed early, which is good because they will see a lot of patients tomorrow.
Because it was too late to go safely into the slums, we took a tour of Athi River. Most of the team was shocked to see such poverty. We explained that these are not the poorest slums, which they will see tomorrow and Monday.
We have enjoyed weather in the 80"s, delicious food and getting to know each other. On the way home we were able to see widebeest, gazelles and a few hyenas. Everyone is tired and went to bed early, which is good because they will see a lot of patients tomorrow.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Habari asubuhi; good morning, from the kenyan team! First morning here in Kenya and I personally am feeling great. This is probably because i sprawled out onto a total of four vacant seats on our way to Nariobi, waking up about 10 minutes until landing. Being teamleader, my first team mission was for them to wake me up everytime the food came around... they passed. Full and well rested I can say the rest of my fellow teamates, who did not get the luxary of my system, have probably had better mornings. After getting here and unpacked we all headed to bed which was aout 3 am here first objective getting to breakfast starts at 7am-9am.
I woke up early and made it there to be greeted by their mass amount of diverse birds overtaking this large tree hovering around the Lukenya pool. I remember the great foods here: LOTS of potatoes with ketchup (kind of), crepes with syrup, and the lovely chef at the end of the banquet style food who made my scrambled eggs with of course..... cheese.
First team meeting in a couple of minutes, can't wait to share more of our adventures.
-Josiah OUT
Team arrived
The team made it safetly after 24 hours of travel. It was about 2 am when they arrived. They were waiting for room assignments and going to bed. It is 60 degrees and perfect conditions for sleeping.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
We're on the plane
We are just getting ready to take off. We got through checking so easily. Thanks for your prayers. The flight is 7.5 hours to Brussels with a 2 hour layover. We are with the Tanzania team and have 29 team members on board!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Team members
Our bags are packed, we're ready to go....
The packing party was a success. Thanks to everyone who helped
and to everyone who donated items.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Welcome...
Welcome to our adventure. We look forward to sharing it with all of you in the next few weeks. There are always days when we have difficulty getting online, so don't panic if we don't blog for a day. We will try our best. Thank you to everyone who has supported each team member. Without all of you this would not be possible. The people of Kenya also thank you!!
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