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.