Thursday, February 17, 2011

February 2011 Trip: Three more nights at the Borabu!




The day started off at 8 a.m. with the local blacksmith coming to saw off the padlock of the Amani Reading Centre because the key had been misplaced.

The gate finally closed at 4 p.m. after 450 people had come through the clinic. In between times we gave out the rest of the reading glasses, toothbrushes and pencils! Thanks to all who donated - people were truly excited and grateful.

We've found that people make use of everything- we started to throw away the plastic pill containers, and one of our helpers asked if she could have them to put sugar and salt in.

Every child under the age of 18 received a de-worming pill. They chewed them like sweet tarts and were very excited to get a magic marker heart drawn on their hand and a sticker to show that they had received the medication. It will be effective for 3 months.

Elizabeth watched Edwin lance a pustule that was the size of the child's shoulder blade. She also saw a little 5 year old diagnosed with HIV after the clinical officer saw some of the symptoms (we tested for HIV in the lab)

The lab picked up a sky high blood sugar in a young woman, and our safari van driver took her to a nearby town where they could get insulin that should take care of her until we come back in July.

We have noticed more older people coming to the medical camp this year than last...maybe the word got around that we were able to treat their problems.

Back to the Borabu, where we're staying while we're working at the medical camp: It's a true village hotel with real Kenyan food.
We are grateful for flushing toilets and lukewarm running water, and the people couldn't be nicer! They are fixing up the place, and adding a kitchen, and said that one of the reasons they could do this is that we had so many people stay here last February.

Everyone is well, we're laughing alot, and we're up for tomorrow's activities!

Fran, Elizabeth, Joyce, Lynn

1 comment:

  1. Hi there- sounds like another eventful day! I'm sure you are laughing and crying both! I hope you are holding up OK through the long days. I will keep you all in my prayers. Love to all, Carol

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