A 100 years old patient

rs. As I arrived in the hospital today, I saw our male nurse John bringing a new patient to the hospital. In fact he got her from her home because she needed help. I learned that she is 100 years old and that she has malaria. So we gave her an injection and an infusion afterwards. The old lady is still fit and speaks a lot - unfortunately in her mother language Kikuiu. I didn't understand much but she is happy that somebody listens to her. She worried that she couldn't pay her stay in the hospital but I calmed her saying that we will certainly find a solution.

Clothes for the refugees

rs. A happy day for our camp people. I brought many clothes I do not use anymore or that have been given to us and distributed them to the refugees. Laughing faces and big eyes were their answers. Everybody wanted to get something and also the children were eager. After 2 hours everything was gone.

Small Peter was my companion today

rs. Again a busy day, but happily with sunshine. In the morning I like to sit in front of our storage container. Small Peter soon joined me and was my companion for the whole day. He also assisted me when I repaired our PC. It is so important to take some time with the children. Often the Kenyan mothers don't use enough time for their small ones. Some of our children in the camp are quite active though and our guards have to be vigilant but others are too lazy and prefer to be on the back of their mothers.

Busy day with many patients

We had a busy day. Many people felt the change of weather, especially older people. In the clinic patients are lying with high blood pressure, a woman with a severe bronchitis and a small girl with respiratory problems. We also have a mother who wanted to deliver her baby, but on the 8-hour walk (!) to our hospital the baby come too early and didn't survive. We often have to witness that the mothers don't realize early enough to go to the hospital. We also have many patients with colds which is no surprise when you know that in the mountains on 2000 m and over, the temperature easily can go down to 10 °C during the night. The houses have no heating system and the people have not enough warm clothes. Many walk around barefoot, even when it is raining. They have simply no money to buy shoes and warm clothes. I am hoping for better weather conditions too - I really prefer warm temperatures. - Mama Matata

Checking the Showground in Nakuru City

rs. Since two weeks the Kenyan Government speaks of closing all refugee camps by the end of July 2008. I was interested to see how the situation is on place and went to the camp in Nakuru City this afternoon. At the entrance policemen told me not to take any photos. So I took another way from behind and asked one of the guards there if it is possible to have a look inside and take some pictures. He said that he doesn't see a problem. I continued my conversation and learned that 2500 refugees left the camp but still the majority of more than 14,000 people is still here and is not willing to leave. He also told me that it is not very safe here, especially in the nights. He always prays for protection. I gave him 100 Schilling (=ca 2 $) to get some food. He thanked me and said he will buy something to take home for his family - he has a wife and three children.