Chapatti in team work

rs. Our cook Marie got help from Doctor Wanjara to make the Chapattis for today's lunch. We can make them only on special occasions because the flour and the oil are too expensive for daily use. The other crew members helped to prepare the carrots, the rice and the meat. So together we made and ate a nice meal.

Anti-worm medications for the family

rs. Small Antony had a fever today. After some tests the doctor said that he had a light malaria, but what was worst, he had some worms in his stomach. Wanjara checked also Antony's brother and finally he ordered medications for the whole family.

New cords for the children's swings

rs. Our housekeeper Fundi and gardener Wakomo replaced the cords of the swings. The old cords were worn out because of the heavy rains we had. The children were all happy when they could use the swings again.

Ending the year with a corn control

rs. Because of the hot weather our corn supply suffered and we had to control all bags today, before they could be returned to the storage container. This was a last hard working day for this year. Tonight we will celebrate the beginning of the New Year. Here, the Kenyans use to place a string from one tree to the next and then the people jump over it meaning to jump into the New Year. Let me also take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year, also in the name of the Rhein-Valley Hospital association.

A new medication delivery

rs. Today we received a new medication delivery. We were lucky to get the boxes because usually there are no deliveries over holidays. As the driver wanted to visit his parents in Nakuru to celebrate the New Year festivities with them, he could combine it with the delivery to the Rhein-Valley Hospital.

A gratitude letter for Ruth

Today I got a nice letter:

Hi, my name is Regina. As the year ends, I have a message for you; you touched my heart. To me you are more precious than gold and more expensive than anything that money can buy. I am an IDP at Mbaruk. I visited the hospital that you sacrificed and started for the less fortunate. When our country was rocked with post-election violence, I became a victim and found myself and family at Mbaruk and that?s how I came to know about Rhein-Valley at Kasambara. Currently, my son is being treated there with rheumatic fever. Thanks to Dr. Wanjara who is so kind and good to all. Also sister Ruth.

To me you are the woman of the year 2008. Thanks for your Big Heart and may God bless you so much and may you live long enough to enjoy.

Regina Gathaiya

Urgency in the night: a malaria patient

rs. Tonight we had an emergency case: an old man was brought with severe Malaria. We immediately gave him an infusion with medications which helped quite well. Often patients were brought much too late. At an earlier stage it would be much easier to help.