rs. This is now the second week that the teachers are on strike and the schoolchildren are waiting for better times. Although the schools are closed, some children still can be seen going their way to the school. Perhaps they have not been informed. Some parents are angry because they payed for the school and for their food...
rs. We had a visit of the Health Commission of Nakuru. Our doctor Wanjara showed them around and excplained them what a big service we are doing for the community. Several times they asked if the Hospital really opened in 2004 because they could't imagine that it still looks so proper. One of the two agents even said that you don't need any medications here, you get better from the pure vibration! Still they checked our medications but everything was in order. After 2 1/2 hours they left and were happy with what they saw and we were proud about the condition of our place!
rs. This year belogs to a woman of the Tugen, Bokott or Masai tribes. She came to us to get registered to get regularly fresh water. As she didn't learn to write, her son signed for her. Her face shows that she went through many hard periods in her life.
rs. Sunday is the day to do some office work like bringing the register cards into order... and a funny mood is also allowed on Sunday.
rs. This woman had a severe cut in the finger and the wound was already infected. Today she came to us to get help. She was lucky not to get a blood poisoning.
rs. Today a new male nurse inquired our hospital. He intends to join our team. His name is Eston (left). Our doctor Wanjara showed him our enterprise and after 3 hours he agreed to take the job. He was looking forward to his new activity and said that he is happy to be here. He checked many places but nobody welcomed him so cordially. Eston is a cheerful young man with quite some knowledge. If he works as good as his qualifications, we both can look forward to our enlarged team.
rs. Today our medical staff informed the mothers about the upcoming dates for vaccinations and important hygienic rules. Also they covered nutrition for children. Often the children are not properly fed. All present mothers were grateful for the education because they don't get it elsewhere. They also took the opportunity to ask questions at the end.
rs. Internet and my swollen foot still make my life difficult but I try to do my best. With a lot of difficulties and a special mobile connection I could transmit this picture. It shows a little girl, that arrived here four days ago. When the mother brought her, she was dried out and her life was at high risk. Today the little patient is much better. If the girls had not been brought to the hospital she probably would have died. (You can click on the picture to see it in full size as it appears on our photoblog "Kenya Photos")
rs. Yesterday I had no internet so I could't write anything. Today it was starting to function again, but I didn't function properly - I sprained my ankle. (Editor's Note: the days around full moon are always special: positive and negative things can happen...)
rs. This is the common transport forms for Kenyans and especially for people up in the mountains. The boys leading them instruct the animals with simple sticks. Sometimes they also pass our hospital and make a small break. They get some water for the donkeys before they continue their way.
rs. Today I brought a 20-Liter can of fuel for the generator of our water station in Thugunui. I took the opportunity to check the machine and the electronic part. The Kenyans are not used to control and check machines.
rs. Early this morning Alice from Eldoret called. She is a student who made a report about our hospital last year. As her parents were on the way to Nakuru, she asked me if I could get them in Nakuru to bring them to the hospital. The mother suffered from malaria and bronchitis. Our doctor helped them and Alice was very grateful for our assistance.
rs. This monday school started here. The schoolchildren can register during 3 days. In Nakuru you can see children from wealthy families while up in the mountain, in Thugunui the poor people walk for 15 km to reach their school room. Here registration is much more primitive. On Thursday, school finally will start everywhere.
rs. After a quiet weekend this was a stressful day. We had about 50 mothers who came with their babies for a vaccination. The medical team could not even make a lunch break to handle the situation. Some patients waited inside, others preferred to be outside. Our cooking girl brought them some drinking water because the temperature again rose to 36 °C. We hadn't had such a hot summer since 5 years.
rs. This is a baby with beginning rubella. The mother didn't go to the routine controls in our hospital as it is the case with many. Then they do not insist in getting the necessary vaccinations for their babies because they fear that the children might become sick. Our medical team does its best to inform and illumine the mothers, but not always with success...
