January 2009 Mission – Update 2
Saturday saw the first day of clinics swung into full gear at Gil Gil. There was a steady flow of people who made their way through all 3 streams, medical, vision, and dental. While it would be true of all 3 streams, the people working the vision clinic pointed to the satisfaction they derived from seeing that look of surprise on the faces of those who all of sudden had improved eye sight after years of experiencing impaired vision.
Prior to the clinics, the Mikinduri Children of Hope group experienced 2 very emotional situations. Quite by accident, Kathy Mutch and Tracey Butt encountered a group of 600 internally displaced Kenyans, victims of the Civil unrest following the most recent elections. While somewhat outside of our mandate, it was decided to purchase a large quantity of food to be distributed to this group. They live in a city park without tents, blankets or food and the group included 40 infant children. It was a pathetic situation exacerbated by a government that seems to turn a blind eye to their plight. Our intervention did nothing to address the real long term issues that this group will face, however that outpouring appreciation as expressed in song and dance was impressive and moving.
The clinics have served to uncover any number of minor miracles. The entire team was moved by circumstances of two young girls, Naomi 7 and Beth 5. The mother arrived at Sunday’s clinic with Naomi and Beth and the youngest member of the family who is 3 weeks old. The father has left the mother with 7 children. She is working to make the equivalent of $1.00 Can a day. Doctors uncovered the fact that both Naomi and Beth are extremely malnourished and in need of immediate help. Their plight has moved two members of the team to sponsor Naomi and Beth through Chalice (formerly Christian Child Care International) which will ensure a future with clothing, proper nourishment and education.
The line-ups for the medical clinic have been overwhelming. In the midst of the long line was John, aged 7, who has club feet and walks on his ankles. He comes from an extremely poor family in the MASAI area of Kenya, A decision has been made to fund a common operation to correct this severe disability. This case and many many others, once again serve to demonstrate the tremendous impact that our generous donors across PEI and other parts of Canada make with the support of MCOH. During last years mission we were moved to sponsor 13 year old Ruth for amputation of one of her legs, as a result of cancer. We were able to meet Ruth and discovered that she is doing well and about to be fitted for a prosthesis, which you our donors have been responsible for helping her with. She is overjoyed that she can play with her friends, running around with her crutches. Her goal is to get back to school so she can learn English, so she can talk to Ted. She wants to become a doctor so she can help other people like her.
There is a strong consensus among the members of this mission that any doubts we had about the merits of travelling to the other side of the world to lend a hand to our Kenyan brothers and sisters were quickly dismissed. Without question, all clinics are impacting in a positive way on the health and well being of the people. Their open expressions of appreciation make it all worth while and leave all members of the team, while feeling tired, also feeling privileged to be in their midst. Every one of them are small miracles.
Today (Monday) we have a full day of clinics, we must then pack up and move on to our next site for two sets of clinics in the Meru area of Kenya. We have an incredible team, all so anxious to serve the very needy people who are lined up waiting for glasses, or to see the doctors or get a tooth pulled.