A lot has happened in the last eight days or so, a couple of sad stories, one with hopefully a happy ending and one with a very tragic ending. I have also had the privilege of attending a Kenyan wedding and been to church again to listen to some fantastic gospel music and some passionate preaching.
First the stories - both concern children.
Stella, one of the KG teachers has a lovely little girl of nine months - Jemima. Stella noticed that Jemima wasn't eating well and seemed listless. After a couple of days Stella was really worried and rushed Jemima to the local government hospital. She waited there for what seemed like hours however no one was interested in having a look at her baby. Eventually in desperation Stella got the name of a private hospital and took Jemima there where the baby was put on a drip and given some injections. That was early last week, Jemima is still in hospital but gradually recovering from dehydration and a chest infection. Grace and I went to visit Stella and Jemima on Wednesday night, the baby was poorly however I'm really pleased to say that she is slowly getting better. Thank God. Can I also say that I will never criticize our national health service again - even though Jemima is in a private hospital facilities are extremely poor, however the main thing is that the staff were able to help Stella - this is going to be a real struggle for Stella to settle the bill however that is secondary to her baby's health.
The other story doesn't have a happy ending unfortunately. Grace's 4-year old nephew took ill at the beginning of last week. At first her sister thought it was just a cold however by Wednesday she became concerned. The family live in a rural area where there is no hospital and no main road. Grace's sister carried her son for several miles until she reached a main road and managed to get a lift from a lorry driver. Unfortunately be the time she reached the hospital the little mite had died in her arms from malaria. Infant death are not unusual in Kenya and so tragic. The use of a mosquito net can reduce malaria but sometimes ignorance on the part of the parents means that these nets which are given free to new mothers are not used.
Sorry everyone for such sad tales however they do underline the need for support and western aid to Kenya. We can all do our bit.
By the way - it occurred to me last week that one of the reasons African ladies have fab legs and a great bum is because they walk everywhere - so cancel the gym membership, leave the car at home and walk more - and the fifty pounds a month you save would help you sponsor a child - and you would have a lot of change lol
On Saturday I attended a Kenyan wedding - pics on Facebook. I have never experienced anything like this - 12 bridesmaids, 10 flower girls, 4 pageboys, 4 best men, 100 guests and food for everyone - pilau rice with lamb and wedding cake. We had a great day. There were many guests from Nairobi plus a visiting pastor as the bride was a Nairobi girl. I found it funny to watch the Nairobi guests eating with a spoon whilst the Mombasa guests (including myself lol) ate with our hands - I'm an expert now at turning my thumb and forefinger into a scoop lol
I also learned that in Nairobi they speak a slang version of Swahili which is not understood by the Kenyans who live on the coast - the Nairobi Pastor needed an interpreter during his part of the service which was great for me as he spoke in English which was then interpreted into pure Swahili.
So another week - week five. I can't believe the way the time is flying in and I'm starting to panic at the idea that I will soon be packing up and coming back from this amazing place.
That's about it for today, hope everyone is great at home and you are getting some sun - if not I can try to send some over! lol
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