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Published: June 20th 2009
I think it's safe to say that I have experienced culture shock in many regards throughout the past week and a half. I am finally settled into a place where I am staying for another month, and doing my best to alter my mindset from that of an awestruck tourist (which I am), to trying to find purpose and reason in being here. Unfortunately trying to integrate myself into everyday Kenya is incredibly difficult when I am being continuously stared at and hear shouts of "Muzungu!" Everywhere I go.
The first true shock I experienced in Kenya was last Friday. I went to meet the other volunteer I'm working with, Lisa, at a clinic called Ushirika. The clinic lies right on the outskirts of the Kibera slums. I spent the first day learning about the clinic, and then a counselor took us to two other clinics that lie within the slums. I wish I could begin to describe the slums, but when I try my mind just goes blank and I'm really just filled with more of a lump in my throat. There are over 2.5 million people living in the Kibera slums alone, most living on less than 1 dollar a day. They are filled with trash and rundown huts and hundreds and hundreds of children running around. The only pseudo positive thing I noticed was that most did have shoes, but I imagine you literally could not survive the environment if your feet weren't covered. At one point, two small toddlers came and grabbed on to me and would not let go, and their mother yelled (half jokingly) "Go with them where they go and don't come back!" I think that encounter is going to stick into my mind forever.
Over the weekend we were taken to our volunteer house, where we are staying for the duration of the trip. It's actually incredible accommodations for what I was expecting, and lies on the West side of Nairobi in a place called Rongai. We spent the last week working in the Arap Moi school, but unfortunatley we did less working and more playing with kids who were amazed at our white skin and really just wanted the opportunity to shake our hands. Most of the children have never or rarely seen a white person before, and the school had an entire assembly to introduce us. As soon as they saw us, they were all clapping and jumping like we were something to shout over, which is a bit humbling as I am so limited in what I really can do for these children. Nonetheless, we just tried to bring smiles to some faces for a few days and Friday we were taken to the clinic where we will be until I am finished.
The clinic I am working at is called St. Mary's clinic in Kiseron. It's about a 30-40 minute walk from our house, but it's worth it to avoid the insane Matatu rides on the horrendous roads! (More on those later). It's actually a great clinic comparatively to what I've seen - They have pots that sterilize instruments (not seen regularly), and have a larger pharmacy and lab than some of the other clinics, but they are very much in need of help. They seemed so grateful that we will be working there, but I must say I am a bit unnerved that the first question they asked me what whether or not I had delivered a baby before. . . Hmm. . . Much of the work we will be doing is going to be with mother-baby and labor and delivery, but we will spend Mondays and Thursdays vaccinating children, and will also help with check-in, inventoring, and well baby check ups. However, they do want us to do the suturing and help with baby deliveries, which I have such limited experience in (by limited, I mean pretty much none. . .). I think this is going to be about the most intense dive into my profession and certainly the largest challenge I have faced yet, but I am looking forward to being in a place that I can truly serve (Or at least try. . .)
Anyways, in true tourist nature, we have made time to have some fun while we're here as well. Last week we went to Carnivore, a restaurant ranked in the top 100 in the world. Basically they just come aroud serving you all these different types of meat until you tell them to stop. Lisa and I both at the crocodile and ostrich meat, and I have to say it wasn't bad! We also spent a day hiking Ngong hills, where I lost my first battle with the African sun, and my back hasn't let me forget it yet. Today we are attending Safari 7s with another volunteer who is actually from Kenya, Gati. Safari 7s is a huge rugby tournament in Kenya which draws teams from various countries. I've never seen a rugby game in my life, so I'm pretty pumped. But with that said, we've got Chipate being made right now and then it's off to the game.
Of course before I go I have to wish Dad a Happy Father's Day! Miss you all and I'll talk to you soon!
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Bob Bowden
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Just as Real Colorado
Good Morning, Ms. Muzungu Nurse Kasey; Great blog, as always. Sounds like the adventurous part of your adventure hasn't let up. That's fantastic. Unbelievable that you'll be delivering babies...and by the sound of the millions of people there, it's obvious that babies are born often! No work shortage in the labor/delivery room! I think you'll really enjoy the rugby thing. Used to watch the rugby club at KU play once in a while. Those guys are crazy, and can keep a beer bar in business after the game is over. We finally had some afternoon sun yesterday, and I had the day off, so we got to enjoy the pool and sun at the same time. It's been overcast and rainy about every day in June...so unlike Colorado. We're supposed to have as many sunny days as anywhere in the country, but this year it ain't happenin'...so far. We may pay in July...August...September...and beyond. I'm back to California next week...Wednesday thru Friday. Nice short trip for once. Enjoy your weekend/week, and keep in touch please...brief, but often! I love you. Dad