Baby Amos

Today was simply wonderful. There was the birth of the sweetest baby boy early this morning. Vicki and I received a phone call at 5.41am to say that there was a lady taken to the clinic and about to give birth. I swear Vicki leapt from the top bunk in one fowl swoop. We had time for a quick bucket wash in water so cold it took our breath away and waited for the sun to rise so we could safely take a Matatu to the clinic.

We waited, begging for the sun to ‘get up’ for almost 40min before we made our way down the steep muddy, slippery hill to the main road.

By the time we arrived to FreMo’s, the baby’s head was in view and Amos was born less than 10 minutes later. The labour was a successful one but with no running water, towels, sheets, pads, nappies or electricity to see or heat water and without Vicki, NO midwife either, it was challenging and reaffirmed just how blessed we are to call Australia home.

I have only witnessed 5 births in Kenya, but this was by far the most beautiful. Vicki and Amimo were so gentle and respectful of the mother, it was a whole new experience for her and the doctors (this was Dorothy's 3rd child). She was so empowered and couldn't stop smiling - I've been told that's the Oxytocin.

Our dream is to do away with the mothers being abused and yelled at, not to mention the slapping they recieve in labor and disrespect. The doctors of FreMo (especially the wonderful Fred) embraced the new way of assisting mothers in birth and have never been happier by the feedback they received from the mother and her family. It was truly an amazing experience to witness the most beautiful and natural thing in the world. I am eager to learn more!!

Today we received a quote to resurface the floor in the same room as the replacement ceiling – this will take almost a week but once complete, we can paint the walls and make it the real birth room!! We are having a cupboard built also to fit wall to wall and ceiling to floor to accommodate all the maternity equipment so that it is at hand and not a mad scrounge halfway through labor and not on a dirty floor. Needless to say we are very excited to see it this time next week when it will be close to completion.

Today we also learnt that Benah, a Kenyan local and one of the Marafiki Community International staff, needs a potentially lifesaving operation. He had a serious car accident almost a week ago on the way to visit a volunteer placement. At the time of the accident he lost feeling to most of his body and initial diagnosis was that no major injuries were sustained, but that he was in shock. Although he improved, something was still not right so they took him to a different hospital today and he was told that he has a fracture to one the bones in his neck and must undergo surgery – the bone needs to be wired back to its original place. The surgery is scheduled for Monday – so please keep all your fingers and toes crossed for him.

In one of the photos is Vicki, Moffat and myself. I will soon have one up with Fred too – the brother of Moffat to make the FreMo founders. We make an awesome team!!! 

Woohoo, I’m here!!! I arrived in Kenya 3 days ago and having the most incredible time. Immediately after touching down, we (Vicki Chan, a midwife and I) made our way to FreMo Medical Centre to say a long anticipated hello. I was amazed at how the clinic had changed, the pharmacy they have developed, additional rooms they have acquired and new staff on their payroll. We spent the next morning identifying imminent priorities and within 24 hours of arriving, we had commenced construction! We started in the Maternity Ward by pulling down the almost non-existent ceiling and popping up a new one. Our first project is almost complete.

In such a short period of time, we have spent many intense and constructive hours discussing how we are able to assist the clinic. The founders, Fred and Moffat are extremely educated, well informed and articulate men with such passion for the clinic that it drives us even harder to assist them in their dreams. Between Vicki and I, we managed to bring just over $10,000 dollars to Kenya to predominately help improve FreMo Medical Clinic.

We have identified many projects we can assist in, including improving the sewer system, putting in flush toilets, concreting the paths (it’s currently a thick muddy, slippery mess – not ideal for women about to give birth), wash trough’s, tiling the new wards and putting in windows, most of which are minimum government requirements for them to meet in order to remain open.

Yesterday was Vicki’s 50th birthday and we had a grand old time! Amimo (Vicki’s friend in maternity care) organised a cake and I organised the people and restaurant. We had dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant and 23 volunteers, FreMo staff and Kenyan locals were there!! We had a fantastic night – HAPPY BITRHDAY VIC!!!

Today was a great day. After a powerful 5 hour pow wow, we established the immediate and achievable goals of the clinic then went to Java (coffee shop) and celebrated over a latte. Our main concern was to ensure we were all on the same track – to assist in their goals of the clinic, not to push our ideas upon them. Fred (the Fre in FreMo) is a doctor and wants to major in Paediatrics - which reinforced each of our thoughts to structure the clinic as specialising in Maternity and Child Health. The fun begins!!

I am already re-accustomed to the dangerous trips on Matatu’s (local transport), cold bucket washes, hard beds, hand washing, extreme pollution, poverty and cool nights. I am amazed at how many of the local business workers recognised me – it certainly warmed my heart. There have been many big hugs, stories shared and tears shed. It’s brilliant to be back!!

Destined for Kenya!!

The walking started today. The slow talking also started today - the challenge that usually identifies with being in another country - a challenge I've been craving! :-)

I arrived in Johannesburg last night. The flight was almost 5 hours late after being re diverted due to the still present Volcanic Ash from Chile - it's great to be here - sooo close to Kenya I can feel Fremo's Medical Centre! :-)

Joburg is big and has mass amounts of security. Most places have 6ft solid security gates or higher. It has a similar feel to Kenya - keep your wits about you, walk with others where possible and take only essential valuables.

I can hardly believe this is finally happening again - there is nothing in my world like travelling and helping struggling communities. It awakens my soul and enriches my life in so many ways.

Only 2 more sleeps until Kenya!!!