Tough day...

Today has definitely been one of the hardest. We had the first rain in more than a month and one we had been waiting on to see how well the clear roof between buildings would hold up.

As bad luck and poor worksmanship would have it, not only did the roof fail miserably, but half of the hospital was flooded. Most disappointing was the ceilings leaking so very badly in both birth rooms. We are devistated - Moffat is beside himself, so upset. The roof that was barely 24hours old will need to be replaced. Thank goodness we had no mothers in at the time. David (our new contrator) come to inspect while it was raining and after seeing the mini waterfalls in the rooms and our distress, he proceeded to check out the damage on the roof in the rain.

David confirmed what we had feared - the roof had been damaged when the last contractor and his workmen walked carelessley over the roof with the water tank and damaged the sheets. Faith, Moffat and David will decided tomorrow on how to proceed after assessing the damage in the daylight.

I am leaving in less than 7 hours for the Vipassana course. I feel aweful for leaving FreMo's now. Very bad timing but they will manage.

Busy times..

Last night we had a lady crying and banging on our front door. It was a lady Vicki and I had befriended. She had been beaten by her husband. In this small complex of 8 or so homes, it is seemingly a quiet compound. Moffat (who is rarely home so we were lucky) opened the door and suggested she go home to collect her baby and return to sleep on the couch. She left, there was shouting, screaming and the slam of 2 doors, one which sounded like the compound entrance – we assume it was her husband leaving. I waited an hour – she did not come back and we did not see her today. I am hoping she will be home tomorrow so I can see how she is going before I leave Nairobi for 10 days.

Today Faith and I took a baby and mother back to their home. Even though she was in labour in the hospital for 15 hours before giving birth, her husband arrived 4 hours after the baby was born and so very drunk. He had spent the money his employer had given him in advance to pay for the maternity bill on alcohol for himself and 3 mates. She refused to see him and only felt comfortable leaving once he had passed out on a chair in the reception area. Her sister lent her portion of the bill allowing her to leave with a bit of dignity. The walk to her home (a tin shed in the slum) was only a couple of km from the clinic but along an extremely busy, very dangerous road (Naivasha road). Faith and I took turns holding the tiny baby girl (she was 2.6kg and her mother has HIV) and squeezing our bodies between trucks parked on the side of the road (actually on the road!) with matatu’s, trucks, bikes, cars and buses whizzing by you at such a speed, I am sure it would be almost impossible to judge distance between life and death. It never really occurred to me that it was such a dangerous route until I was holding another life in my arms.

Pictured is the first birth Faith and I performed together. Even though this first time mother gave up, held her legs together and demanded her husband take her away from here….., it was simply wonderful and they were very happy. I have 1 more month to learn as much as I can. Who would have thought I would love birth so much – and in case you’re wondering…, nope, I still have no intention of having children. :-) Right now I simply adore my life tooooo very much!

Building development on the clinic is getting more exciting by the day. The second birth room is almost complete and is looking absolutely fantastic. Tomorrow we hope to be able to paint the walls and visualise where everything is going to go. Today, Grace (Faith’s 13 yo daughter) and I helped with the arduous task of removing tiles from the cement floor. The tiles (lino) were so incredibly well glued to the floor that we were removing almost as much cement as tile. We sat our backsides on the floor and scraped at the thin old lino, one cm at a time with a flat head screwdriver (in the video). We are so excited to see the finished product – the sore back and blistered hands will definitely be worth it!!

Most of the cement has been laid and we are waiting on our third quote to replace the tank stand to hold 5000 litres of water. A few things need to be repaired including leaky sinks and toilets, roof and door handles, but it’s all happening!!! The picture where Faith holding back a sheet with 3 beds is how birth room 2 looked before we commenced making changes to it just 2 days ago. We are very pleased with the progress.

Tuesday morning I am leaving early for a 10 day Vipassana course. It is an ancient meditation practice. “The technique used is a pure science of mind and matter. It is also an art of living (http://www.dhamma.org/en/art.shtml) an antidote to all the stresses and strains of life. It provides a deep pool of peace and harmony within, and ultimately leads the end of suffering” The 10 day camp is being held on an organic farm at the foothills of Mt Kenya. Nervous? Yes! Crazy…, possibly!

Vipassana means to see things as they really are. We are to observe complete silence and no eye contact or touching permitted what so ever for the entire 10 day period. Wake up call sounds at 4am and lights out at 9.30pm. I arrived in Kenya following a stressful, challenging 5 months in Australia. I know this will be a mighty confronting and challenging curriculum for me (and one I may be grossly under estimating just how tough), but it is one challenge I believe I am ready for and will receive benefits from.

Tonight, we had dinner at Stella’s (Moffat’s sister) home. She cooked an amazing meal of pilau, potato and meat stew. I took a large bottle of fanta, coke, dinner mints and lollies – fantastic treat for the family and whole neighbourhood. :-) They certainly are very good at sharing here.

We had many wonderful sunny days last week, heaps of people were out cutting grass with machetes. It is such a terrible shame that there is so much rubbish on the streets in Kenya; there could be many beautiful areas with a little care.

We are hoping to have a constructive day of painting tomorrow - oooohhhh I’m excited. Hope everyone is happy and healthy. If you’re not happy, then please, do yourself a favour and take steps to change it. XX

Construction on Fremo's Clinic - the beginning

The first 5 days of construction went surprisingly quick and well (or so we thought). Flush toilets were to replace the blocked holes in the ground, bacteria harbouring lino floor to be replaced with a smooth, treated cement floor, a 5,000 water tank purchased and installed, the open corridor covered with a clear roof, also used for collecting rainwater, 3 sinks to be installed and cement corridor between buildings laid.

The photos and video attached show FreMo Medical Centre ‘before’ construction began. I am working on posting a ‘working progress’ report on the ‘now’ status. We have had many minor and 1 major hiccup, but it’s all definitely happening. The most exciting news is that the first birth room has all but been completed. Vicki was able to do this prior to her departure (see previous update).

A midwife Faith and her 13 year old daughter Grace have just arrived from Texas. Both beautiful women who will be in Kenya until Christmas this year. It’s like they belong here. Faith heard about FreMo Medical Centre through the Sunsuper Dreams competition that Vicki entered and won last month. Faith was here in January this year and is continuing work with an IDP Camp West of Kenya near Nakuru but also plans to devote much of her time and priceless skills at FreMo’s. She’s one hell of a nice lady, so gentle, knowledgeable and kind. Just like Vicki, she adores the Kenyan women and has a passion for offering better birthing practices. I have only attended 1 birth with her so far and it was the cleanest delivery I have seen – unbelievable – of course everything was scrubbed with disinfectant but other than a towel, there was nothing to clean or wipe. Luck or skill, I’m not entirely sure, but another beautiful experience – AND the father was there AGAIN – for the second birth in 1 week!!! He watched the whole thing (I held a mirror for him that he couldn’t take his eyes from). I can’t explain how unbelievable and surprising this is. None of the staff can believe it. Men don’t’ attend births in Kenya – well now they do!!!! Yet another wonderfully big step into a fine world of beautiful birthing in Kenya where women are treated with the love and respect they deserve.

As much as ever, I am loving being in Kenya. Thank you Vicki and Faith, you are literally changing the lives of what will be thousands of women in the Kawangware slums and beyond. Moffat, Fred, the staff of FreMo’s and I are proud to be part of such a beautiful change for the better.

Two weeks ago I observed a 26 year old man being circumcised. The doctors asked and he was very happy to allow us to stand in and witness the entire process. Last year I watched a little 6 year old boy being circumcised and it was a very different, painful experience. This too looked very painful but once the dozen or so needles were jabbed in and around his penis, the patient too was able to watch the procedure. There is a long history of circumcision in Kenya (on men and women) and many beliefs and methods attached to different tribes.

Yesterday I went with Judy to the markets – holly molly that was an experience. The fresh food market was hiding (don’t’ know how it was sooooo big) behind the everyday madhouse market I walk down almost daily. The market was absolutely huge and it was obvious from 3 steps into this very thin dark smelly alley way that very few if any white people make it down there. Judy thought it was hilarious listening to the gasps and whispers of the locals and I just found it fascinating. Kids were running in and around the stalls like country kids do around hay bales. There were a number of grandmothers minding their grandchildren at their fruit stalls while their parents work. Every fresh fruit and vegetable was cheap and in abundance. There was little nagging and no bartering. It was wonderful. I would like to return with Judy and take some photos with shop owner approvals. Having her there will also prevent me from getting lost. We were weaving in and out of some areas at a rate of knots, she had obviously been there many times before.



I am once again accustomed to the food in Kenya. My fruit for breakfast has been replaced with stale sweet bread, stewed cabbage, Chapatti or boiled sweet potato and very, very sweet chai tea. Every meal is loaded with carbs and the cook watching your every mouthful to judge your enjoyment and force more into your already bursting belly.

Michelle Anderson, my dear, beautiful pregnant friend and colleague went through the shock of her life 2 weeks ago when she fell (7 months pregnant) up some stairs. She is ok but having a tough time taking it easy with the baby eager to enter our world early. Not only did she work tirelessly on organising the gala dinner, but has also been working with our lawyers, accountant and ATO on getting the charity (That’s What Friends Are For) registered in my absence – it is a very time consuming and lengthy process. Michelle, thank you so much for working on this with such compassion, tenacity, patience and understanding on what it means to me. I will be very proud to have you as one of the Trustees on the Charity.

I am seriously blessed with the best friends in the world.

We all have to go at some point..

It has been a busy and emotional few days.

On Sunday we had 2 mothers in labour at the one time. The first gave birth to her 3rd child, a baby boy weighing in at just over 4kg. A happy, healthy mother and child.

The second mother was HIV positive and in labour all night and the best part of the next morning with her first child. She gave birth to a struggling baby girl (Veronica). She was compromised at birth (not breathing) and was covered in poop. She was a skinny little girl weighing in at just over 2kg. She was a greenish colour and her chest was so sunken in, it was a little alarming. The moment the little tyke entered our world, Vicki was busily (but calmly) sucking the excess matter from her mouth before using the hand held breathing mask to get her to breathe again. While Dr James and Vicki were working on little Veronica, I was comforting the parents and gently encouraging them to talk to their baby. It was all in slow motion and a very composed environment. Amazing to think she almost didn’t’ make it. Dr James and Vicki stressed that her first 24 to 48 hours were crucial but they insisted on taking her home. We are extremely pleased to report that they brought her back in for a post natal check-up yesterday and she is doing great.

Other than mother and baby doing really well, the MOST exciting thing about the birth of Veronica is that her father was there to witness the whole event and support his wife!!! Such a thrilling experience and one I honestly didn’t’ believe would happen so soon in Kenya. Guys constantly cringe and laugh off the idea as if it is the last thing in the world they would consider doing. He was so supportive, intrigued, happy and so very proud. Oh gosh it was the most beautiful sight. He would not sleep through the night, insisting on rubbing her back with each contraction and making her as comfortable as possible. While holding his wife’s hand and stroking her hair, he leaned over to watch his daughter being born. The smile…. his whole face lit up. It was priceless!!! He even wrote a recommendation note for the clinic about his experience.

Vicki took Moffat shopping for the clinic and they had an absolute ball. They come back with so many wonderful, needy items that the birth suite now looks amazing. We have had several women and families look through our new facility and gasp at its’ beauty – Vicki has done a beautiful job, we are all so very proud of her work and everyone’s contribution to get it to where it is. Above is the old room then new birthing suit….

Yesterday Vicki and Janie left Kenya – I miss them so very much. The 3 ½ weeks went far too quickly!! I also come to know 2 other amazing individuals, TJ and Trevor, quite possible the sweetest couple I have ever met in my life. I too will miss them dearly. Friends for life!! X

Fred arrived tonight (Moffat’s brother and the Fre in FreMo’s). It was such a surprise and so wonderful to see him. Moffat (in red) is the Administrator and Fred (in black) is the Doctor and works near their home town about 5 hours West of Nairobi. He brought with him a beautiful Kenya bracelet and shawl which reads ‘Kuomba Si Kupata Mungu Akipenda Atakupa’ and basically translated to trust in God and he will bless you. You don’t even have to be a devout catholic to appreciate this. I absolutely adore my gifts. He is such a gentle, kind, talented man. I will miss him very much.

Construction has been plagued with problems but we are managing. I will elaborate more in my next post. At least the first birth room is almost complete – we were very happy to have it looking so wonderful before Vicki left. We miss her very much.

Southern Cross Academy

Seeing the children in school again was an absolute treat. I visited them last week, and, as mentioned in a previous post, I had something very special for them this year too - excellent reading material from a retired teacher I met in Australia just prior to leaving. His name is Grant and his program is called Literacy's Great!

It was so incredibly well received - I only wish I could have bought more over for them. The few I had were more than 4kg – a very precious amount when my luggage was shared with valued medical supplies. The laminated posters Grant, will be with me in Peru – my good friend Jeff is bringing them with him when we meet in Brazil in November. Your education material really is making it’s way around the world!!

My time at Southern Cross Academy (in Maai Mahiu) was limited on this occasion, but I did manage to spend a couple of hours with them in the morning to assist teacher Mary. It was surprising how tricky it was for them to grasp the pronunciations. It was also challenging for me to explain some Australian words/animals - it was a lot of fun!!

Thank you again. School for most, especially those in the slums is a inconceivable privilege. The teachers are so happy and the smile on the kids faces screamed volumes - you can't help but be deeply touched. I only wish you and your family who have worked so hard on these were here to witness their gratitude. It is literally priceless.

Maasai Burns

Last year, Janie and I received Maasai burns to our right shoulders. We each got the number of burns to signify the number of members in our families. This year Jane got hers redone as the burns had all but faded. You either earn the right to receive the burns or you can pay to get them done. We spent most of my time in the IDP camps last year and come to know a small group of Maasai people extremely well. Our good friend Alex (our lanky Maasai Warrior) offered to do them as a piece of Kenya to take home with us. We later learnt that although he had performed many before, Janie and I were not only the first 'Mzungu's he has done, but also the first females. He used medicinal leaves which he had to hike almost 5 hours to get. The burns are done by hand where he rolled each leaf into what looks like a cigar, they then light the end away from our skin, and blow the inch and a half long piece glowing red until it reaches and blisters the skin, strange to say, but one of the most invigorating things I have ever done. It was an absolute privilege. It took almost hour and they are perfectly unique - I have what I call 'my circle of life'. It is made up of 5 burns, each one representing the beautiful members of my family. Alex, who did it, now lives back in the Maasai, but last year did them in a place close to our heart - IDP Camps. The lady in the photos is the traditional Maasai Elder who re-did Janie’s for her in her home – another is the fire in her Manyatta and another is me with her 5 children. Their traditional home is tiny – they sleep 3 to a bed, smaller than a double bed size. Their beds are mud shelves with a Shuka (traditional Maasai blanket) placed on top. There are 2 main areas, a small room at the entrance where they keep their belongings including wildlife – there were chooks and her chickens and usually a goat or 2. Adjacent to the tiny room is another small room (usually not high enough for even me to stand tall) which has their stove and 2 beds either side for eating and sleeping. When we entered at 8.30pm, the Manyatta was warm but very smoky – our eyes stung for a while until we become accustomed. To be asked to receive burns from a Maasai Elder is a sign of respect. We are very proud to have them. It’s a little piece of Kenya we will have with us always. Wow, I forgot how cold it is in the mornings here, especially south of Narok. The days are warm and nights very cool. We took most of our own bedding, but it wasn’t enough. Janie and I had to spoon it was so cold. During the night the dogs at our camp and neighbouring, were absolutely out of control. Their barks were fierce and intense (I was praying my bladder would hold on). It wasn’t until the next morning that Alex told us that a Hyena had killed a sheep not 25 metres from where we were sleeping. And also frightening, it was less than 30 min after we had hiked back across the paddock’s after Janie received her burns. A sad loss for the locals and possibly a lucky escape for us.

Back in the Maasai

The trip out to South Narok (Ololulung’a) was long and dusty. It took 4 matatu’s and 3 hours to reach the IDP Camps (Governors, South Maai Mahiu) where we stayed the night. The next morning we headed off just before 9am, walked about a km to the main road where we got a matatu then headed into main street Maai Mahiu. It’s always pot luck with the timing of transport here. They wait until the vans are full before leaving then they pick up additional people along the way and packing us in making it a very stuffy ride. 4 random mixed vehicles, a 4 km stroll and more than 5 hours later we were visiting our friend Alex in the middle of the Maasai.

Rural Narok in the Maasai boasts a different kind of beauty. It is greener than I remembered but just as vast. I was so happy to be back to such a special place in this world, so calming, so inviting, and so primitive. It was hard to leave. Janie and I were grateful for the short few days we had – the Maasai is a place you could very easily get attached and not want to leave. Dalton (pictured with me) and I shared a silent special bond. He would not leave my side – wriggled his way between my legs to sit on my lap or hold my hand at every opportunity. He watched my every interaction. The hours flew by. A big piece of me was nervous to revisit Kenya as I know once again how incredibly painful it will be to leave. I wonder how much room there is in my heart to love. Every day I full deeper in love with the people of Kenya, especially the children who I know will die without help. It hurts.


Alex (pictured below with Janie and I) lives with his grandparents, sister, niece and nephews in a Minyata (traditional Maasai hut). They live a km or 2 from the tiny town. Not surprising, there is no electricity, no running water and few neighbours in eyes view. Polygamy is widely practiced and accepted in the Maasai community, although not everyone agrees with it. Alex’s sister left her husband and is now a single mother of 3 because her husband insisted on marrying another.


Chai tea is a given that it is prepared at any time of the day, but they often only eat 1 meal a day. In the morning, Janie and I introduced them to Peanut Butter and Jelly (Jam) sandwiches for breakfast – haha it was funny watching the kids taste it for the first time but it was a very popular choice. I wonder how long the jars we left will last them. At the very least, the empty containers will provide the children with playing materials. There are no toys, books, sweets or any educational material to speak of. They are often put to work early – it’s not uncommon to see 8 year old boys moving their livestock draped in the Shuka and sporting a large club, it is also common to see young 8 year old girls carrying babies on their backs and caring for the siblings. Alex is high school educated and hopes to support his niece and nephews down the same path.


We were the first Mzungu’s the children had seen and it took little Michelle a little longer than the boys to warm to us – hence the photo. As the first white people to visit their home and community it was a real treat for them and us. We haven’t had people stop and ogle like that for quite some time, perhaps not even last year. A very beautiful, pure village. I would love to go back there.

Unfortunately, most of the shocking, unanticipated every day events that occur here, we are unable to capture through a lens – for safety of sporting a $1,300 camera in public, respect of the locals or simply not enough time to seize the moment. Some occasions are difficult to explain and others are just too amusing to justify trying. Yesterday when leaving Narok, we fought our way through cars, bikes, people and 60 head of cattle being herded through the main street. Unbelievable. What is more shocking is that all the side stalls with beans and vegetables sprawled out on cloths on the ground, remain untouched!! How the cows manage to tiptoe around them is astounding.

It has only been 3 days since having a wash but it feels like 3 weeks after the dust and dirt we have encountered. Janie and I pulled back the covers on the bed we slept in and the puffs of dust were incredible – it was dark so we couldn’t see but we could smell and feel it.

I spoke to Moffat today who informed me that they had 2 births in the clinic while Vicki and I were away. Disappointed I missed them, but I’m certain there will be many more. I am looking forward to return to the clinic later today. I am excited to see everyone again and keen to see how the construction is going…

It feels like home..

We arrived in Maai Mahiu Friday at 11.am – it didn’t hit me just how much I missed being here until I stepped off the matatu and stared into their barren land and tents. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. Janie took me to our host mum’s home where we were to stay. It is a beautiful place on the opposite side of the highway than the camps where it is a lot greener and her place is surrounded in trees. I immediately thought this as being a place I could spend much more of my time. A place I could live. We dropped off our things and went directly to the school – Southern Cross Academy – a sweet little school that Janie and I helped build with our own hands last year. It was absolutely wonderful to see everyone again. In photo are the teachers from last year who are still teaching, only 1 is absent – Rose and Teacher Doreen who I was very close to last year (and pictured with me immediately above) was offered a head cooks position at a neighbouring orphanage but told Janie and I that she is considering coming back to Southern Cross. Even though the pay is far less, she feels the children need the most help. I love these teachers, they really do it for the love.

I am happy that I was finally able to give the school the teaching material that Grant and his family from Kawana in Queensland gave to me just prior to leaving. They are incredible tools and so well received. The teacher grouped together immediately discussing how to best use them and who would share them first. The children swarmed at the new and exciting books - already a massive hit!!

Right next the school, Janie is building a Medical Clinic for the camps which is fantastic. The progress is slow but amazing. Medical care is desperately needed in the camps and the process of building is providing much needed employment for the locals. There are so many projects under way here they still have a long way to go but are well on their way to self sustainability. It’s great to be back and see the changes for the better.

A number of exciting things have happened in the last week. On Tuesday I visited the HIV families I spent time with last year. Judy is so strong now, has put on weight and can walk again. Each time I visited her over the 5 month period last year, she was very frail and sick with HIV/Aids and TB. She was unable to get out of bed , cook or clean for herself. I am amazed by her progress. Obama (the little boy who wouldn’t stop screaming at the scary white person) come straight to me and didn’t’ cry, not once!!! His mum (Lilian) was as shocked as me – he has only seen a handful of white people at church in the past 12 months and couldn’t’ look at them. I was so happy – everyone remembered who I was. It was a beautiful, rewarding reunion. I can’t explain how wonderful it was to see them again. I took Janie and Vicki to visit them again 2 days later where we bought and cooked them Ugali and Sukuma Wiki for lunch which was fantastic.

I have so much more to write. I will continue this post later today.

Keep smiling
Tarsh

We are guarded by a Maasai Warrier with a bow and arrow!!

Security where the 'Mzungu's' live is tight. From dawn until dusk the the gate to our accomodation is locked and guarded. This is, however, the first time it has been a Maasai Warrier. Intimidating but comforting.

Construction is full steam ahead, as is the extensive Business Plan Moffat and I are working on for the clinic. The pipes and flush toilets are almost in and the roof/sinks and painting will start tomorrow.

Tomorrow Vicki is off on a 4 day Safari and Janie and I (yes the wonderful, talented, gorgeous, funny, inspiring lady I spent most of my time with last year) are heading to the Maasai - rural Narok, and will be there for a few days. On the way I am so excited to report we will be stopping by Maai Mahui to visit the camps and see the teachers, kids and families I spent much of my time living with last year. I'm not sure that I will be able to sleep tonight.... A little short on time today, will update again when I can....

I CAUGHT MY FIRST BABY!!!

This morning we received another early morning call to a birth at FreMo’S - woohoo! Amimo (Doula) was unable to make it so instead of learning by observing, I was able to assist Vicki first hand. It was Veronica’s third child. After about 2 hours of rubbing her back and supporting her stance while trying to ‘wiggle’ the baby into place, Vicki calming said for me to look down and there he was!!! His head was out and Vicki calmly asked if I would like to ‘catch the baby’ I was bursting inside in anticipation but was very composed when accepting. After FINALLY gently prying my hands form the mothers firm grip, I had my hands in position just in time for her final contraction. I caught the gorgeous slippery little guy (pictured) – UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!!!! What an amazing experience – after untangling the cord which was wrapped around his head, arm and waist, we wrapped him in a towel (the only dry one we had) and let the oxytocin run wild in each of our bodies. WOW!!

Last night Vicki and I were invited to a Red Tent gathering at Amimo’s home. There were 16 women from around the world and we shared our stories of love, inspiration, hope and pain. There were no boundaries, no judgement. There were MANY tears!!! We had the most open, honest discussions I am still in awe of the strength of each gorgeous individual I met. Beautiful women as their authentic selves. Those of you who are aware of the book will understand – Another incredible experience!!

Yesterday I spoke to Mum which was absolutely wonderful!! So many people ask after Mamma J after she visited with me last year – we (especially me) miss having her here. They can’t stop raving about her scones – even a year on!!! But oh boy they are good!!!  I also learnt today that Dad hurt his right ham string – hope you are feeling better soon – you’re not one to be held up in bed so my thoughts are with you – I wish you a speedy recovery. Mwahh! Just over 2 months until we meet in Europe for a bit of R&R Mum – I CAN’T WAIT!!

Yesterday I had a look over an old video of FreMo’s that I took last year. It is quite amazing the changes. I did another video this afternoon and will do another in the next week or 2 once the plumbing and concreting is complete – I can hardly wait to see how significant the change will be.

Literally days before flying out, we met with the sweetest family in Kawana (Queensland). The gentleman (Grant) made contact with me after reading about the article in the Weekender a few weeks before leaving. He is a retired Teacher and devotes his time to producing reading material to children of all ages – specifically those who struggle with learning. I will be taking these to the camps this week and visiting the children and families I haven’t seen for almost 12 months – ahhhh, I’m so excited, both to see everyone again and take Vicki out there to show her what amazing work volunteers have done to improve the community – especially the school I helped build last year. I know Teacher Mary and Teacher Doreen will be thrilled to receive these teaching materials. Above is a photo of Vicki reading them with our host mum’s son – Bishop, a cute and very bright Kid. We have them in a central location here and it’s not uncommon for him to read them a couple of times in an evening. It’s heart-warming to see how kids thrive on learning here!! It really is a privilege to them.

WE WON 2 MIDWIFES FOR A YEAR!!!!

WE WON!!! Yesterday was the final day of the Sunsuper competition Vicki entered us into – it was to win a $5,000 dream. The dream was to win for 2 full time midwifes for the clinic for 1 full year – we had an incredibly tense few days but we did it – we actually won woohhoooo!!!
Thank you to everyone who voted, this is a massive step for the clinic – all we have to do now is find our ‘perfect midwifes’ – advertising starts Monday. :-) It was close race in the end and Vicki received the ‘confirmation’ email this morning!!!!! SUPER excited! Vicki you are a truly incredible individual – thank you – the clinic will never be the same. XX

I am in love – I would to introduce you to Frank…, Moffat’s son!! Absolutely gorgeous and so cuddly!!! We were the first Mzungu’s (white people) he had seen, which would explain the eyes! He took to us extremely well – Kenyan babies are the most GORGEOUS of anywhere!!! And there are soooo many here that need help – damn the Australian adoption system!!! :-(

Today we went shopping! We took a left turn into the slums of Wythaka and Vicki paid $1.55 for a pair of slip on shoes and I purchased a warm light blue jumper for $1.05. Bargains!!! Like everything else you purchase or wear here, they needed solid washing – hand washing alone is almost enough to keep one in shape! :-)

Haha, every day we laugh at something to do with travelling on a Matatu. Yesterday Vicki scored the back seat and spent more time airborne than with her bum where it should be and today we crammed 22 people on a Matatu that seats 12. It’s also a common occurrence that we need a swift push up the backside to force us in the door and jump out with the vehicle still moving….

Everything to do with construction can happen very quickly in Kenya (especially if you pay by the job and hold cash until completion). Yesterday we identified a reliable tradesman to resurface the floor of the Maternity room – on the same day they scribbled a quote, this morning they started and by this afternoon they had practically finished (removing of tiles, chipping the remaining glue, concreting and painting) All that is left is the top coating and wait for it to set. The room is looking amazing!!

My stomach is still struggling with the food a little – last night we were served a very large plate full of beans, cabbage and rice. Uhuh, serious farting material, but delicious!! Every meal is loaded with Carbohydrates and in excess quantities. It’s a slow process to educate the lovely locals to serve smaller portions (even for me!) which is a delicate activity while doing your best not offend them or refuse their food. I am grateful that I generally adore their cooking (even Ugali), as the local cuisine can occasionally be a little tricky to swallow. One of the funniest things is watching Vicki trying to stomach the local tea they serve – 90% milk and extremely sweet – Vicki sips to be polite then I gulp to help her out and prevent her from gagging. Again, with places we spend most of our time, they graciously accommodate to her taste now. She is most grateful.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday), Vicki is holding a birthing workshop for the FreMo staff which will certainly be an eye opener for them!! Earlier this week, Vicki showed Fred and Moffat a live video of a couple of birth’s she attended, including a baby born in water – amazing!! Wish I had been there to see their faces, although Vicki said it was one of the funniest things she has seen. They are embracing the idea incredibly well – they are as excited as we are for the ‘better birthing’ focus for the clinic, it was as much their idea as ours. It has been spooky how our thoughts have melded into one. Simply brilliant.

Today we received a quote to do a massive job – rip up the plumbing, install 2 new ‘flush’ toilets, water pipes, 2 new water tanks (5000ltre for town water and 500litre for rainwater), guttering system, concreting and roof the current muddy walk way between buildings and install 7 new sinks in each room and outside the toilet. This will be our largest project and we anticipate it will take just over a week to complete. Construction starts on Tuesday. Gosh, this is massive!!!!

What a brilliant first week we have had!!!!!