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.
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