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!!!

Our last days in Kenya...

I knew it would be hard saying goodbye. The hurt was deep and painful. Giving out the remainder of the donated clothes and handing out the ones I bought with donation money at the place closest to my heart - the IDP Camps - was by far the worst. Despite my best efforts and a painful headache to prove it, I tried not too, but cried alot. And so did mum - she said the few cheerios she could manage before taking refuge in the car and locking the door.

Alex, a local Maasai Jane and I spent most of our time with in the camps, took off my glasses and wiped away my tears while wispering in my ear 'be strong tarshy, be strong'. Another said 'don't be sad, our bodies may be apart, but our hearts will remain as one'. Oh my god!!! I love them all and to leave is bloody hard. It's true though, that you have to leave in order to come back again!

Thursday and Friday, another volunteer and myself spent time visiting the camps and doing interviews with families I met through profiling thier children. Seriously gut wrenching stuff. It must have been so hard to relive thier past, especially in front of a camera. To say thank you almost sounded unfair and inapropriate. The will and strength of these individuals is astounding.

Another excruciating day was Sunday when i took mum to visit Judy and Mary - the 2 ladies with HIV I have had constant contact with since 3 days after my touchdown in Kenya. They both have HIV and TB and were excited with the idea of meeting my mum. First, we visited Florence and her children - including Simon, the 20yo chap I have been helping put through college, but will need greater support when I get home. Florence was the lady who introduced me to Judy and Mary - Anyhoos, they are a delightful family and were so sorry when they gave me the news that Mary passed away on Friday, just 2 days before. My stomach fell through the floor and my chest tightened so hard I had to concentrate on breathing. I mustered all my strength not to cry. How could I have just missed her - she was so strong just weeks ago. I always took them food, even cooked it for them and always checked to be sure they had and were always taking thier medication. I still took mum to meet Judy and found that 2 of Mary's 4 children were there. I handed them some photos I had taken of their mother and I and when I saw the tears in thier eyes and heard them say I was a good friend to their mother, I had a wave of emotion and literelly errupted into tears. I couldnt' help myself and felt terrible. They dont' let their tears flow in Kenya as easily as they do in the Western world. I hugged them both, gave them money for the funeral, said a quick hello and goodbye to the rest in the teeny compound I knew well (including Obama and his family whom I gave a few donated treats to) and high tailed it out of there with my sobbing mum so we could have a good cry. Florence explianed to me that Mary's stomach had blown up like a balloon and she couldnt eat in the days leading up to her death. Why did she have to leave so abruptly? More than ever, I feel life can be particularly unfair in Kenya. They loved and greeted me like their own children. I am still finding her loss hard.

If I haven't yet had a chance to send a personal note of thanks along with pictures on where your money has gone if you donated, I am sorry and promise I will do soon. I do not have a computer any more - I felt someone needed it more than me, so I don't yet have the time or means to email. In saying this, I would like to say a special thank you to the following people; Chris G, Carol & Kung, Gill, News Agency and Lions Club - all from Mum and Dad's home town Karoonda. Also Tony and Kristy from Mossy, the first people to donate following my email, Jeff, Erin, Joanne, Erin, Michelle and of course Lauren, the gorgeous girl from Canada I met in Santorini Island who made the largest single donation and a very big impact. There are also a number of people who sent well recieved and heartfelt wishes, including a large pending donation from Kate, a good friend I worked with at The ANU. The support has been overwhelming. Thank you all so very much.

Not taking into account the donated clothes - I purchased and delivered a total of $520 AUD worth of goods from money donated by the people mentioned above!!! I am absolutely stoked, what a fantastic amount and thank you all so very much. I only wish that each of you were here to expereince the emotion and heartfelt thanks in person. It really is overwhelming. The money donated bought so many things. In order of the amount of money spent, we purchased the following items;

Hunderds of items of clothing for the children and families of the IDP camps
Many pairs of shoes
Mattresses
Material to build chook pens
Lanterns
Malaria and HIV testing kits for IDP medical camp
Numerous bottles of antibiotics and cough medicine for very sick children
Dozens of pens, pencils and writing pads
Medical kit for the school including extra panadole and thick bandaides
Sanitary pads
And Food for HIV sufferers unable to help themselves and food for the IDP families

Also a small portion of donated money, but mostly my own also went to towards tiling Fremo's Maternity Ward, paying a semester's college tuition for Simon and funeral costs for 3 different families who had a member pass that I knew. I hope this gives you an understanding and appreciation of what volunteers to Kenya can do. To some of the families, it will literally change their life with the above mentioned things - especially socks and shoes - so many had none and get terrible colds unable to warm themselves - the cough medicine and antiobiotics will almost certainly prevent death in a number of children and the everything else will help make their lives that little bit more comfortable and also help prevent starvation. There are many things I hope to do along with other volunteers to make the IDP community become self sustainable but in the meantime your contribution has been brilliant. From the bottom of their heart and mine - THANK YOU!!

I am sure there are things I have neglected to mention, including how amazing and supportive my mum has been, so I may post another update or 2 upon my return to Australia...

Take care and thanks for taking the time over the past 5 months or so to read my blog.

Cheerio
Tarsh
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Kaj nanu Namunyak. My Maasai name is Namunyak (meaning blessings). Mum’s name is Naisharua (meaning to give). Saikerie is absolutely amazing and mum absolutely loved it. I have spent time in the Maasai, but no so deep into their native land. It really is so very beautiful. It took us an hour riding on a piki piki (motorbike). It was slow and very dusty stumbling over very rocky roads and dry landscapes. Each time I visit these tribes, the highlight of my ride is seeing the numerous random red spots of red from the Maasai’s dress amongst the bush. I then notice the goats and cattle. 3 days was not enough. 6 weeks in Kenya for mum is not. Mum would love to have spent more time out there, more time in Kenya, I am stoked how much she is loving it here – next time! We spent Sunday relaxing, getting to know the other volunteers and wandering up the back valley to watch the sunset. Monday morning we helped Carina (another volunteer) with a class of students reading and writing letters – they love screaming ‘teacher, teacher’, especially to mum, and the reaction on their faces when they found out how old she is, was priceless! They gasped and said ‘oh, you are sooo old’. The average age the Maasai people die is 45 – 50. And mum is 58 and going strong. They were fascinated. In the afternoon of Monday, we spent time in the clinic, which was very quiet but well equipped for such an isolated area. Maggie, our host mum is 30 and absolutely incredible and dedicated to helping the Maasai people – her own tribe. She is a nurse and has the respect of Mother Theresa. When she was younger, Maggie used to walk hours to school every morning and every night – she was one of only 3 in her class that went to high school and the only one in the entire region that made it to college (thanks to a random, very lucky sponsorship). She is now saving money to study at University. She will then return to Saikerie to live and work the life she loves. Tuesday was a big clinic day – in the morning they had children from the school and locals do general checkups funded by an American company. Mum (of course and once again) was one of the first to jump in and help. It’s fantastic to see her enjoy anything to do with her medical background again. And the kids loved being assessed (their height) by an ancient lady. :-) Tuesday and Friday are also market days, so we made our way to tiny Saikerie town to buy a few trinkets. One thing I wanted to do was buy Maasai goods in the Maasai. Knowing the money went exactly where it was supposed to and to whom made it meant a lot. We barely walked up to the vicinity before Mum was absolutely swarmed by Maasai ladies in full dress taking off their own jewellery and placing it around her neck and wrist. She was completely overwhelmed by the attention. Extremely funny and heart warming to watch. We bought a number of necklaces and bracelets to give to friends and also to hopefully auction at an event – we have some very beautiful pieces and what makes them more special is that every one of them was hand made by the very person wearing them. Which each piece we pointed to (or didn’t’), they literally took it off their body and placed it on ours. Most of them didn’t speak English which made it fun and challenging, but others were around to help. I wish I had a video camera handy when mum did a mini Massai dance with the ladies when they covered her in necklaces (pictured). Bloody brilliant!! On the walk back mum and I were engulfed by a giant whirl wind! It almost took my hat and as though we weren’t dusty enough already, it covered us in a whole heap of different crap – we laughed the rest of the walk home. I’ve decided that I might just have to do all my travelling with mum moving forward. She has been so incredibly well looked after here; I’ve quickly become accustomed to saying ‘I’m with her’. There really was no need for me to concerned or so protective of her being here – she really is part of the Kenyan family and quickly adapted to their way of life. Every day I am impressed with how easily she fits in. On our last night in Maasai land we heard hyenas – freaky sounding creatures and we also learnt that there are 3 lions that live within 10 kilometres of the camp, we did, however feel completely safe – Joseph, the Massai night watchman had us covered! There is a short fence that surrounds the compound, that isn’t much, but enough of a deterrent to keep out the nasties. We are now back in the real and busy world of Nairobi. We got in at about 3.30 then shot straight over to The Grace Academy where Fremo (and 2 other volunteers – Gavin and Sarah) were holding 2 day free medical camp. Mum and I jumped straight in doing blood pressure and HIV testing. I was sorry we didn’t make both days (it started Monday) but it was an amazing success. We had dinner and discussed what to do moving forward to help Fremo’s Medical Clinic when we get home. It’s good to back with a bunch of people also leaving soon, but sad reality when it hits us we too are leaving in less than a week. I have so very much to do – I want to stay (and so does mum) but know we can’t. Not this trip – Dad I promise I’ll get her on the plane for you! It was great chatting to you briefly the other day, I am sorry the reception was so bad. The last week has been extremely tough. We have had many goodbyes’ 2 of which were extremely hard! Jane and James – both members of ‘the family’! There are 4 of us that became very close over the past 4 months – Jane, James, Adam and myself (pictured). Mum was also very quickly initialised as a special member. It breaks my heart every time I visit the IDP people without Jane and go to bed without a hug from James. Adam and I desperately miss you guys – hope we can organise to reunite sooner than later. X So going briefly back to last week – there was one particular day that was unbelievable. Mum, a couple of other volunteers and me spent the day visiting a number of animal parks and places. First we went to the Elephant orphanage which was brilliant – the first babies we saw were less than 12 months old and so damn cute – they were so tiny and playful. The next lot were over 2 years old and we heard them before we saw them racing towards us and the trainers with their bottle feed. Boy they can drink and tempers! Whoa, you can see in the video where one of them was told off, so it threw a tanty and knocked over the water. A lot of fun. We were there for just under an hour before going to the Giraffe centre. Now this place was a real treat. You pay a small fee to enter then you are given as many pellets as you like to feed the Giraffe. To see them in the wild is one thing, but to see them so close up and have them kiss you is absolutely incredible. Mum wouldn’t’ bloody stop, she must have kissed the damn thing 8 or 9 times (seriously) before the line of other tourists become long and wanted to have a turn……. You simply can’t describe a Giraffe tongue and slobber. Eeeewwww! Watching them part their legs to eat something from the ground is also funny. Something everyone must do if you ever make it to Kenya! We then had 2 for 1 pizza’s for lunch before entering Nairobi National Park. We wandered the park for a few hours. We saw Giraffe, Zebra, Ostrich, Warthog, Monkeys, Gazelle’s, Baboons and various birds. It was nice wandering around in the clean open air, even if some of the animals we saw from a distance. The last 5 weeks with mum have been incredible. I will fit in another post before we leave. I love (we love) Kenya! Mamma J says hi! :-)

Quick update

Heelloooo everyone

Quick update as it’s been a while and we’re on our way out again… We’ve been back from Uganda now a week and a half and fitted in quite a bit. The overnight bus ride back was pretty hairy, dusty and very bumpy being shoved down in the back seat, but we made it to Nairobi safely. All we could do was laugh!

We have visited the IDP camps a couple of times including a medical camp where mum did dozens of HIV and Malaria prick tests and farewell party for Jane (but we're not talking about that 'cause I miss her far too much - it hurts). We also spent an entire day visiting an Elephant orphanage (thanks Heath), Giraffe park and Nairobi National Park - absolutely brilliant day!! We have also spent some time at Fremo's Medical Clinic - I just love those guys. We will elaborate more and upload photos in a couple of days when we get back.

Last week I sent an email to friends and family asking for donations and recieved great support, thank you all so very much. On Wednesday mum and I will be completing our shopping expedition buying mainly clothes, shoes, mattresses, sanitary pads and lanterns. Sooooooo exciting!!

In about an hour mum and I will be making our way to Sikerei – a remote village in the Maasai. We will take a 30 minute Matatu to a town called Ngong, then jump on a piki piki (motor bike like the one in the video) for a further 40 min on a rough dirt road through extraordinary countryside. I can't wait to see mum's reaction, I know she is going simply fall in love with it!

Must shoot, will write again soon.

My mum is amazing!! She did it – she actually bungy jumped in one of the most anticipated places in the world – in Uganda over the River Nile! I am so proud of her! She had a full harness and didn’t even hesitate when she leaped off the side – she was shaking like a leaf, but much to everyone’s surprise, never once contemplated not doing it!! You rock mum!! It was incredible; I am soooo happy she finally did it!!!! And I love the fact that she is still buzzing almost 48 hours later!

After watching the plunge, I raced down the bottom to meet her and the wet hug was so amazing, she almost floated back to the viewing platform. The thrill she felt and appeared to have all night was contagious. All of the 13 other members of our group (including the other 20 or so surrounding the bar) thought she was the ‘gutsiest grandma’ that had ever met – she had the biggest crowd watching her jump, it was awesome. And the funniest moment to top it all off, was when she reached the top, had every one congratulating her then have her say – ‘I wanted to scream but couldn’t’ because I was worried my false teeth would fall out’. Haha, it was brilliant. Watching her has been one of my top highlights of my trip so far.

To get to Uganda, we took an overnight bus from Nairobi. We left around 8pm and arrived on the side of the road around 5am. Our only choice to get to the resort 15km away was to jump on a piki, piki (motorbike) or walk. We all crammed (12 people) 2 on each a bike, with all our luggage and rode in the dark – I was on with mum and every 2 min when she asked ‘how far do we have to go’ I almost wet myself laughing. Oh boy it was an interesting trip. The roads are FULL of potholes and speed humps – we bellied out on every one. Mum was so relieved to make it safely; I had no time for a photo.

Monday was also Izzo’s 26th birthday. We had a blast spoiling him with sweets, wine and a bungy jump. He is Kenyan, chairman of the NGO I am now involved in and is the reason the IDP’s have been reached and helped. He has the biggest heart. Yesterday a bunch of us went out for lunch – he couldn’t’ finish his meal. He disappeared from the table and found a hungry street kid to give the rest of his rice and meat too. He thought absolutely nothing of it. He is an inspiration to us all. I was happy to be part of a small group of people taking him out of his home country for the very first time. At his party, everyone chanted for mum to feed him the first piece of cake. She literally shoved it in his mouth! And then he shoved it in mine! I found pieces of vanilla cake with blue icing in my bra almost 6 hours later. She even snavelled a thank you kiss from him after handing him his favourite chocolate biscuits and sweet wine. The funniest Irish man I have ever met made mum blush at the mention of a threesome. She’s having a great time.

Mum and I stayed in a ‘safari tent’ perched right on the edge of the cliff above the Nile. Each night we fall asleep to the sounds of the rapids below – perfect.

The other night a small bunch of us went swimming in the Nile around 12am. What a rush, the water was actually quite warm and so peaceful.

We arrived back from Uganda and to the frenzy of Nairobi yesterday. I am now at the camps but left mum for a bit of R & R in town for 2 days. We had a very rough bus trip back and I really have kept her busy for almost 3 weeks now. I will see her tomorrow. I spoke to her a couple of hours ago and she is powering through the book ‘The White Maasai’. I have also purchased the movie to watch. I hope to take mum for a visit to the Maasai Mara next week. There is simply nothing like visiting the tribe in person and staying in their homes. They are probably the most fascinating people I have ever met. Their clothes, traditions and way of life are like nothing else. Beautiful people. I am so excited to show her around. A simple gasp, laugh or look has me appreciating Kenya all over again. I really do love it here.

During my time in Uganda, I finished putting together an email explaining what specific projects I have been working on in Kenya and to ask for support. I hope to reach everyone following my blog. If not, and you are interested in donating or sponsorship, please email me at natarshaj@gmail.com

Once I have looked over it again with a clear mind, I will be forwarding that email in the next day or 2. And thanks for the emails; it’s comforting to know my blog is being read….

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