Clinic 11…done and dusted. Another mission in the books. We are hot, tired, grubby, grateful to be able to help but ready for a rest. We saw just over 400 people today, sending one person to hospital with a severe case of malaria.

Not much to say today, alot of mixed emotions to be leaving.

I would like to introduce you to Patti Harbman NP-PHC, MN, PhD.

She has jumped in with both feet and has done an exemplary job. Planning is already underway for next year’s mission and new ideas on how we can continue to serve the people of Vihiga County.

I would like to leave you with words from Jerry, our country organizer extraordinaire. Jerry has been working with the organization since its inception and is an invaluable asset.

Dear all,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible work you have been doing over the past two weeks in Kenya as part of the Canadian Nurses for Africa (CNFA) program.

Kim, Tanya,Fatima, Carmella, and Jennifer, your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping those in need is truly inspiring. Your tireless efforts and skills as nurses have brought much-needed medical care and support to many people in the communities. Your kindness and compassion have touched the lives of so many, and your willingness to go above and beyond in your duties is a testament to your dedication to your profession and the people you serve.

Carmella, the quietest of all but a very keen observer! Your attention to detail and commitment to what you do, have not gone unnoticed.

Zandra, please receive much greetings from the hippos and sorry you missed them. Atleast you have another reason for coming back apart from the mission .

Lynn, I know this was to be our secret, but those muffins were sumptuous. It makes me wonder what I have been eating in the name muffins.

I also want to extend my gratitude to Patti (CNFA president) for stepping up and filling those shoes left by Gail . I think i will have to teach you more of swahili.

Trish, Nancy, Priscilla and Karen, who have been with us for this mission more than once, your continued support and commitment to this program are invaluable, and we are grateful for all you do! Your work in Kenya makes a profound difference in the lives of the people you serve.

You are all true heroes, and I hope your time in Kenya has been as rewarding for you as it has been for me and the people whose lives you have touched.

It feels good to operate with a team that is so self-reliant and motivated. Without the support that you all have provided, the organization might not have achieved the milestones. Despite having a busy schedule, every one of you made the clinics look easy. Thank you for your dedication and effort!

Last but not least, I will miss everyone of you but, what I will miss most, are the three famous questions: How far are we Jerry? Are we almost there, Jerry? How long Jerry?

On behalf of our local nurses and clinical officers, our support team, Johnstone, Evans, and Solomon, we say Asante. We, hope we made your stay worthwhile.

I will finish with these two famous quotes from Mother Teresa –
“Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.”

“One of the realities we are all called to go through is to move from repulsion to compassion and from compassion to wonderment.”

Thank you and God bless you all.