This was day 11 and the last day of our series of clinics. We treated well over 500 patients today and provided treatment for those infected with jiggers. We conducted another sexual health clinic to the grade 8 girls and treated 2 schools for worms.
We took a patient to hospital run by a Spanish nun, Sister Carmen. She is a woman who has a heart as large as Kenya but suffers no nonsense, a truly beautiful and spiritual woman. Sister Carmen spent 17 years in the south of India treating lepers
Grace’s house was nearly finished by late afternoon. Because of your generosity, she will receive three beds, sheets, blankets, and a table and chairs. There are not enough words to say thank you for your heartfelt gifts. Please know that today you have changed Grace’s life and the lives of her children. That is why CNFA is in Kenya, not just for Grace but for the thousands of others that have received medical treatment.
Our 2015 mission team has this to say to you:
Gail – As we conclude CNFA’s 7th medical mission, I leave beautiful Kenya with sadness. I have come to love this country and have been deeply touched by its’ people. I believe we are making a difference in the general health of our communities and we have that validated by testimonials from many, many people here.
I would like to express my gratitude to the exceptional Canadian nurses who joined this mission – Lynn, Dawn, Tayla, Sabrina, Sherry, Suzanne and Sefora. This is difficult work on so many levels but you each embraced the people with kindness, compassion and professionalism.
Thank you to all our Kenyan colleagues – nurses, clinical officers, drivers, helpers and community workers. We learn so much from you. You will each be missed.
We will be back next year and I am already looking forward to returning. Asante.
Suzanne – Beautiful Kenya. Coming to Western Kenya with CNFA was an amazing experience that will resonate with me always. Providing health care to Western Kenyans has been an enriching cultural experience.
Lynn – Although this mission is primarily about providing healthcare to the Kenyan people, another great experience is working together with strong nurses who care about the people we are here for.
Sefora – I came here as a volunteer expecting to give. But instead I got so much. Amazing people, amazing county, great organization. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of it.
Sabrina – I thoroughly enjoyed coming to Africa to work for CNFA. I enjoyed meeting the people in all the villages – something you would not experience on safari – very grateful we could help so many people and to help Grace have a new house. It was great working with Sefora, Tayla, Suzanne and Sherri. For a group that doesn’t know each other, we became a great team. Thanks Lynn, Gail, Dawn, Aggrey, Jeff, Johnstone and Jeri and all the Kenyan nurses.
Sherri – Amazing country, beautiful people, spectacular experience – already looking forward to coming back.
Tayla – This experience surpassed all my expectations. I was able to see the raw side of Kenya; such a beautiful country with loving people. I will never forget a Kenyan nurse’s words, “You have to heal them just by your touch”. I will always remember Kenya and their people.
Dawn – Canada is a land of opportunity and plenty. I just want to step outside of my comfort zone and do something for someone else, to change even one person’s life, and not have them say thank you. I just want to do it because it is the right thing to do.
I am so glad to have stumbled across this website! I am almost finished my LPN program here in Alberta and have had Africa in my heart since I was about 10 years old! I only hope that I can be a part of CNFA someday!! You guys are doing amazing work! Keep it up!