Today's clinic was in Chavakali. This village is a significant one for CNFA. In 2007 Gail Wolters, a registered nurse and founder of CNFA met Aggrey Mulamba and learned about the lack of affordable healthcare in his home community. Inspired by this, Gail organized a small group of nurses to participate in a short medical mission, which eventually grew into a full-fledged, registered Canadian charity you are learning more and more about today. It just so happens that Chavakali is the home of Aggrey Malumba who has since gone to rest with his ancesestors. THere is a special kind of magic in Chavakali.

The energy of today's clinic was absolutely amazing, so peaceful and calm. The patient's were patient, the kids were having fun, well except for a few of them who cried for a long long time , (we took turns holding them.....moms and nurses understand moms all over the world when they have a screaming baby) the flow of the 550 patients was smooth, wait times were manageable in all areas of clinic. All in all a great day.

Today's deeper dive is into our home visit program. Home visits are initiated by a friend, neighbour, family member, friend, etc who knows of someone who may benefit from some medical attention but is unable, for any measure of reason, to leave their home. These visits are often emotionally challenging and leave us in tears when we are done. Poverty exists in many of these villages, if you are unable to work the poverty is often at an even deeper level and  the very nature of people being unable to leave their houses often means they require more medical assistance then we can immediately offer. Its very very hard to say "we can't help you" when our entire mandate is to help and you know there is such limited resources in such remote areas for people who are of such little means to begin with.

However, there are circumstances whereby we can assist. Things such as an individual who has had, for example, an accident leading to physical challenges or stroke and is left with mobility issues. There is the potential for CNFA to assist with purchasing a wheel chair, crutches or mobility device if appropriate for their living conditions. Its not always straight forward, many of the homes are very small, only one or two rooms housing multiple people, built of and on clay making it difficult and sometimes unmanagable or unsafe to have mobility aids. We often are left doing the best within the limits of what we can offer within the limits of what we are faced with. You see why these home visits can be emotionally challenging.

We hear so many stories of family memebers or friends risking their safety by lifting/moving their loved one multiple times a day. I am certain we can all imaging how exhausting that would be, how injury can take the caregiver down and how challenging it mut be for the affected person to feel they must rely on someone for absolutely everything. It is a beautiful feeling and situation when we are able to assist in any small way possible. Sometimes though, people just need their blood pressure checked and some medications but can't

We know we cannot solve everyone's health problems but we can guranatee the offer a kind smile, a genuine listening ear and the possibility of some support.

Asante, for continuing to follow us, think of us, support us and send your love to us on our journey.

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