Monday morning in Mikinduri, we headed up to the clinic. While walking through the village, we felt a bit like a celebrity or rock star, as kids were pointing, laughing, and saying ‘muzungo’ (white person). The people were all very friendly and quite excited to come up and talk to us. We then walked up the dirt lane to get to the clinic and people were already waiting to get in. There were 3 main clinics set up, medical, vision, and dental, and an area set up for registration where they also learn about hygiene. We got the vision clinic situated and were open for business. I was working at the reading station the first day helping determine which reading glasses people needed. It was amazing to see their faces light up when you got the right pair and they could read their bible again. We were all a bit nervous to start the day, as you felt the weight of finding the correct prescription but that was soon assuaged. There was one gentleman, (as George relates), that was a preacher and he had memorized the bible since he could no longer read it. When he was fit for the correct glasses, his face lit up like a school boy when he realized he could read again.

The interpreters are the key to vision clinic; they are local Kenyans who have amazing English. Without them, it would be impossible to perform the duties. Plus, they’ve been super helpful in learning Swahili. Margaret and Evans taught us part of the local slang. ‘Mougo’ is followed by ‘Mougo Muno’ (Hi…hello). Also ‘Sasa’ (how are you) is followed by ‘fit’ (fine). It has really helping with the kids and walking up the street.

The vision and dental teams got to leave at the appointed time, but the medical team was working into the night. When we were headed back to the hotel we were praying there would be running water as only the ground floor had (cold cold) water when we left in the morning. Then most of us headed to the ‘tusker room’. It’s a room on the third floor that we can all meet and relax with the local beer ‘Tusker’. It’s becoming quite a highlight for developing bonds within our group. After a late dinner, and team meeting to discuss how we can improve. The teenagers with us have become addicted to the local Fanta soda flavors: orange, pineapple, and pear. Also, one thing I didn’t expect, we are all becoming one big family to fill the void missing our family and friends have left. We hope you all know how much we miss you!

Note: attached pictures (courtesy of Karen McKenna are Greg Butler with the children on Saturday and a few of the team (Jewell Family, Greg Butler, Ryann Jinks, George Likely, Catherine Sue, and Joann Boere) in the town of Mikinduri on the way back from the clinic.