Call

My first night on call being a big boy doctor was not the easy introduction for which I was hoping. Instead, I was greeted by 20 outpatients who needed to be seen and then attend to the growing mass of people and their mangled bodies in Casualty (ER, in American). Luckily, the Kenyan intern who was on with me was a rockstar (Dan Odhiambo plans to be a pediatric neurosurgeon and there is not a doubt in my mind that he can do it). I know now why physicians will write so many contingencies in their orders, and even then it may not matter, you'll still get called at 3:3o with something ridiculous. Needless to say, sleep was not to be had. Handing off that pager this morning was pure bliss. Only 6 more calls to go!

So, I am writing post-call, bear with me. It's a good thing the coffee here is so good! Kijabe is such a beautiful town. I wake up each morning to the sun rising over the eastern escarpment and shining down onto the Rift Valley. Not really, I'm actually up much earlier than the sun, I would just like you to think that I'm enjoying this incredibly beautiful scenery... I've gotten to be in the Theatre (OR in American) quite a lot and have seen some things I doubt I would've ever seen in the US. I've even given blood to help a patient with a coagulopathy. TB is everywhere here and I'm sure my PPD will convert as soon as I set foot back on US soil. AIDS is also rampant. There are no HIV/AIDS wards here because every ward is at least 50% HIV/AIDS patients and much time is spent treating them and the complications of their disease. You can imagine how careful we must be in Theatre when every patient has a chance to harm you.

On the bright side, there are men and women here fully engaged and totally dedicated to bringing the best healthcare possible to Kenya. Not only that, but every single person I have met gives credit where credit is due; none of them would be here if not for Jesus Christ. They were drawn by the Father, Loved by the Son and empowered by the Holy Spirit to use their gifts to help the poorest of the poor, the most helpless and hopeless, to a healthy and happy life. This is no social gospel, these men and women bring the Good News to everyone they encounter, all spectrums of wealth, religion, and nationality. What a priviledge it is to be a part of this! I am fully confident that they will accomplish what they intend because they are not on a mission to ease the pain of humanity, though that is one end, but their goal, to a person, is to glorify God in their lives, their work, their legacy. That's from whom I get to learn!

As always, your prayers are coveted. I survived the first night of call and am looking forward to many more. Busyness is an idol, pray that I would be still and hear God. Pray for good health for all the missionaries here as there is a sickness being passed around. Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Bless God and be blessed.