Medical equipment was donated through Starfish Ministries to a clinic operating in one of the slums here in Nairobi. I am on the board of Starfish so when Rhonda, founder of Starfish, asked me to accompany her to this clinic, I jumped at the opportunity to see yet another impact God is making in this country!
Joe, a doctor from Australia who has built this clinic, met us at a nearby petrol station and that is his car overtaking the white vehicle just ahead!
Okay - so now he is so far ahead we can barely see him, yikes!
Meanwhile, you can see the scene from the road as we approach the slum community.
Sign directing us to the clinic!
There's Joe, up ahead, and you can see that the scenery is a bit rougher the closer we come to the clinic.
Gate to the clinic...looks inviting, don't you think? Tumaini means 'to hope'...seems appropriate to me :)
I was impressed with how clean, welcoming and open the place is...
Outer waiting area...
Future gardener?
Frank, the 'security' guy, helping Jeremy bring boxes from the car - more donations for the clinic. He kept telling me that he 'would take care of it' meaning our car...I got the distinct impression that he was expecting us to show our 'appreciation' in a tangible way - which of course we did, just before leaving.
Jeremy, who works with Rhonda, accompanied us and took videos while Rhonda and I were taking stills.
Inside the outer waiting area...
The waiting room is large, airy and light...so pleasant! On the wall are simple drawings depicting the gospel...
Martha was our guide - she did an excellent job! Here she is showing Rhonda how they check patients in...very simple, but effective and efficient. She stressed that each patient is greeted with cheer and love. Their philosophy is that people who come here are sick and therefore need extra special care...
I love babies :) so you may see more pics like this - indulge me please!
Patient being served by the pharmacy staff...
Once a patient is seen by a doctor or nurse they take the receipt here to the cashier, to pay the bill, who is behind a bullet proof glass and that is a two way mirror...to give the message "we are not easy to rob" - essential! In the foreground is the baby scale :)
Kids playing...
The laboratory...behind the nurse is Dr. Joe consulting with a patient while the nurse interprets.
The lab is large, spacious, clean and light...
Martha is clearly enjoying her time with us. The staff is very service-oriented and it seems the patients are very well cared for here.
This may explain the excellent care...
Martha explaining the 'gospel' drawings on the wall to Rhonda - that is her listening face :)
God created a perfect world in His power and under His authority. Then sin entered in and man believe he was in control. He tried to run the world and his life under his own power, but failed miserably. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to save mankind. He conquered sin and made a way for man to come back to God. In the final picture you see the choice; choose Christ and live under God's power and authority, or choose our own way which leads to death.
They also offer HIV/AIDS counseling - so essential in this country!
I LOVE this sign :) there is a growing movement to eliminate the massive litter in this country so I am encouraged whenever I see evidence of the effort!
It was immunization day at the clinic...all these babies were born here - amazing!
The ultrasound machine - one of the pieces of equipment donated to the clinic...they haven't tested it yet, but it will be a great asset once it is operational!
Hallway to the maternity wing...
Examination room...
Waiting room - I LOVE the mural...so bright and cheery :)
Parents are urged to be tested for HIV to help protect their unborn children.
View outside the staff kitchen/break room....
...to give an idea of the conditions of the community...
...and how the people live. In the background to the left is a huge dump - sometimes the smoke from burning garbage makes it almost impossible to breathe...
Staff kitchen/break room. They rotate kitchen duty - today it is Annette's turn to clean and cook for the staff and the women who deliver today.
The labor room - brings back memories! Jeremy (shooting video) is a nurse and when he was practicing his FAVORITE part was delivering babies - you should have seen his face as he was walking around this room and the delivery room :)
Speaking of...here it is...
The babies are brought here once they are born...they put a basket on top and above is a heat lamp to keep them warm...
...and then my camera battery ran out :( and I discovered that my spare was also dead. Sorry I have no pics of the doctor, but just know that he is an amazing man doing an amazing work for the Kingdom and for the people of this community.
It was gratifying to know that, even in a small way, Starfish has a hand in the blessing.
In addition to my involvement and work with Missions of Hope, I am grateful to be involved in a ministry doing such good work in the Maasai community and, through people like Dr. Joe, for the impoverished living in Nairobi.
I always enjoy when Americans visit...you know, we speak the same language! These three were no exception. They were gracious and grateful for the time we spent with them. It is always exciting to talk to people who are enthusiastic about helping the people of Kenya.
