"Your assumption are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light wont come in." -Isaac Asimov
What a surprise, I find myself going back to Kenya. Just
kidding! Traveling to Africa has become such a normal part of my life I keep
forgetting I have a day and a half journey ahead of me.
This time I will be back for only a short period of time :( Unfortunately
I have this thing called work and school back in Baltimore. I can’t believe it,
but I find myself wishing I was moving back here. However, even if it’s for a
short period of time, I am overwhelmed with excitement to continue my global
health work, see my friends, and of course see Tyson.
I have seen this hashtag making its way around social media called #whatthemediadoesntshowyou. I am absolutely inspired by it! The point is to show all the beautiful sides of Africa. So my goal for these short weeks is to focus not on what you already know about this country, but, show you a glimpse of what the media doesn't show you.
A young man is walking along the ocean and sees a beach on
which thousands and thousands of starfish have washed ashore. Further along he
sees an old man, walking slowly and stooping often, picking up one starfish
after another and tossing each one gently into the ocean. “Why are you throwing
starfish into the ocean?,” he asks “Because the sun is up and the tide is going
out and if I don’t throw the further in they will die.” “But, old man, don’t
you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it! You
can’t possibly save them all, you can’t even save one-tenth of them. In fact,
even if you work all day, your efforts won’t make any difference at all.” The
old man listened calmly and then bent down to pick up another starfish and
threw it into the sea. “It made a difference to that one.” - Loren Eiseley
I think of this quote often and how much it has applied to
my life. I didn’t think I would be writing a blog post any time soon, but, I constantly
find myself involved in my previous work abroad. With all the perspective I have
gained abroad, it is impossible for me to let it go. I am constantly thinking about the people I have
met, the issues I have faced and the lives I had the opportunity to be a part
of.
Leaving for Kenya I had ambitious goals. Frankly, I never
thought I would change the world but I wanted to impact as many people as I possibly could. However, after time you realize the issues many countries face are deep
rooted in history, ingrained in their culture, a perpetuated by complacency, lack of
education,or poverty.
I didn’t know what my mission was there. In fact, many times
I felt defeated, but, if you followed my story you probably knew before I did…
Tyson was my mission. He is my little starfish.
As all you know I am back in the states, but, Tyson
continues to be a huge part of my life. He still attends school at Maisha and
is now involved in their choir. He is thriving there and I can confidently say
if he stays at Maisha he is going to become such a brilliant and beautiful person.
God bless Maisha and everything they have done for him.
Since I have been back Tysons story has gained much attention
from CMMB as well as others across the United States. I think people tend to be
attracted to his story because it’s sparks the humanity within us. It gives us perspective
on health care, abandoned children and poverty within the developing world. I
can talk all day about topics such as this but I can hardly do it justice.
Recently, I found myself, like I always do, talking to a
good friend about Tysons story. She was very moved by his life. I think
people often wonder, how could so much fight, spunk and determination be wrapped
up in a little six year old? We got to discussing his life more in-depth and the
thing we realized is that Tysons story is not unique, inadequate health care
and child abandonment plague developing countries. As a film writer and movie producer she felt
moved and inspired to shed light on these issues.
Tysons story is a story that needs to be told, not because it’s
unique but because it’s not. Children all around the world are abandoned for
reasons such as war, poverty, or instability. Rebecca (my friend) has decided
to write and direct a film named TYSON to bring awareness and give us perspective
on health care, abandoned children and poverty within the developing world.
Please check out this short clip of the upcoming film above. In order for shooting
of this film to occur she is trying to raise $5,000 so please help. Please help
raise awareness on inadequate health care, child abandonment and poverty. Please consider joining the TYSON campaign. Tyson is just one starfish in a sea of children. Lets come together and help as many starfish as we can.
Photos promoting the TYSON campaign. Follow the film on instagram at #tysonthefilm
“Here there is any convenience you can imagine. Water
running from every tap, hot and cold as you wish; lights at the flick of a
switch, day and night, no need for oil lamps; ovens to cook on that don’t need anyone
to go fetch gas cylinders from the bazaar. Here everything is so modern one can
even find food ready cooked in packets.
When I stand in front of my window and look out, I see tall
buildings, long roads full of vehicles moving in orderly lines, neat green
hedges and lawns, and tidy pavements to walk on. I close my eyes and for a
moment I am back in my village—high snow topped mountains, green waving fields and
fresh blue rivers—and my heart smiles when it looks the people of swat.” –Malala
Yousafzai
I have been back home in the United States for three months
now, I have been meaning to write and publish this post for some time. However,
something in me couldn't get myself to write this post. In a way I feel like it
is my last goodbye and putting a close to this chapter of my life in Kenya.
The last photo I took in Kenya. A wall painted with
Obamas face.
Volunteers often say it is more difficult to adjust when
coming home then it is going into the field. I would have disagreed... at
first. Between my continued involvement in Maisha, job search, apartment search
and phone plans, my days went from the slow pace Tabaka lifestyle to earth
shattering speeds. Initially I was disoriented and lost in the world of
technology and convenience. I had little time to think. In a short 72 hours I went from being in a dusty
little village waking up to the sunrise, to my family’s home in Oklahoma City equipped
with everything I have missed over the past year and more.
Back in the United States working with my Maisha Boys.
I don't know if I'm giving a pep-talk or scolding someone.
Wecliff and Steven.
Maisha Banquet.
American food!!!!
Enough said!
Chipotle!
Once I got home it was great seeing friends. However, after some
time passed I began to realize how much a year can really change a person, both myself and friends included. As
for my family, they are amazingly supportive of my passion for global health
and for that I am incredible thankful.
Missed my friends.
Family American football game.
My Parents dressed up for Halloween.
Within a month of my return I was offered a position at The
University of Maryland Medical Center as a multi-trauma shock trauma nurse. So like
I said, at first I had very little time to think about the experience I just
had. I was lost in the land of multidisciplinary rounding, IV pumps and alarms .
Oh boy... it was reverse culture shock. UMMC being a nationally recognized
teaching hospital we get some of the sickest of the sick. In my few months here
I have NEVER had to make a decision based off of finances or lack of resources.
NEVER once have I had to take oxygen off of a patient to give it to another or deny apatients potential live saving medicine because
of their personal finances. UMMC you could say is the epitome of modern
medicine, with a bottomless pit of resources. Tabaka could sustain its self for
years if they received even a fraction of UMMCs funding. It’s incredible how
much money and manpower the health industry has in the United States. Expensive
medicines, repeat labs, drips, multidisciplinary teams, state of the art
facility, and the newest technology.
You may think I make these comparisons because I resent American
health care. However, I make these comparisons because I DO NOT! Often I
feel volunteers look at our system and compare it to developing countries and
end up resenting the United States. But I ask you, wouldn't you want this level
of care for your family? Wouldn't you want this level of care for people worldwide?
I don’t hate our PRIVLIAGED Health Care system, however, all I know after working
at Tabaka, UMMC is just a blatant reminder of the health disparities worldwide.
In addition to working in Baltimore City, I now live here. I
don’t know why I picked this god-awful city! As a die hard Steelers fan I now find
myself living right next to the Dirty Birds stadium. It’s a rough life being a Steelers
fan in Raven territory. Again, it’s completely
different than Tabaka. Instead of listening to chickens I hear car horns and
sirens. When I look up at the sky I no longer see stars but the city lights. I
can’t say I hate living in Baltimore but it’s defiantly an adjustment.
Go Steelers!
Finally as for Tyson. He is still at Maisha. No one, not
even children services has come looking for him. It’s a blessing in disguise!
He is in middle class (second year of kindergarten… they have three years of kindergarten…
don’t ask me why). At first I was very worried how he would adjust moving away
from his village and tribe, but time and time again Tyson continues to prove
his resilience. He is now fluent in Kisii, Luo and Kiswahili. He is currently
learning English. He still remains ornery and for a while we had some trouble
concerning obedience. When Tyson first started school his head teacher would
often call me saying “your boy is very naughty, what will I do about your boy”.
However, his behavior has improved immensely
now that he has structure and discipline. Living right on the lake Tyson has developed
a love for fish. He also has a group of friend (who he bosses around) and loves
football and painting. Tyson and I speak
about once a month. Our conversations usually consist of me telling him to behave,
and he interrogating me on when he can come to America. Our conversations
always end with tears, I love you’s and me threatening him to be a good boy!
I love our talks!
Tyson and his friends!
Whats not to love about this face? He looks happy and healthy.
My experience in Kenya was truly blessing on a personal
level. I met amazing people, fell in love with Tyson, and gained a better
understanding of world health. I vividly remember a fellow volunteering asking
me if I would be fulfilled after serving a year abroad. I know now the
answer, no! It was by far the hardest
experience I ever had but I’m already ready to do it again. My experience with
CMMB was truly amazing and has really made me consider a change in my career
path. Because of my love for global health I will be applying for Graduate Studies
in Public Health Global Health.
To everyone who read my blog, thank you! To everyone at home,
thank you! To my friends, thank you. To my parents thank you for your support
and willingness to grow a little more grey hair because of me! Most importantly
to my Kenyan friends, coworkers, brothers, sisters, fathers, and fellow CMMB
volunteers, thank you. I loved living, working, learning, laughing and crying
with you. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of you! Asanti, Nakupenda Sana!
*** Sorry I wrote this post a few months ago and never posted it***
"Love is like Malaria"
Ugh… im having such a difficult time writing this post! I
have started, deleted and restarted this post several times. How can I possibly sum of my experience in a few paragraphs? The answer is I cant! What can I possibly say to make my readers
understand how incredibly complex and multifaceted Kenya is. My experience was incredibly rewarding and challenging at times, exciting and repetitive at others and lastly frustrating and surreal. I guess a few mysterious and insightful words
I can leave you with is “Love is like Malaria”. Those are the words of a young
Kenyan child. “Love is like Malaria”, I have been pondering its meaning for long
time, and I think finally I have the insight to understand it.
Over the past year I have had so many experiences that not
only challenged me, but pushed me beyond anything I thought I was EVER capable
of.I didn’t realize a year ago when I
landed in Kenya the amount of courage and strength it would take to just step
off that plane and begin this new journey of my life. I was so scared and so
unsure of what was to come of my volunteer work. It was much harder than I ever
expected, however, once I finally opened my mind along with my heart I was able
to let myself go. I found courage, strength, inspiration and love in this
country, particularly in places I would never expected it. I have a million
stories, and could probably go on for hours but I will leave you with a few
photos to describe my final days here.
Unexpectedly I fell in love with this country, and the
people. When you love something its incredibly hard to let it go. Some would
even say I have caught the BUG for aid work. I agree completely, I LOVE it.
I have finally come to an understanding of the term "love is like malaria" because you never know when you are going to catch it.
I was in complete denial my last few days.
I tried to work as much as possible.
One of my last days at work .
Trying to get my last taste of e coli.
Just kidding... but not really!
I also attending several of our local church services
just to see the Tabaka children dancing.
Had about a million photo secession with everyone!!
More love from my friends.
Spending as much time with my little Tyson.
Please note we are in church! This ornery booger
refuses to look, watch, or listen to mass.
More Bre and Tyson love before we set off
to Kisumu. Time to get this boy enrolled in school!
My coworks had a going away party for me.
I was so flattered and embarrassed!
Its not a party in Kenya unless you have Crest
and Stoney Soda.
In Kenya, at a party it is tradition to have all the guest
stand up and say something nice about you.
There are gifts involved too! Please note my lovely Kanga.
Dr. John Ogot and I. One of my favorite
doctors to work with!
My bestfriend! Father Gabby. I would have
been completely lost without him, The kindest
man i have ever met in my life!
Big day is here! We are finally going to school!
On the ride up to school. Going to Kisumu! Tysons
first time in a car and out of his village.
Saying "see you next year" to my sponsor family
in Kisumu. My Kenyan family!
We too had a party. Complete with soda and cake!
Tysons first day of school! My little boys
in middle class. Naturally I cried... he did too
when he found out he had to stay in class and behave
all day.
My last day with Tyson! The
saddest and happiest moment of my time here.
I am leaving my boy who I love so much but leaving him
