“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 a patients 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!
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!
