skipdidit: July 2009

Here is an e-mail I received from a medical team in Migori now...

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Steve James <sjames@kenyarelief.org>
Date: July 30, 2009 9:17:33 PM CDT
To: Steve James <sjames@kenyarelief.org>
Subject: WOW !The Florida Kenyarelief.org team reaches out during their first day of the dental clinic, check out their testimonies.

July 30, 2009

              Today was our first working day at the Kenyarelief.org Dental Clinic. This morning we saw the staff first, as having been on several medical mission trips, we often have seen their needs go unmet, as they continually defer to the children. We started seeing the children this afternoon and we were delighted to see how unafraid they were. Most of them did not have any cavities, much less need an extraction. The first extraction patient was a 7-year-old girl with four bad teeth. We took out the 2 worst ones today. She never acted afraid and hopefully will return in a few days to have 2 more teeth removed.

The campus is great. It's big and roomy, we're out of the hustle and bustle of the town, the weather is great and the medical building is awesome. We had great lighting, plenty of room, medical tables, mayo stands, dental chairs, headlights, suction, hand pieces and even air conditioning! The staff here is great too. It truly shows they are here because they love the children. It makes our job a lot easier since most of them know English too! We had a whole team pitching in, even our own photographer documenting our work. We definitely hope to return.

God bless,
Mark Kuhl DMD
West Palm Beach, Fl.

               What a fulfilling day! We have been doing Medical Missions for 21 years and have never seen a place like this!! It fills like we have died and gone to heaven. First we have an awesome clinic to work in, Brase Clinic, which is so well equipped. We used a portable dental machine, which had suction, air& water and a high and low speed hand piece. It was the first time in our lives that we were able to do a filling on a permanent took of a 9 year old. (Lisa, you were sure missed). No one at the clinic could have been more helpful, more willing to learn and wanting to help in anyway. The Kenyans are such humble loving people. The needs are great here. Today we focused on all the children and staff but the people from the area must know we are here because they are all sitting outside waiting for us to know. All my friends, I am praying that the Lord would provide a way for each one of you to come here and enjoy these wonderful blessings. I'm anxious to see what we get to do tomorrow.

Blessings,
Pam Kuhl RN

         Today was a magnificent day in Migori! After a great breakfast, we attended a campus-wide staff meeting during which we exchanged introductions and shared in devotion. I was able to spend the majority of my day working withKenya Relief's social worker, Christine. Not only did she answer all of my questions, she opened up an entirely new world of insight and knowledge to me. I now feel prepared to educate women and adolescent girls in and around the community of Migori, and I am looking forward to talking with groups at the District Hospital tomorrow. After spending time with the kids today, I understand the mission and the importance of this organization so much more, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the community.

Looking forward to tomorrow,

Katie Baker

              The adventure has begun! I have no idea what time or day it is, but I am having a wonderful experience here in Migori! In preparing for this trip, the wise words of Jesus have been on my mind and heart- when asked what the most important commandment is He responded, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself…" I am excited to say I have met new neighbors here in Kenya! And what beautiful neighbors they are- not only outwardly but inwardly as well. People I have met have been so open and genuine with their lives. It is so refreshing to experience open community like I have already found here in Migori.
Being an elementary teacher, I cannot help but notice the wonderful behavior and good manners of the children! All 84 children were sitting in the hall waiting too see the dentist, and from the sterilization room, I would have never known that the benches outside were full of 84 children! There are so many positives that I could expound on: the food, the electricity, the staff, the weather…and I can only praise the Lord for leading my family here and pray that many others can someday have the opportunity to serve here and experience what I am right now. The Lord is at work here, and all over the world, and I pray that we will take the time to love our neighbors so that we can see what He is doing in lives outside of ourselves. Can't wait to update y'all on what else the Lord does while we are here!!

It's going to rock J

For His Glory,
Rachel
Elementary Teacher

Steve James CRNA
President / Founder