2013 was a year of adventure.\u00a0 From the moment we stepped back on the soil of Kenya in early January, we knew this would be no ordinary time. After spending a lovely first month staying with sweet Paul and Marcia, we then found the cute and snug little place that would be our new home. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I began lessons at the Avenue Rescue Training Center. It was my goal: to become an EMT. Those were interesting days; dad driving me to school early in the mornings to learn about the Mechanisms of Injury and Nature of Illnesses, etc.\u00a0 Not just theory but also physical training with Saint John\u2019s\u00a0 Ambulance were we did practice runs and learned to lift stretchers and use the defibulators. I thoroughly enjoyed the passion I felt to learn those skills.\u00a0 As a course requirement, I also commenced driving lessons. After medic class I donned a hat and a long sleeved shirt( to protect against the killer African midday sun) and walked to the Rocky s driving school. Not everything was as smooth as I hoped, but I learned the true core meaning behind the Kenyan s\u00a0 values of \u2018hakuna matata\u2019,(no worries) and \u2018hakuna haraka\u2019( no hurry) I also learned\u00a0 valuable lessons in patience and in taking a deep breath when all you want to do is scream\uf04a Idid eventually pass the driving test. That day was in itself something to remember, being driven all morning and afternoon in a pickup from one police station to another. But alas, I am now a licensed driver in Kenya, hurrah hurrah! In June, the family took a trip to Mozambique. I was unable to go as I had just started my clinicals at the local hospitals. It was exciting and somewhat terrifying as I did my rounds through the surgery, outpatient, psychiatric and ambulance departments in Avenue Hospital.\u00a0 Then the real adventure was the few months I worked in the slum hospital; Mbagathi.<\/p>\n
Despite being a place that was rampant with poverty and Aids, I found myself filled with a sense of purpose and challenge as I was given work that was not in my original scope of practice. I sewed up broken heads and administered injections and cleaned wounds. I even delivered some babies, which was the most beautiful and rewarding experience of all my practice in medicine. It was there that I also met some truly wonderful and devoted individuals, who will remain in my heart till the end of time. \u00a0During those two months, I was staying with dear Terry, who this year also challenged herself by moving to Kenya to work with the local Chinese church. Time with Terry was always brilliant; I learned so much Chinese and was also able to participate in the Chinese church outreach that included a revival meeting for all the Chinese congregations in Kenya!!! \u00a0\u00a0At the same time the family was enjoying their mission trip in the very tropical and wild Mozambique. It was an inspiring time for them as they fellowshipped with the missionaries there and even got to experience the amazing white sand and blue watered beaches. Early in the year we had a new addition to our family: Mia!! She is a cat (little kitten at the time, now all grown up) that literally appeared at our doorstep.\u00a0 She was wonderful present for us. She was cuddly and cute and she conquered our hearts. In September she also gave birth to 4 little kittens, two of which we still keep: Tiger and Fluffy. We often spend hours just watching them lick and wrestle each other. It reminds us of the simple beauty of life, and they bring us much joy. \u00a0\u00a0Gloria, Jason and Ben were working furiously at their schoolwork and they did wonderfully. Ben and Gloria also started drama classes at the Rosslyn Christian School. And they were part of the school play this year, lot s of fun! Ben also studied music theory this year which complements his wonderful musical talent. Gloria is also making great leaps in the music department, her piano is something we all enjoy listening to. As for Jason, he is playing football and is the leader of his social group. I am known in our residential complex as Jason’s sister – let that speak for itself. Jason and mom were also partners in cultivating an organic garden which is now landing us fresh spinach, salad, green peppers and tomatoes.<\/p>\n
Mom and dad were true heroes this year. Dad spent long hours working on Wordproject , adding new languages, making endless corrections , and is now creating a mobile app together with others who are experts in this field.\u00a0 He was also responsible for driving us all safely around this crazy city on these very terrible roads. Mom was a powerhouse in the homeschooling as always, with three more students to go she is still going strong and motivated. She also got involved in our housing estate by joining the Bible study and then starting Kids Club. .\u00a0 I thank both of them for all the hard work and passion they put into making this time in Africa possible.<\/p>\n
In September the terrible Westgate siege happened.\u00a0 It was a terrifying event that shook up the whole of Nairobi. Although we were blessed to not have been involved, we spent those days in prayer and compassion for those that were affected. I even got the opportunity to volunteer with Red Cross in the relief efforts.<\/p>\n
The icing on the cake was Cristy, Emanuel and Mandy s visit for December. There was carol singing and camping trips at Naivasha, and lot s and lot s of family board games. All in all it was a splendid Christmas, filled with the warmth and love of family. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Lord does give many blessings to those that love and trust in him. As we made our resolutions and prayer at the beginning of 2013, we could only imagine that God would bring everything to pass beyond and above what we asked for. PTL.<\/p>\n
![\"Joana](\"https:\/\/wordfree.net\/news2\/wp-content\/uploads\/20131208_115207.jpg\")
<\/a>Joana and Gloria<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
2013 was a year of adventure.\u00a0 From the moment we stepped back on the soil of Kenya in early January, we knew this would be no ordinary time. After spending a lovely first month staying with sweet Paul and Marcia, … Continue reading