Best to take the moment present as a present for the moment...

Though today could have been a difficult one, I was given the opportunity to realize how much my visit here was appreciated. Without exception, every single person to whom I said my goodbyes today asked, “When are you coming back?” My heart swelled with gratitude for the experience.


The day started by meeting with Dr. Juliana, the hospital administrator. We spoke about my time here, giving feedback on what I feel are their more immediate and attainable needs. Hopefully, I’ll have the chance to coordinate with the surgical team that is coming in February. Interestingly, it was at this “exit interview” that I learned that I had performed a hernia repair on her uncle. Strong show of faith in her hospital. She remarked that he was amused at the thought of a male Kenyan surgeon working side-by-side with a female Mzungu surgeon. Luckily, he recovered nicely.

After that, I ventured into the main theatre, where I was chastised for not informing them of my departure in advance. They missed a chance for a party and they love an excuse to have a party.

Wandered the wards to touch base with the interns and to check on the baby I had operated on the day before.

Rapenda and Kariuki, the men's ward interns

Muchela, the women and children's ward intern

Took my last ride in Mike's tuk tuk. He put up with so much from me. Having to turn around to stop and buy things on the side of the road. Being on call for whatever random hour I got done at the hospital. And perhaps his biggest struggle as a Kenyan, picking me up on time in the mornings. ;-)

A final lunch with the MCI team at a swanky guest house called Le Savanna, joined by the pediatric surgeon I worked with so often. Not sure if I had mentioned it before, but as part of the public health initiatives here, hand-washing has become a strict pre-meal ritual. And I mean ritual. It’s either fingerbowls or hot towels or a waiter carrying an ewer of hot water and a pump bottle of soap. Today’s method, however, was new. Hot water was poured into ceramic jugs near the tables, and we all left the table to wash.

Merciline, Ben, Dr. Ongong'a, and Beldina

Surprisingly, I have managed to pack everything into the small amount of luggage I brought with me. Hopefully, it will all still meet the weight restrictions for Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic!

We attempted to celebrate one last sunset at Kiboko Bay, but the weather didn’t cooperate, and there’s no reason to fight the mosquitos without the payoff. We ended up instead at The Clarice (no fava beans or chianti... anyone?), the luxury guest house we had last visited on the night of the ::grumble:: burglary. Couldn’t leave Africa without a drink (or two) of Amarula.

I am spending my evening as I have spent so many, writing my blog, looking at photos, having a drink with Beldina. Later, I will sequester myself in my mosquito net, armed with flashlight and Nook. Why should tonight be different from any other?

Promised Beldina's son, C.J., that we would have breakfast together in the morning. I would say that six-year olds get attached pretty quickly, but this thirty-five year old is just as attached. He was so proud of his first day as a Year Two today.

Tomorrow, my last blog. An attempt to wrap-up this amazing month. Thanks for sticking with me…