Today, it felt like Africa

We started the day with a great breakfast - Jeff really can cook. We toured the Nursing School - which adds 16 students each year. The program takes 3 1/2 years to complete and are more skilled than most nurses with a Bachelors Degree in the US.

After our tour of the school - we stopped for Chai Tea break. We had too - it's the culture. LOL. We then had a tour of the hospital. The hospital has over 600 full time people here. You wouldn't know it however, because of the set up. They have 350 beds here - 50 of which are dedicated to pediatrics. The majority of the rooms are ward style with about 20 beds in each room. There are some private rooms but are much more costly.

The hospital has an ER, called "Casualty," maternity, dental care, vision care, pharmacy, ICU, outpatient clinic, surgical ward, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care unit, mortuary and hospice care, which is actually pretty new. There were so many people around, waiting for care, getting care and visiting family or friends. Last year alone they served more than 12,000 patients and 97,000 outpatients. Yes, those numbers are correct. Over 2500 babies are born here each year. They do an amazing work. The staff is made up of full time missionaries, visiting medical staff and nationals. Most of the nursing students served 3 years following their schooling here at the hospital.

While the hospital seems very different from home, some things are the same. While we were walking from building to building, a woman just learned someone she loves died. She was immediately taken to the chapel for comfort. The sense of loss was huge - just like America.

We got to see several babies here - the triplets I wrote of earlier, left for the Baby Center today. They are doing well. I was surprised to see a NICU here. They too have to "scrub" before they go in - which here means taking off your shoes. The babies in there looked a lot like my twins when they were born, just a little darker.

This afternoon we walked down to the hydroelectric plant and the dam once dreamed of almost 100 years ago. Built in 1986, this powers the hospital - when there is enough water. This year has been tough.

Oh, I forgot to mention - Charma is QUEEEN of the game, 10,000. She really wanted the world to know. We are having a good time, jet lag is catching up with us a little - OK, so really, it's me, NAPPY time this afternoon.

We miss our families and friends back home. However, we are seeing God in many ways. The sun still rises in the east, and sets in the west. The God of creation is with you and us. Blessings and peace!

(Almquist boys, now go get your homework done!! xoxo Mom)
(Dagny and Camryn - Grandma loves you!)
(Mom, Dad, Wendee, and others I love you all and miss you too!)
(Hailey - FB does work in Kenya - Grandma and Grandpa are here with us - lol)
(Corky still has his Cork - but we think we are changing his name to Cooky)

Much love, nancy