It has now been little over a year since we left the U.S. for the month in Kenya. We were hoping to make it back there by now so we could serve again while Amy's cousin was still there and are disappointed (though not surprised) that we have not been able to do so. We still find ourselves longing to go back and serve in a place where there is such great need. As demanding and difficult as our trip was, we knew that what we were doing was meaningful and needed. Though the medical work was often stressful, it was still enjoyable.
There is much that we miss about Kijabe specifically and Kenya in general. We definitely miss the pace of life that we had there. We had a lot of family time and few extracurricular activities. I was able to eat lunch with Amy and the kids on most days and was usually home by 6 for dinner and family time in the evening. Rift Valley Academy was a short walk up the hill if we wanted to play on the playground or make use of their beautiful campus.
We miss the fact that life was relatively "unplugged". We had electricity, a cell phone, and limited dial-up internet access. It was just enough to communicate with those at home, but too frustratingly slow to waste a lot of time on the internet. The kids played with each other a lot and used much creativity in their play. Very little time was spent around a screen, and that was refreshing.
Medically speaking, I miss the opportunities I had to use a greater proportion of my training than I get to use here. I miss the opportunity to help train the residents there. Nothing makes you learn a topic as well as having to teach it. I miss the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented physicians and devoted believers I have ever been around. I miss working in a place where I know that what I am doing facilitates bringing others to Christ and discipling them. I am very happy with my practice here and am blessed with a great partner and great staff, but I do miss many things about working at Kijabe.
Kenyans value relationship greatly and sincerely want to converse and get to know you. A quick, obligatory "fine" in response to being asked how you are just won't suffice. You must shake hands, make eye contact, and actually speak thoughtfully.
We miss the opportunity to worship with the Kenyan believers. Attending hospital chapel was one of the highlights of my time there. We miss the joy with which the Kenyan believers live their lives. Though many suffer hardship and (at least in American terms) poverty, their faith and joy shine through.
Oh, if life here could be more like life there.
