Presenting...Kenya Safari

T presented today at Grand Rounds on his mission trip to Tenwek Hospital last spring.   He worked so hard on his presentation, and it really showed this morning.  He wowed us all and did an outstanding job. 

There are so many moments yet unshared from his trip, but I couldn't resist posting the video he compiled of highlights from his safari experience in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.  Truly an incredible country to behold and serve.

He's Home!

T is home safe and sound! Pictures and more details to come...for now it is onto another call day for me and a full day of surgery for him today. Talk about coming home to hit the ground running!

Happily Ever,
Queen B

Lions, hippos, giraffes, oh my!

T is back at Tenwek after a weekend safari in the Masai Mara National Game Reserve. He was told on Friday by one of the Tenwek administrators that he would be staying in tents in the game park. He packed himself, preparing to sleep on the ground, with plenty of water and some food for the two day trip. After traveling over 3 hours by rough, tough "roads" they arrived at the park and pulled up to.....The Fairmont Hotel??!! You should see the pictures of this place--easily the most luxurious place T has stayed in a long time, perhaps his whole life! Needless to say, T was not sleeping going to be sleeping on the floor, but in an amazing, palatial tent hotel "room" right next to the Mara River.

According to T: "We were sitting on the deck eating lunch alongside the river when a crock swam through...Next thing you know a herd of 15-20 hippos

swing by..." Who knew hippos swam in herds?! "One minute you think you're going to have to sleep in shifts as to be on the lookout for lions, the next minute you're sipping Kenyan tea and eating lamb chops next to the swimming pool!" This is the point when I start thinking, 'hey, wait a minute.....mission trip much?'

Needless to say, I am breathlessly awaiting the pictures when he returns. He saw a cheetah (super rare), 2 lions, 4 elephants, several giraffe, 4 rhino, lots of gazelle, wildebeast, warthog, all in an open air land cruiser with no ceiling, open windows and elevated seating.

After all his fun, he still won me over by saying, "I would have given just about anything for you to have been here this weekend." Aww, that's my guy, and I am crazy about him. He also said he couldn't help wondering what G-Bear's reaction would have been. I think I am pretty sure I know the answer: "Oh, wook, daddy, chweeta. He's pooping."

Happily Ever,

Queen B

A day in the life...

Today T and I were able to briefly connect over ichat! What a blessing to have a few minutes together over the internet. The kids, however, were decidedly unimpressed that they couldn't see or hear daddy to talk with him. He was able to share a day in the life of the doctors at Tenwek. He seems so inspired and encouraged by the work of so many devoted people there.

8am: Morning group devotional, followed by start of day

(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday are operative days, Wednesday is clinic day)

1pm: Break for lunch. The physicians head home to have lunch with their families, who live in rows of houses in a neighborhood-like set up 100 yards from the hospital.

2pm: Work resumes

4-5pm: Last scheduled OR cases, clinic patients

Evening: Bible study, home to dinner

In addition to the missionary doctors who work at Tenwek, there are many native Kenyan interns and residents, training there for their residency. What an important way to make an even wider and more lasting impact on the region's healthcare system.

Happily Ever,

Queen B

Day 2 in Tenwek

100....The number of patients T saw in Tenwek clinic today.

2........The number of operations he performed after his clinic day today--an ankle fracture and then a compartment release for a patient who had suffered a snake bite in the arm.

0.......The number of snake bite-induced injuries he has treated in his life before today.

He was headed to bible study tonight with his colleagues. And I could feel him smiling through his email.

Happily Ever,

Queen B

Safe in Kenya!

Prince T has arrived safely at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya! Hallelujah! He will be operating there for 2 weeks with one of his attending physicians from residency. What great news. He has already discovered several friends from his medical school days, some working there permanently and others there on a brief visit.

As I think about the next 2 weeks for T and me, I realize that all of us have important work to do, wherever we are, whoever we have to serve. I am reminded of a quote from Mother Teresa,

"Do something beautiful for God today."

Whether in Africa on a mission or at home in the routine, the world is in desperate need of our love and sacrificial service. Let's all do something beautiful today!

More updates and pictures to come!

Happily Ever,

Queen B