These blog entries are the views and opinions of the residents during and after their international experiences, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of VIA or VUMC.
Week 1
I walked into the operating theatre at Kijabe Hospital, ready to start my first case since arriving to this beautiful place far from home. I first met Frederick, a friendly man with an infectious smile who was working as the student KRNA (Kenyan anesthetist) in room nine that day. He greeted me with a warm embrace and we began talking to one another like we had been friends for years. Our first case was a cesarean section for a very pleasant young woman. Up until this point, the events leading up to the surgery seemed fairly routine and familiar. We spoke about her pregnancy, her medical history, her children at home, and her gratefulness for Kijabe Hospital. As we were talking, the obstetrician walked in and everyone gathered around the patient. And then, we prayed.
Growing up in a Christian home, prayer had always been an important part of my life. We would pray before meals, before going to sleep at night, and when gathered at church for worship. Although hard to admit, my time in prayer had become routine, almost a checkbox to complete when it surfaced in my mind. Today was different though. It served as an important reminder of the incredible privilege that we have to approach the throne of God and pour out our hearts to Him. It wasn’t until today that I realized the powerful role that prayer could play in medicine— something stronger and better than any medication could provide. At a time that many are anxious or hurting, our faith allows us to rely on something bigger than any problem that may come our way.
I love how the Kijabe people live their lives and embrace one another. I love how they share their faith freely, without fear of being judged, much how I imagine the first-century Christians lived. Never before had I taken part in such a pure and meaningful time of spiritual renewal and mediation with my colleagues at work. In that moment, I experienced the power of prayer unlike any time I had before. I witnessed the comfort that it gave my patient to see her surgeon and anesthesiologist pray over her. I felt the joy that it brought me, knowing that God was loved in this place so far from home, and I could feel the common bond that it created among everyone in the room, despite the cultural and language barriers that distanced us.
The case went on and the patient and her baby did very well. As the day progressed, I met many other wonderful people. I continue to be amazed at how well the people of Kijabe work together and the kindness that they show in all that they do. From the anesthetists, to the surgeons and the nursing staff— everyone works toward a common goal in seemingly perfect harmony. There are no selfish ambitions, no hidden agendas, and the people here sacrifice so much for people they know very little.
Although we have been here for only a few days, my experience has been more than remarkable. I’m amazed at the eagerness and willingness the Kijabe people have to learn new skills and further their knowledge. In such a short amount of time they have taught me so much as well. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve here and know this experience will stay with me for years to come. May God continue to bless this incredible work!