What a Difference a Year Makes

I have pulled out my old journals from last year. Although it has only been one year, I have forgotten the details. I have been curious to see what we experiencing and dealing with emotionally. I found this passage from October 3rd, 2004.

"I am struggling a bit. I feel overwhelmed - not by the sights, sounds, smells, poverty or traffic, but of all the details related to setting up life here. We are starting all over. I don't have an address. I don't have a reliable means of outside communication - no phone or email. I don't have a way to get around - I must rely on the unpublished rates of taxis (I got ripped off yesterday). Right now there seems to be a whole long list of things to do just to start life here."

Other entries from October 8th, 2004 included the following.

"We spent time waiting at the Archodiocese of Nairobi to apply for my work permit."

"I also spent a lot of time waiting in banks trying to pay my rent. I figured out that my bank in the US put a hold on my check card. This was no small inconvience."

And, so, how much difference has a year really made? Well, Friday, I spent time working with one of the clinical officers at the hospital doing bedside teaching. I had another meeting to discuss my involvement in residency training here. I met with a group of twenty medical students for a journal club meeting. I took my wife out for dinner at a nice local resturant while the kids enjoyed the evening at their grandma and grandpas house.

On, Saturday, Marti, Ben, and I took a visiting US doctor and a Kenyan medical student into Kibera and held a medical clinic there. We saw 47 patients during that time - two more ladies with HIV were indentified and encouraged to come to the HIV Support Group at the church; many of the ladies that have joined this group have eventually given their lives to the Lord. After we spent the morning doing this, we enjoyed the afternoon. Marti went to her parent's home while Ben and I went to my softball practice. After practice Ben played ball with some of the other boys who came with their dads. For dinner, we went to Java House. And to finish off the evening, Sam and I slept out on the veranda in our sleeping bags.

It was amazing to see what a "normal" weekend we had. The insecurity and frustrations of just a year ago are still there. It is just being balanced out by good hard work and good fun times. I wonder what life will be like a year from now.

Comments

[Bob Travis]

Hi Dr. Tim,
It seems our Heavenly Father acted the part of John Wayne (in one of my favorite movies)when he threw you (and your family) into the pond to teach you how to swim. I'm sure He's proud of you all for how well you've done. May he bless your next year with smooth water. Bob T.

[Jake]

Hey Dr. Tim
Praying that the Lord will continue to help you to grow accustomed to life in Kenya. You make me jealous talking of eating at the Java House. May the Lord Bless your next year in Kenya.
In Him

Jake D.