MEDICAL CLINIC, TOWN OF MARINGINE (pronounced marr-in-gee’-nee)

We saw over 100 patients today at the clinic, of all ages. The way the team works together is incredible! Registration greets each patient and figures out the scheduling. Triage takes history, blood pressure, temperature and other vital information. Triage teams figure out which doctor is best to treat each condition and refer them to that physician team or the dental clinic. Patients are treated by the dentist or doctor, then proceed to the pharmacy for any needed medications. The laboratory processes and interprets test results, the most common are: brucella, typhoid, HIV, malaria, pregnancy, urinalysis, stool samples, glucose, rheumatoid factor. It is great to listen to Tyler talk technical with his Kenyan counterparts. Medical language is its own connection.

In addition to medical and dental, we have an eyeglass clinic which assists patients with reading glasses or distance glasses.

Each team works with local professionals and volunteers who partner in treatment and also provide vital language translation services. Our Kansas2Kenya team is not yet fluent in Swahili!

Also available is photography for individuals and families to receive a printed out photo of themselves (often with their new glasses) to take with them. Many people do not have pictures of themselves or their children, so this service is very welcome and produces a lot of smiles and giggles. We have brought two portable Canon Selphy printers, and it is great to see people’s faces when they see their photo.

Father Matt Zimmerman and I offer spiritual care and prayer to those who wish it, along with the team. Even though we don’t all speak one another’s language well, it is a powerful experience to pray together. Everyone understands “Jesus” and “Amen” and a prayerful, loving attitude.

Sandy, a nutritionist, gives talks throughout the day about food balance and what foods are needed to stay healthy. She usually has 25-30 people in rapt attention at a time. Cora, a social worker, is everywhere! She works between reception and triage, and is always solving some complication with a smile.

I was with Dr. Steve and Dr. David for a time and it was like listening to an episode of ER or House. They worked together to discuss and diagnose a complicated case, conferring back and forth about the symptoms and indications that were seemingly paradoxical. Between both their amazing skills, and their great teamwork, the patient was diagnosed correctly and helped.

One of the local cooks prepared a light dinner meal for the team that included seasoned cabbage, vegetable broth, and a potato and bean casserole. Completely delicious! How kind of our hosts to think of us in this way.

We are all very tired tonight after seeing many patients, and are very glad to be here.