Kwaheri

This is my last day in Kenya. It has been an incredible experience being here. Last week I had the chance to be in charge of the clinic and operating room alone, while John took some vacation time with his family. I was given the title of the 'Samaki' (big fish) by the staff during that time. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but the nurses thought it was funny and we had a good time. Thankfully everything went well and I was able to get a glimpse of what it might be like to manage the clinic in Peru. I didn't get to see Vincent again, but we are praying that God heals him and gives him the ability to see again.

John and his wife Jessica took such great care of us while we were at Tenwek. I am so thankful to them. They are some very special people and are serving the Lord in an amazing way in Kenya.  I have learned so much from John even in this short time that I know will be incredibly helpful for the future.  I also enjoyed getting to know the other members of their team in the Faders, McLaughlins, and Alyssa Pfister.

It was definitely different being so far away for Christmas this year, but in many ways it was easier to focus and celebrate what that time is truly about.  We had a candlelight service with all of the missionaries at Tenwek on Christmas Eve in a small chapel.  Some of the children and the parents played music, and we sang together. It was a heart-filling time to see what God has done and to celebrate the root of it all in Jesus together.

It was also nice to have my younger brother Will with me over the last few weeks. He was on a break from medical school and was able to get some good exposure to some things that are not seen much in the western world. I think that it also gave him a taste of medical missions, and he has expressed a desire to serve in that way in some capacity when he finishes school.  It would be really cool to have my brother working with me at some point.  I'm thankful for what God has done in his life and in our family.

I will say that it never gets old being able to experience the reactions of people when they can see again, or for the first time well.  Seeing a mother's smile whose six-month-old child no longer has the prospect of lifelong blindness is more than enough of a Christmas gift for me.  We had a great time singing Christmas carols with the patients and sharing from God's word with them in the mornings each day.  I pray that the Lord has used this time to impact some people for eternity, and has given them eyes to see his glory in the face of Christ.

I'm thankful to Kristen for letting me be away this month. She is such a great encouragement and an amazing wife.  I now even more how much I don't deserve her, and I can't wait to get back to her as soon as possible.  We're much better together. I'm also thankful to all of those people who have joined us in this mission together and have made this time possible. Thank you to all of those who support and pray for us.  You have given a great gift to me, and to the Kipsigi, Maasai, and Kisii people this Christmas. Asante Sana! To God be the glory great things He has done!

Some pictures from the week:

Bird in the kitchen

John ready to battle with the wild animal

Candlelight service with other missionaries

Maasai patient

6 month old with cataracts

Taking a nap after surgery

Boy with traumatic cataract right eye

Healing up

Hard to see with two patches

Looking better

Goodbye Kenya