And here we go again

I haven’t talked a lot about my upcoming trip to Kenya so to most of you this will come as a surprise that I am leaving the country again. I thought I would start my blog by answering some questions that have come up. I have never blogged before so I am not sure how often I will be updating it.

But first, a brief introduction for those who don’t know me. I am a 30 year old Canadian. I have worked as a Respiratory Therapist for the past nine years. I have had the pleasure of holding various positions at the same hospital in British Columbia. Most of my experience is in adult critical care but I also spent four years as student educator/coordinator for Thompson Rivers University, and most recently full time work in the neonatal intensive care unit. In 2012, I spent two months teaching at a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. This was an incredibly rewarding experience which segues into my new blog… here we go again, adventure #2.

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW

Where are you going?

I am going Litein, Kenya. Litein is a small town 270 km West of Nairobi. It has an urban population of 2,300. The main economic activity in the area is farming of tea and maize together with livestock.

Who is going?

I am going alone. Yup that’s right, alone. Ben is staying home to hold down the fort and pay the bills while I am gone. Although this is not my first solo adventure, it still makes me nervous. Traveling alone is not ideal for me since I consider myself an extrovert but love the company of familiar faces. I invited a handful of friends to join me on this escapade but unfortunately the timing didn’t work out for anyone. I easily become lonely so I hope to make some friends right away and really immerse myself into the community. Please feel free to email me. I would love to hear from friends while I am away.

When are you leaving?

Very soon!! I am leaving June 5th which is just a couple days away.  I will be gone for five weeks, which means getting home in time to enjoy the rest of summer with friends and family. Don’t hate me, but I am secretly wishing for some crummy weather for Vancouver so I don’t miss out on too many fun times while I am gone.

What are you going to do in Kenya?

I will be volunteering at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Mission Hospital. Much like my trip to Nepal, I will be doing whatever they need me to do. I don’t have any extravagant goals to bring about amazing transformative changes, after all, I am only there for five weeks. Change comes about very slowly with long term relationships and support. At this point in time I know almost nothing about this hospital. My primary goal will be to go meet people, learn and observe how the hospital operates and look for opportunities to teach, guide and support if I can be of any help. I have no doubt the local people will be teaching me more lessons than I could ever teach them.

I am fascinated to see what it will look like to work in a Christian environment. This work environment will be completely new to me. I currently work in a government hospital. Praying with patients or families is definitely not encouraged. I am excited to see how God will show up and what He has to show me in this season.

Why are you going?

This is my favourite question, yet the hardest to answer.  I am not entirely sure I know why I am going. I would like to say I clearly heard the voice of God telling me to go to Kenya and I am simply being obedient to His calling, but that really didn’t occur. I have had a strong desire to go to Africa for as long as I can remember.  Then, last September when I saw a posting to Respiratory Therapists without Border’s website looking for an RT to go to Kenya, I was immediately intrigued but brushed it off as not possible for me at this point in my life. Weeks went by and the idea continued to roll around in my head. Endless thoughts about going on this missions trip persisted week after week until finally I seriously considered going. One thing led to another and after prayer and discussions with friends, I applied for the posting.

I do think God calls us to courageously step out of our comfort zone and serve. This service can often line up with our own our talents and desires. This adventure fits within my abilities, so… why not go to Kenya?

How can you get involved?

Pray for me while I am away. Please pray I connect well with my host family and find new friends in my community. Please pray I stay humble and open minded. Please pray throughout this journey that God’s name is lifted high and His glory shines brightly.

Respiratory Therapists without Borders is a new charity. They are looking for members to serve on their professional board (RTs and non-RTs). Their mission is to “improve respiratory health through educational advancement of local healthcare providers worldwide.”

Please consider making a donation through the RTWB website  there are three different ways to do so. You can send a donation to support my trip specifically or other projects RTWB is working on.

Thank you