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 Hello, folks! I am currently in Kisumu, Kenya, and I have a lot to catch up on! I was hoping to write to you from Atiak, but storms and power outages made that a pipe dream, so I figured I would catch you up when I was in Nairobi, but that didn't work either! I was staying at a budget hotel near the conference, which technically had internet, but it was so painfully slow that I could never get anything to load on my computer, so I abandoned all hope. I am now sitting at the dining room table of the Governor's home in Kisumu, trying to catch you all up before I take off to work a mobile clinic for the day. Whew! So, let's back up... The final week of training went very well, with only a small hitch. It was me; I was the hitch. The first day of class, during my introduction, I acknowledge the cultural differences between Uganda and US, especially regarding time. I am very clear that I can be very flexible about many things during training (loss of power, too many or too few ...
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 Hi Folks, I'm going to start this post with a question...Why is there always ONE mosquito that finds its way into the net at night??? In spite of my nightly ritual of netting the bed before the mozzies come out to play, there always seems to be one little pest that makes it in. I had my revenge when I found him this morning, but I am itchy and busting out the Benadryl cream.  Moving on. Along with the collapse of the dining area, it was an interesting week here. We have started the rebuild and the new dining area will be made with a brick base and metal supports. Much of the grass roofing was salvageable, so that will help, because dried grass is hard to come by in the rainy season. Thank you to everyone who kindly made a donation. Please continue sharing the fundraiser, is you're so inclined. Every little bit helps!  MHI Fundraiser It's crazy to think that there is only one week left of the training. The time has flown by! It's always a bonus when cases come up that w...
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Never a dull moment!

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 Hello, friends,  We've had some excitement this week. A few days ago, our dining area lost its 10-year battle with the local termites.  Luckily, there was ample warning, and everyone was able to evacuate before the structure collapsed! The dining area is where everyone enjoys meals together and is also used for meetings and social gatherings. Due to global inflation and the rising costs of gas and supplies, building is almost three times the cost compared to last year. I was already talking to Rachel about a GoFundMe for an additional hut, and now I will add the additional cost for building a new (and much more stable) dining area.  I know how generous and supportive you all are, so if you are not in a position to make a donation this time, I completely understand and ask that you please share the link on your social media or with friends who might be interested in helping. Raising funds for building allows MHI to continue using their money to support the midwives a...
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 Hello, folks! It's Sunday morning here and we are halfway through the training. Time is flying! Here's a glimpse into my usual morning routine...I usually wake up between 5 and 6am, thanks to my bladder and the numerous roosters. I slowly get out of bed, stretching as I go, working out the kinks and pain from sleeping on a very firm foam mattress on a wooden slatted bed. I pull a dress on, open my windows and the front door, and start the kettle. Living in a hut with a grass roof means a thin layer of dust on just about everything, so I shake out my floor mats and sweep the floor, while I wait for the kettle. I have a filling breakfast of oatmeal, dehydrated strawberries and pumpkin seeds (brought from home), local honey and cinnamon, and a strong cup of Kenyan or Ugandan tea. During the week, I usually head to the classroom early to set everything up for the day, but on the weekend, I ease into the day. The midwives have been asking for more knitting lessons, so that's wh...
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 Good morning/evening folks, How's everyone doing out there? I did not get much rest this weekend, but I did have a good time. Saturday was mostly filled with a (very large) group knitting lesson. It's a good thing you were all so generous, because I really plowed through the knitting supplies!  The group was a mix of knitters from last year, who caught up quickly, and new knitters. I still have a lot of yarn to pass out, but I usually like to see who really sticks with it, before handing it all out. The ladies all had a wonderful time, and it was as afternoon filled with a little frustration and a lot of laughter. In the early evening, some of the midwife students met with me to answer some questions and have a bit of a review.  Sunday, Rachel and I drove into Gulu to pick up supplies and run some errands. Those of you who have been with me for a while know how much I enjoy the market and also how I can't resist taking photos every time. :)  So, an enjoyable weekend...
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