Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Eldoret Diaries (posted by Elizabeth)

Today marked our second day in Eldoret. It is quite a nice pace of life in the IU House. Ann, Adele, Suzanne, and I have become quite accustomed to the easy internet access and the fridge full of Kenyan and American bevies. We are spoiled!

This morning, we headed for a walk out to visit Sally Test and the AMPATH clinic at the hospitals. We had a wonderful and thorough tour of AMPATH. It was amazing to see all of the work they have done and to hear about the number of people in Eldoret and the clinics throughout western Kenya who are receiving free care and treatment for HIV. Amazing. After our visit to AMPATH, we headed out to Neema House, a children's home for HIV+ children. There, over 30 children live and receive their schooling and healthcare. We were able to meet a few of the children, but the sweetest moment was witnessing all the babies napping and baby-snoring soundly under their mosquito nets.

After lunch, we headed to the Imani Workshop, where AMPATH trains and employs anywhere from 40-140 HIV+ adults in crafting beautiful African artwork for sale in Kenya and the US (probably other countries, too, but not sure on that fact). We made a dent in their show/sales room, believe me. I continue to be amazed at how readily people welcome we American strangers into their workplace and show us around with such patience and enthusiasm for the work they are doing.

This evening, we gladly spooned down some hamburger helper and banana pudding. We are free to walk a bit more in Eldoret (which is a great change), and thus allowed to build a good appetite. I have to say, banana pudding on an empty tummy is a mighty fine thing.

Tonight, we are repacking suitcases and getting ready to head out to Lake Nakuru National Park for some safariing (is that a verb? spell check says "yes"!). Suzanne leaves Eldoret for the US tomorrow evening, so our numbers are slowly dwindling. Soon, we will all be home. So much to tell and so many photos to show! Get ready friends and family, you're gonna have some long slide shows to sit through when we return!

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