As soon as we got to Kargi we set up the clinic and began to see patients that very afternoon. The clinic was insane! We set up in this tiny building with one doctor (Dr. Ivy who has only had three years of schooling after high school…scary, huh?) and man named Daniel, who ran tests for AIDS/HIV, TB, and Malaria. We had at least eight of us working, six translators, and then of course all the Kargian patients. The patients would wait in a line outside the building, get tested, see the doctor, and then come to us with their requested prescriptions. So then we had to count pills, calculate dosages, then grab a translator and explain to the patient their treatment. I can say that I’ve got some pharmaceutical skills under by belt now!
[entertaining the children outside of the clinic]
After the patients were treated, they are guided to some benches on the side of the building. This is where a few people would be to present the gospel to them. There would be a couple of us out there, speaking to a group of as many as eight people. I did not have this job until the last couple of days and honestly I was kind of dreading it, because everyone who had done it prior to me had expressed how exhausting it becomes. However, once I got out there and began to share this life-changing story with these people, everything changed. I had to pray that the Lord would give me energy and motivation. I realized that it’s not about me, it’s about bringing glory to His name. If I allow my emotions and exhaustion to drive me then of course I’ll grow weary and the stories will become mundane. But if I am sharing this truth with these people as if they have never heard it before, then it changes everything! It was so incredibly encouraging to see the smiles of gratitude on the faces of these women and hearing them sing praises to the same God that I worship and love.
We shared with these people that though the treatment they were receiving will only provide them with some temporary relief, it would not bring lasting healing. Further, true healing comes from the Healer, the Creator, and their Savior. Unlike us, these people cannot depend on their health; they cannot even depend on their healthcare. So for them to hear that they could have everlasting healing and comfort for all of their physical and spiritual needs was mind blowing.
[the Rendille women decked out on their colorful beads]
One of the traditions of the Rendille people in Kargi is that of “adoption.” Yes, adoption. And who do they want to adopt? The Mzungus (the white people). So oftentimes women (sometimes men) will approach you and ask if they can adopt you. With this adoption comes a new name, handmade beads, and even some livestock! However, most of the time they are expecting their new “white” son or daughter to give them something in return. I was adopted and given the name of “Robeya,” which means “green” or “one who brings green, growth.” I was adopted a second time and was given the name of “Gumatho,” which means “Friday” (and no, I don’t know what relevance that has). This mama left to bring me beads and then proceeded to tell me that she would have a goat for me when I returned to Kargi in two weeks. They take this stuff seriously, so I might be coming home with a new friend.
We are to rely on the Lord and not ourselves…
“He delivered us from such a deadly peril. On Him we have set our HOPE for He will deliver us again. You must also help us by prayer, so that many may give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted to us through the many prayers.”
2 Corinthians 1:9-11
Please let this scripture resonate in your heart for the people of Marsabit and Kargi. The Lord is our deliverer and He has saved us from death. We set our hope in Him and it should be our desire for others to obtain that same lasting hope. So please partner with me in prayer for the people here, so that many may give thanks to the Lord our Savior!
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