Sunday, January 23, 2011

Where on Earth am I going?

Hello!  Jambo!  Welcome to my blog.  Here are some maps to orient you to where I'll be in just a few short weeks.  Tenwek Hospital is located in Bomet, Kenya, a few hours east of Nairobi.

For those that need more help with geography, here is a map of Africa- Kenya is on the east with the equator crossing through.

Kenya is slightly smaller than the state of Texas. It has one of the fastest growing populations in the world and over 40% of the population is children under age 14.  The life expectancy is only 50 years and at least half of the population lives below the poverty level.  English and Swahili are the official languages, although there are at least 40 tribal languages also spoken.  The people living near Tenwek Hospital speak Kipsigis.  It was a British colony until 1963 when it gained independence and later became a republic. But multiparty elections were not held until 1992.  Prior to British colonization, there were large Arab, Persian, and Portuguese influences.  A large number of Kenyans are Christians, but other religions including Hinduism, Islam, and traditional African beliefs such as Animism/spirit worship are also prominent.  Fun facts: It is the world's largest exporter of roses and the third largest exporter of tea.  Tourism is also important to the economy and many visitors come annually to view the amazing wildlife and beauty of the coast and the mountains. 


The website for Tenwek hospital is:  http://www.tenwekhospital.org/

The hospital is a World Gospel Mission Hospital. Over the years it has grown to over 300 beds and is one of the largest mission hospitals in Africa.  It is a referral hospital for the region.  It has surgical, maternity, ICU, outpatient, and inpatient capabilities.  They just aquired a CT scan for improved diagnostic capability! There are xrays, ultrasounds, and routine laboratory services available.  The pediatric cases include HIV, complications from HIV, tuberculosis, malnutrition, motorcycle and car accident victims, as well as all of the routine pediatric illnesses.  

Bas (that's all) for now! Kwaheri- Good bye.  :)