Thoughts from home, after the trip... conclusion

The hospital at Galmi was a real heart breaker. It really needs to be replaced and soon. I will never forget the little fourteen year old girl, sitting on the floor holding her new born baby, because there wasn't a bed for her. Her sad eyes told the story..there was not the joy you'd see in new moms. My granddaughter Brooklyn sat on the floor with her for a long time and it tore my heart out thinking of what was going through her mind at the time..how can this be right??? The rest of the maternity ward was overwhelming too! So unsanitary. There are no food services, not even water..grandmas are the care givers, which includes bringing in food for the new moms..this ward was so crowded, but the women were so happy to see us, especially when we gave out the layettes and gift bags. Their smiles through their pain was so rewarding for me, and all the team.

Seeing the women at the river washing clothes, then spreading them over bushes or draping them over the rails on the bridge is a sight to see. The color of the water makes me wonder just how clean can they be?

What a thrill to see giraffes in the wild..they didn't seem to mind us being there, and just kept eating off the tops of the trees and wandering around us.

I will always remember how the women carried jugs/baskets on their heads with a baby tied behind them on their backs..such great posture, but what a way to achieve it. The men would ride on the donkey, and the women walked behind..There is something wrong with that picture! At least to my way of thinking!

I think often of Mohamed, Mikes' friend, with whom he has been sharing for so many years.. and the heart break in his family.

So, you may think it was all pretty negative for me? Not at all..I loved being given the opportunity to see another culture half a world way, at my age..I praise God for that and thank Him and every one who supported me in this adventure. Would I go again? IN a heartbeat!! Only I would want to stay longer and be able to do more, even if it meant swinging a hammer to help build the new hospital! Spending time in Mike and LaRae's home is unforgettable. The generosity of their family is awesome. A special thank you to Ariana who gave up her comfortable bed for me..only to sleep on the floor in her parents room. I enjoyed showing her a few tips on water color painting and she did a great job of saskatoon berries!

I hear it is 40C there now..and we are tons of snow and minus 40C!!! Looking forward to an early spring!!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to relate some of my thoughts on this life changing event in my life!

Love to all, Lucille