An Adventure at the Market

Well today, Thursday, I decided it was finally time for me to venture to the well known Masaii Market. This market is a travelling market where individuals sell things from t-shirts and jerseys, to woodcarvings, to jewelry, to paintings, to knives and the list goes on and on.

By now, most of my classmates had gone and I was the only one holding out. I decided today was a perfect time so I dragged two friends, Lily and Sarah, along and we ventured over. When we arrived at the mall, I was eager to make it to the market and get shopping.

We arrived.

Before I could even look around I was grabbed, yes physically someone grabbed my hand, and started pulling me to their area. And so it began. Many people were calling me handsome, asking where I’m from, and overall trying their best to connect with me on a personal level.

I picked out a few things I liked, and they kept picking more for me, then the bargaining began. We worked our way to a place where we both felt comfortable at then sealed the deal. However, as that negotiation was happening other vendors were swarming like birds, waiting for their chance to swoop in. As soon as I paid and had everything bagged up, off it was being dragged to the next place and the bargaining started all over again. Saying no was near impossible, walking away was, and they even had you take a knee to see the products better (really to make it harder for you to just browse). I worked my way around, getting more than I really wanted to and more than I went in for (guess they succeeded at their jobs!) but nonetheless this means some gifts for family and friends :-)

The best story was as I was trying to leave, I was stopped again. I explained to the man all I had was 50ksh on me and nothing else (besides what I needed for my taxi fare home and my emergency stash). He asked to see it. I showed him the coins, then he asked to see a mechanical pencil I had. He said we had a deal. Little did I know I was bargaining for a small bowl the whole time, and now I’m down a pencil! As I was walking out, he hollered at me. I thought something had happened – turns out he just needed to know how to put the lead back in. Quick answer and I was finally out of there.

Well, overall I can say my first market experience was both stressful and exciting. Although I picked up quite a few gifts, I really bought more random stuff that I just thought was really cool, I guess they are “accidental” gifts or just things I will keep for myself!

Did I have fun? I guess you could call it fun.

Did I get some things I was wanting? Definitely!

Did I get ripped off and pay too much? Unfortunately. After we got back, I went through what I bought and what I spent and while the prices I paid were fair, I still should have negotiated more than I did. I guess I am not nearly as good at negotiating as I had hoped.

Am I upset about it? Not really. In the grand scheme, I got some cool things and decent prices and had quite the experience doing it.

Will I go back? Probably There are definitely a few more items I would like to pick up for people, but next time I need to make sure I only get what I need not what I think looks cool. Knowing what’s there, and already having some of the smaller things will help me focus in on those few items I still need to pick up.

"Hey Wyatt, would you mind taking a picture?"

After we had reached the bottom of Mt. Longonot, we were all hanging around when Evans asked me if I would mind being in a picture with someone. I was happy to – who doesn’t like to be in a picture with a total stranger?! I had some idea of what was going on, but shortly after taking the picture with the young boy (he was probably around 10 years old), I asked Evans why he wanted a picture with me.

Evans’ response was simple and to the point: the young boy wanted a picture with a mzungu (white person).

I couldn’t help but laugh and everyone enjoyed this story.

I guess I am famous now, huh? 

Great Rift Valley & Mt. Longonot!!

Great Rift Valley & Mt. Longonot!

This Saturday, we ventured out for what turned out to be an incredible day of hiking and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

We were picked up from our apartments quite early, and embarked on a journey that would end up totaling around two hours. Final destination: Mt. Longonot, a 9000 feet dormant volcano.

However, about an hour into our journey, our van pulled over at a scenic overlook. We were viewing the Great Rift Valley. While we were all taking in the gorgeous view our driver and good friend, Evans, told us the history of the Great Rift Valley, as well as the communities that still live in the area. From this viewpoint we could not only see Mt. Longonot, but two other dormant volcanoes as well (Mt. Suswa and Mt. Margaret).

After a quick photo-op we jumped back on the bust to continue our journey to Mt. Longonot. We arrived at Mt. Longonot, paid our entry fee, and embarked on a journey that few (or none) of us anticipated. We started the climb up the 9000 feet volcano, only to realize that the trail was a lot more treacherous then we anticipated. There were points were we had to nearly crawl on our hands to avoid losing grip. After a little over an hour, we had reached the top. There was a small hut for shade, which we all enjoyed. Some of the group decided to walk the rim, which was 7.2 kilometers but took close to two hours to complete. From the rim we could see Lake Naivasha, the Great Rift Valley, and a skyline that was dotted with other mountains. It was one of the most breathtaking views I have ever had.

Being able to sit under a shade tree on top of a dormant volcano, in the Great Rift Valley, in Kenya just looking out for miles and miles is an experience I will forever cherish. It’s not everyday you get that view.

The experience at the top was special in and of itself. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing with cheering every time someone made it up. From church groups, to school groups, everyone was having a great time and high-fives and handshakes were a must as people walked towards the shade. The atmosphere complemented the view so incredibly well.

Now, we enjoyed our time at the top but the trek down was even more exciting. Since we were hiking down a little after midday the dust was at it’s worse. Between the wind, people moving each direction, and how dry it was by the time we made it down all of us were either covered in dirt, coughing, or both. There were points where the loose dust and dirt was so slick we had no option but to run. Needless to say this got our hearts pounding!

We all made it down safe and sound, we jumped off the bus, dropped some who were going to camp at Lake Naivasha, then started our journey back to Nairobi.

Those of us on the bus had the amazing opportunity to watch the sunset behind the volcanoes and the Great Rift Valley as we were all dozing off from such a tiresome day.

This day was one of the best, one of the most challenging, and one of the most exciting so far in Kenya. I’m thankful for these opportunities.

Link for Pictures: Click Here

Health Records

This Friday at my internship my co-intern, Sarah, and I were tasked with developing some form of electronic method for their patient data. Here’s their current system:

They have two normal books with paper on the desk. One is for new patients; the other is for returning patients. They log basic information about the patient (name, age, sex, residence, and diagnosis), then the patients are given a card where the health officer writes notes regarding their symptoms, the diagnosis, and finally the action to be taken (medication, etc.). This card is then stored on the bookshelf.

Now, this system doesn’t sound terrible, right? It works to record the number of patients each day, but to try to reference any information regarding a patient this system is incredibly inefficient. Each patient is assigned a number when they arrive, and this is recorded. However, in the returning patient book these are not in order because they are logged on the date.

Our task was to come up with a system where they could eliminate the paper and do everything electronically. We were given a laptop with the Microsoft Office Suite on it. First, we developed a Spreadsheet that could work fine although isn’t terribly convenient for entering in new data. After they were happy with that, I fiddled with Microsoft Access, which is meant as a database. This system could work but is a little trickier to edit once it is set-up.

We had completed our task, and helped create an electronic system for their patient data as well as their Ministry of Health Records! Here’s the true kicker: the computer we used, is used mainly for accounting, the lab, and orphanage. They all share one. We created a rudimentary system for them to use, but they cannot dedicate a computer for the front desk. They do not have the funds to purchase one, but nonetheless they were ecstatic to have a system created for when they do have one.

This experience was mind-blowing. At a typical Doctor’s office in the US the doctor will walk in with a tablet, which includes all your medical records, and is even be able to simply dictate to the software. At the MACODEP clinic, they can’t afford a computer for the front desk, let alone another one for the doctor.

As I read through some of the logs, I noticed another major problem with this paper system – a much larger problem. Nearly everyday they encounter at least one case of Typhoid or Enteric Fever. With simply jotting this down, there is no way to share this information or follow-up on these cases. Typhoid can spread through water, and in a setting like Kibera it is very likely. It would be near impossible for an epidemiologist (or aspiring epidemiologist like myself) to track these cases and attempt to find some source of this Typhoid. If this clinic is seeing a case a day, I would be very interested to see what other clinics are seeing, as well as what cases aren’t making it to the clinic.

I know this post wasn’t terribly exciting or descriptive, but to the public-health side of me this is incredibly point.

Those of you who are reading this: do you know of any programs / grants for small clinics to acquire computers for this purpose? What about any software? While Electronic Medical Record software would be absolutely stellar, it seems a bit out of reach. Do you know of any other database programs out there that would work better? Please comment or email me if you know of anything, or anyone who could help me out!! I do have the ability and time to apply for grants as well so that is a huge option.

A Weekend Away...

This past weekend (Oct. 4 and 5) we had our first overnight excursion for the program. We loaded our van, with our favorite driver Evans, early Saturday and made our way to Kitui County, where we would be visiting Nyumbani Village. Some brief background on Nyumbani, before I delve into the weekend of excitement and amazement.

Nyumbani Village is a one-thousand acre plot of land that was donated from the Government. It is a community of 100 “grandmas” and 1000 children. The children are all orphans, many of whom have been impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the “grandmas” are older individuals who have lost children or grandchildren. At Nyumbani these children are then paired with the “grandmothers” and given homes. These grandmothers serve was the role models, and parents to these children and these children are able to help the grandmothers around the house with chores and other thing. Each group has a need and that need is met by the other group. Truly a sustainable way of living. Beyond the home piece of Nyumbani, there are also schools including a primary, secondary, and high school as well as a technical school where students are taught trades. During their teaching they use these skills to create items to be used around the village, or assist in creating pieces for a new structure. Nyumbani also collects rainwater, and is utilizing solar power, has a huge farm, and the women there craft (I bought two gorgeous hand-made baskets and the money goes right to the women who made them, I also bought honey-yum). They also feature a health clinic which is free to community members and low cost to those from the surrounding area. This community is dedicated to sustainable living and better the community around them.

Now, back to the drive. This was our first real time leaving Nairobi, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Although we hit traffic at first (at which point motorists started using the shoulder, then the side of the road to pass), it opened up not too long after. There is a link to pictures at the bottom of this blog, and you’ll see the first bit being blue. This is not only because it was especially cloudy, but because I couldn’t help myself from capturing scenes out the window. From the mountains in the distant, to the beautiful clouds, to the villages we passed everything was absolutely gorgeous. The four-and-a-half hours flew by, and we knew we were close when we exited the road onto nothing but dirt. I, being the cool kid that I am, sat in the back of the bus and I think I got more airtime on those bumps then I have in my entire life combined. We arrived at Nyumbani and were greeted with a huge number of stares and waves – a van of wazungus (mzunugu is the term for a white person, wazungu is plural) pulling up something was definitely happening. We arrived and met Maggie, the Volunteer Coordinator who is spending the year at Nyumbani with Princeton in Africa. We then jumped right into lunch, which was absolutely delicious. It was rice, and a bean type stew, with greens. So, so, so, so good. My type of food too. We were then shown to our arrangements for the night: gorgeous little rooms (brand new, we were the first group to stay there) with showers and toilets (pit-latrines). We tossed our bags down, lathered up in sunscreen, and were off for our tour.

We toured around Nyumbani, visiting clusters of homes, meeting the residents, and then seeing the schools, the greenhouses and the clinic. When we stopped at the clinic I asked a few questions (any doctors [no], is there a dispensary here [yes], where does there water come from etc.). This is when I was given my newest nickname! Victor said I should come and be the doctor and everyone will ask to see Dr. Peter Wyatt. Dr. Peter Wyatt, I kind of like the way that sounds! It was incredibly interesting to see this local health facility, a type of facility we learn so much about in Community Health. Once our tour was over (and we were thoroughly tired, from the walking and the sun) we rested briefly then decided we wanted to get out and meet more of the kids. We made our way towards the main field, and thanks to Sarah Snead we had a Frisbee! We jumped right in and started playing. Before long, there were many kids playing and just having a good time. They enjoyed holding our hands, playing with our cameras, and just hanging out with us. Now, this scenery was even more breathtaking.

As we are sitting there looking over the field, we see people playing soccer and Frisbee (the faces are indistinguishable because of the rolling dust), a few trees, and a sunset with mountains on each side. This was truly a breathtaking view, and an incredibly special moment. A piece of scenery I will never forget.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner, amazing conversation, then grabbed some wood and headed back to our accommodations to start a bit of a bon-fire. The fire got going and so did we. We all circled up and did “roses, thrones, and buds”, something good, something bad, and something we were looking forward to. It was great to hear everyone and have a bit of sharing time before our fire was extinguished. Although we were all pretty tired we could help but stay up star-gazing. The moon and stars were like nothing I’d ever seen. We were miles and miles and miles from the nearest city and nothing nearby us created significant light pollution. It was absolutely stunning.

Eventually, we headed to bed, I wrestled with shutting the generator off (well actually Victor finally got it), closed our mosquito nets and dozed off.

The next morning, Sunday, I awoke earlier than others tossed on some clothes and went for an early morning walk. This walk was again, absolutely stellar. It was nearly silent out, no cars, no people, just the sounds of the birds, the wind, and the rain. Although a bicycle rode by, it was one of the most peaceful moments of my life.

We eventually worked our way to breakfast, where we chowed down on some mandazi’s (I’m seriously digging this food!) and then a cohort of us trekked over to Sunday mass. Mass was conducted in primarily the local language, but there were bits of English. The music was great, there dancing was fun, and the large auditorium quickly became standing-room only as nearly all of Nyumbani was there.

One of the most touching, and admittedly emotional, moments for me was offering. A few of us walked up to contribute, then I looked around. Everyone was contributing. Every person in the building walked up and placed something in the offering basket. Everyone. It was absolutely incredible. This community, living in what we would consider poverty, was rich in spirit and gave everything they could  back to their community and church. It was so amazing to see.

After about 2.5 hours we ducked out of the service, rejoined our group for a little Frisbee and then an early lunch. We waited for the keys (although Victor ended up breaking the lock) to the basket room and honey room where we all picked up a few things as both souvenirs and things we can use here!

This weekend was truly incredible in so many ways, and I can’t help but be grateful that it fell so close to my birthday. As if these memory’s weren’t strong enough, this weekend just topped it off.

Pictures: Click Here