Fall Updates - by Mike

Some quick stories of our life here at Tenwek...

Offloading the new equipment from KidsOR

A few years ago I applied to KidsOR for brand new pediatric surgery equipment. It took several hours to write the grant request and a visiting pediatric surgeon (Dr Iocono) took care of the clinical work while I typed away at my desk - Thanks Joe!

Several challenges including COVID delayed the arrival of the shipment. But a few weeks ago a 20 foot container arrived at Tenwek full of equipment. I am so excited to start using the new gear (cause I'm a gear freak) and to continue to improve the quality of the care we offer to our community's children.

Dr Alain (white cap) teaching our chief general surgery resident Dr Sinkeet (blue cap) an operation on a neonate

After returning to Kenya 5 years ago, I have finally been able to begin training pediatric surgeons at Tenwek. So far two fellows have completed rotations with me away from their program at Kijabe Hospital three hours away.

Dr Alain Ndibanje spent two months working with me prior to graduating and returning home to Rwanda last month. He is the second PS in his country.

Dr Yves Mpongo spent 6 weeks with me prior to my back surgery in August. Hopefully he will return next year for another rotation prior to graduating. Dr Mpongo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, married a wonderful woman from Cameroon, completed general surgery training in Niger, worked as a general surgeon in Burundi and is now halfway through his PS training in Kenya. He and his wife Shakina continue to pray about where they will serve.

Leaders from Tabitha have finally been able to resume meeting

We thank God that none of the Tabitha women have been diagnosed with COVID despite community spread in our area.

After months of avoiding gathering in large groups as per government direction, our home was blessed with 20 leaders yesterday. It was so good to see their faces again.

Pray with Tabitha as they, along with everyone around the globe, struggle to address the issues of COVID with wisdom and grace.

Caleb's morning devotional

Back to school!

Caleb is so excited to be in first grade. With his big sister enjoying the blessing of a school teacher in another location, he gets to use the "classroom" in our house. 

Eden has one classmate in sixth grade this year and also has been able to do an online Spanish class. It's exciting for us to watch her grow.

Eden - in front of our banana trees

In the recovery room

It's been five weeks since the operation on my spine. I tried to go back to work last week but found it was too early. I'm doing well at home again and plan to return to work next week. A bit of time and some more physical therapy seem to be sufficient. I remain incredibly grateful for how God has provided.