Today we got to put our skills to the test and shadow different professionals around Kijabe. I (Brooke) shadowed at Rift Valley Academy, a missionary school for kids. I had the opportunity to shadow a first grade teacher as well as meet with a woman who had a background in early intervention, foster care and adoption, and child safety. After talking with her, I was inspired about pursuing a possible career working in foster care or adoption. If I didn’t have the opportunity to shadow here, I probably wouldn’t have become so interested in this field of work.

I (Megan) got to job shadow nurses at Bethany Kids, a children’s hospital in Kijabe. I was able to put my child life skills to the test and help distract kids and make them comfortable while I took their vitals before their doctors appointment. I got to help about 40 patients! Then I was able to work with Smile Train, and take pictures of the children before their cleft pallet surgery. It was an amazing experience!

After a yummy lunch we got an in-depth tour of Cure International Hospital. Cure is an orthopedic hospital that treats kids who were born with skeletal abnormalities. We learned that they make and ship specialized shoes to help correct some of these abnormalities (club foot) all around the world. We even saw the 3D printer that Messiah College students from our Collaboratory team made and brought to Kenya a few years ago.

During our tour, we got to see and interact with the patients who are currently hospitalized there. I (Brooke) was handed a 7 month old baby to hold without having to ask the mother if it was okay and that was the highlight of my day lol. Unlike in the United States, we did not need clearances to talk with the patients. Melanie even got to pray for one of the little girls!

Then after a fun afternoon of shopping (again) at the dukas, we took a break and drank some chai and ate samosas at Mama Chiku’s. After relaxing for a bit, we walked to a lookout point, and got to admire a BEAUTIFUL Kenyan sunset! It was the first sunset we were able to watch, so it was a very BIG deal!

After a delicious meal of pizza, chicken and french fries, we are full and exhausted. We will definitely be going to bed early, because we have to be up bright and early to hike up Mt. Longonot! Please pray for us. I (Brooke) might not make it…..

Lala salama,

by Brooke and Megan