More interesting people

Habori (hello),

Joseph our chef with the

biggest Avocado ever

Another day at the clinic and I am surprised that I am still getting surprised. One pretty huge goitre, some secondary syphilis, a couple of beatings and a lady who was attacked by rats. When does it stop?

I am still on the outer in the majority of consults with my lack of Swahili - getting the summary of the history from Robert and then asked for a diagnosis. It is funny how much can be picked up without understanding even one word though.
Father Michael has left for the states at the moment and I am here with Mbugua, Michael and the staff. The staff have the most interesting stories. Just then at lunch I discovered our chef, Joseph is caring for three families. His own, and four other girls, whose fathers (2 of Josephs brothers) died from Aids. He used to work at a 5 star international restuarant however took up this position because of stability and the guarantee of a constant income (which I can now understand he would definately need).
An issue continually the focus of conversation here is that of education. It seems every Kenyan talks about the difficulites involved. The government pays for a primary education, but from there (High school and university/diplomas) it must be fully funded by the person. This equates to the rich staying rich and the poor staying poor. Many wish to continue on but without the Kenyan Shillings cannot and so take up jobs that pay very little to just fill their stomachs.

It is a perpetual cycle, one no matter how motivated and smart the individual is will not be beaten. I now understand why we are 'The lucky country'.

The boys working hard...... so okay it was tea-break time and Dr Robert was educating me on the role of government or something.