Mama Jason

Jason's momma (momma Jason here in Kenya-) here with us for 3 whole weeks! I am so glad that Nevaeh is able to meet here and still can't believe the only other family member she has met is my brother Tim. She doesn't know any other of her 5 uncles and 3 aunts, 3 cousins, any many other relatives. Mamma Witt brought many gifts to bring Righteous and Nevaeh joy as well as firsts. They had their first Lucky Charms and really liked them but Jason and I hid them and only eat it when they are sleeping or in another room. It always is special when somebody gets to step into our lives for a bit. Mamma Witt has been keeping a journal and writes about what she has seen each day. A common phrase when we were driving up here from Nairobi was, "I cannot believe people actually live like this". She has asked us why we picked this place to be our home and the answer is you need to only walk out of our compound to see a great need, how can we turn away and pretend we have nothing to offer.
Yesterday was a busy day. Our morning started off by walking to a local village of the Malochote people group. Less then a mile away from the paved road and civilization these people live in the mud houses with no electricity. When we walked through the village the mothers and children our outside their homes, preparing a meal or making mats to sit on. Everyone is friendly and greets us.
We got to visit the nursery school of the village that was started by some friends of ours. Each class sings us a different song. It brings such a fifferent perspective after walking through their village- these children are getting an education to make their lives different from that of their parents. They are all learning english, receive a meal for lunch, and have a chance to learn about the necessities to living a healthy life.
Mamma Witt is quick to take a picture of anything and everything. It is intersting for me to realize that so much has become so normal for me to see but for an American it is foreign. Here we are looking for crocodiles and hippos in the Tana River but only see a couple of boys taking a bath.
We got to go to Madogo and meet with the Public Health Officer. Mamma Witt has worked at the Health Department in VA for 22 years. It was good to ask questions about what is being done to talk about prevention of AIDS and what medical treatment is being offered. We learned that they is talk that it might soon be mandatory, here in Kenya, that if someone wants to see the doctor they first have to get an Aids test done.
We went to visit the Madogo clinic/hospital. We briefly talked to one of the nurses that was their and she said she see over 50 patients every day. It seemed she was tired and after looking around to see the limited supply of medicine and equipment that was their I know I would feel tired and overwhelmed. There is some really sick people and not the proper medical supplies to meet the need. I am glad that Mamma Witt can see all that America has and see how the people their are truly blessed as a nation. After living here I realized so much I have taken for granted growing up and really know what a privileged everything was starting from education to health care and beyond.