A group from International Anglican Church recently visited the clinic in Kibali, Rwanda in June 2009.  Below are some reflections on that trip and the impact this race can have.

It is heart-wrenching to nurse a sick child. Joel, our 6-year-old son, has had digestive problems for a week -- ever since the last days of our trip to Rwanda. (“Liquid-D” is the new euphemism). Imodium and Pepto have been our friends. Yesterday I broke down and called the doctor. “I am sorry, but our next open appointment is on Monday,” I was told. “I understand,” I replied, “I am wondering if you could pass on my concerns to Dr. Kent…. This is Lisa Puckett and we’ve recently returned from Africa …” I began. She recognized my voice, as I did hers. After hearing Joel’s symptoms, Dr. Kent worked him into the last slot, stayed late on the eve of a holiday, and sent us home with a “collection kit” and instructions to drop it off at the nearest hospital (which we can see from our window).

A family who attends our sister  church (notice that the mother is carrying a baby in the sling tied to her back).

 

 

This morning we are thankful that Joel is bouncing back. He is smiling and has eaten his first meal in many days. Now sadly, Cory, our 8-year-old son, is sick. The passing of germs from one to the other and the improvement on Joel’s part makes me hopeful that this sickness is caused by a virus and not the feared bacteria or parasites. Perhaps both boys will be on their feet to celebrate the 4^th tomorrow. If that’s not the case, we are thankful that trained professionals in white lab coats are examining Joel’s specimen, even as we mow the lawn and watch fireworks.

Bright eyes!

 

As I sit rubbing Cory’s back, my mind wanders to Rwanda. I imagine the mothers that we met. Our visits were too short to hear their individual stories, yet we learned enough to imagine what it would be like to nurse my sick child in Rwanda. I wonder: Where would Cory rest if our home is 300 sq. ft. and shared by our Rwandan-sized family of seven? Where would I sit to hold his head while Cory is ill and the latrine is outside and no more than a hole? With what would I quench his thirst, knowing that the water, which was carried ½ mile from the nearest well, is likely the cause of his illness? Would I leave Cory’s side to boil the water on the kitchen fire outside – surely Joel couldn’t do that and Jason would be out working one of the three jobs needed to support our family? Where would I turn for help when Cory’s sickness returns day after day, stealing what nourishment he gleaned from the plantains and peas grown on our land? How many of my children would become ill, their bodies already weakened by malnutrition and incessant respiratory infections?

One of our most anticipated stops in Rwanda was to visit the Kibali Clinic that is being built by our sister church. Last year’s Run for Rwanda raised $18,000 and enabled the construction and completion of the maternity ward. In the 45 days that the clinic had been open, over 30 babies have been born here. The rooms are simply furnished and clean with two beds and bassinettes in each. Last week we were pleased to see that the third wing of the clinic is now under construction. While workers busily placed beam and brick, patients waited in the shade at the entrance. A toddler rested in his mother’s arms. An elderly woman lay on a cot spread between two poles. This cot is called a “Rwandan Ambulance” and is used to transport the sick and women in labor over hills and dirt paths.

Kibali Clinic Entrance

The Kibali clinic will serve 12,000 people in this rural, heavily populated area and has three nurses on staff. The Rwandan government equips and staffs the clinics, though it relies on the church to construct the buildings. There is a hospital in the town of Byumba, about four miles away, but there are only two “real” ambulances to service the thirty other clinics and more than 700,000 residents of this steep and rocky region of Rwanda. Consequently, this local clinic is vital to the health needs of the Kibali community.

My mind wonders again: If our family lived in Kibali and there suffered from “Liquid-D,” now we would have access to a clinic with a nurse and a small lab facility. They too might know me by name and fit us into their schedule. I would be thankful for their knowledgeable help and the medicine provided. My sons would be in good hands.

On this 4^th of July I am thankful to have my precious sons, scientists in a lab, clean water running from the tap, and a doctor who is armed with an arsenal of colleagues, facilities and medications. I long for the same for my brothers and sisters in Rwanda. This clinic is an important, life-saving step. I pray that this year’s Run for Rwanda will be successful in raising the funds required for its completion. This is not the end of their healthcare needs, but it is an important first step. I pray that perhaps the 2010 run can raise money for water purification, community health education, and solar power or a generator. Then maybe someday … a motorized ambulance!