More unexpected blessings

The last 2 days have been very eventful. The days have been filled with more unexpected blessings and God appointed encounters. Yesterday, (Jan 22), we arrived at Iten County hospital at 11:30 for a tour that was to be given by Dr. Mugalla after he had completed a commissioning ceremony for a new dialysis unit at the hospital. There were many local and county officials present for the ceremony including the Kenyan Ministry of Health cabinet secretary. 

Unfortunately the ceremony was delayed and as a result Dr. Mugalla was unable to give the tour. We were invited to join the ceremony and unexpectedly we were given a seat of honor with all the diplomates under the tent. At one point the cabinet secretary abruptly left the ceremony for an impromptu press conference. A few of us also left to use the bathroom, (these ceremonies are hours long in Kenya), but someone tracked us down and told us to quickly return to our seats. The cabinet secretary finally returned and asked us to stand to be recognized. He also briefly spoke about the need for a sports medicine center at the hospital and recognized our work as the initial step in this process. 

This was a complete surprise and I can only give credit to God as he works out his plan for us in Iten. I didn’t even want to go to the ceremony in the first place but God had other plans. This is a huge step for the future of sports medicine for Kenyan athletes in Iten.

This morning, (Jan 23), Wesley Korir, (the Kenyan Olympic captain, 2012 Boston Marathon winner, and former member of parliament), shuttled us to the track in Eldoret to watch a training session. There were so many elite athletes. All of them make running look effortless. They are so graceful and it is a pleasure to watch them run.

After the track workout Wesley had his driver take us to his home where we ate breakfast and met their family. We also learned about Transcend Running Academy that he and his wife, Tarah, started a few years ago. They have 30 needy students starting from 9th grade and they provide room, board, tuition and coaching for 4 years. As you would expect, part of the admission process is a race to see who has talent. They also disciple them and have plans to start a church that would include their students, (Wesley is also a preacher). They are both very gifted individuals.

In clinic this afternoon we were very busy. Yesterday we only had 2 patients and today started slowly with only 3 patients in the first 2 hours. It seemed that this would be another slow clinic day but 7 athletes showed up at the same time 45 minutes before the end of clinic. The 2 athletes we saw yesterday went and told their friends about the excellent care they had received and they all decided to come together today. Another unexpected blessing. 

We need more physical therapists and athletic trainers to help in clinic. We only have one PT/ATC to teach home exercise programs and give brief treatments. He was very busy today.

I also met with a local Pastor today who will assist us in our ministry to the coaches and athletes.

All the planning and preparation doesn’t seem to matter in Africa. Things just happen when they happen. It is definitely out of my control but I am confident God is at work. It is an exercise in patience and faith.

Jan 24 - We have 3 sick team members this morning. Fortunately I feel fine. Please pray for a quick recovery.

I am having technical difficulties with the blog. I have been trying to load this post for the past 24 hours. I will have more pictures when the connection is better.