Essential Supplies for Kenya
In just shy of a week, Dennis and I are boarding an early morning flight to LAX, then to Paris, and on to Nairobi. Even though I’ve traveled to Kenya over a dozen times, These trips still take lots of planning and preparation. I stay organized by making lists. Yellow and blue sticky notes dot my desk, the Kanban board in my office and the kitchen counter. I’ve also compiled a “master list” of things to do before takeoff. And, of course, I have my trusty “what to pack” list that I’ve revised over the years. Basically, what I have is organized chaos. The queen sized bed in the guest room is covered with all sorts of things ready to go into a suitcase or a backpack. Some things are essential: malaria meds, antibiotics, passports, ATM cards, Kenya Visa and money. Other things are extras but have become essential: Hot Tamales, Sweetarts, almonds and gifts for my friends in Kenya. Fortunately, the two large suitcases with donated wound care and ostomy supplies are filled to the brim and ready to go. (Thank you Sacramento area wound and ostomy nurses!!)
Planning is good. It gives me the best shot at having what I need for the journey (and helps quell my recurring dream that I am at the airport with only flip flops for shoes and NO malaria meds). But I’ve also learned over the years of traveling, that as prepared as I think I am, things do not always go as planned. And then there is the question, “How much is enough? How much do I really need to pack and carry?”
I am reminded of another journey several years ago. I had embarked on a pilgrimage of 500 miles walking through Spain, carrying what I needed on my back. Throughout this month-long walk, my path crossed with an older nun several times. She was lithe, but sturdy. Her hair white and closely cropped. She carried only a small bundle on her back–more like a cloth bag with strings in contrast to me and my oversized, crammed-full backpack, causing my feet to blister and my right hip to seize up. Although we didn’t speak the same language, I was drawn to her. She seemed to be the complete opposite of me. She carried next to nothing on her back and she had a sense of contentment and peace about her. I was intrigued by this woman. Did she simply trust that all would be well and that she could find what was needed when she needed it? Would she have to rely on the kindness of strangers when in need?
Me on the other hand, had over-prepared for every contingency and still, as I walked, lived in fear. Fear of losing my way. Fear of not finding a place to stay for the night. Fear of getting injured. Fear of failure. Perhaps this is the fear born out of self-reliance and pride. Unbeknownst to her, this nun was a gift to me. Through her simple presence, I was able to see that underneath all that “stuff” I carried with me–my illusions, my need for control, my need to be prepared–perhaps I was just like her–a seeker, a pilgrim in search of contentment and peace.
So, as I prepare for this upcoming trip to Kenya, I still have my lists and sticky notes, but I can laugh a little easier when I get overwhelmed, knowing that as long as I have all the essentials, everything will fall into place. And more importantly, knowing that my peace and contentment come from Christ, who journeys with me. Always.
Thank you for traveling along with us on this road of mercy. This trip will include ongoing palliative care teaching for community health volunteers and nurses. We hope to make home visits and visit some area hospitals as we get closer to furnishing Rehema Open Door.
My wonderful husband has been working hard behind the scenes to help create our nonprofit, Always Mercy, and lately, trying to make the work we are doing in Kenya more visible. Our website has been updated too!
We (in which, I mean Dennis and Always Mercy to be exact) are even on Facebook.
You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MercyAlways/
(Unfortunately the Facebook “username” Always Mercy was previously taken, so the username for our nonprofit is backwards on Facebook: MercyAlways) We hope to post photos during our time in Kenya, so stay tuned.
Or, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/always-mercy/
(Also, for those of you who are perplexed when you see an invite from “cdboehlesilva” or “Chris Boehle-Silva”, fear not, he’s not stalking you. Dennis’ first name is Christopher and his middle name is Dennis. He is still the same person and answers to both.)
Always Mercy,
Pamela
