Jimmy and Chase Miller- Serving Kenya since 2011

It was an incredibly busy 2nd week at Tenwek Hospital.  The clinical officers are on strike again which has forced patients away from governmental hospitals and more to hospitals like Tenwek where the CO's are continuing to work.  This has filled the wards up to overflowing.  this creates issues with surgical patients and post operative bed shortages. My clinic days were overwhelming.  I had more than 100 patients waiting to be seen.  I wish I had a photo of the registration line but I was literally afraid to be seen outside as the patients were pressing in and so desperate to be seen.  I could not see everyone that needed a visit despite staying in clinic as late as 10:30 at night one evening.  God was so faithful to strengthen me for those long days. The operating theater days were also very busy my second week.  I took care of a variety of problems including a bronchoscopy, tracheostomy for airway issues in a child, mandible reduction for a...

It has been an incredibly busy first week. I was unsure what to expect as the last ENT surgeon had a relatively slow 2 weeks in August.  We set up our new clinic space on Sunday afternoon in the Eye Dental Building. We have one room next to the dental team.  I had previously shipped a motorized ENT chair and SMR unit which houses suction and pressure and many of our instruments.  We brought medical equipment and supplies to equip the room this year. Monday was our first clinic day and it went well into the night.  I screened over 35 patients and started scheduling surgeries.  The process is involved for them to get clearance from the government to have NHIF coverage for procedures.  Fortunately this process has been fairly quick this year and surgeries are being scheduled.  I also had 4-5 patients on the wards waiting for me on Monday! Tuesday AM was my first OR day and I had 4 cases scheduled, none of which got performed because of the trauma that...

Jimmy and Geoffrey getting ready for water filter delivery We made it safely to Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya last Saturday!  Prayers answered for me, Jimmy, as I went through customs without one bag being searched.  All 115 water filters, drill bits and some medical equipment intact and ready to be used.  That is always a stressful time for me, but the Lord works on me to give it to Him and not to worry and when I do...I get through with His help!! First trip out was quite an adventure.  A one hour boda boda (motorcycle) ride to a small school (Lelbarak Primary School) that had been struggling with water issues.  On our way out, we had a rear tire flat, but thankfully we came across a small duka (small shop) that repairs tires!  It was quite a ride, but finally made it to our destination. Met with the head teacher and the chairman of the school board and got them setup with multiple filters and containers.  They were very thankful!!! New...

My week at AIC Cure was full of work.  We arrived in Nairobi early Sunday morning and were screening patients by that afternoon.  We saw well over 60 patients and selected 35 for surgery.  This year we had many more cleft palate surgeries which are more challenging and longer than the lip surgeries.  We worked long hours but all the surgeries were completed.  God truly watched over us and guided our hands.  We had a great team of 5 surgeons, 2 nurse anesthetists, an OR nurse, prosthodontist, office staff and 3 nonmedical workers.  We also were joined by a full time missionary surgeon and several general surgery residents.  We had several fairly sick children but God has been faithful to hear our prayers for healing.  At the end of the week dinner with the Kenyan staff we learned that 45 parents and family members were presented the Gospel and there were 9 patients that gave their life to the Lord.  One family I will not forget. ...