A day at Tenwek

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 I thought I would give you a snapshot of an ordinary day at Tenwek.  The morning walk to clinic is cool 50 degrees but there is hope of warmth to come.

"...that you may know the HOPE to which he has called you the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18

The topography is unlike anything you would see in the states.  the trees are lush, roads dusty, and the smell of cow manure in the air.


Morning rounds are always an adventure.  There is no privacy for these patients.  Families intermingle and help each other with translation of the languages.  Families are responsible for supplying their loved ones with food. the hospital cafeteria burned down several years ago.



This trip I have had 3 residents to teach.  2 family medicine residents and 1 general surgery resident.  I could not do the work without them.  We have been averaging 30-50 patients a day in clinic.  Each patient takes a fair amount of time once the language is translated and the electronic record is completed.  

ENT team

As usual, clinic is full of patients with advanced problems.  These require a lot of prayer and discernment on who to treat.  below is a 34 year old man presenting with pain in the left face.  This has been a long standing problem but recently has become painful.  Pain is usually a sign of malignant change.


This year the Lord has blessed us with new equipment.  I have been looking for an operative microscope to use in the operating theater.  I have a smaller microscope that I use in the office for minor procedures but a more advanced microscope for bigger cases has been a great need. I have been using the neurosurgical microscope for emergencies but it is often not available when needed.  A donor bought a microscope for the ophthalmology operating theater and it arrived last week.  To everyones surprise it was an ENT microscope, not Eye.  It was generously given to me.  What an amazing blessing!  I have done 2 ear cases so far and have another one scheduled for this week.  There is a tremendous amount of chronic ear disease here.  Again very advanced disease so we need to pick and choose those we think we can help.


I spent Thursday and Friday in the operating theater this week.  These days were designated Kenyan holidays but the staff graciously came in so I could care for the many surgical patients.  We removed tonsils, did sinus surgery and ear surgeries.  All the patients have done well which can only be by the Lord's hand in these circumstances.  I am forever grateful and give all honor and glory to the Lord.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the patients and for God's work!

Chase










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