Deliveries with a purpose

This past weekend, we headed to Lodengo (in Pokot) again for another clinic and time of encouragement with the people there.  Our times there, while at times difficult (it's very hot, there are a lot of flies, and sleeping is never a good experience) have been some of my best times here.  The people are such an inspiration to me - they persevere in spite of very difficult circumstances, have literally nothing, and truly desire to try and better their lives.  We are so excited about the changes we see going on there and the changes that are to come in the future.
One of the most exciting changes is that this time I was told that the women there are now desiring to deliver in healthcare facilities as opposed to at home.  Previously, nearly 100% of the women in this area were delivering at home with untrained birth attendants.  Because of this, infant mortality rate is extremely high in this area and many women suffer complications of childbirth.  Now that they are hearing stories like Monicah's (see previous blog), they are beginning to realize the importance of receiving prenatal care and delivering with skilled attendants. 
This trip, we brought back a total of 4 patients with us.  Two of the ladies were admitted straight to maternity.  One was past her due date and told me that her water had broken 2 WEEKS AGO.  The other had a complicated pregnancy history and had hemorrhaged after her last delivery.  So, I admitted both of them, and they both had healthy deliveries.  I was thankful they had come with us, especially because the 2nd one again had a postpartum hemorrhage which we were able to control but would have likely killed her had she delivered at home.  Praise the Lord for healthy babies and healthy moms and pray with me that there will be many more stories like this to tell in the future!

Josephine and me with baby Christina!

Pamela and baby Kipchumba