August 18
Hey! Leilani here!
I’ve just arrived at Kendu Adventist Hospital in Kenya with three other student missionaries: Logan, Gabe, and David. We’ll be serving in many ways, including working in the hospital, helping kids at the elementary school, and hosting Vacation Bible Schools, plus a plethora of other tasks I’ve yet to discover!
August 28
Today was my first day working in the hospital. After eating a delicious breakfast, I donned my scrubs and reported to the labor and delivery ward. I had incredible experiences, including witnessing my first Cesarean section. I was filled with awe as I watched the doctor quickly cut open the patient, reach in, and take out the baby. I also witnessed the removal of an ovarian cyst and ingrown toenail. The most jaw-dropping experience was seeing a leg be amputated from the knee down.
The medical staff is eager to involve the student missionaries. I was told that I would be assisting with surgeries tomorrow and delivering babies at the end of my two-week rotation. I can’t wait!
September 18
I love Kenya. I love the people and their kind, welcoming spirit. I love hearing the roosters crow, the people speak loudly in their native language, and the constant lilt of music.
I also love working in the labor and delivery ward, assisting the surgical team and caring for newborn babies. Three mothers have asked me to name their children!
The Nyaburi Integrated School for Disabled Students is a short walk from the hospital. This school is a place of great need, so the other student missionaries and I will go there weekly to minister to the kids and raise money to improve their lives.
November 6
Today was the most memorable day I’ve had during my mission in Africa. I wanted to help deliver a baby, but each time I worked in the maternity ward, there were so many students assisting that I didn’t have an opportunity. This morning, I was the only student on duty, and two laboring mothers had been admitted at the same time. After assessing them, the nurse turned to me and said, “Leilani, whether you like it or not, you will be delivering a baby today.”
That sent a thrill of excitement through me, and I sent a quick prayer to God, asking Him to guide my hands. I donned rain boots, sterile gloves, and a protective apron. After the mother did a bit of pushing, I saw the baby’s head and knew it was time. The nurse instructed me while I guided the newborn’s head and checked to make sure the umbilical cord wasn’t wrapped around its neck. I also had to manipulate the baby’s arm and shoulder because it was slightly stuck. After that, the baby slipped out, and we placed it on the exhausted mother’s chest. She was thrilled, and so was I!
I’ve had many rewarding experiences during my time in Kenya. But the highlight was helping bring a new little life into the world!
November 8
Stepping out of my house this morning, I enjoyed the crisp morning air before the sun’s heat burned it away. I heard the shouts of laughter and the banging of pots and pans as my fellow Kenyans began their day bright and early.
When I entered the maternity ward at the hospital, a patient beamed and handed me her baby, wanting to take a photo of me holding her little one. Another patient, exhausted from her labor, asked me for my name and then christened her tiny newborn Leilani. Giving her hand a squeeze of encouragement, I knew that I had, without a doubt, found my passion and my calling.
Would you like to help make a positive impact in the lives of others? If so, please consider volunteering through Adventist Volunteer Service, which facilitates church members’ volunteer service worldwide. Volunteers age 18 to 80 may serve as pastors, teachers, medical professionals, computer technicians, orphanage workers, farmers, and more. To learn more, visit AdventistVolunteers.org.
A service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, VividFaith connects people with mission opportunities. It’s the central place to find opportunities to serve and to share your faith. Use it to advertise mission openings, find qualified applicants, share urgent needs, tell your amazing stories, and stay connected with missionaries. vividfaith.com.