My journey to Kijabe, Kenya, began with a bit of a surprise at Orlando Airport. I was stopped at the gate because I needed a Kenyan visa. Thankfully, it only took 20 minutes to sort out, and I was on my way. I was definitely grateful for getting to the airport three hours early! The flight from JFK to Kenya was a welcome change of pace. For the first time in ages, I had a proper hot meal on a plane! No more sad, cold chips for me!
About six hours into the flight, an announcement echoed through the cabin: “Is there a doctor on board?” Naturally, I, along with three other physicians, sprang into action. We found a passenger experiencing severe nausea and retching. For the next three hours, we worked together, utilizing the plane’s medical kit, including starting an IV (grateful there was an anesthesiologist on board)
to stabilize the patient. Thankfully, they recovered well and were so grateful they offered to take us all to dinner upon landing!
Getting through the Nairobi airport was surprisingly fast and easy. I was met by Peter, a friendly taxi driver sent by Kijabe Hospital. We made a quick stop for groceries, and then Peter took me to the Great Rift Valley overlook. And “great” doesn’t even begin to describe it! Stretching thousands of kilometers, from Lebanon in the Middle East to Mozambique in Southeast Africa, the Great Rift Valley is a geological marvel. The view was absolutely breathtaking—a vast, dramatic landscape that truly puts things into perspective.
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We finally arrived at the hospital, where I was greeted by a lovely housekeeper who showed me to my accommodation. She then took me on a walk through the Kijabe shopping center. Let’s just say the hills and roads here are no joke! I quickly realized my fitness level isn’t quite what it used to be. I’ve got some serious acclimating to do!
The time difference is proving to be a bit of a challenge, too. And of course, I’m missing my little Michael (my 6-month-old son) and my wonderful wife, Alicia, terribly.
We ended the day with a video call—a good night for me, a good afternoon for them. Seeing their faces was the perfect end to a long, eventful day.
I’m incredibly excited to be here in Kijabe and to begin my medical service. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the culture and getting to know the people here. I know this will be an unforgettable experience.