16 December 2010

Back to Kenya

One month from today, I'm headed back to Kenya.  And I'm taking Mom with me. 

I first traveled Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa, as part of the three-week SHARE Kenya medical mission during my fourth year of medical school.  I'd been interested in medicine in developing countries before starting medical school and this was my first such experience.  Now, I'm returning, structuring my trip as an elective rotation during my last year of residency.  We'll be there from January 17 through February 9, 2011.  I'll be working in a clinic in the village of Masara most of the time, with some time spent rotating in an Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu.  I plan to train Mom to assist in the clinic amongst other social learning encounters around Kisumu.  We aim to go on a short safari through the Maasai Mara at the end of our time.  Afterwards, I'll head (solo) to Morocco for 10 days on my way home. 

Please see my mother's letter (below) to our friends and family, asking for support.  This year, I've only asked Santa for support for our trip, and I ask the same of you.  We look forward to hearing from y'all via Facebook or this blog.  Please be in touch, and keep our trip and Dr. Bonyo's Kenya Mission in your prayers.

From Mom:

Dear Family and Friends,


On January 17, 2011, Travis and I will be headed to Kisumu, Kenya for a 3.5-week medical mission trip. Travis has committed one of his elective rotations during his last year of residency to returning to the Mama Pilista Bonyo Memorial Health Centre in the village of Masara, roughly one hour from Kisumu. During this time, he will be the sole physician at this clinic working alongside its one full-time nurse. He will also spend some time rotating with one of the staff physicians at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu. And I am beyond thrilled to be going with him to assist in any way possible.


We’re very excited to have this opportunity to serve together. I’ve always wanted to experience life as a missionary, so when Travis traveled to Kenya three years ago on his first true medical mission I mentioned how cool it would be for us to go on such a trip together in the future. When Travis decided to return to Kenya, Randolph suggested I go with him. I’ve booked my flight and have finished my series of 10 vaccines in preparation for the trip.


The purpose of this letter is to inform you of our trip and to ask for your support. It is going to cost us each about $3000 for our transportation, vaccines, and housing. We will also be purchasing supplies once in Kisumu, including medications, toothpaste, and multivitamins. We would appreciate any contributions you would feel comfortable making to defray these costs. Donations made directly to us will not be tax deductible, but even the smallest donation can provide life-saving medications and a fresh opportunity for those in extreme need. If you would prefer you could make tax deductible donations to Bonyo’s Kenya Mission, the non-profit organization that serves as the primary financial backer of this clinic.


Two other ways you might support our trip is with supplies and prayers. Travis says we will take with us multi-vitamins, tooth brushes, toothpaste, gently worn prescription and reading glasses, and gently worn children’s clothing; any of these you would give us we’ll take with us to Kenya. Or again, monetary donations we receive will go in part towards such supplies. Finally, we (and the people of Masara) would deeply appreciate your prayers, this January and beyond.


While we are in Kisumu, we will be sharing our trip with you as we can. Please find us on Facebook, or on Travis’s blog.


We hope you’ll start the New Year by supporting and following our trip with your prayers and your gifts.

In Love and Gratitude,

Cheryl Bias
1329 Braided Rope Dr.
Austin, TX 78727
Mobile 512.750.0845

2 comments:

  1. i'm so jealous you're going back, but i know that i will return as soon as i am able. have a great time and good luck! hopefully we'll get to do some of this together in the future!

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  2. You should add a little paypal button here or something to make it super easy for people to donate. Best of luck to you and your mom!

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