It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. We welcomed Joshua into the family and two weeks later I was boarding a plane for the United States. Now I’m back at Tenwek and readjusting to life here while processing a lot of information. Here’s a brief recap of my trip.
The primary reason for my trip to the states was to attend the CDC Ebola Preparedness course in Anniston Alabama. I left Tenwek Thursday afternoon and began a 36 hour journey to Atlanta (there were some long layovers) where I met up with a fellow Tenwek physician who had traveled to the states several weeks earlier for board exams and time with family. His wife’s family lives in Atlanta so I was able to stay at their home and experience some authentic southern hospitality! A comfortable bed and lots of amazing food made for a relatively easy transition (although I never fully adjusted to the time change for the entirety of the trip).
After a great time at church on Sunday we traveled to Anniston where we checked in to the Department of Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness. For the next three days we would be bussed from there to our training site where we spend the mornings in lectures learning about the latest information on the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Breaks were spent getting to know our fellow classmates (just over 30 people that week). There were a lot of truly remarkable people in attendance…I’m not quite sure how I managed to sneak in with this crowd to be honest! (Seriously…these were some amazing people and one participant has been to space four times.) Those doing the training were also highly qualified. Each person had been to West Africa and worked in an Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) and the featured presenter has a CV that would require a couple volumes to include all of his accomplishments.
After a gut busting southern buffet meal, the class would load up on a bus and we would travel to another training facility where we would practice donning and doffing PPE (putting on and taking off personal protective equipment) and run through various scenarios with mannequins, talk through table top exercises, design ETUs, and have discussions with those who had served in East Africa. These were by far the most helpful aspects of our training as we got to put into practice what we had learned. Unfortunately I don’t have pictures of this as my phone was not accessible during this part of the training. We practiced taking blood samples, cleaning up vomit, dealing with both Ebola and non-Ebola patients and transporting the sick and deceased. As you may imagine, each of these tasks have markedly increased difficulties while trying to protect yourself and others and while wearing PPE. This is one reason why so many healthcare workers have contracted the disease. Just think about wearing a couple pair of gloves and trying to perform these tasks…oh, and do it wearing a hot suit and fogged up glasses.
My colleague and I left soon after classes ended on the third day so we could return to Georgia and meet up with his family. In the time that remained, I was able to eat Chik-fil-a twice in less than 24 hours (there would have been a third time but we ran out of time in the airport), do a quick Wal-Mart shopping trip to pick up goodies for Steph and the boys, and enjoy more time with my colleague’s family. When I arrived back in Kenya Saturday night I was met by Steph and Joshua (who was clearly very excited to see me). Steph came to Nairobi to get some shopping done before picking me up. The next day we did a little bit more shopping and enjoyed a great breakfast at a mall in Nairobi before heading back to Tenwek. It was so good to be back with the boys!
Overall, it was a very valuable trip. We learned a great deal that will help us in preparing for potential cases here in Kenya. It was also a good preparation for me if I ever have the chance to head to West Africa. Thank you for covering us in prayer!!
Prayer requests
-Pray for the family of Dr. Martin Salia’s family. He was a shining example of someone displaying Christ’s love to those in need. May his family rest in the knowledge that he is now with the One whom he served so faithfully. To read more about Martin’s life click this link.
-Pray for the many healthcare workers currently and soon to be serving in West Africa. I now have the privilege to know many by name. They are brave and selfless individuals who have willingly chosen to step out and battle against an unseen and lethal enemy. (Several flew out in the days after our course and are now on the front lines of the fight.) Pray for their safety and that even in this tragedy that Jesus’s name would be proclaimed.
-Pray for everyone in West Africa. Ebola destroyed social structures that were already vulnerable. Because of many clinicians dying as well as perpetual fear, many hospitals can’t even care for general health issues. Imagine being pregnant and having no where to deliver except for home. Children, mothers, and families are dying not just from Ebola but from preventable diseases that aren’t being treated. Family units have been forever destroyed and far too many people are suffering excruciating deaths. It is easy to forget about these things when day to day life happens. Sadly, no one in West Africa has the option to forget.
-Pray for Tenwek as we continue to plan for possible Ebola or Marburg cases. Up until now there have been a few scares but no confirmed cases. We have been able to acquire most of the equipment we would need but we do not have an ideal location for treating patients with viral hemorrhagic fever. Pray that we would have wisdom as we prayerfully proceed.
-Pray for my mom as she will be traveling with my step-dad to come visit for a couple weeks. The boys are so excited to see nana and pappy and have an early Christmas celebration.
-Praise God that my trip was successful and that Steph and the boys managed well in my absence. There were a few minor injuries but nothing beyond what we normally see. We are also thankful that all our luggage (including Ebola supplies) made it through with no issues.
-Pray for me as I jump back into my work in casualty, as internship director and as the consultant for disaster preparedness. I am pretty sure that today alone I found out about more issues and problems that I have to deal with than what I have had to think about over the past month.
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
8 Comments
Debbie Eritz
Nov, 17, 2014I’ve followed you and your family for about the last 2 years and have kept you in prayer! Congratulations on your newest gift Joshua and know that now his name is mentioned in daily prayer along with the rest of your beautiful family. I consider it a privilege to read about your continued “God Work” being well done.
Aaron Kelley
Nov, 17, 2014Thank you Debbie. We couldn’t be here doing what we’re doing without the prayerful support we are showered with! It means a great deal to us to have people like you lifting us in prayer so faithfully. Thank you!
Delores Thomas
Nov, 18, 2014Thank you for taking the time to keep us up to date on what is happening in Tenwek, Kenya. God is faithful and His children must be faithful too. In spite of the sadness you have experienced, it is wonderful to see the new life He has blessed you and the family with in Joshua (the name of our own son!). Thank you also for becoming familiar with how to treat patients with ebola in as safe a manner as possible. We were saddened today to hear that Dr. Martin Salia had died while being treated here in the States. He was just too weakened by the time he arrived. May God continue to bless you and your family for your faithfulness.
Darryl Rotherforth
Nov, 18, 2014Wow! Prayers are happily provided for the work you do and for your family. We received 10% of our “preparedness” supplies so are postponing our local pre-hospital practice session until we can replace the equipment we expect to use. I can barely imagine trying to practice daily in an environment such as Tenwek. Thank you for the insight into this situation, and your presence there. Peace, Strength and Grace, Brother.
Eva Fox
Nov, 18, 2014Aaron, you and Steph are truly an inspiration to all of us. I love the “Lion King” shot of you and Joshua! As you continue to do God’s work, please know you are doing it with the love, support and prayers of all of us who follow you through your blog and Facebook posts. Having had the chance to work with you at LVH, I know what an amazing physician you are. The Tenwek are so lucky to have you and your family.
Mibei Jacob
Nov, 19, 2014Your blessings and successes directly results from your honesty, trust and faith in God! you have and will continue inspiring many. I pray that the boys will grow to emulate you and even do much more. I am thankfull that you fly and return safely and that Steph and the boys managed while you were away. I know they were also praying for you. Thank you for sharing with us Aaron.
Prayers and love!
Lisa Brey
Nov, 20, 2014Oh Aaron, it’s so wonderful to hear that you are back home safe. I am so thankful that you had a safe trip and learned so much about Ebola and can be prepared if ever needed. God is so good in how He took care of and watched over Steph and the boys while you were away and allowed you this opportunity to help by being educated. I am also glad to hear that you had Chick-Fill-a twice, had some yummy southern food, met new friends, and were able to go to Walmart. As always, I wish you, Steph, and the boys the very best and continue to keep you in my daily prayers.
Frank Martin
Nov, 21, 2014Great update! So proud of the work you do! May the Lord bless you and your family greatly. Sharon and I were honored to be with you recently. And to have the honor of dedicating baby Joshua! Wow! Thank you for asking!!! May he truly become a great warrior for the Lord!