CBCC Reaches Out…..WAY OUT!

Hey guys!  My name is Blair and you may have seen me out recruiting at one of your favorite blood drives.  But for two weeks in July I was MIA.  I went on a mission trip to Kenya, Africa with Mt. Holly United Methodist Church in Rock Hill SC.  We participated in water filter, clothing, and medical supply distribution.  We also worked with a school for boys called Streets of Hope, SOH.  SOH takes boys ages 8-12 off of the streets and gives them a safe place to live, food to eat, and a chance to go to school.

When my group was giving out the water filters, we also did health sanitation presentations.  We taught people the importance of washing their hands and how “microbes” or germs in the water can make them sick – explaining to them that dirty water can cause dysentery, malaria, typhoid and cholera.  By providing water filters and teaching the people how to dispose of dirty water and trash, we can give them a healthier lifestyle.  This helps them avoid medical bills, spend more time working their “shamba” (farm) and keeps children in school.  It’s incredible what a little clean water can do.

After an experience like that, imagine how I feel if I mistakenly leave the water running while I brush my teeth!

One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was delivering a huge box of supplies for the local clinics.  The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas donated these medical supplies for me to distribute during my trip.  I presented part of the box of medical goodies to Bill Coble.  Bill is the founder of Start with One International and the Executive Member of the National Health Board of the United Methodist Church representing the Kopanga Clinic in Migori and Lakeside Sori Health Clinic at Lake Victoria in Kenya.  Our group also donated some of the CBCC supplies to Rev. Zabalon Kuria who represents the PCEA Nakuru West Clinic in Nakuru Kenya.

Everything about Kenya was so different from the U.S. – other than peoples’ basic needs.  No matter what culture you live in, everyone needs the same things.  I am sure I missed a lot of amazing blood drives but I am so grateful for this experience.  And I am so glad I got to spread a little bit of CBCC love to the incredible people of Kenya!