We are very grateful to you for financially supporting our medical elective at Kijabe hospital. Your generosity enabled us to spend five weeks serving, learning and growing both clinically and spiritually. This report hopefully shows the impact of your support, and the ways in which our elective has shaped us as future doctors and followers of Christ.

Arriving in Nairobi and further travelling to Kijabe was both exciting and overwhelming. We were immediately shown the visible poverty, with children begging on the streets, and the stark contrast to healthcare in the UK. Despite this, we received a very warm welcome from the staff at Kijabe. From the beginning it was clear that AIC Kijabe is a place where great clinical work and Christian faith are intertwined.

One of the most significant differences we encountered was the late presentation of diseases. Many patients delayed seeking care due to financial burdens, which resulted in complications from otherwise treatable conditions. These experiences challenged us emotionally and showed us the importance of fully trusting in God’s plan, particularly when caring for patients our own age experiencing end of life care. In the midst of suffering, we saw a steadfast dependence on God. We were continually reminded of the truth in Psalm 23- that even in the darkest valleys, the Lord is present.

The most impactful aspect of our elective was witnessing how faith shapes healthcare here in Kijabe. Ward rounds and surgeries began with prayer. Scripture was shared with staff and patients. Chapel is a central part of hospital life. A quote that deeply resonated with us during a chapel service was “Doctors may heal bodies, but only Jesus heals souls.” The doctors here serve Christ so joyfully, working long hours and never complaining which was so incredible to witness. They consistently pointed patients to Christ, reminding us that true healing and eternal hope are found only in Jesus.

This elective has challenged us to rethink what it means to be Christian doctors. We were shown that every patient encounter is an opportunity to reflect christ. We had opportunities to pray with patients and participate in ward rounds that included scripture. Although at times we felt clinically underqualified, God used this to teach us to depend on him rather than our own abilities.

This experience stretched our faith in many ways. We had to adjust to a new environment, we faced some illness whilst being here and we wrestled with how best to love and serve people wisely, particularly when facing expectations placed on us as visitors. Through these things, God has taught us the importance of prayer and trusting him in uncertainty. We have been reminded of our calling to “live as children of the light”- Ephesians 5:8, aiming to reflect Christ in everything we have been doing here.

One of our greatest blessings during our time here has been the community that we have become a part of. We’ve experienced fellowship with people from all over the world, had amazing hospitality from missionary families and been encouraged by fellow staff and students. This community sustained us through challenging moments and reminded us of the unity we share in Christ across cultures, and we truly feel we have made friends for life!

Your financial and prayerful support has had a lasting impact. Through your generosity we have witnessed Christ centred healthcare, we have grown in confidence as doctors and disciples, and we’ve experienced first-hand the global church at work. As we prepare to go back to the UK and begin work as junior doctors, we now have a greater sense of our calling to serve Christ through medicine.

Thank you for partnering with us in this incredible journey. Your support has enabled us to grow as servants of Christ. We are deeply thankful for your generosity, prayers and encouragement.