The hospital felt like “a completely different world” to me. Despite the simple conditions, the medical tasks themselves were familiar. In addition to placing IV lines, drawing blood, and giving vaccinations, I was able to treat wounds, set up infusions, and conduct patient consultations. Surprisingly, I was allowed to work quite independently and grew with the responsibility that came with it.

Particularly memorable were moments such as assisting with a birth, suturing cuts after motorcycle accidents, or treating a diabetic patient whose toes had already become necrotic and would most likely need to be amputated later. It was also very moving to see that some patients were unable to receive necessary treatments for financial reasons, sometimes because of the equivalent of just a few cents. Improvisation was part of everyday life; materials were sometimes “sterilized” manually, and at times even disinfectant was unavailable. What impressed me most was the calm atmosphere in the hospital. There was rarely any rush. I often heard the word “Relax,” because in the end, a solution was always found for every uncertainty.

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I stayed with the Sisters - initially with some skepticism, but later with great gratitude. I was warmly welcomed, lived in a simple but cozy house, and learned a lot about Kenyan culture. Shared dinners, conversations, and outings - such as attending a traditional celebration made my stay very special. At the hospital, too, people interacted on an equal footing. Hierarchies felt less noticeable than at home, and I truly felt like part of the team.

An absolute highlight was a three-day safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Even the journey through the country was impressive. On our very first game drive, we saw a leopard, and later lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and many other animals. Spending the night in a tent in the middle of the park and visiting a Maasai village made those days unforgettable.

Looking back, my stay was far more than just a medical internship. I learned a great deal professionally, overcame personal boundaries, and above all got to know the people and their stories. These three weeks profoundly changed my perspective on medicine, justice, and gratitude.

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Hannah, January 2026