An Honor

This line of work we have chosen is largely unpredictable. It would be more convenient for all parties if babies could be delivered on a schedule of our making. Some would argue - "Where's the fun in that?" We might argue - "We could get a lot more sleep!"
But in the end, it is all about timing and location.

Delivering a baby in Africa comes with many uncertainties, but God was shining on the McLaughlin gang as they added another member to their family. There are many ways things could have gone wrong. The power outages, the lack of continuous fetal monitoring, the uphill walk to the hospital, the lack of privacy at the hospital, the limited resources for neonatal resuscitation . . . shall we go on?

But this was to be a blessed delivery - a successful labor at home (and indeed there was a power outage), a safe walk in the dark to the hospital, a private OR to deliver in, perfect fetal heart tones and an inspiring mother and supportive father. It was truly a special moment, that may well be, the highlight of our time in Africa.

Thank you Rachel, Eric and baby Benjamin Kenneth Kipruto McLaughlin. It was an honor to be part of your special day.