10/31/2012
This morning I accompanied Fr. George and Seminarian Peter back to Kiambiu to visit the sick and elderly Christians in the Holy Trinity congregation. Fr. George prayed with each person and their family and served them communion in their homes. First, we visited an elderly woman who was suffering from dementia. Next, we met Harriet, who was sitting on the ground enjoying the sun. She was especially jovial as she welcomed all of us and took my hand to tug me up the hill towards her home. We proceeded to visit Alenye, who has suffered from polio since she was a child. Finally, we visited Njuki and his family. Njuki was a carpenter and was attacked by thieves as he made his way home in 2005. The bullet remained lodged in his backbone for six months because he did not have the funds to have it removed. Now, he is bedridden. His wife cares for him and their three children by selling chapati (bread similar to nan) along the paths of Kiambiu.
*Names were changed for privacy.
When we finished visiting with the sick and aged from Kiambiu, I accompanied Peter and Fr. Eddy to visit more well-to-do parishioners in Buru Buru. We visited a 16 year old girl who suddenly lost use of her legs due to a rare health condition. We visited two elderly women who were very happy to see us and finally we conversed with Mr. Mugo, who was a founding member of the Holy Trinity congregation. He was attacked by thieves in his country home, who cut his left leg and left arm in half. Fortunately, doctors were able to help him. He is now in a wheelchair, but can stand and hopes to walk very soon. He entertained us with stories of the church founding, which was facilitated by Fr. Jack Quinn, an American priest of Maryknoll congregation in Nairobi
That afternoon, Fr. Eddy and Peter took me upcountry to visit their childhood homes. Just beyond the hustle and bustle of congested Nairobi, lies a beautiful countryside with rich, green grass, valuable crops and gorgeous landscape.
We visited Fr. Eddy's parents' home first, where his mother served us traditional Kenyan tea, with milk instead of water. I learned that she is a retired nurse. Her husband, Fr. Eddy's father, retired from a career as banker and now owns a butcher shop, just a short drive away.
Peter's father, Joseph Mungai, is also retired from a while-collar career. Now, he manages his farm, which he presented to us in the evening. The land is surely the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen. The rolling hills are alive with abundant cash crops such as coffee, maize, bananas, tea, and avocado. Mr. Mungai led me down the steep hill of his farm to explain how each plant is cared for and processed. I learned so much! After climbing back up the hill, we visited the farm animals, including cows, a bull and sheep. This was the first time I've touched a bull...and he kissed me! Mr. Mungai explained how he cares for the animals and even let me feed them. He is such an intelligent man and obviously passionate about his second career. His enthusiasm was contagious.
We finished the visit with tea in the house with Peter's mother, Agnes Wanjiru, who made traditional tea for us to enjoy.
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