Trip to Kenya's South Coast and Ukunda, Part Four: an amazing visit at Shimba Hills village, witnessing a miracle

I first met Katunge (seated in the wheelchair) at Shimba Hills in 2002. She was sitting on the ground on market day, making makuti (roof shingles) out of palm fronds. She called out to me, 'Mzungu, kaa hapa (white lady, sit here)", which I proceeded to do. We've been friends ever since then.

Ha, ha! The cat is also posing in this picture, as Katunge and I sit on her bed chatting.

During this recent visit, I found out that Katunge (now 90 years old), had recently suffered a stroke. She was at home alone when it happened and collapsed on the ground inside her mud house, her right leg and arm suffered from paralysis.

Katunge is now back at home after six months in a hospital. Her grandson (wearing a white t-shirt) helps her before he leaves for school and after he gets home, but mostly she's alone during the day. She told me (through translation) that she's not able to do much. She's been praying for a wheelchair and asked if I could provide her with one. I asked Stella (Masudi's mom, in the orange dress), if she knew of any organization that could provide Katunge with a wheelchair.

Just then, Mody (Masudi's nephew, in a blue shirt) heard a motorbike arrive and stood up to look out the door. He turned to us and stated very nonchalantly - "A wheelchair just arrived."

I jumped up saying, "What! Are you serious?"

The boda boda guy chats with Katunge briefly before leaving

Sure enough, a boda boda (motorbike taxi) had just arrived unannounced and dropped off a wheelchair for Katunge! He was there for less than five minutes and refused to say who had sent the 'miracle gift from heaven'.

After it was removed from the motorbike, Linet brought it over to Katunge

Mody and the grandson carried Katunge out of the house and put her in the wheelchair

The boda boda driver says farewell, and left as quietly as he arrived

A big pile of coconuts at Katunge's place, waiting to be sold

There was also more reason to celebrate, this time for Stella (Masudi's mom, who lives just a short distance from Katunge). My Mom had recently made it possible for her to have water piped directly to her house and stored in this large water tank. It has simplified her life in so many ways!




Linet translates as Stella says 'thank you' to my Mom.

A good looking rooster, at Stella's place

Before leaving Shimba Hills, we stopped by to see Emma (Masudi's sister) at her shop