Matunda, Kenya

A Matatu is a Toyota van, the old box style, which seats seven. Ours was revamped to seat twelve. Twenty people packed onboard for the several mile journey to Matunda. That was the beginning; other

 modes of transportation were used including boda-boda (bicycle taxi), and a Toyota truck with a camper and seats in the back. It sat about ten but they continued to pack it until every foot was taken. Two people standing, bent over (the roof was only head high when we were seated) with butt in face and one person’s elbow six inches from my eye. I will try to attach a photo when I get to an internet that is faster than the 31 kbps that is typical for the area.

Oh yes, also, a short journey in the back of a pick-up with several of us and grain for a grandmother caring for her grandchildren.

We also walked five miles, in the rain, to visit the grandkids that were in school.

TI assists this grandmother through sponsors of the children. We took the food and some supplies. She was grateful.

Her house consisted of an empty room with the exception of handmade chair, coffee table (for eating) and handmade couch (wood bench with cushion). In the opposite corner were some pots and food. The neighboring building housed the kitchen (a fire pit on the dirt floor) with nothing else and an adjoining animal pen where the grandson (15) has started to breed rabbits to sell.

The land had corn (maize) planted that will supply them for the year. TI is assisting them to become self-sufficient.

In the front yard are the children’s parents; buried years before, only marked by a mound of dirt that separates the area from the rest of the property.

An open well had been abandoned after the parents were buried nearby. They now travel to the river or neighbor’s to retrieve water.

The area is overwhelmingly beautiful. The children, who have absolutely nothing, are happy. Life is simple.