A Life Story of a Wonder Woman from Kenya
I am Martha and I live in Kenya. I am a nurse by profession and a pastor at heart. I have a great passion for a tribe living in Kenya called the Masai. I serve them through medical services, education and spiritual guidance. God has given me a burden to love, care and serve these people. I am happy to share some of my journey with you all.
Before 25 years I had started a small nursing home called ‘Matasia Nursing Home’. We began as a small health clinic, which then became a maternity home and today we are licensed as a nursing home. We have experienced the healing power of Jesus in a mighty way. Many babies have been born since the establishment of this health facility.
Some of them have now grown up and have completed high school education and are in colleges pursuing their professions. It is very encouraging for me when I see the little ones, whom I received in the world, now changed to tall, strong youth. I give God all the glory for His deeds. The facility has expanded physically, for we have an operating theatre and a VCT (voluntary counseling centre) and all other departments have been upgraded. Apart for being a nurse I have a heart for Masai people.
The Masai People are a very famous warrior tribe in Kenya whose lives center around herding cattle. They live in small settlements of 8-15 huts. Their settlements are surrounded by a thorn bush fence as an added form of protection. Inside, the family sleeps on beds of woven branches cushioned with dry grasses and animal skins. In some huts, small animals are brought into the hut in the evening to help protect them from larger and more dangerous animals as well as the cold. Masai women and girls have a variety of chores besides building the dung hut. They are expected to milk the cows and fetch water, however far that may be (perhaps 36 miles in some cases). Women also spend much time doing bead work. They decorate animal hides, gourds, and make beaded jewelry including arm and leg bracelets and amulets.
The image of a Masai man is of a warrior. He is a tall and lean man, clutching a spear in one hand with his red cloth wrapped around his waist or over his shoulders. They will marry (probably having a number of wives) and continually live together raising their families and tending their cattle.
Masai land is a semi arid area which is dry, rocky and sandy. It is very hot most of the year. There is no crop that grows and if any, it is destroyed by wild animals. Water is very scarce; there are a few boreholes (for water) within long distances which have been dug by the government. Mothers travel as far as 5-10 km down and up the hills to fetch water on their backs. They can only make one trip per day so they divide 20 or 40 liters of water between the family use and feeding the little lambs. The water is muddy and salty but they have no choice. At times they hike for transport to go very far to look for clean water without salt.
In my weekly visit I carry water in plastic containers which is just enough for their drinking needs. I firmly believe that every one in this world should at least have the privilege of pure drinking water. My primary calling is educating their children and with the help of some volunteers I also conduct a class for adults. I lead their church gatherings, worship and Bible studies.
If you all have any further question or you want to know about this mission please feel free to write to me or visit me.
Sister Martha Ngima Wamae
P.O Box 24051 code00502
Nairobi, Kenya.
E-mail:mangiwa@yahoo.com