September 19th began like any other day: Preparing for work with my wife and dashing out at 7a.m to beat the morning jam. We take a matatu to town and another to Westlands where we both work. What had I planned to do that Friday? Go for Anne Ofula’s burial (her husband Raymond is a good friend and I had grieved with him on the loss of his wife of 32 years) and prepare my hand over notes as I was leaving for Denmark the following day (my ticket and visa were ready). When we were in the matatu to Westlands, we discussed some of these things. Just after Consolata church the matatu breaks failed. I recall holding the handle above the door (we were both seated in front) since I was not belted up and for the next few seconds, watched what the driver was going to do. We were fast approaching traffic that had stopped ahead at the round about. The driver swerved to the right and rammed very hard to a stationary Nissan van ahead. He swerved to save himself, and we were the sacrificial lambs – the impact was hard and on our side.

The windscreen shattered infront of us but forward and outwards. That was the first miracle. Second miracle was that we were not flung out despite the impact. Our legs took in the impact and were temporarily trapped. I had excruciating pain and could only scream out loud for help as the rest of the passengers quickly ran out, unhurt. Meanwhile my wife, in anger, hit the driver several times while he retorted back that “this happens”. We were freed from the mangled wreckage and placed on the side of the road with Kenyans crowding aorund us, as usual. At this time my ankle and my knee were swollen and paining and numb and I was sure that I had a fracture. We called our offices and informed them of the accident.

A very good Samaritan who identified herself as Mama Muthoni quickly demonstrated leadership and took control of the situation. She encouraged us that all will be fine, mobilized money and got a cab to take us to the hospital. Mama Muthoni later told us when she visited us in hospital that she was on her way to town when the accident occured and she got off just to come and assist. She calls it her “full time vocatuon/ministry” and we believe God sent her to us.

The matatu conductor accompanied us to the hospital. My wife was injured and in pain but less than I was. While I was groaning in pain, she was able to muster strength to direct the cab, encourage me, and blast the Nairobi Hospital staff who took 15 minutes before deciding to take us in. Once in hospital, and once the doctors got the call from our offices and determined how payment would be made (welcome to Kenyan health sector), we were attended to. Tetanus and pain killer injections but no one dressed the wounds/cuts…till today!

We sustained soft tissue injuries and I had a tear on my knee ligaments. We were admitted for 3 nights…3 nights of taking blood pressure and temperature; 3 nights of taking pain killer tabs; 3 nights of watching tv (we managed to get a private room together); 3 nights of receiving visitors ; 3 nights of eating;(we have since been thanking God for those of our friends who visited with us at the hospital and those who have come home to check on us, cook for us, etc. We feel safe and secure in the hands of the friends we are blessed with). When the doctor dared make a suggestion that we spend one more night for observation, I almost walked!

We came back home and have slowly been recovering. I’m on crutches  and my wife has been taking extremely good care of me despite her own pain. I am glad I married her. She is a jewel.

Special thanks to our parents and family, our friends – very many of them who called, visited and later offered assistance at home but would like to mention a few – Our respective immediate families mums, dad and sisters; Mr. and Mrs. Chris Odongo; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Azenga;Pastor and Mrs. Kyama Mugambi; Pastor Gowi Odera; Mrs.Veronica Wachanga ;Jennifer Githae; Isaac Mutua; Esther Mutua; Mama Muthoni; Deborah Ross; Juliet Muthami; Waithera Kibinda;Mr. and Mrs. Paul Seko; Mr. and Mrs. Francis Kimaru; Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Kikuvi; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Ngacha;Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Osumba; Raymond Ofula (who visited a day after burying his wife) and our church i-group (David Kuria; Karimi Rimbui; Judy Gitau; Veronica Wachanga;Nick Owuor;Mark Kioko). More than 3 times this number of people visited and called and we are grateful to each and everyone of them.

Well, if God deems it fit that we continue living, who are we not to thank him for an opportunity to live out our pupose on earth? Many called this period of recovery “our second honeymoon – 5 months after the 1st” and yes you could say it was because we have grown close to each other during this period and closer to God together.

Finally the Subaru is at the port but is this the answer to the issues?