A Safari in Africa

Abstract

We talk of being materially rich but spiritually poor in developed countries, but what does this mean? This case study describes the experiences of Muka, a woman dying of cancer on the Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. She lacks analgesia, she is often hungry, her home is empty of luxuries and basics—no pillows, sheets or clean blankets, no indoor toilet. She represents thousands who die daily in sub Sahara Africa.Muka's faith provides her with strength not only to survive each day but to find meaning within it. While faith is not a substitute for analgesia, and there can be no excuse for not responding to the needs of those crying in pain, we can learn much about spiritual coping from communities who still retain the capacity to face death, rather than avoid it.