This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
It's a question that can evoke feelings of shame and inadequacy: 'What are you waiting for?' For Anne Ndung'u, this question became a painful reality as she and her husband Kiugi Apollo waited for eight long years to start a family.
Their journey began in August 2009, when they got married with high hopes of becoming parents within their first year. But as the months went by, and the years passed, their dreams seemed further and further away.
As a teacher, Anne found it particularly difficult to cope with the constant reminders of her childlessness. 'I would sit with my colleagues in the staffroom and it pained me when they discussed their children's milestones,' she recalls.
Despite the pressure from friends and family, Anne and Kiugi tried to stay positive, focusing on their faith and their shared values. But as the years went by, the tension and anxiety began to take a toll on their marriage.
It wasn't until they decided to seek medical help that they began to uncover the root of their problem. After a series of tests and medications, they discovered that Anne had hormonal imbalances and blocked tubes, while Kiugi had a low sperm count.
Undeterred, the couple decided to try IVF, a costly and emotionally draining process. But just as they were about to begin, Anne fell ill and was hospitalized. It was during this time that she discovered she was pregnant.
Their baby girl was born in 2017, and Anne reflects on the valuable lessons she learned during their journey. 'I learned that children are gifts from God and He gives according to His plan,' she says. 'I also walk with couples who are waiting for babies, and I encourage them to focus on what God is teaching them during the season of waiting.'
