Greetings and Happy New Year!
I am writing this on a fifteen hour, nonstop flight from Nairobi to New York. I am returning from twenty seven days in Kenya and finding it hard to believe that it is already late February. So it’s time for a quick update:
Back in October of 2021, while we were in Kenya, we became aware that some students in one of the poorest schools did not have desks. They were doing their school work on the floor. Kiwimbi (the NGO that we partner with) had donors waiting to contribute materials so I created a prototype desk and provided the training and tools for the carpentry program to produce more of the same desk design after we departed. Due to some unexpected challenges, the project stalled. Meanwhile, the students and parents had been promised a new desk and I was feeling bad about not delivering. I committed to getting back as soon as possible and was on my way on January 21st.
When I arrived in the village someone was missing. Everyone wanted to know, “Where is Naomi?” They miss her and I miss her too. Travel to this destination is not easy and Naomi was just not up to it this time. She gave me her blessing and encouraged me to go, and I am grateful for her continued support and for the sacrifices that she makes.
In the developing world, there are many challenges. Electric power is not constant. Getting quality materials or any material at all can be an issue. Transportation can also be a limiting factor. Buying a 4’X8’ sheet of blockboard and delivering it with a BodaBoda (motorbike) doesn’t work well on a rainy day. I also need to remember this is not about me getting a lot done but training students requires time and patience. With all of this in mind, I had set a personal goal of completing thirty desks on the trip.
When twenty desks were finished, forty students walked to the carpentry shop and carried their desks twenty minutes back to school. The next morning, I visited the school to see the students working at their desks. Simon the schoolmaster introduced me to the class and we exchanged greetings. I was reminded that due to the poverty some of the students have never sat on a piece of furniture this nice.
After the desks were delivered, a group from a neighboring county, including the Governor’s wife, came for a visit that included the school. I was invited to a Roundtable Discussion with people from the government and NGOs involved in community development, vocational training and orphanages. The first lady of Kisumu County (Lupita Nyong’o’s mother) was also part of the discussion. I found myself at the table thinking of my past: The shyest guy in my high school graduating class, a Bible College drop out, and someone who was “crazy” and “wasting my skills” stepping away from my career five years ago. During the discussion, the first lady says that the desks are the best quality in all of Kenya. This sounds like somewhat of an exaggeration but the whole table is in agreement.
The evening is now over, and I am exhausted by the twelve hour day. I think about the greatest carpenter to walk this earth. Yes, He would be in favor of the poorest school getting the best quality desks. And the fact that my life-changing decision 5 years ago helped to bring that about means that I am not “crazy” or “wasting my skills.” During the trip, these are some of the things I was able to be a part of: Visiting the new bore hole for the well and seeing the community members filling their containers with fresh, clean water. Continuing to invest in former carpentry students that now have their own business. Partnering with local churches providing Bibles and food distribution for hungry families. Encouraging pastors and speaking at a church out in the bush. And even with challenges, steps backward and sideways we were able to move forward and complete all thirty of the desks.
While I was in Kenya, Naomi was in Pennsylvania and also visited our son Andrew in New Mexico. She was able to get him organized and settled in his new apartment. Our schedule is full in March as we partner with NYSUM in New York to host outreach teams from around the country during spring break. Naomi will be busy in the office scheduling teams and I will continue to invest in my friends on the streets of NYC, serving them and trying to bring hope to those who need it the most.
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Paul and Naomi
Read more newsletters about the Amagoro Carpentry Program here.
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