Hello to all, and a Happy New Year,
As I write this, January is almost over. This month has gone by so quickly, even though it has been a time of waiting and changing plans.
Naomi began experiencing headaches in November, and they never went away. They only got worse. Finally, on Christmas Day, while we were in Pennsylvania we ended up in the emergency room. The pain was finally unbearable, along with nausea and dizziness. After 4-5 hours, we left the hospital. The IV treatment she received gave her some relief, but the headache did not go away. A CT Scan came back negative, which was great news.
We traveled back to NYC for a visit to her PCP, an ophthalmologist, and a neurologist. This included many tests, scans including MRI and MRA, and an EEG. So far, the results have all been good, and we are grateful for the medical care in this city. The MRI showed some abnormalities and an aneurysm, but the neurologist assured us that this is not a concern. Naomi is now getting weekly IV treatments from her neurologist and a once-a-month pain blocker shot. This, along with medications, is giving her some relief. She will continue this treatment for at least another month.
This has been a month of waiting. Appointments for Naomi, results, flights canceled, flights rebooked. The plan was for me to travel to Kenya on January 17th, but I delayed the trip due to Naomi’s health. Although I was looking forward to returning to Kenya, one of our NYC homeless friends reminded me, “We need you here too.” I’m not good at waiting, I prefer moving, but I feel I’m in school now, and God is teaching me.
One lesson was earlier this month. I was at the Port Authority bus terminal. There are a few people that I reach out to regularly including a couple Naomi and I have helped off and on for the past five years. On this day, I was looking for them and they were nowhere to be found. I felt that God was guiding me to go outside and wait for them. I waited for what seemed like a long time. I began to get impatient and question why I was standing here. I edged closer to the door, waiting even longer, and then they walked right up to me. I was able to give them food and clothes while explaining to them how God has not forgotten them. When I told them that my instructions were to wait there, they told me that they usually don’t enter the building on that side. While I was helping them with food they saw a bag of gummy bears that I added to my box of treats. “Gummy Bears!” my friend exclaimed. “She has been asking for gummy bears all day!” YES, good things do come to those who wait.
Due to Naomi’s health, she has not been out on the streets with me, and she is definitely missed. Our friends, despite their own problems (sleeping on the sidewalk), are asking for updates and expressing prayers for her. This week she was able to go out with me, and everyone was happy to see her.
Although I didn’t go to Kenya as planned, I have continued communicating with the village’s pastors and leaders. We also continue to fund the children’s feeding programs, orphan and widows funds, and building projects.
We are continuing to work on emptying our home on North Watson Run Rd. and we are happy to say that it is almost ready for closing in April.
Naomi seems to be feeling better, and we think it is best I go ahead and go to Kenya.
Lord Willing, I will be going on February 19th. I will be back on the 2nd of March, ready to help NYSUM with its busy spring time.
Thank you for your prayers. We appreciate them more than you will know!!
God Bless,
Paul and Naomi
Read more newsletters about our work caring for the homeless in NYC here.
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