Hello friends from the City of New York,
Since some people have been asking about my health issues, we are going to update you. I am currently very weak and not able to do much. I have gone from traveling the world, taking morning jogs, riding my bike, and leading late-night homeless outreach efforts to walking slowly with a walking stick. Naomi has been carrying the ministry load and taking me to many medical appointments.
As of the last letter, I have tested negative for Lupus. A visit with the hematologist revealed that my blood cells are “abnormal”. Several other labs are not in the right range, but are not as concerning. Due to the lack of a diagnosis and the blood count, I had a bone marrow biopsy on July 17. I should have the results back in two to three weeks. Hopefully, this will aid in diagnosis.
I’m grateful for the help from my amazing Naomi and the NYSUM team. I have been able to reduce my schedule and try to focus on rest. My sleep has improved slightly, which is good news. I’m also thankful that although my physical body is weak, I am strong spiritually and emotionally. God has given me strength and peace to overcome any worries or anxiety. In January, I began incorporating Psalm 23 into my daily routine. Listening to and reading this in multiple versions has comforted me every morning.
Naomi continues helping in the housekeeping department here at NYSUM. She handles the room assignments (we can house 250 guests) as well as scheduling the staff. Many days, she just can’t help herself and loves to dig in and clean around this big building. Sometimes I have to remind her to slow down and come home.
Our last email was missing a brief update of my last trip to Kenya: I visited from April 18 – May 12. This visit was only to Namanga at the Life Center project. My two apprentices had continued working while I was away. So grateful for their help especially since I’m not at 100%. Their productivity and quality of their work was very encouraging. We finished the guest rooms, then started on the kitchen. I worked on the guest suite unit and they focused on the kitchen. Not only are the apprentices helping me but it’s encouraging to hear how much they have benefited in furthering their skills and providing for their families. One family was able to now purchase a cow and the other was recently married and is saving money for building a house. They have continued to work on the kitchen since I left. The plan is for them to build the remaining cabinets on the educational and medical levels. I have great confidence in them.
During this season of limitations and needed rest, I am grateful for the tech of WorldRemit and WhatsApp. We can stay connected to the needs around the world that we have committed to addressing. Looking forward to world travel again, but in the meantime, I’m finding fulfillment in new ways, such as baking bread and fermenting vegetables. I also enjoy the fresh herbs and beautiful flowers in our window garden.
Once again, we extend our gratitude for your prayers and financial gifts.
Blessings,
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 