Hello from NYC and Kenya. I hope everyone is experiencing some spring weather by now. I’m sharing an update on where we are now, what we’re about, and why we are doing it.
Naomi is in NYC helping NYSUM as a scheduler during this busy time of spring break mission teams. Scheduling is an overwhelming task at times trying to keep hundreds of team members in manageable numbers, with an NYSUM team leader at an outreach site that works with everyone’s schedule. She continues to go to PT for her neck pain. An MRI has revealed that I’m not her only pain in the neck, arthritis is also part of the problem. She is always giving 100 percent no matter how difficult the task or how she is feeling. She is a blessing to me and all the lives she impacts
I arrived back in Kenya on February 21. On the 23rd, I wrote in my journal a few words from Psalm 91, message version: “God, you are my refuge, I trust in you, and I’m safe”. I didn’t know what I would be facing in the next few weeks when I wrote those words.
The area of Kenya where I’m currently helping has a semi-arid climate with an average rainfall of 10 inches. When I arrived this time, heavy rains were falling almost daily and causing flash flooding. The area would have knee-deep, fast-moving water in a very short time. With the heavy rain, power outages were frequent and sometimes would last for days. This was a delay in progress because of power tools, and also frustrating, as I had to throw out some fridge items. Keeping everything in perspective, my neighbors were suffering greatly from getting their low-lying dwellings flooded out in the middle of the night, and having nowhere to sleep. Other dwellings were partially destroyed. At this point, I was staying at a hotel until I got my room ready to move in on the project site. One evening, I was trying to get back to the hotel, and the flood was so strong that I was almost swept away as I tried crossing. Thankfully, I was able to grab a wooden post, then a tuk-tuk pulled up to rescue me. I was cold. Drenched, but grateful to have survived.
In another reminder of the words of Psalm 91, I had moved into my room at the Life Center project. On March 13, I was showering and was going to stand on one foot and wash my feet. The bathroom is an open space with tile floors. I didn’t want to slip and fall, so I grabbed the water pipe. The shower had an electric heater in the showerhead. This is common, and I have used several systems like these before. This one caused an electrical shock that would not allow me to release my hand. I was standing under running water and shaking violently. It took me a few seconds before my brain and body could react. I pushed myself away from the wall and got my hand free. I fell to the floor on my left hip, then onto my back, sliding across the room and slamming into the doorway. That night, I was in much pain. The next morning, I was able to function, but wasn’t sure if I had any fractures. My osteoporosis has weakened my bone health. On Sunday, I traveled the three hours to a hospital in Nairobi. The X-ray didn’t reveal any fractures. I am still not feeling completely recovered, but I am grateful God kept me from death, being paralyzed, and fractured bones. Psalm 91 also says God “shields you from deadly hazards”.
I knew going into this project role was no small endeavor. My first few weeks were very overwhelming with all the construction issues and the additional challenges. We have made some progress in the last couple of weeks, which is very encouraging. One big step was getting a 300-liter solar water heater on the rooftop. This is a great blessing to enjoy at the end of the day. Eliminating electric shower heads, surprise charges from Kenya power, and charges from 220-volt water pipes
Another setback was that one of my carpenter helpers had appendicitis and was not able to work for a month due to his surgery. I was grateful we got him to the hospital in time. Another good thing is that we learned we could provide health care for both workers.
As we move forward, Naomi will focus on preparing for the Nysum women’s makeover weekend again. This event is when those in the shelter system are reminded that they are loved and not forgotten. Manicures, pedicures, clothing, and more. This involves a lot of preparation and organization. Naomi does a great job with this.
As for me, I will continue here in Kenya at the Life Center. Lord willing, I will be back in NYC May 1-17. Due to the current war and its consequences, travel costs and flight prices have been greatly affected. It will be great to see Naomi again. We will have been apart for about 10 weeks. Also, I will let our friends on the street know that we haven’t forgotten about them. This project will not be complete, but it’s time to see my wife and visit a couple of doctors. On the 17 of May, I will be returning to Kenya. I will not have a return flight, but Lord willing, it will not be as long as this time.
We thank you for all your prayers and giving,
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 