Letters

Since Joe came to Kenya in 2003, he has received many letters from students along the way.  Sometimes they are writing to say thank you for something, or to apologize for a mistake they made. Over the past few weeks as he has been clearing out his desk drawers and various files and boxes, he’s rediscovered some touching letters he had saved for many years.  He read through each one, trying to decide which ones to throw away and which ones had special significance to save.  

Jane in 2004, Class 5 

There were a few special letters which brought back good memories.  However, in the last week he has received a couple of e-mails from former students that have really touched our hearts, even more than the all the others.  Both students are now in University.  One is a bright, young lady studying Chemical Engineering in the U.S., and the other is a young man studying Information Computer Technology in Nairobi.  Joe taught both of them during his first 4 years in Kenya and also followed them closely through high school.  

Victor in 2004, Class 4

When God called Joe to serve in Kenya at CGA many years ago, he didn’t know why.  Looking back, it is plain to see the purpose was to touch the life of one of two of these students.  If we can each make a true and lasting impact in just a handful of young people, we’re doing something right!

A Letter from Victor – 

When Joe first came to CGA, Victor was one of the few non-orphans we had at CGA.  Within the next couple of years his mother passed away, and then a few years later his father also passed away, leaving Victor as the head of a family of 5 siblings when he was still in high school.

Hi Uncle Joe n Daneen, 

It is sad, so sad indeed.  Again it is like a joke, unbelievable that you are soon leaving this country for good. I can't imagine you leaving forever, its as if you cease to exist. I have been tongue tied for quite a long time since I saw this email. I have never gotten the strength to email back, but today at least I got some little energy and decided to overcome that weakness by writing back.

I just don't know how to put it, but to begin with, I want to thank God so much for working out His plans through you. You have taken a better part in bringing up of students in CGA . You nurtured us to be God fearing students in all things that we do and wherever we are. Surely speaking, up to my current level of education, I have never regretted that and I don't see myself doing so in the near future up to the end.

You again showed a good example of what a real leader should be; that is ready to serve the juniors and not to be served. By action you did that, you taught in classes and my math class was one of them. I  really miss such times, I really got such a good base in math that has pushed me this far. In addition the novel  'The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe' was so full of great lessons.

If not for God through you, then many individuals would have not gone to secondary school, just because majority are from such humble backgrounds and are not able to afford the costly secondary education.

You struggled and created something that never existed in CGA before, that is The Post Secondary Bursary (Scholarship). I just can't imagine myself experiencing shortages even after such a grand favor, what if it never existed..?  Uncle you are worth showing gratitude and thanksgiving. My prayer is that it continues.     

We can't afford to pay you back in cash or anything. All we can do is show gratitude to God that He may continue working out his plans as He wishes. Thanks a lot for allowing God to use you, you did it to the best of your capacity and may God bless you for that. May God bless all the works of your hands, may he bless your descendants to the 3rd n 4th generations. All that you started, may those who are taking over do exactly what you would have done. SUCCESSS....!!

Sincerely,
Victor.

A Letter from Jane

Hallo Uncle Joe,
Reading this email over and over again made me smile at the FANTASTIC work you have done to impact thousands of lives at Christ Gift Academy. However, it is sad and hard to accept the fact that you have to leave the CGA family and the whole Kenyan family who had become so attached to you already.

The work you were able to do has blessed many people, including me, making our lives change for the better. May God's reward to you and Daneen be the best He could ever offer. Meanwhile, I am looking forward to meeting you all when you get to the US.  I wish you all a happy transition time as you prepare to leave. Thank you.

Jane Agwaro

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Receiving letters like these help us realize it's all worthwhile!!  Every challenge or struggle along the way is worth it to make a lasting impact in a few lives!  We're grateful and honored to be God's servants and allow Him to work through us!