Amos Mwisyo's story is as tragic as any of those from Kenya. Amos is an orphan who lives in extreme poverty in the coastal city of Mombasa. His living conditions are poor with little access to running water, intermittent power and inadequate healthcare. He struggles to find consistent work of any kind and as an orphan has no family to turn to for help. Yet aside from all this, his determination, faith and perseverance remain strong. Amos is a bright and motivated young man whose potential would likely be wasted unless someone stepped in to help.

I first learned about Amos from a group of individuals who developed a project entitled, “Team Amos.” The mission of Team Amos was to provide Amos with both the financial and the emotional support necessary for him to gain an education. The Team Amos project was successful and Amos was able to complete a 4-year legal studies program at DALC Kenya. Through the generous support of its contributors, Team Amos was able to provide this young man a unique opportunity and Amos through his hard work and perseverance was able to achieve this goal.

I have continued to correspond with Amos and developed a deeper understanding of his personal situation. I am continually moved by the hardships he has faced in the past and the hardships he currently faces in his daily life. Even under his desperate living conditions he always seems to have hope. Whenever I have visited Amos in Kenya or have the opportunity to speak or write to him it is amazing to see the energy and enthusiasm he has toward his future. He tells me how blessed he feels to have had the support of so many caring people.

Although the Team Amos Project is now complete, I have decided to continue my support for Amos and blend my love of weaving with my desire to help Amos. This has inspired me to weave more in hopes that we will be able to provide more to Amos. Therefore, with your purchase of any handwoven item, 50%* of my sales proceeds will go to support Amos. I thank you and Amos thanks you for your generosity. If you would like to learn more about Amos, please contact me at wovenpaths@citcom.net.