Ethiopia

It has been decided; Teresa and I are going to Ethiopia, to visit. I am sure we will bring many things back, but not children in the entire sense of the word.

We are going to the largest stone show in the world, which we go to every year; in Italy. The show is in late Sept. and so I thought this would be a good time to look and see what it is really like there and to see about taking a short term mission team there next summer.

Here are some of the things the trip is supposed to include.

A visit to the orphanage in Addis Ababa. This is the capitol if Ethiopia and sits at around 8000 ft above sea level. This is the main orphanage for Kingdom Kids. Michelle, the founder and director of KK is going to meet us in Addis and show us around the city and orphanage. They currently are considering moving from this orphanage and renting a larger one in Sodo, which is about 4 hours from Addis. The rent it higher in Addis and many of the kids come from Sodo anyway, so this will be a big decision for their board to make. Pray for wisdom. Pray that we would not get altitude sickness. Teresa has a hard time with this sometimes.

Speaking of kids; the currently are about 50 kids in the orphange in Addis, which has a crowded capacity of 80. The reason the number is lower is because they have been able to place many of them recently. How good is that?

We are going to have the opportuniy, Lord willing, to go to the villages. There currently are 11 kids that are ready to come to the orphange from the village and so we will get to watch them say their good-byes and take them to their new "home" awaiting their real new homes. Michelle said this is both exciting and heart breaking as they are saying good bye to the only people they know in the whole world and are leaving the only thing they know; their village.

We are also hoping to get involved with the "Donkey and Goat" program while we are there. $50usd can can purchase 1 donkey which can change the entire life of a family and so we are hoping that there will be those who would like to join us in contributing to that fund. Michelle told us that handing the rope, that is tied to the head of a donkey, to a head of a household is like handing the keys to a new car over to an American. We can really aid in changing lives for $50, or less. They use them for everyday chores, like carrying water from the well.

We are also going to get a list of items that they need in the orphanages. We are going to try to take over a small generator, but have not figured out the freight situation yet; they only have power and water in the orphange every other day. I will post the list as soon as I get it, so we can pack it up with us.

Not everyone can adopt a child, but everyone can help the process. Every dollar makes a difference and this is a good way to teach our children, thrrough our own obedience, to start giving to those who have so much less than we do. This is a way to show our true heart for those whom the Lord loves and cares for very dearly; widows and orphans.

Please pray that God would give us wisdom as we move forward. That He would provide the needed funds to not only finish our adoption process with "Vince" but that He would move in hearts to give to this much needed area as well.

We will take lots of pictures and videos, Lord willing. I believe we will come back with child, or many children, in our hearts. Also, hopefully an expanded world view and a heart for those whom God has a heart for. Please pray for us as we start this new crazy life.

Hang on Honey:)