Thursday update

Today we went to Trees of Glory. It was a refreshing drive two hours through a mountainous agriculture area as we saw...(this was Delora’s contribution to the blog...then she got tired so I took over. I do appreciate her efforts however...we’re all tired!!)

OK..so...back to the sites of the countryside outside Addis. Addis is located in a very mountainous region, so traveling to the countryside means going to the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows. Sometimes the van will go 5 miles an hour--sometimes 60. ALWAYS interesting!! Dusty, crowded streets gave way to green trees and wide, open landscapes and clean county air visited us and was welcomed by all!

Trees of Glory is located about two hours outside of Addis. We turned onto a little rocky road, and arrived at this school which houses 50+ children. The kids were patiently waiting for our group and broke into song “Welcome, Welcome, Welcome...It’s so nice to see you.” (I did tape this and will upload it when we arrive in the states--their little African voices lifted in song is priceless!)

This is an amazing school! It was so far advanced in many, many ways. Clean buildings; programs to teach the children life skills; farming and agricultural programs, and well trained children who were kind and polite. (For the history of Trees of Glory, check out www.hopechest.org)

Trees of Glory sits on beautiful countryside and our guide wanted us to walk the property so we could see different areas. We visited the site of their dry water well, where they asked us to pray for them as they hope to raise more than $40,000 to make the well operational again. Life is much harder without clean water nearby...

A lovely stream winds its way through the property, and our director mentioned “Don’t worry-there are no crocodiles here.” Good thing...as Taylor and Stephen were hopping from rock to rock in the middle of the creek. Come on back, boys...for a moment I forgot we had to think of such things! Love Africa.

After lunch and a wonderful traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, we handed out goodie bags to the kids (granola bars, crackers, cross necklace, beef jerky, notebook, pencil). Shortly thereafter, we handed out warm and cozy flannel homemade blankets by our friend Bev Walley--the kids squealed and started singing and circling their blankets in the air in excitement. Even the staff members asked if they could have a blanket (it gets chilly here at night after the sharp sun sets). **I also had blankets knitted by my friend Carol Gilpin--the staff members chose those as they were a little different and not every child would have received a knitted one--the staff loved their gift and there were enough of the knitted blankets to go around!!** Bev also made dresses and shorts, made from colorful and fun fabrics. Everyone immediately put the clothes on and were so proud of their new items! How fun it is to bless them this way...it’s such a gift for our team!

The afternoon consisted of play time...soccer time...plus Delora and Tammy got to meet their sponsored children for the first time! That’s always a sweet time and a moment to treasure. We were also told that a new child needed a sponsor, and Grace Dahlgren has been wanting to sponsor a child here for months! Fikre matched Grace with Meseret and it was love at first sight. It’s an honor to sponsor these children!! We ended our time with a blessing and Danny led the group in prayer for Trees of Glory. We will be back!


We head home tomorrow after a final whirlwind shopping trip and last stop by Layla House (Adoption Advocated International.) Our time here has flown, but we’re ready to head to the US. Please pray for safe travel and uneventful travel!! Thank you for being a part of our journey!










Pictures from Thursday: Trees of Glory school was visited by the crew, and goodies and blankets were handed out to the children.The boys crossed the river (don't worry- no crocodiles the guide said!). Grace Dahlgren and Delora met their sponsor children. Flat tire outside of Addis! Blankets were made by Bev Walley from Brookdale who lovingly prayed over each one as they were created. We can't believe tomorrow we are headed back to America!

Wednesday morning

Sometimes the most beautiful things in life are the most simple, the most, if you will rude situations. Today our group was able to witness one of those moments.


We traveled to Bole Bulbula Church where our translator Vicki wanted us to visit a “bead factory”. In order to become self sufficient and provide some source of income for their families (instead of begging on the street, etc.) the women make clay beads. We traveled on a rocky dusty road and arrived at the Church, which houses the “factory”. Inside the dimly lit 10 x 10 room, 10 women huddled around a table. Seated on plastic chairs, some with children in their laps, they rubbed clay pieces against a smooth rock to polish beads for jewelry then gently placed them into a basket. From 9-4, hunched over and quietly visiting, they do this to sell to visitors to provide for their family.


They are paid $400 Burr a month (the equivalent of $25 US). We asked them to tell us their stories; some were widowed; some had husbands; some were single mothers. They softly spoke about how many children they had, if their husbands were fortunate enough to have jobs, and told us their names. They ranged in ages from 18 and older.


Thanks to many generous donations, we were able to bless them with $500 Burr each (just a little over a month’s salary.) As Vicki (our translator) handed out the money, they each bowed and whispered thank you in Amharic. They then asked if they could pray for our group...which was, simply put, one of the most beautiful prayers I have ever heard. As the woman spoke in Amharic, our translator explained what she was saying...”God, even though our skins are different colors...and we are different...thank you that we are ONE in you.” They were making a clicking sound with their lips, which we found out later is the sound for when “something touches your heart in Ethiopia.” Lots of tears from all of the women bonded us together forever!! We stepped outside the church where an older woman was picking up sticks and brush to use. We gave her the same donation--and her hands were so full with branches that Vicki put it ih her skirt waistband. As she set her pile down, she raised mud caked hands and her face to heaven in thanks. She then turned and thanked us, but then quickly turned around and kept lifting her hands and face to God in thankfulness. More tears.


Our next stop was the Green Light International Church...where another “bead factory” is housed. We again asked to hear the women’s stories, were able to bless them with the same donation, and again heard an amazing prayer as they asked God to bless our group. I was so stunned that here we are...fortunate beyond belief...to have these women ask God to bless US. Again, tears and the clicking sounds filled the room. I wanted so badly to pray for them--but no one could muster even a strong voice to be able to do so. As I heard their prayers for us, I asked God to bless THEM more. Give to THEM more abundantly. Make THEIR lives, certainly not mine--more than they could ask or imagine.


Vicki and I spoke on the way home about how honored she is to work with these women, and how even she has more than enough--a husband with a job, employment herself, and a home. She explained it’s hard for her to visit these women and walk away with any complaints at all. Then she told me about some older people who live on the street--the elderly who are alone and completely dependent on others to care for them. Some have leprosy...which is so advanced it has taken their hands and eyes. One gentleman was crying alone, when she asked him what was wrong. “I can’t see to get to where food is. There is no one to help me. Can you help me get food?” She cried as she told me she wants so much to help everyone around her-there are so many here who need help. The elderly cry to Jesus to take them home so they can be at peace and never be hungry again...free from pain and suffering.


It struck such a deep chord in me as just this morning I received a text from my sister that my Grandmother (that we call Oodie-who is on hospice) is not doing well. I couldn’t get over the differences in situations: even though ready to “go home”...my Oodie is in a warm place, with caregivers surrounding her, loving family, and medicine to make her peaceful and restful as her body shuts down. These elderly men and women (many just in their 60’s)...sit in the street...begging for someone to have mercy on them and give them food or physically take their hand and lead them to a place where someone might help. No family...no medicine to take away their pain from leprosy...no relief. Jesus, remember them.


This afternoon we are headed to the Fistula Hospital where we will hand out gift bags full of lotion, soap, chapstick and other items. Will update later. Thanks for your prayers, and please lift up the women we saw today and the forgotten in the streets to Jesus.


Fistula Hospital


The boys headed to the Sheraton to swim this afternoon...they were ready for some downtime and relaxation. Most of the women went to tour the Fistula Hospital, which is featured in the documentary “A Walk to Beautiful.” (You can find it on You Tube). http://www.engelentertainment.com/walktobeautiful/trailer.html

Their mission is wholehearted commitment to women with childbirth injuries, with God’s love and compassion.


Gated, secure and private, the hospital does tours by appointment only. This is to insure the privacy of the hospital patients. The grounds are very quiet and filled with beautiful flowers and green grass...the first spot of color we’ve seen in this very dusty and dirt filled city.

Our guide gave us an overview of the hospital; women who have trouble delivering a baby during labor (most babies die in the womb, very few survive) develop fistula problems which causes urine and bowel leakage. Families banish the women from the house due to the smell and mess; they are left to live outside, where they will most likely die. Villages even make the families outcasts in some situations. Our guide explained some women arrive at the hospital carried on the backs of their fathers or brothers just to get help to become whole again.


Most women stay 2-3 months after surgery to rehabilitate. During that time they can learn a trade and life skills to help them adjust back into their families and communities, plus be a source of income as well.


The hospital was such a lovely environment and such a source of hope and grace. We were able to visit the gift shop where patients display their crafts and purchase items that directly benefit their families. Another amazing fact is that the hospital relies on donations-and each patient does not pay anything for the operation or stay!


Tonight-Yo Abyssinia. Tomorrow, Trees of Glory School!

Pictures: Murals that Kelly and crew painted on the classroom walls. Water picture where the two polluted rivers meet- the stench is sickening. Taylor's new bff! The kids playing with their new parachute at Kind Hearts School.

Ethiopia Tuesday update

Day 4, Tuesday:

Prayers are clearly being felt as everyone in the group is not only sleeping, but healthy! No one has been sick (except for the fleeting nausea of altitude sickness.) The boys are incredibly active with the kids and with the hot sun and altitude, it can make for a worrisome condition for this trip leader! But thanks to many bottles of water and “time-outs” every so often, everyone has been able to stay in good condition!

This morning we headed out in the morning for Kind Hearts with a list of errands to run. This is where your mind must make a specific change from “Run 1000 miles an hour like an American” to “This is Africa, what’s the hurry”??? There is no Wal Mart to run in and out of, no row of stores next to each other where you can park your car and quickly complete your list of supplies. In this city, “stores” can be blocks if not miles from each other, and conversations are very lackadaisical. To purchase books for Kind Hearts, we first went to “Mega Book Store”. The store front consisted of an 8 x 8 corrugated metal shack with books piled high to the ceiling. We requested to see curriculum books and children’s books, and as the clerk went through yellow trash bags full of books, soon our pile began to grow. (**Sidenote--every time we are in public, in this case four women--Delora, Kelly, Tammy and myself--we have almost a secret service of sorts from our three male guides who also act as our translators. They are such good protectors and surround us so our backs are always shielded from any thieves or other people who might not like our presence. I don’t even realize how much I rely on them to keep us safe--they are so careful and protective of us and I know they would do anything to keep harm from coming to us--we LOVE them.**)

Our large pile of books, which included everything from science to phonics, etc...cost a whopping $62. I had prepared myself to spend thousands of dollars and was SHOCKED that it cost so little in American money! The guides from the Kind Hearts school were thrilled with our purchase. 

Next we headed down the street to yet another bookstore that had more children’s books. In all we purchased more than 100 books in Amharic for the kids. We also bought board games, alphabet/number games and textbooks. This time we spent close to $500...again, amazing for us to comprehend! Our pile was enormous!

One wish shared to us by Fikre, our guide, was see if we could purchase a DVD/Cassette player to play Amharic/American music for the children. We headed to an electronic store and checked out “ghetto blasters”  you might remember from the early 80’s. So for $40, we purchased that and headed on! He said the kids would be so happy to listen to music during the day! Next we headed to a bakery to purchase bread as a surprise treat for the children. One more stop-to pick up the bookshelf we needed to finish the library at Kind Hearts-and we could finally head to the school. You might think this would have only taken an hour or so--but 4 1/2 hours later--at 12:30...we finally arrived. Thankfully one van had gone straight to the school to play with the kids, and when we finally rolled into the compound, they were thrilled for a break and a hot piece of bread! Yep, it’s errands--Africa style.

The afternoon consisted of playing games with the kids, finishing murals (each classroom now has an adorable, colorful mural in it!) and taking a walk to the well site.

The well site in on a flat piece of ground where engineers have determined the most water can be obtained from the site. It’s also the most beneficial location for local farmers! Our Kind Hearts guide asked if we could bless the site, so Danny led our group in prayer that this water could be turned into LIVING water and bless everyone that came into contact with it. Precious.

The group wanted to see where the stream from the alcohol factory and tannery factory collided--where black water meets dark brown water--and forms into one black thick mess. The smell caught us all off guard and was sickening...a cow grazed nearby and was headed to the water for a drink. It’s so un-natural for humans and animals to be expected to live with water conditions such as these! Soon, clean water will be available, praise the LORD!!

Tomorrow we will tour the Fistula Hospital and then our guides are taking the boys swimming and bowling for some relaxation time--they deserve it! Everyone has been such a hard worker and dedicated to the small amount of time we have here to work. I am so thankful for each one of them and their joyful attitudes and they have made this trip so much more fun than I ever could have imagined!!

Commemorative Plaque

Ethiopia Tuesday Morning update:

Going to Kind Hearts school today to deliver the books for the library! We will also hand out the goody bags that the students provided the treats for before we left. We are so excited to see the progress of the well that is being built by SJC. What an amazing day! Still spotty internet- on and off within a minute! Will hopefully post soon. We are so grateful for what God has done through the past year- he is an amazing God!!!

Kind Hearts March 2011

Kind Hearts March 2011!
by Joey Austin on Monday, March 21, 2011

It still amazes me that just one year ago our group left the Kind Hearts School with a promise to them--that we would NOT forget them...that we WOULD advocate for them...and that YES, we would work to raise money for a clean water well. “You promise? You promise?”, they said to us as we left...we kept on nodding and saying “Yes.” How it would happen-we didn’t know. But we did know that we have an amazing God on our side that loves his children...and relied solely on his provision and guidance for this project. That is the only way to explain why one year later we again were standing on the dry fields of the Kind Hearts School with a granite plaque that will commemorate the Kind Hearts School/St. Joseph Christian School Clean Water Well.

(Mrs. Zuidema--I can’t wait for you to be here to see this project that you so lovingly have nurtured. It’s SO worth it!!)



We arrived at Kind Hearts with sunglasses, sunscreen and water in our backpacks ready to tackle the day ahead. Most of our group have seen pictures of the kids at Kind Hearts...but when our van pulled up to the gate and they heard the children screaming and giggling with excitement, I knew nothing would prepare them for the real deal. Hugs, kisses, hand holding, and laughter greeted us as our group got out of the vans. Everyone was enveloped in children everywhere you looked. Our group dove right in and sang songs, played games and sat with the children as they softly patted our hands and scooted closer.



This is what was different than last year-I am amazed at how healthy the children look. Many of them have hair now, where once malnourishment took the form of a bald head. Their cheeks were rounder. They were taller...and RAN instead of walked. Their bodies have become used to daily nourishment thanks to the sponsorship program through Children’s Hope Chest.



Kelly started a mural in the first classroom which immediately made the room more colorful and cheerful. Big brown eyes peered around the corner as OOH’s and AAH’s were said. Soon quite a crowd of children gathered to see what wonderful mural was forming in front of their eyes. Kelly (and company--including Stephen, Taylor, Grace Chester and Hermela) painted for most of the day, and chose an animal theme with Genesis 1:21 as the verse. “...and it was good!”



Tammy, whose main project for this trip was developing the first ever library at Kind Hearts, purchased shelves in the morning to hold the books. As soon as the shelves were installed, books like “Goodnight Moon”, “Big Brown Bear” and many other classics dotted the shelves. Our group took the books and began reading to the children. To say that they loved having the books--and the OPPORTUNITY to read them-is an understatement. The first visit we noticed that not one book was in the school. Can you imagine? Think of how many books you have around your home-how many nights you have read to your children-how many times you so casually went to a library and checked one out. These board books will teach the children lessons we can only imagine...tomorrow more books will be purchased through Ethiopia Reads. The teachers asked if we would be able to purchase Academy Books for them (curriculum)-and thanks to MANY generous donors, we will do that tomorrow morning!! They were overjoyed!!



Next we handed out goodie bags--a gallon ziploc bag full of granola bars, composition notebook, pencil, small ball, cross necklace, lollipop and more were handed out to each child. They were then allowed to open the bags and play with the items, which looked something like Christmas morning with wrappers flying, papers on the floor and excited screams from all corners!



We were also able to hand our more than 50 sponsor letters from people all over the United States who sponsor a child at Kind Hearts. One by one the sponsored kids lined up to receive their special letter and photo, along with a goodie or two. Each letter was read to the children and their picture taken with the care package. They are so loved by people all over America, and the children are truly grateful and thankful for the love and support.



The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games with the kids; Matt & Taylor playing guitar and singing songs (that included the Barney theme song!!) and taking a walk down to the river that poisons the land around the school. The river is still black and smells foul. But soon, VERY soon--they will not have to rely on the river for WATER! Our translator told us that villagers and parents, even grandparents, will come and ask how the progress on the well is going. He said--”Your team is amazing. They know the well is coming. Solid job...solid job.” To God be the glory in ALL that we do!!



The children gathered around with us in the back as we took a full group picture with the Clean Water Well plaque in front. Somehow I think this is just the beginning of a very long and amazing relationship between St. Joseph Christian School and Kind Hearts.



Back to Kind Hearts Tuesday!

Ethiopia update

After two days of travel, 31 totes of luggage and countless “Has anyone seen Taylor?” moments, we finally arrived! To say this group is a joy is an understatement. I think we have laughed more in the last few days than most groups ever have. The students from SJCS are amazing-good with kids, easy going, not to mention kind and FUNNY. So far, we have had a fantastic time together!!

 

“The Usual Is Over”-that was the slogan used Sunday morning at Beza International Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As our group scanned the international crowd-faces from India, China, the United States, and of course many countries in Africa-it was a glimpse into the future when every tribe and nation will be gathered together. We were all moved as we sang praise songs together as ONE. It was hard not to become emotional when those who...not only don’t have much...but sometimes have nothing but the clothes on their back...raised their hands in praise and danced.  As we were singing, the joy was contagious. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience that raw joy during praise and worship...it was unforgettable.

 

Sunday afternoon we headed to downtown Addis to play soccer and spend some time with kids who live on the streets. It was a cloudy afternoon (thankfully!) because with the altitude and hot sun, our group was at risk to get tired quickly and overheated. The street kids ranged in age from 4-16...torn clothes, dirty faces, worn shoes (or no shoes at all) greeted us in our vans and crowded around to see who came for a visit. In Ethiopia, any open space becomes a soccer field, and in this case, a large concrete slab became ours. Danny, Taylor, Matt, Stephen, Grace Chester and Jennifer’s girls Meskie and Tsion braved the Ethiopian contingent and began to play. People started to gather and watch the game and the first goal scored was from Team Ethiopia (no surprise there!) After high fives, a team switch (of which a 10 year old boy was chosen to be the goalie instead of Danny...) the kids played some more until it was time to eat.

 

Time to eat. That’s a saying I’m sure most of us have heard a million times and haven’t once stopped to think about what it really means. It means, first of all, there’s food--someone has purchased it, thought about it, planned it out, cooked it, and set the table for dinner. It means someone was in charge and thinking about you and what you might like or crave. Seen through the eyes of a street child, however--”time to eat” means--for one meal, just one-there’s food. We had the privilege of driving the kids (I think 14 in all, crammed tight into a van) to their favorite restaurant for injera and wat (as much as they could eat!) and a bottle of water. They were tired from the soccer game, but as soon as the food was placed on the table--they literally devoured it in moments. It wasn’t polite...or mannerly...it was raw hunger. And that was OK...because for a moment they were being fed. And hopefully feeling loved...that for once, someone was telling them it was “time to eat”. They didn’t have to worry about where to find food...or how to buy it...or where to look on the street for it. We waved goodbye and climbed into our van, and I thought--I’ll never hear “time to eat” and not be able to think about them again.

Kinds Hearts update is next. Oh how I LOVE that school!!

Day 4: Kind Hearts Day!

Ethiopia Day 4 Morning update: Going to Kind Hearts school today to deliver the books for the library! We will also hand out the goody bags that the students provided the treats for before we left. We are so excited to see the progress of the well that is being built by SJC. What an amazing day! Still spotty internet- on and off within a minute! Will hopefully post soon. We are so grateful for what God has done through the past year- he is an amazing God!!!

Pics from Day 3- street soccer day!