Steve and I have just returned home from a week long visit to a country we are so passionate
about ~ Ethiopia!
What is the reason for this most recent trip back? Work on strengthening our new international relationships! We feel it is important for us to return regularly to Ethiopia so we can continue to build sustainable relationships and a solid trust with the local community and the people we will be working with.
Here is a glimpse into what we did while in Ethiopia
Our trip back to Ethiopia was special in so many ways! The best part ~ bringing Steve back to the village the kids and I first walked through this past summer. To experience in person the hope and energy radiating throughout Dolma village.
Steve surrounded by the young lives God has called us to advocate for
Meeting with officials from Dolma Village. The man in the center is the head chairperson in this village. Before we left the village he expressed how thankful they were for our return and for remembering them and the every day pain and anguish the young children and people from this community endure. He was very grateful for our commitment to their village.
gathering with village leaders before visiting the school compound
Winding our way through the village on dirt lanes, mothers and children begin to peek out curiously from their homes. Children begin to run with excitement after our van, most of them with bare feet yelling "sister, sister."
Visiting the school ~ this school is located in the village, but has been left abandoned. Most of the 1500 children in the village do not attend any school. Our goal is to one day have this school be fully functioning with the most vulnerable children from the village receiving an education.
The existing building has only two classrooms.
We had the opportunity to travel with friends this past trip and we were thrilled to have them along!
They adopted a little girl from Ethiopia six years ago and have dreams of doing more in her birth country. We give thanks to God for sending us a family with the same hearts, minds, and willingness to serve those living in desperate poverty. Thank you John and Jennie for your enthusiasm to jump in with everything God is doing through Everlasting Joy. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use your God-given energy and skills to bless the people in Ethiopia.
We love sharing our passion with others and invite YOU to join us on our next journey to experience a country, a culture, and a people we love and respect so much.
Meeting Elias!
Elias was referred to us by our friends from Addis, Lisa and Atkelt. He will have the role of managing the project while we are here in the US. We have had many conversations through email, so it was nice to be able to meet face-to-face. We knew right away Elias was a good fit for us because of his undeniable love for Jesus and for his community!
Thanks Lisa and Atkelt!
Thanks Lisa and Atkelt!
Currently the most critical need in Dolma is access to fresh water. There are 3000 people living in this village who fetch water from nearby lakes, ponds, and surrounding villages. During our visit we met with an organization drilling wells in Hawassa and throughout Ethiopia. We were quoted $16,000 USD for the digging of the well and completion of pipeline and filtration. WooHoo!! Praise the Lord!! That brought smiles to our faces! (thousands, lots of thousands less from our previous quote!) Thank you Yared and Sammy! We look forward to working with you! And as promised Steve will be there ready to work!
We cruised around in one of these a few times this trip!
more exciting news and pictures coming in the days ahead...
