On the 13 hour plane ride there, Paul and I sat next to a young woman who we didn't speak to for the first half of the ride out of fear that we spoke different languages. Finally, we broke the ice and began talking. God taught us invaluable lessons through this beautiful, Ethiopian woman. I have never met anyone so passionate about their country. She told us about the history of Ethiopia for a good two hours. She told us over and over again how happy she was that we were coming to see her country. She spoke about how most Americans do not want to leave America because they believe that America is the best, and there is no reason to leave. She told us to keep an open mind and remember that we were simply to observe and learn. Her words of advice stuck with us throughout our trip and will continue to throughout our lives. As much as I would have claimed that I believed God is God of the universe, I never really thought much about God's presence in other countries until I experienced Him in Ethiopia. All I knew of God was that he was God of America. How wrong I was.
Most of our trip was spent in the small city of Mekele, Ethiopia. We were there helping the new Lola's Children's Home with painting, digging a drainage ditch, setting up an area for a playground, and performing other miscellaneous tasks around the home. Lola's is a home for 13 orphans and is headed by our new dear friend, Abebe. When Paul and I found out that we would be spending most of our time at an orphanage, we prepared ourselves to be completely heart-broken. When we heard the word "orphanage" we automatically thought "depressing". I honestly didn't know if my heart would be able to handle what I assumed I would see and experience.
This is not at all what we experienced. Abebe is one of the most Godly men I have ever met. He was an orphan himself, along with some of the other staff at Lola's. God gave him the vision of having Lola's be a home that brings in orphans, provides them with food, clothing, water, shelter, loves them like their own, and raises them to be functional citizens of society when they grow up. The best part: Abebe's desire is that the children come to know Jesus as their Savior first and foremost. The children at Lola's Children's Home were some of the most joyful children I have ever been around.
Before our trip, all I knew of "orphan care" was adoption. I had no idea that there was anything else going on in the world to care for these children. Once a child reaches 5 years old or if they are HIV positive, they have a slim to no chance of being adopted. Abebe brings in such children to his family at Lola's and loves them like his own. Paul and I left with a bigger understanding of God's plan for orphan care. We want to support those making a difference in the lives of orphans in Ethiopia.
When it was time to leave, Paul and I decided we could stay forever. Our hearts had grown to love these children and the staff at Lola's. As we left, a little 5 year old boy cried big elephant tears. I know that my heart will forever be in Ethiopia. God continues to comfort me with this verse:
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." Psalm 138:8
Now that we are home, we continue to speak with Abebe and get updates on the happenings at Lola's. We are so excited to hear that after our trip, many donations have continued to come through that are helping Abebe reach his vision of bringing in more children and eventually buying their own property so they can create a self-sustaining home with chickens for eggs, goats for meat, etc.
Through our trip, God confirmed our calling to adopt from Ethiopia. He showed us that He is faithful and will provide whatever we need to fulfill His purposes for us. Once again, Paul and I are still nowhere close to being able to afford adoption at around $30,000. We believe in a God who is bigger and calls us to follow Him, even if it doesn't make logical sense. We plan on beginning the adoption process by filling out the paperwork for the agency in October once Paul turns 25 (a requirement to adopt from Ethiopia). We would appreciate your prayers!
Here is a video from our trip including pictures and some video coverage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
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