We are getting closer to our goal: currently we have $19,400 raised. We are so blessed and appreciative of Grace church and many other family members and friends who have helped us get to this point.
God has also graciously provided a few re-calculations of our budget -we now need a total of $23,500 instead of $30,000 Thank you God! So while we are still short, we are getting closer by needing about $4,000 more.
We are able to buy plane tickets at this point. Please pray that we'll be able to get all 13 of us on the same flight. It is complicated, but in order to get the cheapest fare, it may require that we travel separately. Of course, this is not ideal, but we want to be good stewards of the money, so we'll seek out a good deal!
We just recently had our 4th out of 5 training sessions with our team at an Ethiopian restaurant on Grand Avenue and I-35. If you haven't tried Ethiopian food, we encourage you to do so! "Taste of Ethiopia" is a great restaurant to try it out and you will love Wione who is the hostess, cook, server and all-around wonderful person to get to know!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Update from Ethiopia
The Vision team met with the Ethiopian FH director a couple of weeks ago and received an update on the progress of the Zeway project. They have received the first 17K that was the original proposed amount to help 48 orphan-led household with basic needs and provide them with a means for a sustainable income.
The director told us that 4 of the children in the most dire need were taken on a shopping trip for clothing. They were given a small sum and taught to compare prices and look for quality items. He said that is was such a joyful trip to see the kids shop for something of their own for the first time. He also reported that the 2 girls on the trip seem to get the hang of it much quicker than the boys. :)
The generosity of Grace Covenant exceeded the original 17K budget so part of the vision trip in May is to see first hand where the money can be best used. The FH staff have told us that it is difficult not to lavish the 48 orphans with all that they need with the extra money, but it must be used wisely. One reason is that in such poverty, families would abandon their children so they could be part of the program -- parents who would rather relinquish their children than see them in such conditions.
Please continue prayer for the 48 orphans and their siblings. Please pray for wisdom and discerenment to spend the extra funds as God would want.
The director told us that 4 of the children in the most dire need were taken on a shopping trip for clothing. They were given a small sum and taught to compare prices and look for quality items. He said that is was such a joyful trip to see the kids shop for something of their own for the first time. He also reported that the 2 girls on the trip seem to get the hang of it much quicker than the boys. :)
The generosity of Grace Covenant exceeded the original 17K budget so part of the vision trip in May is to see first hand where the money can be best used. The FH staff have told us that it is difficult not to lavish the 48 orphans with all that they need with the extra money, but it must be used wisely. One reason is that in such poverty, families would abandon their children so they could be part of the program -- parents who would rather relinquish their children than see them in such conditions.
Please continue prayer for the 48 orphans and their siblings. Please pray for wisdom and discerenment to spend the extra funds as God would want.
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