Videos like this one make me want to do more.
http://www.vimeo.com/13948413
Seeing someone like the lady in the video who has given up her life in the United States to move to Ethiopia moves me. What can we do to continue to make a difference? We won't be moving to Ethiopia anytime soon (although if we could move there for a year or so, we would), so we have been left to ponder how we can help those that need it most.
I will never forget driving through Addis Ababa on our way to Addy's orphanage on our first day there during this past trip. The rain was coming down in droves and we were along side a garbage truck that two young boys had jumped onto the back of. Our driver said that kids often do that in hopes that when the truck stops they can find food or anything of value amidst the trash. The boys couldn't have been much older than Parker. It was heart breaking.
I miss Ethiopia. I would go back tomorrow if I could. I want to be able to spend a week or two there doing whatever we can to help. As I have said many times, my favorite part of our trips to Ethiopia has been the time we were fortunate enough to spend in orphanages. Seeing the smile that results from giving the kids a sucker or showing them their picture on a camera is awesome.
I find it interesting that I can always seem to come up with what I deem the right words to describe the escapades that happen with our little ones, but when it comes to topics like my feelings for Ethiopia, I get writers block. I can't seem to put together sentences that adequately convey my feelings for the people of the Ethiopia.
If you ever get a chance to go experience it for yourself, do it.
The thing is, we can't keep handing over stuff (big stuff). We have to help them to help themselves. We have to sponsor children to get an education. We have to sponsor ministries that are teaching living skills.
ReplyDeleteWe also loved giving out suckers! The children love to have their pics taken and then see the pics! We stopped during a trip and handed out stuffed animals to some children. Oh my goodness, it was amazing to see their faces of joy! And to hear the giggles! It is so priceless!!!
If I ever go again, I will make a huge effort to collect children's things (little things) to stop and give out. Even the mom's get so excited!
At one orphanage, we gave out crackers with peanutbutter and the mom's kept thanking us. They were very poor and the reason they were at the orphanage is because the church that run's the orphanage was interviewing the mother's/grandmother's for a sponsorship program.
I saw this video yesterday, and I cannot get the images out of my head. We just passed our one year anniversary of having Ellie with us, and I can still see Ethiopia like it was yesterday in my mind. The people are beautiful, aren't they? They resonate with you... at least they do with us! I can't help but think that it's my responsibility to help more than just Ellie though. We are praying about what God would have us do, whether it's adopt again or do wrk with the orphan and poor in a different way. I'm open to whatever; I just know I HAVE to do something.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your thoughts here.. I totally get it!