Posts
Dear Friends and Family,
I'm sorry if you were a little confused when I said they were on the plane in Germany. I was having a hard time understanding Pastor Mike and what he was saying was that he would call when they got to Germany, which he did around 4am. He said they were about an hour delayed in take off, but I checked their flight status via the MIA website and it says they are scheduled to arrive at 1:40pm.
So I just wanted to clear up any confusion about when they arrived in Germany and to let you all know their new arrival time.
This is the link to check the flight status:
http://webvids.miami-airport.com/webfids/
See you at the airport!
Blessings,
Heather
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
the last leg of the journey
Pastor Mike called as they were on the plane in Germany and wanted everyone to know that they had made it through fine, all the luggage was accounted for, and they were all on board settling in for the flight. Let's pray that they get some rest on the flight - they have worked hard and will need it!
Blessings,
Heather
Blessings,
Heather
traveling home
Dear Friends and Family,
Pastor Mike called just as they were getting ready to leave. They had a nice day today, starting the morning off with a prayer walk and then went to the orphanage. Most of the children in the orphanage were there due to loss of family from HIV/AIDS or because of abuse. They were able to really love on the children and help them to feel the love of God.
They spent the evening shopping and then headed to the airport. I am giving you the flight information, please remember that you need to pick your student up at the Miami International Airport when they arrive.
Lufthansa Airlines LH 591 / LH 462 ADDIS ABABA to MIAMI (Via Frankfurt)
Leaves 9:40PM and Arrives 1:25pm on 4/14
Pray for safe travel.
Blessings,
Heather
Pastor Mike called just as they were getting ready to leave. They had a nice day today, starting the morning off with a prayer walk and then went to the orphanage. Most of the children in the orphanage were there due to loss of family from HIV/AIDS or because of abuse. They were able to really love on the children and help them to feel the love of God.
They spent the evening shopping and then headed to the airport. I am giving you the flight information, please remember that you need to pick your student up at the Miami International Airport when they arrive.
Lufthansa Airlines LH 591 / LH 462 ADDIS ABABA to MIAMI (Via Frankfurt)
Leaves 9:40PM and Arrives 1:25pm on 4/14
Pray for safe travel.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
Dear Friends and Family,
This morning the team went to a church that was the biggest church in Ethiopia, with 10,000 people who attend. While they were there they had the opportunity to hear a choir from a Korean church that was visiting. The Korean church that the choir came from is the biggest church in the world. So in one service they were Christians from North America, Africa and East Asia...the 3 churches together represented close to 130,000 believers from across the world! What an awesome experience! Pastor Mike had an opportunity to share with he congregation, taking a moment to make a bald joke with the pastor there...saying that they had the same haircut.
After church Alex Seagraves had the opportunity to meet her sponsored child. Compassion transported this boy 3 hours (one way) to get him to meet her and the team. Some of our guys gave him some of their clothes. This young man, who is 14 years old but by size looks more around 11 years old, was able to share what it has meet to be sponsored and how appreciative he and his family are that gift. They were able to share lunch with him, which Pastor Mike said was one of the best meals they had had the whole trip.
In the evening they had a cultural dinner, do their team debrief, and relax and play some games. During their debrief they talked specifically about what they have experienced socially, physically, emotionally and spiritually and what they have learned and what they will take back to the States.
Tomorrow they will go to an orphanage that has 100-200 children, they do not have the specifics of what they will be doing but they are excited to see what God has in store for them.
They asked specifically for prayer for their last day of ministry and for safety as they leave tomorrow night to travel home.
This morning the team went to a church that was the biggest church in Ethiopia, with 10,000 people who attend. While they were there they had the opportunity to hear a choir from a Korean church that was visiting. The Korean church that the choir came from is the biggest church in the world. So in one service they were Christians from North America, Africa and East Asia...the 3 churches together represented close to 130,000 believers from across the world! What an awesome experience! Pastor Mike had an opportunity to share with he congregation, taking a moment to make a bald joke with the pastor there...saying that they had the same haircut.
After church Alex Seagraves had the opportunity to meet her sponsored child. Compassion transported this boy 3 hours (one way) to get him to meet her and the team. Some of our guys gave him some of their clothes. This young man, who is 14 years old but by size looks more around 11 years old, was able to share what it has meet to be sponsored and how appreciative he and his family are that gift. They were able to share lunch with him, which Pastor Mike said was one of the best meals they had had the whole trip.
In the evening they had a cultural dinner, do their team debrief, and relax and play some games. During their debrief they talked specifically about what they have experienced socially, physically, emotionally and spiritually and what they have learned and what they will take back to the States.
Tomorrow they will go to an orphanage that has 100-200 children, they do not have the specifics of what they will be doing but they are excited to see what God has in store for them.
They asked specifically for prayer for their last day of ministry and for safety as they leave tomorrow night to travel home.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Day 9 - wrapping up
Dear Friends and Family,
This morning Pastor Mike, Leah, Jordan, Paul, Elijah, Woody, and Patrick got up at 5:30am to see the sunrise. The way Pastor Mike described the sun beams breaking through the clouds over the Africa landscape was magnificent and another reminder of God's splendor.
Christabel said that today was the most tiring day. They did VBS from 9am - 4 pm. They were all pretty tired on their way to the site and most of them fell asleep in the bus on the way over. When they arrived they prayed for alertness and that God would give them an extra measure of strength. The VBS they did for the kids under 8 was a mixture of Compassion sponsored students and kids from the neighborhood. The VBS for the 12-15 year olds was a different feel, they were really encouraging them to see this time as something that they can learn to teach the younger students.
The team unity is wonderful and even at the end of the trip everyone is taking ownership and really following through on their responsibilities.
Pastor Mike's team had a harder time in the morning with their VBS do to some translation issues, but they managed to get everything worked out and things went smoothly from then on. They had lunch with some of the church members and elder and then went back for their second VBS group. Before they started the 2nd VBS, Leah noticed 3 young men speaking to one another in American Sign Language and she was able to have a 5-10 minute conversation with them solely using sign. What a God appointment that was!
They played red light-green light during their VBS and used it as a way to illustrate times when God tells us to go forward and when He tells us to stop.
It rained quite a bit in the evening and the team was able to spend some good time together in debrief.
Tomorrow they will go to church in the morning, have lunch with the church staff, do some shopping and get ready to travel home.
Blessings, Heather
This morning Pastor Mike, Leah, Jordan, Paul, Elijah, Woody, and Patrick got up at 5:30am to see the sunrise. The way Pastor Mike described the sun beams breaking through the clouds over the Africa landscape was magnificent and another reminder of God's splendor.
Christabel said that today was the most tiring day. They did VBS from 9am - 4 pm. They were all pretty tired on their way to the site and most of them fell asleep in the bus on the way over. When they arrived they prayed for alertness and that God would give them an extra measure of strength. The VBS they did for the kids under 8 was a mixture of Compassion sponsored students and kids from the neighborhood. The VBS for the 12-15 year olds was a different feel, they were really encouraging them to see this time as something that they can learn to teach the younger students.
The team unity is wonderful and even at the end of the trip everyone is taking ownership and really following through on their responsibilities.
Pastor Mike's team had a harder time in the morning with their VBS do to some translation issues, but they managed to get everything worked out and things went smoothly from then on. They had lunch with some of the church members and elder and then went back for their second VBS group. Before they started the 2nd VBS, Leah noticed 3 young men speaking to one another in American Sign Language and she was able to have a 5-10 minute conversation with them solely using sign. What a God appointment that was!
They played red light-green light during their VBS and used it as a way to illustrate times when God tells us to go forward and when He tells us to stop.
It rained quite a bit in the evening and the team was able to spend some good time together in debrief.
Tomorrow they will go to church in the morning, have lunch with the church staff, do some shopping and get ready to travel home.
Blessings, Heather
Friday, April 10, 2009
Day 8 - a Passover picture they'll never forget
Dear Friends and Family,
The first thing Christabel said was, "we worked hard today"! They continued their work on the basketball and volleyball courts, filling in the volleyball court with the sand needed. They were able to test out their work with a game of volleyball, American's vs. Ethiopians, where the American team was not so successful!
They also did a home visit, Christabel commented, "the homes just keep getting smaller and smaller." Today they meet a single mom with 2 boys, whose husband had recently passed away. The mom is able to work only occasionally, baking a native bread called 'anjerra' for a resort. When she does this she makes about a $1 per week, her rent is $4 per month, so she barely gets by, but is thankful that Compassion helps with her boys education and food. They were able to encourage them to lean on the Lord and be strong by His strength. Christabel said that the students are being affected by the size of the homes and the conditions the people live in.
Pastor Mike's team continued their varnishing and painting projects but also took some time to build relationships and played some volleyball and soccer with the students and staff on site. They had lunch with the Compassion staff and church workers. Patrick was able to teach one young man how to play the guitar, he had never played before and by the time Patrick was done with him he was able to play a whole song.
They did a home visit to a family of 5 who live in a one room (6x10 foot) mud hut. The Compassion child there was a16 year old girl who had been sponsored for 11 years. She was very quiet and soft spoken, but so thankful for what she had and hoped to use the education she was receiving to become a nurse. Pastor Mike said how eye opening it is for the students to see these poorest of the poor.
The evening concluded with bonfire, but one unlike the students had ever experienced before. For us s'mores are a typical bonfire treat; for the Ethiopians roasting a lamb is their custom. What an opportunity the team had to learn first hand the symbolism of Isaiah 43 and the slaughtering of the passover lamb this Good Friday. Pastor Mike spoke with the team and prepared them for what was going to happen and each step of the way illustrated how Jesus laid down his life for us and made the ultimate sacrifice. Several of the students were able to help with the process, and by the end of the time everyone had a choice if they would like to eat some of the lamb and everyone took a bite, even the ones who don't eat very much meat. Truly this will be a Good Friday they do not forget.
Tomorrow they will finish up some of their projects and begin to pack up. Sunday they will have church and then head to the capital; they will be able to do some site seeing and shopping and then head home late Monday night.
Blessings, Heather
The first thing Christabel said was, "we worked hard today"! They continued their work on the basketball and volleyball courts, filling in the volleyball court with the sand needed. They were able to test out their work with a game of volleyball, American's vs. Ethiopians, where the American team was not so successful!
They also did a home visit, Christabel commented, "the homes just keep getting smaller and smaller." Today they meet a single mom with 2 boys, whose husband had recently passed away. The mom is able to work only occasionally, baking a native bread called 'anjerra' for a resort. When she does this she makes about a $1 per week, her rent is $4 per month, so she barely gets by, but is thankful that Compassion helps with her boys education and food. They were able to encourage them to lean on the Lord and be strong by His strength. Christabel said that the students are being affected by the size of the homes and the conditions the people live in.
Pastor Mike's team continued their varnishing and painting projects but also took some time to build relationships and played some volleyball and soccer with the students and staff on site. They had lunch with the Compassion staff and church workers. Patrick was able to teach one young man how to play the guitar, he had never played before and by the time Patrick was done with him he was able to play a whole song.
They did a home visit to a family of 5 who live in a one room (6x10 foot) mud hut. The Compassion child there was a16 year old girl who had been sponsored for 11 years. She was very quiet and soft spoken, but so thankful for what she had and hoped to use the education she was receiving to become a nurse. Pastor Mike said how eye opening it is for the students to see these poorest of the poor.
The evening concluded with bonfire, but one unlike the students had ever experienced before. For us s'mores are a typical bonfire treat; for the Ethiopians roasting a lamb is their custom. What an opportunity the team had to learn first hand the symbolism of Isaiah 43 and the slaughtering of the passover lamb this Good Friday. Pastor Mike spoke with the team and prepared them for what was going to happen and each step of the way illustrated how Jesus laid down his life for us and made the ultimate sacrifice. Several of the students were able to help with the process, and by the end of the time everyone had a choice if they would like to eat some of the lamb and everyone took a bite, even the ones who don't eat very much meat. Truly this will be a Good Friday they do not forget.
Tomorrow they will finish up some of their projects and begin to pack up. Sunday they will have church and then head to the capital; they will be able to do some site seeing and shopping and then head home late Monday night.
Blessings, Heather
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day 7
The team was back in Debre Zeit today. Christabel's team did some work in the morning digging and preparing the way for a basketball and volleyball court on the Compassion property. Despite the hard and grueling work the team had a good attitude and worked hard.
After that they went to do another home visit where they meet a single mom and her 7 year old daughter. Although the daughter had been a part of the Compassion program for 2 years she had just recently been sponsored. They were able to speak with them about the importance of acknowledging God in heaven and had a time to present the gospel to them. Their religious background was very orthodox so they stressed the importance of a relationship with God as a Father.
Pastor Mike's team did work varnishing the outer walls (which are a mixture of mud, clay and brick) at the Compassion site. They also did some painting on the interior.
They visited a home where they meet a young man who has been sponsored by Compassion for 13 years. He told them he wanted to be an economist so that he could work to help the poverty in his country.
In the evening they went for a hike and played mafia together. Tomorrow they will have a campfire with some Compassion student in the evening.
The update were shorter today, they were very tired and said that the work is good and the team is all doing well, but they are all very ready for bed when the time comes.
Blessings,Heather
After that they went to do another home visit where they meet a single mom and her 7 year old daughter. Although the daughter had been a part of the Compassion program for 2 years she had just recently been sponsored. They were able to speak with them about the importance of acknowledging God in heaven and had a time to present the gospel to them. Their religious background was very orthodox so they stressed the importance of a relationship with God as a Father.
Pastor Mike's team did work varnishing the outer walls (which are a mixture of mud, clay and brick) at the Compassion site. They also did some painting on the interior.
They visited a home where they meet a young man who has been sponsored by Compassion for 13 years. He told them he wanted to be an economist so that he could work to help the poverty in his country.
In the evening they went for a hike and played mafia together. Tomorrow they will have a campfire with some Compassion student in the evening.
The update were shorter today, they were very tired and said that the work is good and the team is all doing well, but they are all very ready for bed when the time comes.
Blessings,Heather
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day 6
Dear Friends and Family,
Christabel's team was able to strengthen the relationship they have built over the past few days. They taught the VBS they have shared with the children to some of the students. They spent time sharing their testimonies with the Ethiopians students and some of the Ethiopians were able to share with them as well. They spent some time laying hands on their new Ethiopian friends...praying for those who want to go into the ministry and for the girls to be able to stay pure. Some of the staff that was with them said what a wonderful experience it was and it was such an intimate way to experience the presence of God.
They meet a single mom, she and her husband were divorced, after their eldest child had died. Their second child, a daughter, was being sponsored by Compassion. They lived next door to each other, but the father was very distant from the family and children. Christabel commented that our students were being influenced by this godly woman who was living in such poverty but with lots of happiness for what God has done in her life. They meet another mother who was seeking to put her daughter up for adoption because she made so little she was unable to feed her and did not want to see her suffer.
Christabel also wanted me to know that she had gotten some clarification about the single mom they meet a few days ago, the woman who washes clothes. Christabel thought that she made the a dollar per day but in actuality she makes about $1.50 per month...making her situation all the more difficult.
Pastor Mike's team was also able to teach their VBS to the students, who are mostly 16-19 years old, so that they will be able to teach the program to the younger students. The friendships they developed with these students will be something that our students will carry with them forever, he commented that it was difficult for them to say good-bye (they will be going to a new Compassion site tomorrow).
They went to dinner with some of the elders from the church there. They told them the amazing things God was doing in the church. They have about 30 church plants, with anywhere from 50-200 people attending each church. So despite the poverty of the area, God is moving among the people and teaching them about Him. The elders discussed with our team the difference between wisdom and zeal and how that is affecting the generations in their churches.
They will be going to new sites tomorrow. Keep praying for their strength and health as they continue being the hands and feet of God.
Blessings, Heather
Christabel's team was able to strengthen the relationship they have built over the past few days. They taught the VBS they have shared with the children to some of the students. They spent time sharing their testimonies with the Ethiopians students and some of the Ethiopians were able to share with them as well. They spent some time laying hands on their new Ethiopian friends...praying for those who want to go into the ministry and for the girls to be able to stay pure. Some of the staff that was with them said what a wonderful experience it was and it was such an intimate way to experience the presence of God.
They meet a single mom, she and her husband were divorced, after their eldest child had died. Their second child, a daughter, was being sponsored by Compassion. They lived next door to each other, but the father was very distant from the family and children. Christabel commented that our students were being influenced by this godly woman who was living in such poverty but with lots of happiness for what God has done in her life. They meet another mother who was seeking to put her daughter up for adoption because she made so little she was unable to feed her and did not want to see her suffer.
Christabel also wanted me to know that she had gotten some clarification about the single mom they meet a few days ago, the woman who washes clothes. Christabel thought that she made the a dollar per day but in actuality she makes about $1.50 per month...making her situation all the more difficult.
Pastor Mike's team was also able to teach their VBS to the students, who are mostly 16-19 years old, so that they will be able to teach the program to the younger students. The friendships they developed with these students will be something that our students will carry with them forever, he commented that it was difficult for them to say good-bye (they will be going to a new Compassion site tomorrow).
They went to dinner with some of the elders from the church there. They told them the amazing things God was doing in the church. They have about 30 church plants, with anywhere from 50-200 people attending each church. So despite the poverty of the area, God is moving among the people and teaching them about Him. The elders discussed with our team the difference between wisdom and zeal and how that is affecting the generations in their churches.
They will be going to new sites tomorrow. Keep praying for their strength and health as they continue being the hands and feet of God.
Blessings, Heather
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Day 5 - work and water balloons
Dear Friends and Family,
This morning the went to the projects they were at yesterday to finish up some of the work they had started. It was nice to be a 2nd day at the same project because they were able to build more relationship with the people there.
At lunch they invited 30-40 of the older students and staff to join them. They were again able to deepen the relationships that are forming with their new friends. Somehow a water balloon fight broke out...no word of any causalities...I think it was a good time for everyone!
After lunch they went back to the projects to do the final touches needed and then headed to more home visits. At one home, that Pastor Mike's team visited, the father in the home had built and extra house on his property and was using it to give free rent to families or anyone who needed a place to stay for a bit - rent free! The students were impressed with how this godly man had used the means he had to reach out and meet the physical needs of people in his community. They were a very giving family, sharing popcorn and coffee with our missionaries.
When Pastor Mike's team arrived back at the compound Christabel's team had set up an ambush of water balloons...perhaps retribution from the lunch time events...we'll have to wait till they get home to get the full details on that one! :)
They then went to dinner and had a bonfire by the lake and had about 40 Ethiopians that joined them. They spent time under the full moon singing American and Ethiopian praise songs and sharing what they love about God and each other. They did the 'rain' which is a classic campfire event when everyone snaps their fingers...starting slowly and then getting faster...Pastor Mike said all 60 people doing this created quite the effect!
They finished up the evening with a good debrief where they shared some of the things God is showing them...Pastor Mike said, "there are cool things happening in the students hearts as they are getting a picture of God's heart for the world."
Tomorrow they will finish some projects, do VBS and have dinner with the church at their site. Continue to pray for strength as their days are busy and tiring...that God would give them all the extra strength they need to do and learn all they are supposed to.
Blessings, Heather
This morning the went to the projects they were at yesterday to finish up some of the work they had started. It was nice to be a 2nd day at the same project because they were able to build more relationship with the people there.
At lunch they invited 30-40 of the older students and staff to join them. They were again able to deepen the relationships that are forming with their new friends. Somehow a water balloon fight broke out...no word of any causalities...I think it was a good time for everyone!
After lunch they went back to the projects to do the final touches needed and then headed to more home visits. At one home, that Pastor Mike's team visited, the father in the home had built and extra house on his property and was using it to give free rent to families or anyone who needed a place to stay for a bit - rent free! The students were impressed with how this godly man had used the means he had to reach out and meet the physical needs of people in his community. They were a very giving family, sharing popcorn and coffee with our missionaries.
When Pastor Mike's team arrived back at the compound Christabel's team had set up an ambush of water balloons...perhaps retribution from the lunch time events...we'll have to wait till they get home to get the full details on that one! :)
They then went to dinner and had a bonfire by the lake and had about 40 Ethiopians that joined them. They spent time under the full moon singing American and Ethiopian praise songs and sharing what they love about God and each other. They did the 'rain' which is a classic campfire event when everyone snaps their fingers...starting slowly and then getting faster...Pastor Mike said all 60 people doing this created quite the effect!
They finished up the evening with a good debrief where they shared some of the things God is showing them...Pastor Mike said, "there are cool things happening in the students hearts as they are getting a picture of God's heart for the world."
Tomorrow they will finish some projects, do VBS and have dinner with the church at their site. Continue to pray for strength as their days are busy and tiring...that God would give them all the extra strength they need to do and learn all they are supposed to.
Blessings, Heather
Monday, April 6, 2009
Day 4
Dear Friends and Family,
Today was a day filled with hard labor and God moments so let's get to the details.
The group split into 2 team today going to 2 different Compassion Projects. Here are the stories from Christabel's team...
They started the day doing some painting...about 5 classrooms total accomplished today. They then went on to do some home visits where they encountered one family that really left an impression. They went into the mud hut of a single mom who had 4 kids. These homes are one large room where everyone lives, the family was dressed in tattered clothes but the team was welcomed openly. While the team was there, the mother seemed to be looking down at the ground - Christabel described it as a very ashamed demeanor. While watching this Christabel felt impressed to encourage her with Proverbs 31:25, "Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come." When Christabel approached her and told her she has hope in Christ, this mom looked up and smiled.
Their Compassion guides gave them some practical information regarding life for these families: It costs about $60 to build one of these mud huts, schooling costs about $8 per month per child, and the mom works washing clothes for less than $1 per day. If she wanted to send all 4 of her children to school it would cost her $32 per month which is more than she makes washing clothes. That would leave nothing for food, health care, clothing or any other needs they may have. That is where the aid that Compassion gives becomes so vitally important to the family. Quite the lesson the student learned today with this family!
Pastor Mike's team went to another Compassion Project where they made some new friends and did lots of cleaning. Most of these Compassion Project sites have on their property a church, school, and other buildings for general use. So they did a lot to spruce up the buildings on the inside and out. Pastor Mike said that they were able to spend some time with students from the Leadership Development Program (LDP). These students told them that Compassion had changed their lives and their families lives in many different ways. The families of these sponsored children are given groceries and other supplies that they would not have otherwise had. Some of the LDP students were studying to be a doctor, radiologist and one girl was studying nursing.
They then took a horse and buggy ride (a low grade taxi as he described it) to do some home visits of their own. They used 6-7 taxi's becoming a mini caravan to a community with many shack homes. They visited one family of 6 (the dad here worked at the Compassion site as a guard at the gate). They lived in a one room home that was approximately 18x12 feet. The oldest child in the home, a 17 year old boy, had been sponsored by Compassion for 13 years. The family pulled out letters to show the team from their sponsor and spoke of the dreams they now have. The parents commented that when they were growing up the didn't even dare to have dreams, so many were malnourishment and the country was in such a poor state, but they are thankful that their children now have the opportunity to have dreams to help their family, get an education, and better their county. One of the other children (and 11year old girl) said that she wanted to be a medical professor, the other children in the home were 4 and 2 years old.
After dinner some of the team took a moonlight hike to the top a small mountain (or a really big hill) to see some of the country side ~ which was stunning with a 3/4 moon and more stars than they will ever see here. They are being impressed with God's majesty in His creation and His provision for His people!
Tomorrow they will visit the same sites and have a campfire in the evening with some of the students from the Sponsorship program and the LDP.
Blessings,
Heather
Today was a day filled with hard labor and God moments so let's get to the details.
The group split into 2 team today going to 2 different Compassion Projects. Here are the stories from Christabel's team...
They started the day doing some painting...about 5 classrooms total accomplished today. They then went on to do some home visits where they encountered one family that really left an impression. They went into the mud hut of a single mom who had 4 kids. These homes are one large room where everyone lives, the family was dressed in tattered clothes but the team was welcomed openly. While the team was there, the mother seemed to be looking down at the ground - Christabel described it as a very ashamed demeanor. While watching this Christabel felt impressed to encourage her with Proverbs 31:25, "Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come." When Christabel approached her and told her she has hope in Christ, this mom looked up and smiled.
Their Compassion guides gave them some practical information regarding life for these families: It costs about $60 to build one of these mud huts, schooling costs about $8 per month per child, and the mom works washing clothes for less than $1 per day. If she wanted to send all 4 of her children to school it would cost her $32 per month which is more than she makes washing clothes. That would leave nothing for food, health care, clothing or any other needs they may have. That is where the aid that Compassion gives becomes so vitally important to the family. Quite the lesson the student learned today with this family!
Pastor Mike's team went to another Compassion Project where they made some new friends and did lots of cleaning. Most of these Compassion Project sites have on their property a church, school, and other buildings for general use. So they did a lot to spruce up the buildings on the inside and out. Pastor Mike said that they were able to spend some time with students from the Leadership Development Program (LDP). These students told them that Compassion had changed their lives and their families lives in many different ways. The families of these sponsored children are given groceries and other supplies that they would not have otherwise had. Some of the LDP students were studying to be a doctor, radiologist and one girl was studying nursing.
They then took a horse and buggy ride (a low grade taxi as he described it) to do some home visits of their own. They used 6-7 taxi's becoming a mini caravan to a community with many shack homes. They visited one family of 6 (the dad here worked at the Compassion site as a guard at the gate). They lived in a one room home that was approximately 18x12 feet. The oldest child in the home, a 17 year old boy, had been sponsored by Compassion for 13 years. The family pulled out letters to show the team from their sponsor and spoke of the dreams they now have. The parents commented that when they were growing up the didn't even dare to have dreams, so many were malnourishment and the country was in such a poor state, but they are thankful that their children now have the opportunity to have dreams to help their family, get an education, and better their county. One of the other children (and 11year old girl) said that she wanted to be a medical professor, the other children in the home were 4 and 2 years old.
After dinner some of the team took a moonlight hike to the top a small mountain (or a really big hill) to see some of the country side ~ which was stunning with a 3/4 moon and more stars than they will ever see here. They are being impressed with God's majesty in His creation and His provision for His people!
Tomorrow they will visit the same sites and have a campfire in the evening with some of the students from the Sponsorship program and the LDP.
Blessings,
Heather
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Day 3 - church and travel
Dear Friends and Family,
This is Heather, Pastor Mike's wife, he and Christabel called this morning as they were getting ready to travel to Debre Zeit and wanted me to pass on an update to you all. They will not have internet access readily accessable so I will be passing on the updates when I get them. So the updates will probably be a little shorter as they are trying to relay as much info as they can in a 5 minute phone call...but here is what I got this morning...
They attended an evangelical church this morning that had 3,000+ in attendence, many more than they were expecting. They said that the worship was wonderful and a great way to start the morning! They were accopmanied by 8 Compassion Graduates who served as their translators. These students were a part of a Compassion Leadership team, which is something they can be nominated for that after graduate the program. They said it was very helpful to have them around and what a treat to see what the students can do when they complete the program.
They were getting ready to travel to Debre Zeit, 45 mins South East of Addis Ababa, where they will be for the next 6 days. The will visit another Compassion project and HIV center.
Blessings,
Heather
This is Heather, Pastor Mike's wife, he and Christabel called this morning as they were getting ready to travel to Debre Zeit and wanted me to pass on an update to you all. They will not have internet access readily accessable so I will be passing on the updates when I get them. So the updates will probably be a little shorter as they are trying to relay as much info as they can in a 5 minute phone call...but here is what I got this morning...
They attended an evangelical church this morning that had 3,000+ in attendence, many more than they were expecting. They said that the worship was wonderful and a great way to start the morning! They were accopmanied by 8 Compassion Graduates who served as their translators. These students were a part of a Compassion Leadership team, which is something they can be nominated for that after graduate the program. They said it was very helpful to have them around and what a treat to see what the students can do when they complete the program.
They were getting ready to travel to Debre Zeit, 45 mins South East of Addis Ababa, where they will be for the next 6 days. The will visit another Compassion project and HIV center.
Blessings,
Heather
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Compassion Project #145
Dear Parents, Family & Friends
We have quite the experience in Addis Ababa this morning. Roosters, prayers by the Muslims and the Orthodox Christians were broadcasted by the hour over loud speakers. So, we are now in Ethiopia, and the culture here is so very unique.
We got ready for breakfast at 7.30am, followed by individual devotion on Philipians, and then head out to the Compassion Site #145 for our time of ministry. We were greeted with warm smiling faces, all 260 of them, and some of their parents. Songs, Hugs, Kisses, Roses, and a coffee ceremony awaited us. We also had a small briefing by the Project Facilitator, the Local Church that partner with the site, and the Compassion Staff. It is really interesting to know that the Local Church has such a huge role at this Project. They selected 200 children that needed sponsorships from their neighborhoods, amongst 1000 others who also are very needy and could use education. What a holistic way to go. The partnership is important to Compassion as they do not manage the projects.
Love the children, they were so accepting and want to kiss us to show us their love and their friendships. We played balls, painted nails, blew bubbles, and did 3 VBS' for them. O my goodness, these children were so receptive of the Bible stories, and could repeat them after us when we asked for volunteers.
These are the future generations of Ethiopians that will reach their nation for Christ. What a privilege it is for us to be able to take part in their investments now. We prayed over them, that they will know Christ intimately, and that they will feel His Presence daily. That the LORD of the Harvest will anoint and set them apart for the good news.
We will be going to a local church service tomorrow and head out to Debre Zeit, 45 mins South East of Addis Ababa. We are going to live in a farming community, and work amongst the most needy work here in Ethiopia. Please pray for our strength, readiness and ability to adapt.
Blessings and Grace, christabel
We have quite the experience in Addis Ababa this morning. Roosters, prayers by the Muslims and the Orthodox Christians were broadcasted by the hour over loud speakers. So, we are now in Ethiopia, and the culture here is so very unique.
We got ready for breakfast at 7.30am, followed by individual devotion on Philipians, and then head out to the Compassion Site #145 for our time of ministry. We were greeted with warm smiling faces, all 260 of them, and some of their parents. Songs, Hugs, Kisses, Roses, and a coffee ceremony awaited us. We also had a small briefing by the Project Facilitator, the Local Church that partner with the site, and the Compassion Staff. It is really interesting to know that the Local Church has such a huge role at this Project. They selected 200 children that needed sponsorships from their neighborhoods, amongst 1000 others who also are very needy and could use education. What a holistic way to go. The partnership is important to Compassion as they do not manage the projects.
Love the children, they were so accepting and want to kiss us to show us their love and their friendships. We played balls, painted nails, blew bubbles, and did 3 VBS' for them. O my goodness, these children were so receptive of the Bible stories, and could repeat them after us when we asked for volunteers.
These are the future generations of Ethiopians that will reach their nation for Christ. What a privilege it is for us to be able to take part in their investments now. We prayed over them, that they will know Christ intimately, and that they will feel His Presence daily. That the LORD of the Harvest will anoint and set them apart for the good news.
We will be going to a local church service tomorrow and head out to Debre Zeit, 45 mins South East of Addis Ababa. We are going to live in a farming community, and work amongst the most needy work here in Ethiopia. Please pray for our strength, readiness and ability to adapt.
Blessings and Grace, christabel
Day 1 : Travel to Addis Ababa
Updates:
We arrived in Frankfurt at 6.40am. Lots of people approached us about our mission t-shirts. Mainly because of its loud color and it's in Amharic. Luke 4:18 in Amharic. So the students took every opportunity to share their faith. Ethiopians, Yemenis, English folks, and Germans stopped us for small talks, and it became a Christ-sharing moment during the flights and at our layovers.. That really pumped our students knowing and experiencing the hand of God directing their every step, in country and out of the States.
This is going to be short, but please pray for our day of ministry at a Compassion Site with 270 children. God's love and strength be with us, and that we can be his hands and feet today.
By the way, we arrived safely in Addis Ababa at around 7pm last night followed by a warm welcome at the Ethiopian Guest House.
Talk to you guys soon.
Blessings, christabel
We arrived in Frankfurt at 6.40am. Lots of people approached us about our mission t-shirts. Mainly because of its loud color and it's in Amharic. Luke 4:18 in Amharic. So the students took every opportunity to share their faith. Ethiopians, Yemenis, English folks, and Germans stopped us for small talks, and it became a Christ-sharing moment during the flights and at our layovers.. That really pumped our students knowing and experiencing the hand of God directing their every step, in country and out of the States.
This is going to be short, but please pray for our day of ministry at a Compassion Site with 270 children. God's love and strength be with us, and that we can be his hands and feet today.
By the way, we arrived safely in Addis Ababa at around 7pm last night followed by a warm welcome at the Ethiopian Guest House.
Talk to you guys soon.
Blessings, christabel
Thursday, April 2, 2009
FLIGHT DETAILS
4/2 : LH 463 / LH 590 MIAMI to ADDIS ABABA (Via Frankfurt)
Leaves 3:50PM and Arrives 7:50pm (Next Day)
4/13: LH 591 / LH 462 ADDIS ABABA to MIAMI (Via Frankfurt)
Leaves 9:40PM and Arrives 1:25pm (Next Day)
Please pick up your student at the Miami International Airport. We are flying on Lufthansa Airlines.
God Bless, christabel
Leaves 3:50PM and Arrives 7:50pm (Next Day)
4/13: LH 591 / LH 462 ADDIS ABABA to MIAMI (Via Frankfurt)
Leaves 9:40PM and Arrives 1:25pm (Next Day)
Please pick up your student at the Miami International Airport. We are flying on Lufthansa Airlines.
God Bless, christabel
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