It seems that I have had some serious difficulty with writing, saving and posting on my blog since Thursday. So, I will try to update now that we are home. Yes, we returned to the USA on Sat, Nov. 19, but we both feel like we left our hearts back in Ethiopia. It was such a life-changing experience and so difficult to share it with you all so that perhaps you might catch our vision. But, we are going to try.
Friday, our last day in Ethiopia was full of more challenges to help the dear people of Ethiopia. Our dear friend, Corinne Gokcen, whose husband is the orthopedic surgeon at Cure Hospital, took us there for clinic day. It was AMAZING. We met children, teens and adults who had already had surgery or were there to see the medical staff and determine if they could be helped. We first met some precious little children who were waiting to see Eric (Corinne's husband) and they were so responsive to us and communicative by their facial expressions.
We also met, Ababa, a 16-year-old girl who had had surgery at the hospital months ago, but they had lost track of her after she was discharged. She just returned to the hospital yesterday (Thursday) and shared with us, via an interpreter, the terrible saga of where she has been. She was there in a wheelchair, accompanied by her blind cousin, and in need of a place to live, food to eat and a visit with the clinic staff to determine her future plans for more surgery. She smiled with all of her face when she first saw Corinne, but then tears began to fall as she shared where she has been. Her story is such a miracle to date and we are awaiting an update from Corinne as to her future. We walked through the hospital and met some of the patients. The expressions of hope and joy on their faces, in spite of their stitches (cleft palate surgeries) or casts (ortho surgeries, such as club feet, etc) was so thrilling to view. Corinne shared their desire to hopefully provide a facility on the property where the patients can stay after surgery for rehab, since many of them have no place to go except back to the street. Before we left Cure, we handed out pillowcase dresses to the young girls and the look of joy on their faces was so exciting. This is definitely a ministry available to anyone.
We left here and went to the American Embassy to do some last minute shopping and then to lunch to share what we had experienced. Even as overwhelming as the patients' conditions seemed, we were encouraged that God is at work through Eric and his staff to change lives in Ethiopia, one patient at a time, just as many others have been challenged to change the lives of orphans, one adoption at a time.
After lunch at a very nice little restaurant that was hidden back in off the beaten path, we returned to the Guest House to finish packing and get a nice hot shower before our LONG flight back to the US.
We very sadly said our farewells to Kidist and Alayu, hosts of the Guest House, as well as our newfound friend, Emilie, from Berlin. We have made friends with some of the greatest people on earth and hopefully, we will all meet back in Ethiopia in the future.
We had dinner that evening at Glenda's (one of our team members who is a Nurse Practitioner at the Embassy). It was a delicious meal, but the fellowship with all of our team around the table was extra special.
Pastor Gary Threatt took us the airport, where we worked our way through checkin and customs and all the various stages of the boarding process. We left Ethiopia at 10:15 and arrived in Wahington,DC at 7:45 am on Saturday. Thankfully, it was a very good flight, albeit a LONG flight.
At noon, we flew on to Phila where we were met by Jon and Brieanna. It was so good to see them and then to drive on to Norristown to meet up with Derek and Beth and the boys for pizza at a Brick Oven restaurant. Our time of sharing was full of tales of Ethiopia and all that they had been doing, including Jon preparing to run the Phila marahon the next day.
We went on to Derek and Beth's and stayed overnight so that we could be present for Noah's dedication the next morning at their church. It was good to be able to spend some time with them and their sweet boys.
We returned home to Mansfield Sunday evening and now the next phase of our lives begins. Jillane and Chip and the boys are coming in tonight for Thanksgiving, as well as Brieanna and Jon on Wed and then Brandon's family will come down from Elmira on Thanksgiving day. Jon's parents and Emily's parents will also join us for dinner and Derek and Beth and boys are coming Fri for some quick family time. We will miss Galen's family who are in the OBX for a special family week and Tye, who is spending Thanksgiving with the Travis family in Edinboro.
So, I will end our saga for now, but will send more updates as the Lord directs our steps and confirms possible plans He gave us in Ethiopia. As Doc says, now that we both have seen and know the situation in Ethiopia, we cannot pretend we don't know and we cannot sit back and do nothing. We are awaiting news from our friends in Ethiopia as to the progress in getting clean water to Zimero with the funds donated by ALL of you.
Thank you again for all your love, support and prayers. We and our dear friends in Ethiopia will be forever grateful!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Doc's Well of Hope in Zimero, Ethiopia
PRAISE THE LORD!!
What else can we say? We have just returned today, Thursday, Nov 17 from a 3-day eye clinic in the Menz Area of Ethiopia. We saw over 500 people and were able to fit them with reading glasses or sunglasses and even treat some eye conditions (we had a nurse practitioner and and nurse on our team of 10).
There is no way to express to those who have followed our adventure what we experienced or where we were this week. We were in the most remote, poor rural area we have ever been. It was about 200 miles north of Addis Ababa and the last 60 miles was on the rockiest roads we have ever traveled; not rocks, but boulders and gulleys. Another pastor we met described their roads as goat paths, since only goats could traverse them.
We drove 7 hours on Mon to Mehal Meda, which is the remote village where our host, Alayu grew up with his 2 brothers and sisters (all of whom now are highly educated and serving their country; one as an engineer, another as the director of the International Office of Compassion and Alayu is finishing his college degree in financial management and ministry). We stayed in a less than stellar hotel (squatters for toilets, sorta shower, and prison-like cells for rooms--we sprayed our beds and then slept in sleeping bags to avoid any unwanted creatures).
We held our first eye clinic in this village Tuesday. When we arrived at the church compound, there were probably 75-100 people waiting for us, and they had walked (many of them barefoot) miles and hours/days to get here in hopes of getting a pair of glasses. We were able to accommodate about 300 people that day and were not able to assist still more who were outside at the end of the day. That was one of our most gut-wrenching experiences. But, some of our best experiences were when we would here the patients say, "Ahh," when they were able to see for the first time.
On Tuesday, we drove about 20 more miles to Zemero, where we were shown the spring we hope to cap and make clean water available for the village and school. We also saw another spring that had been capped, but needs repair, and we are hoping to assist with that as well. We held an eye clinic in this village for the morning and were able to give glasses to about 115 here. We ate a packed lunch and then went to the home of Pastor and Becky's house helper from when they lived in this area, Truyeah for a "Bunna (coffee) ceremony. We then drove over the most,unbelievable terrain of gullies, ccaverns, boulders, rocks, etc. to get to our 3rd clinic at Tshai Sina. Again, there were about 50 people waiting and we were able to assist about 138 people here. It was AMAZING!!
That night, after a spicy (berbere)dinner, we returned to the church in Zemero for another Bunna ceremony where the leaders of the church expressed their thanks for all we had done. It was so humbling. When we left the church, we drove up on the hilltop overlooking Mehal Meda where we were able to view the night sky in all its glory like nowhere else in the world.
Thurs morning, we were up and on the road at 6am. However, about 15 minutes out of Mehal Meda, our vehicle began to spew water from under the hood. Yonas, our driver announced that we had lost our radiator cap. We are literally in the middle of NOWHERE. There is no such thing as a service station within 100 miles. The other lady in our vehicle and I started to pray, the Ethiopian men in our car started to walk back the road looking for it and Doc decided to look on the framework under the hood. PRAISE THE LORD!! It was there, we were able to use all the water in our water bottles to refill it and head on to Addis. Another of God's many miracles on our trip.
What else can we say? We have just returned today, Thursday, Nov 17 from a 3-day eye clinic in the Menz Area of Ethiopia. We saw over 500 people and were able to fit them with reading glasses or sunglasses and even treat some eye conditions (we had a nurse practitioner and and nurse on our team of 10).
There is no way to express to those who have followed our adventure what we experienced or where we were this week. We were in the most remote, poor rural area we have ever been. It was about 200 miles north of Addis Ababa and the last 60 miles was on the rockiest roads we have ever traveled; not rocks, but boulders and gulleys. Another pastor we met described their roads as goat paths, since only goats could traverse them.
We drove 7 hours on Mon to Mehal Meda, which is the remote village where our host, Alayu grew up with his 2 brothers and sisters (all of whom now are highly educated and serving their country; one as an engineer, another as the director of the International Office of Compassion and Alayu is finishing his college degree in financial management and ministry). We stayed in a less than stellar hotel (squatters for toilets, sorta shower, and prison-like cells for rooms--we sprayed our beds and then slept in sleeping bags to avoid any unwanted creatures).
We held our first eye clinic in this village Tuesday. When we arrived at the church compound, there were probably 75-100 people waiting for us, and they had walked (many of them barefoot) miles and hours/days to get here in hopes of getting a pair of glasses. We were able to accommodate about 300 people that day and were not able to assist still more who were outside at the end of the day. That was one of our most gut-wrenching experiences. But, some of our best experiences were when we would here the patients say, "Ahh," when they were able to see for the first time.
On Tuesday, we drove about 20 more miles to Zemero, where we were shown the spring we hope to cap and make clean water available for the village and school. We also saw another spring that had been capped, but needs repair, and we are hoping to assist with that as well. We held an eye clinic in this village for the morning and were able to give glasses to about 115 here. We ate a packed lunch and then went to the home of Pastor and Becky's house helper from when they lived in this area, Truyeah for a "Bunna (coffee) ceremony. We then drove over the most,unbelievable terrain of gullies, ccaverns, boulders, rocks, etc. to get to our 3rd clinic at Tshai Sina. Again, there were about 50 people waiting and we were able to assist about 138 people here. It was AMAZING!!
That night, after a spicy (berbere)dinner, we returned to the church in Zemero for another Bunna ceremony where the leaders of the church expressed their thanks for all we had done. It was so humbling. When we left the church, we drove up on the hilltop overlooking Mehal Meda where we were able to view the night sky in all its glory like nowhere else in the world.
Thurs morning, we were up and on the road at 6am. However, about 15 minutes out of Mehal Meda, our vehicle began to spew water from under the hood. Yonas, our driver announced that we had lost our radiator cap. We are literally in the middle of NOWHERE. There is no such thing as a service station within 100 miles. The other lady in our vehicle and I started to pray, the Ethiopian men in our car started to walk back the road looking for it and Doc decided to look on the framework under the hood. PRAISE THE LORD!! It was there, we were able to use all the water in our water bottles to refill it and head on to Addis. Another of God's many miracles on our trip.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
CHILDREN'S HEAVEN!!!!!
We wonder how it can get any better, but it does.
Today, we experienced God in even more amazing ways.
Acer Heye, from Wycliffe Ministry picked us up at 9:30 to go to Children's Heaven for their 7-year anniversary celebration. Children's Heaven is a community based nonprofit organization which, since starting operations in July 2004, has dedicated its efforts to improving the lives of HIV/AIDS orphaned girls living extremely vulnerable lives in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The program currently benefits more than 80 girls with about 200 on the waiting list. Children's Heaven provides essential services to teenage girls along with compassionate care, love, hope, security and spiritual guidance. They also seek to equip the girls with skills and an education to help them lead healthy and productive adult lives.
The program consisted of testimonies by some of the girls and mothers, dances by several of the girls, followed by the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony enjoyed by all the guests (except Doc). Oh my, it was incredible. They also sold beautiful handmade crafts by the girls and moms; I had a terrific time blessing the ministry by purchasing many of these items to bring back to America to share with those of you who share our vision.
But, best of all, were the testimonies of the girls and the moms and Hana, the director. One of the girls shared that she was sick and dying when she came to Children's Heaven and that Hana saved her life. Now, she is doing amazingly well in school and wants to become a doctor; WOW! One of the moms shared, with tears streaming down her face, that she and her 3 daughters had been a part of Children's Heaven, but have had to move back to their very rural, poor community because she could no longer afford to live in the slum (she paid rent). She desires to move back to the slum so that her girls can return to Children's Heaven (we learned from Hana that the mom has AIDS and is terminal).
Now, here is the exciting God part of the story. Just a few days before we left the states to come here, an empathetic sister in the Lord who I met through Markos' adoption, facebooked and said that she and her husband would like to send some money with us to use as God revealed the need. Ah hah! Guess what? The need was revealed today at Children's Heaven. At the conclusion of the ceremony, we told Acer's wife, Kimberly what we wanted to do: to give this large sum of money to this mom so that she could move back to the slum and her girls could return to Children's Heaven. Kimberly began to cry, she called Hana over and told her and she began to cry and then they called the mom over and told her, and guess what, she began to sob. They told the girls, who hugged us and cried and thanked us profusely in Amharic "a-meu-seu-ge-nal-lo." We were told that this generous gift of money for the mom would provide her rent for 1 year. Praise the Lord!!!!
Also during our sharing with individuals from both Addis and the US, Doc was made aware of their need to purchase land (albeit very poor land) for this ministry, as their rent will be increased from 4000 Birr to 15,000 Birr in December. So, he went for a short walk to view the property being considered. It was a working farm (if you could call it that) of 3-4 acres between their current building and the street encased by the slum. When he got inside the barn, he saw conditions that were at least 70 years old and less than profitable. There were about 25 Holstein cattle (now that excited Doc) that were as emaciated as the people, yet these are their sole income and means of a living. Whew!! We believe that the property is going to cost over a million Birr ($72,000). In the states, we wouldnt pay $25,000 at the most for this rock pile, yet for Hana, this is a castle. So, now we have a new challenge.
However, after our 8 days here, we have come to realize that NO challenge is too big for our GOD. So, be warned, we are on the prowl to pursue like-minded servants of God who want to participate in another of God's incredible life-changing ministries in Addis Ababa.
Also, God in His divine plan, allowed us to sit with an American nonprofit group, EOR (Ethiopian Orphan Relief) based out of Oregon who spent all day yesterday investigating providing clean water wells, cisterns, etc. and are sharing all of their info with us. WOW!! We have encountered so many different people with connections to clean water operations and now, must prayerfully consider the best option for us. Some are much more costly than we had anticipated, but may prove to be the most sustainable for many years. So, please pray with us for the wisdom to know who and where.
Monday we leave for Menz, and 3 eye clinics in 3 very remote, poor villages; one of which desperately needs water. However, we have been told that it may be very costly even to get the sand and gravel and clean water equipment to the village (it may have to go by donkey).
Also, we are trying to prepare ourselves for the fact that we may freeze in Menz. Our accommodations changed unexpectedly and are less than stellar (according to our team leader); meaning either cold showers or no showers, maybe bathrooms or holes in the ground, sleeping bags that we need to spray with bug spray and Deet before we put them on the beds or whatever, and who knows if we'll have electricity. So, as Doc says, we are in for another God adventure. What better way to spend our elder years!!!
Again, we thank you all for your love and support and ask that you pray specifically for us next week as we venture into an even poorer area of Ethiopia, but where we desire to show the love of God and His believers and to minister to the very best of our ability in providing eyeglass care.
Today, we experienced God in even more amazing ways.
Acer Heye, from Wycliffe Ministry picked us up at 9:30 to go to Children's Heaven for their 7-year anniversary celebration. Children's Heaven is a community based nonprofit organization which, since starting operations in July 2004, has dedicated its efforts to improving the lives of HIV/AIDS orphaned girls living extremely vulnerable lives in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The program currently benefits more than 80 girls with about 200 on the waiting list. Children's Heaven provides essential services to teenage girls along with compassionate care, love, hope, security and spiritual guidance. They also seek to equip the girls with skills and an education to help them lead healthy and productive adult lives.
The program consisted of testimonies by some of the girls and mothers, dances by several of the girls, followed by the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony enjoyed by all the guests (except Doc). Oh my, it was incredible. They also sold beautiful handmade crafts by the girls and moms; I had a terrific time blessing the ministry by purchasing many of these items to bring back to America to share with those of you who share our vision.
But, best of all, were the testimonies of the girls and the moms and Hana, the director. One of the girls shared that she was sick and dying when she came to Children's Heaven and that Hana saved her life. Now, she is doing amazingly well in school and wants to become a doctor; WOW! One of the moms shared, with tears streaming down her face, that she and her 3 daughters had been a part of Children's Heaven, but have had to move back to their very rural, poor community because she could no longer afford to live in the slum (she paid rent). She desires to move back to the slum so that her girls can return to Children's Heaven (we learned from Hana that the mom has AIDS and is terminal).
Now, here is the exciting God part of the story. Just a few days before we left the states to come here, an empathetic sister in the Lord who I met through Markos' adoption, facebooked and said that she and her husband would like to send some money with us to use as God revealed the need. Ah hah! Guess what? The need was revealed today at Children's Heaven. At the conclusion of the ceremony, we told Acer's wife, Kimberly what we wanted to do: to give this large sum of money to this mom so that she could move back to the slum and her girls could return to Children's Heaven. Kimberly began to cry, she called Hana over and told her and she began to cry and then they called the mom over and told her, and guess what, she began to sob. They told the girls, who hugged us and cried and thanked us profusely in Amharic "a-meu-seu-ge-nal-lo." We were told that this generous gift of money for the mom would provide her rent for 1 year. Praise the Lord!!!!
Also during our sharing with individuals from both Addis and the US, Doc was made aware of their need to purchase land (albeit very poor land) for this ministry, as their rent will be increased from 4000 Birr to 15,000 Birr in December. So, he went for a short walk to view the property being considered. It was a working farm (if you could call it that) of 3-4 acres between their current building and the street encased by the slum. When he got inside the barn, he saw conditions that were at least 70 years old and less than profitable. There were about 25 Holstein cattle (now that excited Doc) that were as emaciated as the people, yet these are their sole income and means of a living. Whew!! We believe that the property is going to cost over a million Birr ($72,000). In the states, we wouldnt pay $25,000 at the most for this rock pile, yet for Hana, this is a castle. So, now we have a new challenge.
However, after our 8 days here, we have come to realize that NO challenge is too big for our GOD. So, be warned, we are on the prowl to pursue like-minded servants of God who want to participate in another of God's incredible life-changing ministries in Addis Ababa.
Also, God in His divine plan, allowed us to sit with an American nonprofit group, EOR (Ethiopian Orphan Relief) based out of Oregon who spent all day yesterday investigating providing clean water wells, cisterns, etc. and are sharing all of their info with us. WOW!! We have encountered so many different people with connections to clean water operations and now, must prayerfully consider the best option for us. Some are much more costly than we had anticipated, but may prove to be the most sustainable for many years. So, please pray with us for the wisdom to know who and where.
Monday we leave for Menz, and 3 eye clinics in 3 very remote, poor villages; one of which desperately needs water. However, we have been told that it may be very costly even to get the sand and gravel and clean water equipment to the village (it may have to go by donkey).
Also, we are trying to prepare ourselves for the fact that we may freeze in Menz. Our accommodations changed unexpectedly and are less than stellar (according to our team leader); meaning either cold showers or no showers, maybe bathrooms or holes in the ground, sleeping bags that we need to spray with bug spray and Deet before we put them on the beds or whatever, and who knows if we'll have electricity. So, as Doc says, we are in for another God adventure. What better way to spend our elder years!!!
Again, we thank you all for your love and support and ask that you pray specifically for us next week as we venture into an even poorer area of Ethiopia, but where we desire to show the love of God and His believers and to minister to the very best of our ability in providing eyeglass care.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Cure Ethiopia Children's Hospital and God's Blessings
Well, it was another poor night of little sleep for Doc, but he was able to get some rest this morning and we are both believing for total healing before we head off to Menz on Monday morning.
This afternoon, Corinne Gokcen, wife of orthopedic surgeon, Eric Gokcen stopped by the Guest House to meet us and take us out for bunna (Ethiopian coffee). SO we went to their version of Starbucks and while Corinne and I enjoyed our caramel macchiato, Doc enjoyed his strawberry milkshake (delicious!!). We talked for a couple of hours and were so enthralled, that we decided to ask Emilie to join us and Eric and all go out to dinner. We ate a delicious meal at Arkabalano and shared even more of all our stories and how we each ended up in Ethiopia. What an evening.
Eric and Corinne are from Yardley (very near Doylestown) and Corinne's sister actually lives there and sends her 4 children to Plumstead Christian Academy. Their daughter attends Houghton College (2 hours from us) and we hope to host her in our home once we return. Their son is currently living in California. They have been here 3 years and before that were in Kenya. Their initial orthopedic practice was in Doylestown, which is a far cry from Addis Ababa. We have been blessed and challenged beyond words, just from hearing their story. We will share more when we return. They showed us before and after pictures of some of their patients and it is amazing the gift God has blessed Eric with to give these children new life, both physically and spiritually. There are 3 main staff at the hospital: Eric, a plastic surgeon and a pastor who shares Jesus Christ and eternal life with these patients and their families. So, they leave the hospital, healed physically and spiritually. AMAZING!!
Tomorrow, we are being picked up in the morning by Acer Heye, who is taking us to a craft bazaar at a ministry that works with orphaned teenage girls. They are going to be selling handmade crafts to raise funds for their ministry.
Then, in the afternoon, Becky (Pastor's wife) is going to show us more of Addis and take us to a couple of places for special crafts. We are hoping to bring home many items to be able to share with people for donations (that money will come back here to bless these ministries). There is so much good happening here, but there is also so much need.
Doc and I are being blessed and challenged beyond belief, but we are having the God experience of a lifetime as we hear and view Him at work in others' lives, as well as our own. We cannot begin to express to all of you how life changing this time has been. I knew I left my heart here in August 2010, but I think Doc is losing his to the people here now too.
Continue to pray for us. Sunday we will be at church in the morning and then spending the afternoon in preparation for the eye clinics and packing our vehicles for the long, interesting trip to Menz on Monday.
Thank you all again. Keep praying. We love you all and are thankful for the support of all.
This afternoon, Corinne Gokcen, wife of orthopedic surgeon, Eric Gokcen stopped by the Guest House to meet us and take us out for bunna (Ethiopian coffee). SO we went to their version of Starbucks and while Corinne and I enjoyed our caramel macchiato, Doc enjoyed his strawberry milkshake (delicious!!). We talked for a couple of hours and were so enthralled, that we decided to ask Emilie to join us and Eric and all go out to dinner. We ate a delicious meal at Arkabalano and shared even more of all our stories and how we each ended up in Ethiopia. What an evening.
Eric and Corinne are from Yardley (very near Doylestown) and Corinne's sister actually lives there and sends her 4 children to Plumstead Christian Academy. Their daughter attends Houghton College (2 hours from us) and we hope to host her in our home once we return. Their son is currently living in California. They have been here 3 years and before that were in Kenya. Their initial orthopedic practice was in Doylestown, which is a far cry from Addis Ababa. We have been blessed and challenged beyond words, just from hearing their story. We will share more when we return. They showed us before and after pictures of some of their patients and it is amazing the gift God has blessed Eric with to give these children new life, both physically and spiritually. There are 3 main staff at the hospital: Eric, a plastic surgeon and a pastor who shares Jesus Christ and eternal life with these patients and their families. So, they leave the hospital, healed physically and spiritually. AMAZING!!
Tomorrow, we are being picked up in the morning by Acer Heye, who is taking us to a craft bazaar at a ministry that works with orphaned teenage girls. They are going to be selling handmade crafts to raise funds for their ministry.
Then, in the afternoon, Becky (Pastor's wife) is going to show us more of Addis and take us to a couple of places for special crafts. We are hoping to bring home many items to be able to share with people for donations (that money will come back here to bless these ministries). There is so much good happening here, but there is also so much need.
Doc and I are being blessed and challenged beyond belief, but we are having the God experience of a lifetime as we hear and view Him at work in others' lives, as well as our own. We cannot begin to express to all of you how life changing this time has been. I knew I left my heart here in August 2010, but I think Doc is losing his to the people here now too.
Continue to pray for us. Sunday we will be at church in the morning and then spending the afternoon in preparation for the eye clinics and packing our vehicles for the long, interesting trip to Menz on Monday.
Thank you all again. Keep praying. We love you all and are thankful for the support of all.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Brr-rr-rr-r It's Getting Cooler
Well, the Ethiopians would say it is very cold, but it is just starting to get cold. It is windy today and around 60 degrees, but it feels colder in the Guest House because of the construction of the building; concrete blocks and lots of marble. Since we are both fighting an annoying cold, we tend to notice it a little more.
We did not sleep well at all last night due to the coughing and congestion. We were supposed to go to the Mirr Hospital today to meet an orthopedic surgeon and his wife. He apparently operates mostly on children with cleft palates and club feet. But, since we were afraid of passing this cold on to the already compromised children, we decided to stay here at the guest house. We were going to meet many of the children and pass out clothes and toys. It may be possible to go there next Fri before we return to the states. We are hoping so.
So, we stayed here at the Guest House and got some much needed rest. We are praying that tonight will be a better night with healing rest. Tonight, we are going to dinner with Pastor Gary and Becky Threatt somewhere in Addis, just so that we can get to know each other a little better.
Becky just called to say that our plans have changed a little for next week. We are still going to Menz on Mon morning, but returning Thurs nite. We were supposedly staying at the World Vision complex up there, but Becky just learned this morning that they had booked it for World Vision staff without realizing that we had reserved it already for our group. So, we are staying at a hotel (take that word loosely, no hot showers, food???) and doing a clinic on Tues, Wed, Thurs and returning here late Thurs evening. That will be good, cause we have hot showers here and good food and a nice bed.
We are excited to go, because it looks like Doc's Well of Hope money will be spent to build a well in one of those villages, Zemero, which is very poor and has almost nothing there. They have a church and the well construction would be overseen by the church leaders and local leaders. Alayou has assurred us that a well in Zemero would be a gift of a lifetime to hundreds of people.
We are using today as a recoup day, both physically and mentally and we are trying to catch up with our communications and "praying up" as Brieanna puts it, for direction as to our future.
One thing we can say is that we are coming home as 2 "changed people." You cannot spend 2 weeks here and not be changed. We think of the scripture in Prov. 24:12 "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act."
The question for us still is: "Lord, what would you have us to do to have the biggest impact for your kingdom and to save the most lives, both physically and spiritually?"
We see MANY opportunities, but it is important to follow God's leading.
We did not sleep well at all last night due to the coughing and congestion. We were supposed to go to the Mirr Hospital today to meet an orthopedic surgeon and his wife. He apparently operates mostly on children with cleft palates and club feet. But, since we were afraid of passing this cold on to the already compromised children, we decided to stay here at the guest house. We were going to meet many of the children and pass out clothes and toys. It may be possible to go there next Fri before we return to the states. We are hoping so.
So, we stayed here at the Guest House and got some much needed rest. We are praying that tonight will be a better night with healing rest. Tonight, we are going to dinner with Pastor Gary and Becky Threatt somewhere in Addis, just so that we can get to know each other a little better.
Becky just called to say that our plans have changed a little for next week. We are still going to Menz on Mon morning, but returning Thurs nite. We were supposedly staying at the World Vision complex up there, but Becky just learned this morning that they had booked it for World Vision staff without realizing that we had reserved it already for our group. So, we are staying at a hotel (take that word loosely, no hot showers, food???) and doing a clinic on Tues, Wed, Thurs and returning here late Thurs evening. That will be good, cause we have hot showers here and good food and a nice bed.
We are excited to go, because it looks like Doc's Well of Hope money will be spent to build a well in one of those villages, Zemero, which is very poor and has almost nothing there. They have a church and the well construction would be overseen by the church leaders and local leaders. Alayou has assurred us that a well in Zemero would be a gift of a lifetime to hundreds of people.
We are using today as a recoup day, both physically and mentally and we are trying to catch up with our communications and "praying up" as Brieanna puts it, for direction as to our future.
One thing we can say is that we are coming home as 2 "changed people." You cannot spend 2 weeks here and not be changed. We think of the scripture in Prov. 24:12 "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know and holds us responsible to act."
The question for us still is: "Lord, what would you have us to do to have the biggest impact for your kingdom and to save the most lives, both physically and spiritually?"
We see MANY opportunities, but it is important to follow God's leading.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Amazing Ethiopia!!
Well, our heads are spinning with all that God is doing, the people we are meeting, the ministries we are coming in contact with.
It is amazing to us that as we meet people and start talking, they know people that we know and they know others and so forth. The ministries interact, the people interact. God is busily at work over here.
Now, we just want to know where we fit in.
Yesterday, Tuesday, we went to Hannah's Hope, the orphanage where Markos was and we met with Almaz, the director and Wazz, our driver. It was SOOOO good to go back there and see the children and the care givers and the babies and children. They have 40 now. Oh, such pleasant memories it brought back of the wonderful 8 couples we came here with and the sweet children we all took home to the US.
We rested much of the rest of Tuesday, as we both have managed to get an annoying cold with coughing and runny nose. We feel better today, but definitely needed to rest then.
Today, we went with our host, Alayu, to meet Jerry Shannon of Embracing Hope Ethiopia ministry. He and his wife, Kristi and 4 children are from Lancaster, PA. They have a ministry in Korah (next to the dump) where they have a daycare for children, so that the moms can work while the children are cared for. They feed the children and the moms, teach the moms about childcare and share Jesus with them all.
We learned that they know Chris Wheeland (our son-in-law Jon's brother) and the 2 former pastors of Brieanna and Jon. They also just visited the Vineyard Fellowship with Bob Morris in Wellsboro. We are being reminded what a small world it is when you are connected to the body of Christ.
We then met with Tsei, our host's brother,who is the director of Compassion International for all of Ethiopia. What a man of God and what a passion he has to share Jesus Christ with his people, to care for the needy chidlren of Ethiopia and to be a vessel God can use in any way possible.
We have made many contacts concerning clean water and wells and hope to have more answers tonight. Our host, Alayu, is meeting tonight, with our Pastor from here to discuss the best way to bring clean water to the multitudes. It is possible that we will use the money we brought and start a water project in one of the villages we will be in next week where there is NO water and then come home and try to raise whatever else it will take to complete the project. If not this village, then perhaps another area where they have begun a clean water project and help them complete it. God will make it clear to us, we know.
Next week, Mon-Fri, we will be in a very rural, mountainous area north of Addis, to do an eye clinic. There are other people from the US, as well as here, going along and it sounds like we will be busy from cold morning through hot afternoon to cold evening, diagnosing simply and fitting as many with eyeglasses as possible. So, pray for us as we minister in this way to the very needy of the rural Ethiopia.
We are having a hard time sleeping due to all the thoughts rumbling through our heads as to what God would have us do. The need is great, but it is also obvious to us that God is at work here and the people are open to hear about Jesus. There are many very good ministries here caring for the orphans and the widows and the poorest of the poor. We just want to know where God would have us get involved.
Doc was having a problem sleeping last night, and as he was lying there thinking, he was reminded that Brieanna had asked us before we left if we have been praying together for clear direction and if we were prayed up. Well, Doc said he realized he had some more work to do in the area of prayer. I would have to say amen to that. We are being, pleasantly, overwhelmed with the many good works going on here and need to know where God would have us get involved. So, praying for direction.
When we met with Tsei this morning, his challenge to us was: "You have seen the need, now what are you going to do about this?" referring to the needy and dying children. Almaz challenged us once again to adopt. We told her of 2 girls we are aware of in the US already in need of a home and she said, so????? Well, Lord, you need to make it clear. We are realizing that age is not a factor in God's book when it comes to doing His work. So, we are willing to do whatever it is He calls us to do, we are just waiting for a clear directive.
I do believe that we will be back here within 6-9 months, perhaps for only another 2-3 weeks, to assist the ministries already here and to bring as many supplies as possible. Clothing, medicine, supplies must be brought as it is far too expensive to ship them, so we will do our best to gather those items that we realize they need so desperately and bring them back with us. As well, we will try to bring to the US crafts and goods from Ethiopia to market there to benefit the poorest of the poor. Even this trip, we are planning to being back coffee and some other crafts as this will benefit the moms at the Shannons ministry near Korah.
I will close our posting for now. The pastor's wife is coming to pick us up to do some shopping and see more of Addis.
Thank you for your support and prayers. Keep the prayers coming.
It is amazing to us that as we meet people and start talking, they know people that we know and they know others and so forth. The ministries interact, the people interact. God is busily at work over here.
Now, we just want to know where we fit in.
Yesterday, Tuesday, we went to Hannah's Hope, the orphanage where Markos was and we met with Almaz, the director and Wazz, our driver. It was SOOOO good to go back there and see the children and the care givers and the babies and children. They have 40 now. Oh, such pleasant memories it brought back of the wonderful 8 couples we came here with and the sweet children we all took home to the US.
We rested much of the rest of Tuesday, as we both have managed to get an annoying cold with coughing and runny nose. We feel better today, but definitely needed to rest then.
Today, we went with our host, Alayu, to meet Jerry Shannon of Embracing Hope Ethiopia ministry. He and his wife, Kristi and 4 children are from Lancaster, PA. They have a ministry in Korah (next to the dump) where they have a daycare for children, so that the moms can work while the children are cared for. They feed the children and the moms, teach the moms about childcare and share Jesus with them all.
We learned that they know Chris Wheeland (our son-in-law Jon's brother) and the 2 former pastors of Brieanna and Jon. They also just visited the Vineyard Fellowship with Bob Morris in Wellsboro. We are being reminded what a small world it is when you are connected to the body of Christ.
We then met with Tsei, our host's brother,who is the director of Compassion International for all of Ethiopia. What a man of God and what a passion he has to share Jesus Christ with his people, to care for the needy chidlren of Ethiopia and to be a vessel God can use in any way possible.
We have made many contacts concerning clean water and wells and hope to have more answers tonight. Our host, Alayu, is meeting tonight, with our Pastor from here to discuss the best way to bring clean water to the multitudes. It is possible that we will use the money we brought and start a water project in one of the villages we will be in next week where there is NO water and then come home and try to raise whatever else it will take to complete the project. If not this village, then perhaps another area where they have begun a clean water project and help them complete it. God will make it clear to us, we know.
Next week, Mon-Fri, we will be in a very rural, mountainous area north of Addis, to do an eye clinic. There are other people from the US, as well as here, going along and it sounds like we will be busy from cold morning through hot afternoon to cold evening, diagnosing simply and fitting as many with eyeglasses as possible. So, pray for us as we minister in this way to the very needy of the rural Ethiopia.
We are having a hard time sleeping due to all the thoughts rumbling through our heads as to what God would have us do. The need is great, but it is also obvious to us that God is at work here and the people are open to hear about Jesus. There are many very good ministries here caring for the orphans and the widows and the poorest of the poor. We just want to know where God would have us get involved.
Doc was having a problem sleeping last night, and as he was lying there thinking, he was reminded that Brieanna had asked us before we left if we have been praying together for clear direction and if we were prayed up. Well, Doc said he realized he had some more work to do in the area of prayer. I would have to say amen to that. We are being, pleasantly, overwhelmed with the many good works going on here and need to know where God would have us get involved. So, praying for direction.
When we met with Tsei this morning, his challenge to us was: "You have seen the need, now what are you going to do about this?" referring to the needy and dying children. Almaz challenged us once again to adopt. We told her of 2 girls we are aware of in the US already in need of a home and she said, so????? Well, Lord, you need to make it clear. We are realizing that age is not a factor in God's book when it comes to doing His work. So, we are willing to do whatever it is He calls us to do, we are just waiting for a clear directive.
I do believe that we will be back here within 6-9 months, perhaps for only another 2-3 weeks, to assist the ministries already here and to bring as many supplies as possible. Clothing, medicine, supplies must be brought as it is far too expensive to ship them, so we will do our best to gather those items that we realize they need so desperately and bring them back with us. As well, we will try to bring to the US crafts and goods from Ethiopia to market there to benefit the poorest of the poor. Even this trip, we are planning to being back coffee and some other crafts as this will benefit the moms at the Shannons ministry near Korah.
I will close our posting for now. The pastor's wife is coming to pick us up to do some shopping and see more of Addis.
Thank you for your support and prayers. Keep the prayers coming.
Monday, November 7, 2011
CAUGHT THE VISION
Well, Doc has caught the vision that I have for Ethiopia. It happened Sunday afternoon as we drove through parts of Addis and we saw the many children and homeless people who occupy the grassy areas along the sidewalks and who also are everywhere that there are people who might give them aid (money, particularly).
On Saturday, Doc picked up a book here at the Guest House (some would say by accident, but it was truly God's providence) called He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado and it has further confirmed our mission and God's plans for our future. I am going to take the liberty and quote parts of it here, so that you may share with us how God is leading.
"Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the man who is prepared to lose his life will preserve it." Luke 17:33
"There are two ways to view life," Jesus is saying, "those who protect it or those who pursue it. The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years." Your goal is not to live long; it's to live.
Jesus says our options are clear. On one side, there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry. You can't get hurt if you never get out, right? You can't be criticized for what you don't try, right? You can't fall if you don't take a stand, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So, dont try it, take the safe route.
You think staying inside out of the cold is safe? Jesus disagrees. 'Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the man who is prepared to lose his life will preserve it." WOW!
Your last chapters can be your best. Your final song can be your greatest. It could be that all of your life has prepared you for a grand exit. God's oldest have been among His choicest.
As we get older, our vision should improve. Not our vision of earth but our vision of heaven. Those who have spent their life looking for heaven gain a skip in their step as the city comes into view. A note written by Michelangelo in his old years to a young artist: 'Draw, Antonio, draw, and do not waste time.'
Well-founded urgency, Michelangelo. Time slips. Days pass. Years fade. And life ends. And what we came to do must be done while there is time. We would think it bizarre for a traveler not to be prepared for the end of the journey.
So, Doc read this to me in the middle of the night and we are both looking at each other saying, "Ok, what is God saying?" We talked for over an hour about different thoughts and possibilities. We realize the necessity to be in unison about what God is saying and, as of now, we feel we are united as to the initial direction and possible next steps. We are praying for the wisdom to discern just the right ministry and our role in it.
We just met Aser ( a contractor) who is from here, married to an American teacher and they live here now for 2 years working with Wycliffe Translators. As we were sharing our various passions and visions, he told us of a couple from the states that he just assisted in building a spring/well in a remote village. REALLY!!!! Imagine that. And, he was just leaving here to go to a meeting with Pastor and Becky Threatt, the pastor we are working with here.
This is just how our time has been for the past 48 hours. We have met several individuals in just thiis same manner who we believe God is bringing across our path to share and to understand their ministry and perhpas play a role in them.
Doc is so excited about the possibilites here and how we can raise more money and aid more people in various ways.
I am so excited that I cant sleep. Doc is also having trouble sleeping for all the thoughts and concerns going through his head. It is awesome to see and we are SOOOOOOOO excited. He said to me that as much as he hates the cost of a ticket to get here, he knows he HAD to come and see and feel Ethiopia for real. YEAH!!
So, we covet your prayers for wisdom and discernment. And, we thank everyone for ALL of your support.
On Saturday, Doc picked up a book here at the Guest House (some would say by accident, but it was truly God's providence) called He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado and it has further confirmed our mission and God's plans for our future. I am going to take the liberty and quote parts of it here, so that you may share with us how God is leading.
"Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the man who is prepared to lose his life will preserve it." Luke 17:33
"There are two ways to view life," Jesus is saying, "those who protect it or those who pursue it. The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years." Your goal is not to live long; it's to live.
Jesus says our options are clear. On one side, there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry. You can't get hurt if you never get out, right? You can't be criticized for what you don't try, right? You can't fall if you don't take a stand, right? You can't lose your balance if you never climb, right? So, dont try it, take the safe route.
Or you can hear the voice of adventure--God's adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure, it isnt safe, but what is?
You think staying inside out of the cold is safe? Jesus disagrees. 'Whoever tries to keep his life safe will lose it, and the man who is prepared to lose his life will preserve it." WOW!
Your last chapters can be your best. Your final song can be your greatest. It could be that all of your life has prepared you for a grand exit. God's oldest have been among His choicest.
As we get older, our vision should improve. Not our vision of earth but our vision of heaven. Those who have spent their life looking for heaven gain a skip in their step as the city comes into view. A note written by Michelangelo in his old years to a young artist: 'Draw, Antonio, draw, and do not waste time.'
Well-founded urgency, Michelangelo. Time slips. Days pass. Years fade. And life ends. And what we came to do must be done while there is time. We would think it bizarre for a traveler not to be prepared for the end of the journey.
So, Doc read this to me in the middle of the night and we are both looking at each other saying, "Ok, what is God saying?" We talked for over an hour about different thoughts and possibilities. We realize the necessity to be in unison about what God is saying and, as of now, we feel we are united as to the initial direction and possible next steps. We are praying for the wisdom to discern just the right ministry and our role in it.
We just met Aser ( a contractor) who is from here, married to an American teacher and they live here now for 2 years working with Wycliffe Translators. As we were sharing our various passions and visions, he told us of a couple from the states that he just assisted in building a spring/well in a remote village. REALLY!!!! Imagine that. And, he was just leaving here to go to a meeting with Pastor and Becky Threatt, the pastor we are working with here.
You have to understand that there are MANY ministries here and churches and yet, this man works with the pastor we are connected to!!!
This is just how our time has been for the past 48 hours. We have met several individuals in just thiis same manner who we believe God is bringing across our path to share and to understand their ministry and perhpas play a role in them.
So, we need discernment.
Doc is so excited about the possibilites here and how we can raise more money and aid more people in various ways.
I am so excited that I cant sleep. Doc is also having trouble sleeping for all the thoughts and concerns going through his head. It is awesome to see and we are SOOOOOOOO excited. He said to me that as much as he hates the cost of a ticket to get here, he knows he HAD to come and see and feel Ethiopia for real. YEAH!!
We do not know yet just how our week is going to play out, but we are excited to see the way God directs. As of now (Mon noon), we are planning to connect with the Threatts today and perhaps the Shannons (from Lancaster, PA) who have a ministry called Embracing Hope Ethiopia (check out their website) that works with children and mothers in Korah (the area of the dump). We are also going to try to connect with Almaz at Hannah's Hope, the orphanage from which Markos came.
We have been invited by Aser to a bazaar on Sat at Children's Heaven, where they are raising money for their ministry to 80 girls who have a mother, but need mentoring and 1 meal a day.
Our host, Alayu is also taking us to the best coffee place in Addis on Sat to buy coffee to bring home. He is also going to arrange a meeting for us with his brother, Tsey, who is the International Director of Compassion International, located here in Addis.
Emily, our 21-year-old German friend, is getting information for us from the Baptist mission she volunteers for, that builds schools, wells and latrines for the women in rural areas. She is also going to take us shopping at some time for Ethiopian coffee pots and cups as well as some other traditional Ethiopian crafts to bring home. We are going to visit various Ethiopian historical sites and eating spots with her. We are hoping to visit an Orthodox church next Sun at 6am with Emily and then attend church at 9am at IEC, Pastor and Becky's church.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
God is Awesome!!
We attended church this morning at IEC (Pastor and Becky Threatt) with Alayu, our host at the Guest House. It was incredible!!
The church was packed with people from all over the world, beautiful little children and the people we so love from Ethiopia.
The message was about Breaking Through the Small World Syndrome and stepping out in the power of the Holy Spirit to share Jesus and salvation wherever He might lead us.
He asked the question, "Lord, where would you have me to go?" WOW, could that be Ethiopia or could that be.........????? No idea at the moment, but I am sure of the fact that Doc and I are diligently seeking God for what His plan is for us now. We are willing to be used wherever and however He chooses and if that is in Mansfield or Ethiopia or .........., so be it.
We have already encountered several different people with different ministries and we are listening and considering them all. We also are diligently praying about the adoption issue, especially in regards to 2 Ethiopian girls ages 9 and 12, who are already in the States and need a home.
Only God knows the plans He has for us at this point. We just need to seek and pray and follow His leading. As for now, it seems that we are to check out several different ministries here in Ethiopia and make contacts considering how to get clean water wells to villages in Ethiopia. We are making some contacts even as I write.
We are planning to go to lunch with Emily, a 21-year-old girl here from Berlin, volunteering for a Baptist mission, raising funds to build schools and wells and bathroom facilities for the women in the rural areas of Ethiopia. They have already done so in Nazaret. We talked at length with her last night about this. So interesting.
We also talked some with Alayu about Compassion International and the work they do, as his brother, Tsey, is the International Director of Compassion here in Ethiopia. Very interesting and promising as to how we could get involved.
We also hope to meet this afternoon with the Shannons (from Lancaster, PA) who live here near the dump and have a ministry of daycare and mentoring to women about parenting, etc.
We have made the connection with Almasz of Hannah's Hope (the orphanage where Markos was) and will meet with her some time this week to give her a photo album for Markos' mom.
The weather has been beautiful since we arrived. The Guest House is so pleasant and there are beautiful flowers growing everywhere.
Doc is doing ok so far with the food (we have only eaten here at the Guest House and Kidist has been so kind and made spaghetti last night and scrambled eggs this morning). We will be a little more adventuresome when we go to lunch with Emily.
We trust that all is well with our blog followers and that you continue to pray for us as we seek God's will for our lives.
The church was packed with people from all over the world, beautiful little children and the people we so love from Ethiopia.
The message was about Breaking Through the Small World Syndrome and stepping out in the power of the Holy Spirit to share Jesus and salvation wherever He might lead us.
He asked the question, "Lord, where would you have me to go?" WOW, could that be Ethiopia or could that be.........????? No idea at the moment, but I am sure of the fact that Doc and I are diligently seeking God for what His plan is for us now. We are willing to be used wherever and however He chooses and if that is in Mansfield or Ethiopia or .........., so be it.
We have already encountered several different people with different ministries and we are listening and considering them all. We also are diligently praying about the adoption issue, especially in regards to 2 Ethiopian girls ages 9 and 12, who are already in the States and need a home.
Only God knows the plans He has for us at this point. We just need to seek and pray and follow His leading. As for now, it seems that we are to check out several different ministries here in Ethiopia and make contacts considering how to get clean water wells to villages in Ethiopia. We are making some contacts even as I write.
We are planning to go to lunch with Emily, a 21-year-old girl here from Berlin, volunteering for a Baptist mission, raising funds to build schools and wells and bathroom facilities for the women in the rural areas of Ethiopia. They have already done so in Nazaret. We talked at length with her last night about this. So interesting.
We also talked some with Alayu about Compassion International and the work they do, as his brother, Tsey, is the International Director of Compassion here in Ethiopia. Very interesting and promising as to how we could get involved.
We also hope to meet this afternoon with the Shannons (from Lancaster, PA) who live here near the dump and have a ministry of daycare and mentoring to women about parenting, etc.
We have made the connection with Almasz of Hannah's Hope (the orphanage where Markos was) and will meet with her some time this week to give her a photo album for Markos' mom.
The weather has been beautiful since we arrived. The Guest House is so pleasant and there are beautiful flowers growing everywhere.
Doc is doing ok so far with the food (we have only eaten here at the Guest House and Kidist has been so kind and made spaghetti last night and scrambled eggs this morning). We will be a little more adventuresome when we go to lunch with Emily.
We trust that all is well with our blog followers and that you continue to pray for us as we seek God's will for our lives.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
WE ARE HERE
We arrived safe and sound in Addis Ababa at 7:45 am (12:45am your time). Good flight.
It took us almost 2 hours to get through immigration and customs. Gary and Becky were there waiting for us. Then, they brought us to the Guest House.
We are at the Guest House where we will be staying. It is very nice.
We know we should not sleep, BUT we are VERY TIRED and are going to take a nap.
The weather is beautiful. Flowers growing all around. Palm trees here at the Guest House.
We are going to church at 9am tomorrow and then eating at a restaurant near the Guest House.
We will be getting in touch with the Shannons of Embracing Hope Ethiopia and try to work with them some next week.
I will write again later.
Thanks again to everyone. Love, Doc and Helen
Friday, November 4, 2011
Ethiopia, Here We Come!
Well, we are going.
We arrived at Jon and Brieanna's in Phila Thurs afternoon. We went for a walk along boat row and up the stairs at the Art Museum that Rocky also did years ago.
Then, went to dinner at a neat restaurant around the corner from their apartment.
Best of all, we were able to be there in their apartment for their church small group. A wonderful time of worship, sharing and prayer for our trip. What a fabulous time to share our vision with their friends from their church and then to have them cover us with prayer. To bed late for a few hours of sleep and then the following timeframe:
2:45 am Up and showered and ready to leave Jon and Brieanna's for the airport
3:45 am Checked in and all our bins and luggaged met weight limits
4:45 am Checked through security ok
5:45 am Flight left Phila for Washington, DC
11:45 am Flight leaving for Addis Ababa
So, this may be my last entry. Kristin will try to keep it updated from my emails.
Once again, we say thank you for all the love and support from our friends and family. Continue to cover us with prayer and believe with us for miracles.
Doc and Helen
We arrived at Jon and Brieanna's in Phila Thurs afternoon. We went for a walk along boat row and up the stairs at the Art Museum that Rocky also did years ago.
Then, went to dinner at a neat restaurant around the corner from their apartment.
Best of all, we were able to be there in their apartment for their church small group. A wonderful time of worship, sharing and prayer for our trip. What a fabulous time to share our vision with their friends from their church and then to have them cover us with prayer. To bed late for a few hours of sleep and then the following timeframe:
2:45 am Up and showered and ready to leave Jon and Brieanna's for the airport
3:45 am Checked in and all our bins and luggaged met weight limits
4:45 am Checked through security ok
5:45 am Flight left Phila for Washington, DC
11:45 am Flight leaving for Addis Ababa
So, this may be my last entry. Kristin will try to keep it updated from my emails.
Once again, we say thank you for all the love and support from our friends and family. Continue to cover us with prayer and believe with us for miracles.
Doc and Helen
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Here We Go!!!!
Well, we are all packed and ready to head to Phila tomorrow to stay with Jon and Brieanna who will take us to the airport at 3am Fri. Then, we are off to Ethiopia.
We have 3 Rubbermaid Tubs and 1 large suitcase of things for the orphans and widows. We did pack one suitcase for us.
We are thrilled to say that funds are still coming in for Doc's Well of Hope and we are anxious to get there and make the necessary connections for where this money will be spent. We have learned of one organization that is able to dig a well for around $1500, so if that works for us, we can do about 6-7 wells.
YEAH!! Water for 6-7 villages. That would be fantastic.
Please pray for us as we go that God will use us mightily and that we will be very cognizant of HIs plan for us while we are there, and then after we return.
Just let me say that the possibility of adoption has arisen and we are prayerfully considering this.
Pray for our safety and health, and that we may be able to do MUCH for the orphans and widows of Ethiopia.
We will be working at Korah (community near the dump where thousands of orphans live) for most of the first week and then we will be part of a team doing eye glass clinics up in Menz from Mon-Fri, Nov 14-17.
Hopefully, Doc will be able to connect with Dr. Johnson (veterinarian in Addis Ababa) and make plans for our next trip.
I will try to send updates to our daughter-in-law, Kristin, who I went to Ethiopia with last year to get our precious Markos and she will update my blog. We will see how this whole internet thing works.
Thank you in advance for your prayers. Stay tuned for an update.
We have 3 Rubbermaid Tubs and 1 large suitcase of things for the orphans and widows. We did pack one suitcase for us.
We are thrilled to say that funds are still coming in for Doc's Well of Hope and we are anxious to get there and make the necessary connections for where this money will be spent. We have learned of one organization that is able to dig a well for around $1500, so if that works for us, we can do about 6-7 wells.
YEAH!! Water for 6-7 villages. That would be fantastic.
Please pray for us as we go that God will use us mightily and that we will be very cognizant of HIs plan for us while we are there, and then after we return.
Just let me say that the possibility of adoption has arisen and we are prayerfully considering this.
Pray for our safety and health, and that we may be able to do MUCH for the orphans and widows of Ethiopia.
We will be working at Korah (community near the dump where thousands of orphans live) for most of the first week and then we will be part of a team doing eye glass clinics up in Menz from Mon-Fri, Nov 14-17.
Hopefully, Doc will be able to connect with Dr. Johnson (veterinarian in Addis Ababa) and make plans for our next trip.
I will try to send updates to our daughter-in-law, Kristin, who I went to Ethiopia with last year to get our precious Markos and she will update my blog. We will see how this whole internet thing works.
Thank you in advance for your prayers. Stay tuned for an update.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Ready to Go
Sorry that it has been so long, but life has been CRAZY!!
We are one week away from our voyage to Ethiopia. We are SO excited.
We leave Phila on Fri, Nov 4 and arrive in Addis Ababa Sat morning ready to do God's work, whatever it may be.
It looks like we will be working at Korah, a live-in ministry to the children of the dump. Please hold us up in prayer as we experience the poorest of Ethiopia's poor. Pray that we will see how we can help and realize that every little thing we do will be a blessing to our friends there.
We hope to visit the orphanage where Markos was and to reconnect with Almasz.
The second week of our trip will be spent in Menz (mountain region north of Addis Ababa) participating in an eye clinic and seeing how we can help from a veterinary standpoint.
A major thrust of our trip is to decide how best we can bring clean water to the many needy of Ethiopia. We have raised $10,500 as of our departure and are so thankful to all the friends and family who have supported our vision of Doc's Well of Hope.
We will try to keep you updated from Ethiopia while there if we can get internet access, but if not, we will update soon upon our return to the US on Nov 19.
Please hold us close in prayer that God will do mighty things in our friends of Ethiopia and in us. Also, pray that we will hear God's voice as to how HE chooses to use us in our future years. We want to do whatever God chooses to positively effect the lives of many.
We are one week away from our voyage to Ethiopia. We are SO excited.
We leave Phila on Fri, Nov 4 and arrive in Addis Ababa Sat morning ready to do God's work, whatever it may be.
It looks like we will be working at Korah, a live-in ministry to the children of the dump. Please hold us up in prayer as we experience the poorest of Ethiopia's poor. Pray that we will see how we can help and realize that every little thing we do will be a blessing to our friends there.
We hope to visit the orphanage where Markos was and to reconnect with Almasz.
The second week of our trip will be spent in Menz (mountain region north of Addis Ababa) participating in an eye clinic and seeing how we can help from a veterinary standpoint.
A major thrust of our trip is to decide how best we can bring clean water to the many needy of Ethiopia. We have raised $10,500 as of our departure and are so thankful to all the friends and family who have supported our vision of Doc's Well of Hope.
We will try to keep you updated from Ethiopia while there if we can get internet access, but if not, we will update soon upon our return to the US on Nov 19.
Please hold us close in prayer that God will do mighty things in our friends of Ethiopia and in us. Also, pray that we will hear God's voice as to how HE chooses to use us in our future years. We want to do whatever God chooses to positively effect the lives of many.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Dash for Doc's Well of Hope
What an incredible day we had on April 30. The weather was perfect and the crowd great. There were lots of family members and friends there to run/walk and to support our vision for clean water for our friends in Ethiopia. The day began with the 5K, but then continued on with a fabulous, SURPRISE 70th birthday celebration for Doc.
He was surprised to see ALL of his family (except Derek, who was deployed by his boss, the US Army Corps of Engineers, to Arkansas due to the incredible flooding situation) and so many friends from all over.
Nana even flew up from Florida to be a surprise guest for the weekend of celebration.
We are so amazed at all of the support and encouragement we have received from people all over the country.
As of this posting, we have $9800 of our $10,000 neeeded for a well.
We have met with the pastor's wife from Ethiopia, along with her father, a former missionary to Ethiopia who have offered great help in deciding our direction for the money. They tell us that there are a lot of springs in the Menz Area, where we will be going and that a better idea might be to go down and tap into several of these springs and bring the water up and run it through purification systems, which would allow us the liberty to provide more locations of clean water for the same money. So, this may be our plan. We are awaiting further directions from them in Ethiopia.
We are planning to go to Ethiopia in November to work with the Threatts in the Menz Area. Doc will be doing a clinic deworming and vaccinating MANY animals and I will assist him as needed and then work with Becky Threatt as she ministers with the women and the children. Several people have indicated an interest in going along with us, so now I need to begin to seriously research flights, costs, etc.
Hallelujah! We are now at $9890 and need only $110 more to reach our goal. God is so good and faithful.
And, we have over 150 school kits to take with us that were made by all the first graders in the twins classrooms in Doylestown. The kits contain a writing pad, pencil and sharpener, crayons, toothbrush and toothpaste, granola bars, toy, etc. We are so excited to have all of these things to take with us. They will be such a blessing to the children of Ethiopia.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Women of strength hand dug well in Ethiopia
Here is the direct You tube video of Sabina's shoes which so vividly explains the reason we are raising funds to build at least 1 well in Ethiopia. PLEASE view this and be challenged to participate.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
"Dash for Doc's Well of Hope!"
Here it is, March 30 and our sweet grandson, Jonathan's 7th birthday.
And then. tomorrow, March 31st we will be welcoming yet another precious grandbaby into Derek & Beth's family. It is a big surprise, in that we don't know if it is a boy or girl. We'll let you know.
I am posting from sunny Florida, where I am visiting with my 89-year-old Mom (who acts like she is barely 39). She has been on hemodialysis for nearly 2 years and has now decided to switch to peritoneal dialysis which she can do by herself at home each night as she sleeps. She is presently in surgery getting her periotoneal catheter surgically placed. Prayerfully, all will go well and she will be home tonight or tomorrow and quickly recuperate. I plan to return to PA on Tues, April 5th so that I can help my awesome team with the final preparations for our 5K Walk/Run on April 30th in Mansfield at 10 a.m.
The response to our 5K has been incredible. We have received many sponsors and several participants for the race. We would love for all of our family and friends to be there, but we understand that is not possible. Those who cannot be present have sent words of great encouragement. Thank you!
If you would like to pariticpate in the race, please contact Kelly at the YMCA 570-662-2999 or email me at momdad.burleigh@gmail.com before April 1st in order to be assured a race shirt.
If you would like to donate to Doc's Well, you can do so through the Paypal link on the right of our blog.
We are getting excited as the race date approaches and support comes in for the well from so many wonderful people. Thank you in advance for your part in blessing the beautiful people of Ethiopia.
We have been in contact with Pastor Threatt who has ministered in the Menz Area north of Addis Ababa and will be directing our 2-week visit there in August. Doc will be conducting de-worming clinics for several thousand animals and I will assist Pastor Threatt's wife, Becky however she needs, as well as assist Doc with the clinics. We hope to make many contacts with people of this area and see where the well will be drilled to provide a village with clean water.
Please view the video I previously posted about Sabina to understand just how life changing a well is for a village.
Continue to pray for our ventures, both with the 5K and then our preparations to go to Ethiopia.
Loving appreciation to all our friends and family.
And then. tomorrow, March 31st we will be welcoming yet another precious grandbaby into Derek & Beth's family. It is a big surprise, in that we don't know if it is a boy or girl. We'll let you know.
I am posting from sunny Florida, where I am visiting with my 89-year-old Mom (who acts like she is barely 39). She has been on hemodialysis for nearly 2 years and has now decided to switch to peritoneal dialysis which she can do by herself at home each night as she sleeps. She is presently in surgery getting her periotoneal catheter surgically placed. Prayerfully, all will go well and she will be home tonight or tomorrow and quickly recuperate. I plan to return to PA on Tues, April 5th so that I can help my awesome team with the final preparations for our 5K Walk/Run on April 30th in Mansfield at 10 a.m.
The response to our 5K has been incredible. We have received many sponsors and several participants for the race. We would love for all of our family and friends to be there, but we understand that is not possible. Those who cannot be present have sent words of great encouragement. Thank you!
If you would like to pariticpate in the race, please contact Kelly at the YMCA 570-662-2999 or email me at momdad.burleigh@gmail.com before April 1st in order to be assured a race shirt.
If you would like to donate to Doc's Well, you can do so through the Paypal link on the right of our blog.
We are getting excited as the race date approaches and support comes in for the well from so many wonderful people. Thank you in advance for your part in blessing the beautiful people of Ethiopia.
We have been in contact with Pastor Threatt who has ministered in the Menz Area north of Addis Ababa and will be directing our 2-week visit there in August. Doc will be conducting de-worming clinics for several thousand animals and I will assist Pastor Threatt's wife, Becky however she needs, as well as assist Doc with the clinics. We hope to make many contacts with people of this area and see where the well will be drilled to provide a village with clean water.
Please view the video I previously posted about Sabina to understand just how life changing a well is for a village.
Continue to pray for our ventures, both with the 5K and then our preparations to go to Ethiopia.
Loving appreciation to all our friends and family.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sabina's Daily Trek for Water
"Just as she has done twice every day since she was a little girl,
Sabina negotiates the thorny, dry path carrying 70 pounds of water on
her back."
Please read the following story from World Vision to understand why Doc and I are so determined to provide clean water to as many villages as possible.
http://www.facebook.com/l/da1b1oLn6GAnq7uAZMKoEusJ4FQ/www.worldvisionmagazine.org/stories/in-sabina%e2%80%99s-shoes/
As God has challenged us to do our part to help the widows and orphans, so we challenge you to do so as you donate to "Doc's Well of Hope."
We are so excited to see how people are responding already to the planning for a well in Ethiopia, both by donating and by registering for the 5K Walk/Run on April 20.
We thank you all for the role you are playing in this ministry.
Sabina negotiates the thorny, dry path carrying 70 pounds of water on
her back."
Please read the following story from World Vision to understand why Doc and I are so determined to provide clean water to as many villages as possible.
http://www.facebook.com/l/da1b1oLn6GAnq7uAZMKoEusJ4FQ/www.worldvisionmagazine.org/stories/in-sabina%e2%80%99s-shoes/
As God has challenged us to do our part to help the widows and orphans, so we challenge you to do so as you donate to "Doc's Well of Hope."
We are so excited to see how people are responding already to the planning for a well in Ethiopia, both by donating and by registering for the 5K Walk/Run on April 20.
We thank you all for the role you are playing in this ministry.
5K Walk/Run for "Doc's Well of Hope"
Excitement is brewing. Plans are under way for a great opportunity to participate in a fun activity to raise funds for "Doc's Well of Hope," a deep, clean-water well to be drilled in rural Ethiopia.
The race is April 30, 2011, with registration from 9:00-9:45 a.m. and race at 10:00 a.m. It begins and ends at the Mansfield YMCA. Course follows through the rural area of Mansfield with a moderate hill midway through the course.
The Walk/Run will end with an awards ceremony at the YMCA at 11:00 am for the top female and male finishers in each of the 6 age groups, as well as the overall top finishers. T-shirts to all participants who preregister by April 1.
The registration fee is $15 before April 1 and $20 after April 1 or at the door. Shirt sizes available in children's sizes and adult sizes to 2XL.
To register, please contact Kelly at the YMCA at 4-42 Besanceney Drive, Mansfield, Pa. 16933 or call 570-662-2999.
We are still seeking sponsors for the race event, so if you are interested, please call Mara at 570-662-3311.
We are making plans to go to Ethiopia for 2 weeks in June where Doc will conduct several veterinary clinics in the rural areas of Ethiopia, paricularly de-worming clinics for the cows, goats and mules. We will also do other veterinary and agriculture acitivities to help advance their farming situations. Also, plan to work with the women and children, to help them develop products (scarves, jewelry, etc) to market in the U.S.
So, please register now and become part of this activity to help a people who are so in need. Come out for the morning and have fun with family and friends.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Race is On!
I am finally taking the time to update our blog.
February has been a very busy month as we have tried to make all the necessary arrangements for a 5K Walk/Run that Doc and I are sponsoring to raise monies to drill a deep, clean-water well in Ethiopia.
The event will take place on April 30, 2011 at 10 AM in Mansfield, PA. It will start and end at the YMCA behind the high school. Please feel free to register by contacting Kelli at 570-662-2999.
We are so grateful to Kelli Fanean, director of the YMCA and Mara Wilcox, Youth Pastor at Church of the New Covenant for all of their efforts to make this a great success.
As well as planning the 5K, we have been in contact with Pastor Gary and Becky Threatt from the IEC Church in Addis Ababa learning more about their ministry and discovering where we fit in to assist them. We are hoping to go to Ethiopia with them in May or June and we will update our plans as they become more definite.
We get more excited every day about the opportunity to serve God in the beautiful land of Ehtiopia and to do all we can to help them become more independent and self sustaining. As I read the blogs of others who have gone and ministered, my heart aches to return and be with those precious people.
March is a very full month as I am traveling to be with our daughter-in-law next week and then Doc, Brieanna and I fly to Florida to be with my mom for a week and Jillane will come down at the end of the week for a few days as well. Doc will return home, but I am staying on with my mom until 3/29 when I fly back to Phila to be with Derek & Beth as they welcome their baby on 3/31. Then, I return home to spend April preparing for the race and our upcoming trip to Ethiopia.
We covet your prayers as we pursue plans for Ethiopia and to know the best way we can be used by God to serve Him and His people.
We have added a PayPal link to the sidebar if God directs you to donate to Doc's Well of Hope.
The name "Doc's Well of Hope" was given to us by our son-in-law's mother and I so appreciate her obedience to God in hearing His voice in this and then in sharing it with us. She said she felt impressed that there is no Hope spiritually without Jesus and there is no Hope physically without water. So, a perfect name for our ministry.
We will continue to post as our plans finalize.
February has been a very busy month as we have tried to make all the necessary arrangements for a 5K Walk/Run that Doc and I are sponsoring to raise monies to drill a deep, clean-water well in Ethiopia.
The event will take place on April 30, 2011 at 10 AM in Mansfield, PA. It will start and end at the YMCA behind the high school. Please feel free to register by contacting Kelli at 570-662-2999.
We are so grateful to Kelli Fanean, director of the YMCA and Mara Wilcox, Youth Pastor at Church of the New Covenant for all of their efforts to make this a great success.
As well as planning the 5K, we have been in contact with Pastor Gary and Becky Threatt from the IEC Church in Addis Ababa learning more about their ministry and discovering where we fit in to assist them. We are hoping to go to Ethiopia with them in May or June and we will update our plans as they become more definite.
We get more excited every day about the opportunity to serve God in the beautiful land of Ehtiopia and to do all we can to help them become more independent and self sustaining. As I read the blogs of others who have gone and ministered, my heart aches to return and be with those precious people.
March is a very full month as I am traveling to be with our daughter-in-law next week and then Doc, Brieanna and I fly to Florida to be with my mom for a week and Jillane will come down at the end of the week for a few days as well. Doc will return home, but I am staying on with my mom until 3/29 when I fly back to Phila to be with Derek & Beth as they welcome their baby on 3/31. Then, I return home to spend April preparing for the race and our upcoming trip to Ethiopia.
We covet your prayers as we pursue plans for Ethiopia and to know the best way we can be used by God to serve Him and His people.
We have added a PayPal link to the sidebar if God directs you to donate to Doc's Well of Hope.
The name "Doc's Well of Hope" was given to us by our son-in-law's mother and I so appreciate her obedience to God in hearing His voice in this and then in sharing it with us. She said she felt impressed that there is no Hope spiritually without Jesus and there is no Hope physically without water. So, a perfect name for our ministry.
We will continue to post as our plans finalize.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
PLANNING!!!
Excitement is brewing in our home as we are making plans to return to Ethiopia. It looks like it will be in either May or June. We are going to be going with the Pastor's wife of the church in Addis (or we may follow her if schedules don't coincide). We are planning to meet her, Becky Threatt, in Richmond, VA in February. We can hardly wait. As we communicate via e-mail, it feels as if we have always known her and her husband, Gary and that our hearts are so united in ministry. They were missionaries in the Menz area of Ethiopia in the 1990s and worked with another veterinarian at that time. So, it looks like there is a perfect spot for Doc to put his skills to work. And, Becky has been directing her energies to helping the women and trying to develop a trade that can be marketed, which goes along with my heart as well.
In hopes to do as much as possible, we have started a fund to raise money for "Doc's Well of Hope" in order to be able to drill a deep water well in that area as well (or wherever it is deemed necessary). So, as a major step of faith, we are organizing a 5K walk/run on April 30, 2011 in Mansfield to raise money and awareness.
So, family and friends alike, Save the Date April 30, 2011 in Mansfield. It will be a wonderful day for Ethiopia and for Doc (SURPRISE 70th birthday celebration in the afternoon). More details to follow.
As I read my precious daughter-in-law's blog and hear her heart for Ethiopia and the needs of widows and orphans, I want to just copy and paste her blogs. Please check out her blog at http://thisisagreatadventure.blogspot.com/ You will be blessed and challenged.
Closing for now, but I will update soon. Please keep praying for us and SAVE THE DATE: April 30, 2011.
In hopes to do as much as possible, we have started a fund to raise money for "Doc's Well of Hope" in order to be able to drill a deep water well in that area as well (or wherever it is deemed necessary). So, as a major step of faith, we are organizing a 5K walk/run on April 30, 2011 in Mansfield to raise money and awareness.
So, family and friends alike, Save the Date April 30, 2011 in Mansfield. It will be a wonderful day for Ethiopia and for Doc (SURPRISE 70th birthday celebration in the afternoon). More details to follow.
As I read my precious daughter-in-law's blog and hear her heart for Ethiopia and the needs of widows and orphans, I want to just copy and paste her blogs. Please check out her blog at http://thisisagreatadventure.blogspot.com/ You will be blessed and challenged.
Closing for now, but I will update soon. Please keep praying for us and SAVE THE DATE: April 30, 2011.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
UPDATE
I realize I've been very lax in writing here, but that is because Doc and I are still seeking God's direction for the moment. We are so anxious to get back to Ethiopia, but also desire to be good stewards of our finances so that we can do the MOST for God in Ethiopia.
We had a wonderful Christmas celebration with ALL of our family (except Nana who is in Florida) and shared many ideas of what we are thinking of doing.
We also had the wonderful opportunity of hosting a family who has been best friends and true Christian warriors with us over the years, John and Carol Kenzy and 3 of their 4 lovely daughters and their families. 40 people all together in our home for a lasagna dinner and lots of children. It was AWESOME!!
We shared our thoughts with them and came out of that evening with even more ideas on our ministry concerning Ethiopia and James 1:27. How to care for the orphans and the widows.
Having Markos here in our presence was a vivid reminder of just how real the need is.
We feel strongly that we would adopt siblings should God direct (we thought He was over Christmas as a family of 4 was brought to our atention; thankfully, they found a family and are now being adopted all together). We also are considering if we could spearhead some type of family-living orphanage here for several orphans.
Doc and I both feel such a strong urgency to help as many as possible, thus our research in how to build a well in a village. We believe that to provide water for a village is so life-changing, that it might keep more families together and provide them the opportunity to do other things if they don't have to walk miles for their water.
So, we seek your prayers as we pray for direction so that we can get about His work NOW!!!
I will continue to update as we are updated by our Source of Wisdom, our heavenly Father.
We had a wonderful Christmas celebration with ALL of our family (except Nana who is in Florida) and shared many ideas of what we are thinking of doing.
We also had the wonderful opportunity of hosting a family who has been best friends and true Christian warriors with us over the years, John and Carol Kenzy and 3 of their 4 lovely daughters and their families. 40 people all together in our home for a lasagna dinner and lots of children. It was AWESOME!!
We shared our thoughts with them and came out of that evening with even more ideas on our ministry concerning Ethiopia and James 1:27. How to care for the orphans and the widows.
Having Markos here in our presence was a vivid reminder of just how real the need is.
We feel strongly that we would adopt siblings should God direct (we thought He was over Christmas as a family of 4 was brought to our atention; thankfully, they found a family and are now being adopted all together). We also are considering if we could spearhead some type of family-living orphanage here for several orphans.
Doc and I both feel such a strong urgency to help as many as possible, thus our research in how to build a well in a village. We believe that to provide water for a village is so life-changing, that it might keep more families together and provide them the opportunity to do other things if they don't have to walk miles for their water.
So, we seek your prayers as we pray for direction so that we can get about His work NOW!!!
I will continue to update as we are updated by our Source of Wisdom, our heavenly Father.
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