What Now?

I'm home from Ethiopia and am finding a repetitive thought crossing my mind, What Now? Where do I go from here? How do I process all that I saw, felt, did, etc now that I'm back home? What's the next step? What Now?

The reality is, right now I do not have answers to those questions. I don't know in full, what now?

I know that I don't really want to go back to "normal", whatever that was anyway. I cannot ignore what I know now, what I've seen, and how God obviously calls us as Christians to care for the least of these (Matt 25:31-46). God began to stir me towards the path of Ethiopia more than a year ago (read blogs from Nov 2009 through lots of 2010 and that's quickly apparent)... and my husband is still there in Ethiopia currently doing what God has called us to during this season.

But from this point on, I'm not sure what that path looks like except for this...

I know, I've seen, and therefore I can advocate. I can spread the word, tell the stories, and invite others to join the team to assist the "least of these" in Ethiopia - STREET CHILDREN.

The Forsaken Children/Onesimus is doing amazing, life changing things in Ethiopia. Through the strength and power of Christ, they are changing lives - one child at a time, helping the community, sharing the love of Christ, and offering lasting hope to people! I look forward to writing more blogs about some of the awesome ministry opportunities and programs I've seen with my own eyes while in Ethiopia. God is moving there and we must continue to support the efforts of such ministry.

What now? All I know so far (God will make the other paths known in His timing), I will advocate, spread the word, and invite others to join the team - check out below a way YOU can join...

Hanna's Challenge

written by Joe Bridges (founder of The Forsaken Children)

I took a deep breath and faked a reassuring smile for my guests, Tom and Kim, before we made our way up the steep, cluttered path to Hanna’s plastic house.

There, in the middle of busy Addis Ababa sat a heap of plastic that was supposed to be a home for a family of six. Hanna, her mother, and her younger sister, Sarah, looked up at us. Their expressions made it clear that we were the only foreigners who had ever visited their home. I struggled to think of things to ask because of my racing thoughts – how can anyone live like this, what are Tom and Kim thinking, what am I even doing here, etc… I know at one point I glanced at Kim long enough to see what appeared to be a tear forming. I looked away quickly so I wouldn’t cry myself.

Over the next few weeks I watched as the Onesimus team agonized over what to do for Hanna and several other girls with similar stories. Their concern – how can we take these children from their families when we are called to champion Ethiopian families as tools to bring their children off of the streets? The answer came as the painful awareness that these particular children’s parents were not filling their roles at all, nor did they ever intend to. Therefore, Hanna and 4 other girls were placed in Onesimus’s newly established girls’ halfway home in late 2009.

"Hanna" by Nathan Golden

Today, everything about Hanna’s life radiates unquestionable hope.

The Onesimus team considers the halfway homes to be a reparenting phases to prepare Hanna and others like her for long-term Ethiopian foster families. It’s amazing to see how it is working in Hanna’s life alone. In less than a year, she has moved from a late-night street partier to a well-behaved child who is thriving in school. Even more thrilling is Hanna’s recent decision to follow Jesus.

Entering 2011 The Forsaken Children wants to ensure the life impacting and essential halfway home and foster family phase of Onesimus will prosper. Let me tell you how you can help us…

Hanna’s Challenge
Recently a donor committed to give $6,000 for an end of year gift. Discovering that his gift covers ½ a year of a home like Hanna’s (up to 10 children) expenses, he asked to make his gift a MATCHING CHALLENGE. His challenge to you is to help match his $6,000 donation dollar for dollar, making 2011’s halfway home expenses covered.

This is such an incredible opportunity for us to ensure Onesimus’s halfway homes flourish for Hanna and others like her. I ask you to take his challenge and commit to give whatever you can to help match his $6,000.

If you give $30 anytime today through Dec. 31, $60 will be sent to Onesimus, which covers a child’s schooling for an entire year. In the same way, $5 sends $10, $10 sends $20, and so on. How cool is that?

We have until December 31, 2010 to pull this off. I know we can do it! Click on any “Give Today” link to give right now. Simply choose “Hanna’s Challenge” in the designation box on step 2 of your checkout process.

What kind of difference can YOU make today with the many blessing you have been given?

Christmas in Ethiopia

Mr. McGoo and I were able to spend Christmas together in Ethiopia. Although the Ethiopian calendar does not have Christmas until about January 7th on our own calendar, our friends in Ethiopia went out of their way to make Mr. McGoo and I feel at home and give us the Ethiopian Christmas celebration of our dreams.

Saturday afternoon, we went to the Onesimus/The Forsaken Children Boys Halfway Home and were able to celebrate Christmas with the entire Onesimus staff, their spouses and children, and the halfway home boys and girls.

We gathered together and celebrated Christ's birth. They decorated for us, complete with a Christmas tree lit with lights and covered with ornaments and even candy canes that had been sent to Nega from other American friends (I had to explain what they were and how they relate to Christmas). The boys had practiced a program for us, put together by the ministry department of Onesimus. The program was wonderful: Desse led the program as a MC, we began with singing songs about Jesus, then Nebiyu read the Christmas story of Christ's birth to us and shared a message, the boys then put on a small drama about the birth of Jesus, we exchanged gifts, and then enjoyed a feast together! Mr. McGoo was given an opportunity to share with the children, and all the adults in the room why gifts are given at Christmas time. He posed the question first, "do you know why we give gifts to people on Christmas?" The children gave their guesses... one saying, "to show others that you love them".... which was the perfect lead in to share the truth. The truth of God's amazing gift to us, His son born as a man, to share and know our struggles, and ultimately give us the greatest gift of all, His death and payment for our sin.... John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The feast was worthy for kings... every type of Ethiopian dish you can imagine... even fruit, colas, and a cake for Kelly and I, although the spelling of my name was off a bit (ha! Heather is VERY difficult for Ethiopians to say... that whole "th" thing really makes it hard). Overall the time was wonderful, spending it with people I truly love, and focusing on the reason for it all - JESUS, who is also the foundation of all the relationships at the festivities... brothers and sisters in Christ.

Here are some photos to share more about our Christmas in Ethiopia experience:

Sadly, I had to leave Ethiopia late that night... arriving to the airport about midnight to catch a 2:10am flight (didn't leave until 330am) out of Ethiopia. I was blessed however with a Christmas celebration with my fantastic husband and my dear friends. I miss them already, but am thankful that my hubby is still there for the next week and half loving on them along the way (even though I miss him too). Christmas in Ethiopia - I'd do it again.

Measure of Success

What is our measure of success? How do we know we've accomplished the goal at hand? If I was in America, I'm pretty sure I'd know how to list some action points that should be met to label success, whether in daily life or in activities/programs.

Here in Ethiopia, however, in another culture, where things work differently than everything my worldview has created it to be... success must be measured or viewed differently. For example, what allows me to say "yes, this time in Ethiopia was a success?"

Would I say if I teach x,y,z in sports while we were here, that's success? would I say if we put on x number of events while here, that's success? Would I have to see x number of children changed forever due to my 2 weeks? Is it simply to make sure the children have an opportunity to be children during my time here through sports? What is it? What is the measure?

As a task oriented, to do list oriented person... not being able to evaluate the measure of success is a new experience for me. I'm used to action points with decisive YES I accomplished or NO, I did not. And actually, it's probably allowing me to give up control a bit more than my personality regularly desires due to the inability to measure success in the same terms that I'm familiar.

For example today, we would normally evaluate a "training session" or soccer/football event according to what gets accomplished, how well the children understand the drills (even if they cannot perform them well), the adaptability of the children's skill level, the attention span, level of the participants, etc, etc. However, nothing goes according to plan in Ethiopia and learning to work with what you have is a MUST.

Today we had our boys event (one of 3 this week) at the "field" - which I must remind you is a 'flat' surface, but is simply a dirt area, filled with many rocks, pebbles, even cobblestones in some areas throughout the surface, no grass. We had three staff member with us, only 1 of which is capable of working as a translator. We had more than 30+ boys attend without warning, 6 soccer balls, 16 Collierville track jersey tops we brought as pennies, and about 10-12 cones... Mr. McGoo and I looked at one another and quickly devised as best a plan as possible- he took 20+ of the skilled, older players, and I took the remaining 10-12 little bits. Mr. McGoo took the "translator" and I utilized two of the boys that knew the best English of the bunch.

I attempted the following: dribbling drills, passing drills, trapping drills, small scrimmage, heading drills, and taught them how to adequately "throw-in" the ball. My description, will not do any of it justice, so let me simply say that it was chaos - utter chaos at times. And yet, somehow I did all six activities with my group. Through it all there was sign language, repetitive instruction, crazy looks and expressions, detours for discipline and reprimand (i.e. throwing rocks at each other; picking the ball up with their hands as instructed otherwise, etc), detours in asking the masses around us to back up, get away, give us room and leave our soccer balls alone, examples run by me to show them how to do what I could not say in Amharic, a somewhat constant battle. BUT, at the end of the day, for my group, I can honestly say that regardless of the chaos of it all - 1. the boys enjoyed themselves; 2. we accomplished more than one activity and I was able to "instruct" a bit along the way; and 3. they smiled and hugged and kissed me before we departed for the evening.

So, what's the measure of success?

Heavy Heart & DOING

This past weekend we got an awesome opportunity to travel 4-5 hours outside of Addis Ababa and spend quality time with Nega (Director of Onesimus) and his wife, Emebet. The weekend was designed for a three fold reason: one, Mr. McGoo and I would have a chance to see some of Ethiopia outside of the city (and capital) of Addis Ababa and get a better feel for the country as a whole, rather than a simple bird's eye view of the capital only; two, Mr. McGoo and I would get some non interrupted time to visit with Nega and Emebet, building our budding friendship even further; and three, much more importantly we could pay for a weekend getaway for Nega and Emebet - allowing them time to rest, relax, spend time together, and have a quiet time away for the Lord to recharge them again for the great and busy ministry they are running in the city.

We traveled to Lake Awassa and were able to stay at a wonderful resort. The hotel was right on the lake, with a beautiful view of the lake shown threw a glass wall surrounding the lobby. The place would have easily costs $200+ a night in the US, but we were able to get it for the weekday rate of $55USD per night, which included a gourmet breakfast (all you can eat) in the morning, access to their pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. It was a DEAL and we were able to spoil Nega and Emebet while there. We had a wonderful time all around.

As we left the comforts of Lake Awassa and began our travels back to Addis Ababa on Monday, my heart began to become heavy again. We traveled 4-5 hours through the countryside of Ethiopia, passing small town upon town built around the precious need of all people: WATER. Between towns the shoulders of the roads were filled with people walking: some walked with massive plastic jugs hoping to find a destination to refill their water jug, others walked with the livestock they kept (goats, cattle, donkeys, etc), others walked from school in their uniforms heading home to eat lunch (hopefully) before going back for the rest of the day, others sat on the side of the road hoping to sell some of the produce they had or the product they made. We passed grass houses and mud huts, often with naked little ones running around in their "yards". We passed a world that America does not know. We passed a world and a society that many do not think of as we enjoy the comfort of our couches and our HD Tv's.

The further we went and the more the images filled my heart and mind, I yearned to better understand, to love, and desired to help provide. The more we passed through these people, and through these towns, and I saw child upon child, my heart became even more burdened.... LORD - how do I help? Lord, what do you want me to do? How can I help make more opportunities? So many are not looking for handouts (although many beg without other options), so many simply want their work to lead to some sort of provision, even what we take for granted at home... WATER. They are not even asking for running water - just an opportunity to obtain CLEAN WATER, drinking water, and maybe walking less than 2 hours to get it for once. I felt the Lord stirring me again, "oh Heather, how silly are you at home... how much of my blessings do you take for granted daily?!"... and I began to think of my backpack in the back of our vehicle, currently filled with 3 chilled bottles of water that I had collected during my stay in Lake Awassa. Three bottles I would be able to replace as soon as we arrived in Addis Ababa, or even purchase again when visiting the next town. Three bottles that could make a difference to someone else.

That was all the stirring I needed - I didn't know what the Lord had for me tomorrow or how I will help and make a difference the next day, but I knew I could make a difference at that moment. I asked Nega (who was driving) to find the next child on the street that was alone (knowing I did not have enough to share with everyone, I didn't want to stop by a group). Thirty minutes to an hour later, Nega asked me if three children were okay (funny that I had 3 bottles, right - God is so good!). I quickly responded "YES" and before I knew it we were pulling to the side of the road onto the shoulder. Hysterically and thankfully, the children began to take off running away from us as soon as the car was coming to a stop. This excited me because I'd want any child to run from a stranger, even knowing their intentions... however, as we yelled to them and showed the bottled water out of the car window, one brave young girl - she was probably 7 years old, if I had to guess - made her way back to our car, snot all over her nose (a common thing, I find myself cleaning snotty noses regularly in Ethiopia, ironically I love every bit of it). Her friends/family stopped their running to watch. We handed her two bottles of water to which she smiled and quickly began to step away. We then grabbed the third and last bottle and called her back, Nega telling her that Jesus loves her and God loves her the entire time. I'm not sure that she understood Amharic, as they often speak a different language in the countryside, but I am confident of this, God called me to give, I did, and He'll provide His own word to this young girl and her family even if we do not have the correct translation that day. She smiled and walked away.

My heart smiled as we drove off, and yet I look forward to how the Lord will open up doors for me to make a difference through Him tomorrow - regardless how small or large, I'm willing. I said earlier that "I didn't know what the Lord had for me tomorrow or how I will help and make a difference the next day, but I knew I could make a difference at that moment." That's my challenge for you today - what is the Lord asking YOU to do today to make a difference for Him and those around you??? TODAY, not tomorrow, or next week? Often we get so scared or petrified by the large nature of so many things in this world (war, famine, poverty, orphans, etc) that we do NOTHING... but be confident in this, it is not within our own strength that we accomplish a good work, but God's strength within us. At the same time, God simply asks "who will go?" or "who will do?" (Isaiah 6:8), not HOW? - He will provide the way!

1 Peter 4:8-11
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully adminstering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

(We have a choppy video of the little girl and us giving her the water from the car, but for some reason trying to upload our videos onto the net depletes our internet connection greatly - therefore those will have to be shared once we're back in the States.)

Likeness

So Mr. McGoo has mentioned in his blog (http://mrmcgoo.blogspot.com/2010/12/differences-walking-and-driving-in.html) that as farengies (foreigners) we get stared at quite often here in Ethiopia. However, Mr. McGoo tends to be looked at even more frequently than me and talked about too. Every Ethiopian seems to find a likeness in Mr. McGoo to a world renowned football athlete... Wayne Rooney. Everywhere we go, it is often said, "Rooney" when Mr. McGoo passes or is introduced to a new person.

For example, here are three recent examples:

1. When visiting Lake Awassa with Nega (Onesimus Director) and his wife, Emu, we had the opportunity to meet one of Nega's younger brothers. As soon as we walked into the room for introductions, Nega's brother's first words were, "wow, Rooney!". ha ha. Hilarious.
2. We walked to the grocery store/dinner Monday evening, on the way, as we passed some men sitting on the side of the road, one of the men pointed to Mr. McGoo, saying "Rooney!"
3. While in the grocery store, as Mr. McGoo and I stood near the juice aisle that also sits next to the meat counter, the group of employees there (all men) began discussing something intently. Of course, I didn't have a clue what they were talking about because it was Amharic, but I understood one random word... "ROONEY", and to no surprise, when I turned around they were staring at my man.

So Mr. McGoo is not paranoid, people are looking and watching and for him, often comparing his likeness to Rooney - body type/build, lack of hair, white skin color, and partial facial hair. I think it's hilarious - Mr. McGoo isn't always laughing but he's a great sport!

Lasting Change/Hope

Before arriving on Sunday, December 12, 2010, it had been six months since we last stepped foot on Ethiopian ground. It had been six months since we've seen the children that captured our hearts and God used to change us forever. It had been six months since we've been able to see for ourselves the work that Onesimus/The Forsaken Children is doing on a daily basis. And within those six months, I can testify that much has happened. Much has changed, and through Onesimus Children Development Association, the Lord is working in the lives of the children and the community at large.

Here are just two examples for you today...

DESSE
You can read a little past about Desse at: http://theforsakenchildren.org/love-for-desse-%E2%80%93-it%E2%80%99s-not-easy/

Having been one of the first beneficiaries for Onesimus/The Forsaken Children, Desse has captured the hearts of many throughout the years. However, the road with Desse has been anything but easy. We have read stories over the years of his constant uncertainty for change, his running away habits, his inability to accept the love of the Onesimus staff in full, and the amazing Christ-like love that Nega and his staff have displayed that continued to pursue him against all odds. When we first met Desse ourselves in June 2010, I began to see what the TFC staff had mentioned. Although I (and most of the mission trip team) definitely fell in love with him and looked forward to seeing every smile, every laugh, and receiving every hug, it was obvious that Desse suffered from what we termed "attachment disorder". He jumped from person to person, never really settling in on one or two people to bond with... instead it was as if he looked for quick fulfillment from each person and as soon as he got bored, or maybe even felt that we cared, he'd move on to the next. Unlike most of the other children that seemed to bond specifically with one or two people, Desse seemed to always look to find the next best thing or "run away" from the attachments that were developing. Although looking happy or laughing at times, Desse never seemed really settled during our time visiting in June.

This time however, I am so happy to share that Desse is no longer the same. He is not the boy we met in June 2010, although still as lovable as ever, he is different in some very positive ways.

Wednesday evening we were able to visit with the Halfway Home boys and Desse was there. He is now living within the Onesimus/TFC Halfway Home, complete with 5 other "brothers", house parents Abezu and Alemyu, and their beautiful little girl, Beza, and little boy, Danny. As always, we had a wonderful time with this special crew of boys, but this time we met a few new additions to the home and also were able to experience the new Desse. He has obviously been changed by the unfailing and long standing love of Jesus and the Onesimus staff. I would describe him as more settled. He is undoubtedly happy and seems to be fully at ease. No longer is he jumping from relationship to relationship, but sits in the comfort of the love of his "brothers" and house parents. He greeted us warmly and gave to us small gifts - a picture of two cats he had, another cut out photo, and most impacting and generous, he gave us a photo of his family - the 6 halfway home boys together that was taken just last month. No longer does Desse seem to be afraid to give his all to others, committing himself to love them too, even if it might hurt. He has come a long way, and we have only witnessed a small bit of the long progression and transformation, but have been blessed to see the exceptional fruit of this ministry in one body - DESSE!

Desse in 2008

Desse with Jessica Bridges- June 2010

Desse - December 2010

ASTER

Although relatively new to Onesimus/The Forsaken Children ministry, Aster was a part of the Girls Halfway Home when we arrived to Ethiopia in June 2010. She lived with her house mother, Fetla and at that time three "sisters", Hanna, Maeza, and Ruth (Metu is now there also). There was definitely something about Aster that softened my heart and left me with a desire to get to know her better. She did not speak much English and was withdrawn and timid throughout most of our time, although we could get her involved with prodding. She was sweet and quiet, but one could tell that the baggage and past had left her with many scars within. Turns out, prior to living at the halfway home, Aster had lived with her mother on the streets, but around the time we came (either before or after) to Ethiopia, her mother had died. Upon our first meeting of Aster, although she was beautiful, especially when looking intently at her face, it was actually difficult to tell if she was a boy or girl. Her hair was cut very short and all the clothes she possessed were boy clothes. I later learned the painful truth that often girls of the streets dressed as boys to conceal their identity in hopes of hiding from the predators that roam and corrupt at night.

The timid, withdrawn, and boyish Aster that I knew in June has been transformed over the past six months. Today I am so happy to share that she is absolutely beautiful, outgoing, and confident. She does not shy away any longer. Even though she still speaks only a bit of English, we are constantly finding inventive ways to communicate with each other and make each other laugh. I love this girl. Along with her halfway home sister, Ruth, she is my little buddy constantly by my side. She and Ruth are the first to grab my bag when they see me arrive, and the first to give me a hug. I'm so thankful for how the Lord has worked to heal Aster's wounds over the last six months His provision of love around her in the Onesimus staff.

Aster (circled in yellow)- June 2010

Beautiful Aster today with halfway home sister Hanna

 

Aster today showing some of her bright personality

When I think of Desse and Aster, I'm reminded of Joe's (The Forsaken Children founder) comparison to Jesus' parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15. Jesus tells us in this parable that even for just ONE, there is must rejoicing in heaven. Therefore, for even ONE street child to receive the lasting hope of Christ and a changed life forever, everything Onesimus and The Forsaken Children do is worth it. Even if it was just for Desse and Aster, every bit of support raised would be worth these two! But the most amazing part is, I can attest that more than these are being affected through this ministry and for that we are most encouraged and grateful! God is mighty to save!

Accommodations

Often people think that because we're in Africa we must be living in a tent, a mud hut, or in the bush... however, the reality is we are living quite large - ESPECIALLY compared to the common man in Ethiopia. To help everyone get a better picture of where we are and how we are living, here is a visual guide.

This is our bedroom at the SIM Guesthouse. We have our own room - such a blessing, a bed, a dresser, a closet, a desk, a side table, a window, and two lamps. The bathroom/shower situation is community style... separate stalls, but all in the same area like a summer camp. Hot water, toilets, wonderful things.

Here are additional photos I took while standing on the 3rd floor of one of the government offices. See the mountains in the distance, beautiful... and the homes all below. These are nicer homes... the last picture shows a common street home - see the blue tarp - very common. I'll work to get some additional photos maybe of the living conditions, but often you cannot understand until you see with your own eyes. We are blessed - VERY BLESSED and too often we take it for granted.