Friday, July 12, 2013

Day 5

Care package day!!!!!  I have studied every one of these photos, grinning from ear to ear as I take in the expressions on each of the children's faces.  Oh how I wish that I could have been there to be a part of this.

Every one of the 155 children received a care package lovingly prepared by their sponsor.  Each one received his or her care package individually with the help of a translator.

Enjoy the happiness on these sweet faces:



















Thursday, July 11, 2013

Days 3 & 4

I have more photos from the field to share.  I wish that I could narrate these, but that will have to wait until I can get the stories to go with the pictures after the team is back home.  I did find out from Daniel that several from the team have been experiencing tummy troubles.  Please pray that they heal quickly!





Doesn't this little guy look happy?







View from the Wellsprings Guest House, Addis Ababa


Streets of Merkato



Going to visit this little guy's home and family







Eating dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant.  



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Day Two

I got another quick update from Daniel.  They do not have internet access at the guest house, so they have been going to the Children's HopeChest office for about 30 minutes per day so they can all email home.  They actually haven't even had any electricity at the guest house for the past 24 hours.  Things like that come and go in Ethiopia.  Oh the things we take for granted....

The spent the whole day with the kids at Merkato again today, doing Bible stories, games, crafts, etc.  He said that it went great, and the team is working together really well.  Everybody is pretty tired, though.  Ethiopia is 8 hr ahead of home (CST), and they are two days into trying to adjust to that AFTER missing a night's sleep while traveling.

I wish I had more stories to share, but that will have to wait until later.  For now, pictures....








Monday, July 8, 2013

Day One

I finally heard from Daniel today!  The group made it to Ethiopia, and they had a great first day loving on the kids at Merkato.  They don't have internet access at the guest house (hotel) that they are staying at, so our communication is very limited. It's crazy how conditioned we are to being in touch with our loved ones at every second.  I am trying to let go and not  freak out about only hearing from him every few days.

Anyway, 110 of the 155 kids were there today.  They divided the kids into four groups and spent the day sharing Bible stories, doing crafts, and playing games.  The fed them PB&J for lunch.  Daniel said that it was a great day.  The kids are amazing to be around and full of life and happiness.  The mission team worked extremely hard and everyone is spent, but filled up.

Daniel got to hang out with one of the kids that we sponsor today too.  It was so fun to show this picture to our kids.  They see that Daddy is really there, really with Minty, who we pray for and talk about all the time.  Benjamin was grinning from ear to ear.


Here are a few more photos that Daniel was able to send me from the first day at Merkato: