Lifesong

The school situation in the town of Ziway, Ethiopia is very inadequate. Many children simply do not have the opportunity to attend school at any level or in any facility. The government schools are overcrowded with up to 75 students per classroom. Private schools tend to be somewhat better, but usually have 40-50 students per class. Whether private or public, the schools are lacking in even the basics. Students must share textbooks and cannot take their textbooks home. Even standard items such as chalk and pencils are in short supply and must be severely rationed.

The caregivers and children recognize the value of a good education. They know that education is critical to their obtaining good employment and providing for themselves and their families. Therefore, it is a priority to Lifesong for Orphans to construct a quality grade school as quickly as possible. One of the essential ways to pull Ethiopia out of its poverty is to educate its citizens.

 

We all go out of our ways to give our kiddos the very best we possibly can. In Ethiopia, this looks very different than it does for you and me in the US!

Lifesong for Orphans is supporting 3 schools in the Ziway, Ethiopia area. We are currently repairing one of the schools and are in the process of building another, but are hopeful to use all three this fall.

As you start gathering school supplies for your kids, would you consider helping the children in Ziway?

We are in need of new desks, lights, and fixtures!

 

Current supply shelves:

Current ‘desks’:

New desks needed:

Make a donation here and indicate ‘Ethiopia school needs’ in the description.

To stay up to date on the progress, check back here.

Maria

Today I saw a picture of the Chapman family. (minus the 3 grown children.) There was Steven Curtis and his lovely wife, Mary Beth. They were standing on some steps with their daughters Stevie Joy and ShoHannah. It was so strange to see them smiling and having a good time without Maria.

Now that my son is going on 5-years-old, the horror that their family went through hits even closer to home. Can you believe it's been 2 years?

I remember bawling my eyes out for their poor family. I still do when I think about it. But that's a testament to what God can do. You'd never know by looking at that photo that they've experienced unimaginable pain. God can heal. God can make new. God can pick you back up when you can't do it yourself.

Wow. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around every time.

My cup runneth over

I may have posted this before, but it's coming out one way or another and my posting it now is evidence that I still struggle with it.

I have a problem with empathy. I hear a story of someone's grief and I grieve with them. Not a 'Oh-how-sad-for-them' kind of sadness. This is a world rocking, debilitating emotion that sweeps over me for people who I often don't even know. (Think May from The Secret Life of Bees) On the other hand, when I hear good news - from any corner of the globe - it gives me strength to move on. I smile and I laugh and I cry tears of joy for situations I'll never have personal contact with. Is it a blessing or a curse? I don't know.

I have friends who hesitate to "burden" me with their heavy loads because I take it every bit as hard as they do. But truth is, some things are just too heavy to carry around by yourself. I appreciate the opportunity to mourn with people I care about so they know they aren't alone. I'm usually a first call with good news though! Which I'm equally grateful for.

There are people hurting out there. No, I don't like to dwell in sadness, but how can I go about my day without pausing and praying? Someone out there is in the worst pain they've ever felt in their life. Someone just lost a baby. Someone just found out their spouse has died. Some people are watching their families being slaughtered while their country is at war. I just think these people deserve a minute out of my day. Comfort them, Lord.

People are rejoicing! Someone's adoption was just finalized. Someone just got a positive pregnancy test after years of praying and struggling with infertility. Someone just heard their mothers cancer is in remission. These people deserve attention too! Hallelujah! Can you believe how good our God is?!

When it's my turn to grieve or rejoice, I hope I'll have someone - maybe it wont be anyone I've ever met - but I'll have someone who "suffers" from an over abundance of empathy. I hope someone will share those moments with me. What's a Happily Ever After if you have no one to share it with?