Saturday, June 25

We could hardly wait to finish breakfast and get to the auditorium to prepare for the kid's arrival to Vacation Bible School. They streamed in with their hugs, kisses, and handshakes. We reminded them of how special they are, and how much God loves them. Psalm 139:13-14, "for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." After watching a theatrical version of the Prodigal Son, everyone made a crown- just like the one the son received! Our hearts were full as we looked out at 100 smiling faces wearing their crowns and singing a song in Amharic.

Later in the afternoon, the Hope social worker, Tedessa, and Pastor Matthews took us out in the neighborhood to visit some students' homes. Early that morning many of us felt lead to give some money to the homes we visited. 400 Birr (about $40 US dollars) provides a month's food and clothing. We had enough to give that much to five families here in Dessie and an equal amount for Roggie and Nazret! Wow- God is good! Visiting the homes was difficult. One child from each home can attend Hope School. This allows Hope to service more families. The first home we visited was a woman with three children. She was living illegally in her home after her children's father had died. Hope Enterprise is working out the rent so she can stay permanently. Her oldest child goes to Hope School and brings some bread home each day for his family- this was all the food they had in the home. As we walked through the neighborhood, the children flocked around us and followed from home to home. They were certainly God-sent as their joy and love buffered the pain we felt for these struggling families. Our lives of plenty paled in comparison to these lives of great faith and hope.

What a blessed day. We were taught much.

Cindy Halstead
2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher