DownLine Team: Why go to Ethiopia?
The Forsaken Children have partnered with the local Memphis, TN ministry DownLine to help send a group of Christ followers to love, support, care, encourage, disciple, and teach the people we love in Ethiopia.
Team Ethiopia: Leaving our Hearts Behind
We are leaving in just a few short hours and as expected, our hearts are heavy. We have spent the last week forming life-long friendships and relationships with the people of Addis Ababa. For me, goodbyes are always difficult. But, this time, I think it’s the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. We love these kids and these kids love us. So, being uncertain of your next meeting is hard to process and leaves you feeling pretty hollow. Luckily, God fills us up and I am feeling fairly certain that this is not “goodbye” for any of us but, simply, a “see you later”!
Team Ethiopia: God Shows Up
Today we knew God would show up in a mighty way. It was our last full day with the kids. We enjoyed the time that we have had building relationships, loving and holding these amazing kids. God definitely showed up by using everyone’s gifts today.Whether assisting, teaching, encouraging, or using their imagination to bring joy to the kids.
Team Ethiopia: Planting Seeds
Like a farmer who plants a seed and waits for his harvest to grow, Nega has planted the seed of a future apart from begging and living on the street for these children.
So, while we may want to change these kid’s lives overnight, we are confident that what each child is receiving at OCDA is changing their life second by second. We just have to be patient with God’s plan and remain confident that it is working.
Team Ethiopia: God is Chasing
Have you ever been chasing after something you really wanted and you didn’t stop until you got it?
As we were leaving the center today headed for the soccer fields, several of the beneficiaries were chasing after our van. These children RAN approximately 1 mile without stopping just to greet us at the fields as our van door opened. This paints such an evident picture of God and how He “chases” our hearts and He doesn’t stop until we open the door.
Team Ethiopia: Overflowing Joy
2 Corinthians 8:2, “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty, willed up in generosity!”
I think this verse sums up everything that we have experienced and the hearts of the children! Today was so encouraging and very affirming that what we are doing is making an impact! We all enjoyed so much of the kids’ love and affection through their contagious smiles and their heart melting hugs!
Team Ethiopia: Finding Words
Finding the words to share with you is difficult. We have been in Addis Ababa for 48 hours and I think it is safe to say that all of us are feeling completely ruined– so much we can’t even comprehend it all. YET!
Today was our first official day at the drop-in center. Our morning began with greeting the children…
Team Ethiopia: Keep Listening
There is no way to prepare your heart for this. You have to experience it. 24 hours into our trip and our eyes are wide open and our ears are listening. Tonight, Britainy received a letter from her sister in-law, Sally Townsend, and we think that it sums up exactly how we are feeling after our first day in Addis- we thought it was perfect to share.
Team Ethiopia: God Is Our Potter
God is our potter. He is in complete control of our circumstances. (Jeremiah 18) He definitely reminded the team of this yesterday. While we wanted “our” plans to play out just like the itinerary read, God was quick to give us a gentle reminder that He is in control. His plan is bigger. His plan is better.
Team Ethiopia: A Journey There
The team is currently sleeping in Frankfurt, Germany (3:05 am there) at a hotel. The schedule for tomorrow, Saturday is breakfast at 8 am (1 am Central Time), team devotions, leave the hotel at 10:30 am (3:30 am Central Time), flight out of Frankfurt at 1 pm (6 am Central Time) and arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at 9 pm-ish (12 o’clock noon Central Time). Please pray the flights go according to plan this go around! The team is excited and ready to land on African soil.
