Edalawit’s Story

Fun With Stickers

Edalawit was taken in by a neighbor when she lost her parents. It is still unknown how her mother and father died. Onesimus became involved with Edalawit because her guardian had no resources to send her to school. An important goal in working with Edalawit is to keep her off the streets, which are highly dangerous for young girls, who face abuses that are unknown to their male counterparts.

Comments From Onesimus Staff
Challenges: The main challenge we face with Edalawit is her unpredictable behavior patterns. Her outbursts of anger are frequent and require much attention from Onesimus staff.
Opportunities (from Nega Meaza, Director of Onesimus): Edalawit is very open to the Gospel. She also just finished Grade 1 and seems to really enjoy school. I feel confident that with persistence and prayer we will help Edalawit learn how to express her emotions appropriately.

Recent Update from Joe Bridges

Coloring With Jessica & Nibrete at Drop-In Center

When I was in Ethiopia in January Edalawit was out of control – throwing tantrums every time something didn’t go her way, hitting/biting other children and ministry staff, crying for no apparent reason, and many more behaviors that showed how hurt she was by the abandonment she has faced in this life. During my visit in September I saw big changes in Edalawit’s behavior. Now she is much more calm, rarely upset, and very obedient. It is hard to believe that this could be the same girl. It’s really beautiful how God can use Onesimus to show someone like Edalawit that she is worth loving, and that He will not abandon her. I believe God is showing this little girl that He is faithful through the consistency of Onesimus’s staff and that’s impacting her.