Continued blessings

Day 2 here in Mekele proved to be another powerful day on many levels.  We began the day by visiting a ministry for blind children that Gabe helps support.  The Mekele School for the Blind provides housing and education to blind children up to the eighth grade.  “The least of these” ... that is who lives within these walls ... that is what we saw.  Heartbreaking to the core ... yet not without hope.  These children have amazing spirits of resiliency and joy.  Many walk the campus smiling and laughing, arms joined, helping one another navigate the rocky terrain in a place of refuge from a cruel world outside.  Their faces brighten with curious excitement as they hear our voices and rush to greet us.  Handshakes and hugs bring unforgettable smiles  while providing much-needed affection to these curious little cutties.  The language barrier evaporates - replaced with a dialogue of love and affection - each grateful for the encouragement that the other provides.  It was a poignant start to another beautiful day.  Lord, bless & protect those dear souls - may your Word and your church bring eternal hope and joy to their hearts.

Children at the Mekele School of the Blind.  The others in the background are touching the car to get a sense for what it looks like.  

We then traveled to the orphanage.  As we reached the driveway leading inside, the large steel gates that guard the entrance are slowly pulled back by none other than our sweet little Joseph.  My heart is immediately filled with a deep sense of joy as I watch his smile and his servant heart - it was a moment of unexpected and unspoken bonding with my new son.  While taking this in, I turn to Gabe who is driving the car and observe him watching Joseph.  He is pensive and pleased ... as if thinking ... “sweet, sweet Joseph ... such a gentle servant”.  As I watched it all unfold - I thanked God for this amazing journey - so grateful for Gabe and for our dear Joseph.  

The orphanage in Mekele

We played soccer, fed livestock, and enjoyed an authentic Ethiopian lunch together.  Throughout the day - I kept going to God with two very simple, yet heartfelt words ... “Thank You!”.   Thank you bringing us to this place.  Thank you for weaving together this beautiful story in a way that points us to you and to your glorious grace!  Thank you for helping me see my need of you more deeply through this experience.  Thank you for Sasha, Jonah, and Cara and for the opportunity to witness their loving and selfless hearts on this journey.  Thank you for friends and family walking alongside us and for the felt prayers of many.  Thank you for weaving together Dave & Mary’s adoption of Samuel and Chris & Laura’s adoption of Luke ... what joy to know these boys will experience a new chapter of life - together - in the fellowship of their new families ... and the continued friendship & familiarity of one another!  Thank you for showing me that you are indeed ... the God of adoption (Ephesians 1).  And finally, thank you for Joseph - for his infectious smile and humble heart - he has taught us much in two short days.  Thank you, O Lord, for only you could have scripted such a story.  Psalm 117:2 reads, “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”  

We are praising God for another wonderful day in Mekele.