Jemo on Grant's Heart

 

 

Grant is so excited to be making his way back to Ethiopia on May 9th.  This time it will be his first mission trip experience. Anyone that knows Grant knows that all you have to do is bring up Ethiopia and he smiles from ear to ear.  He is working very hard at raising his own funds for the trip and one of the ways he is doing this, is by selling these Jemo T-shirts.  I will let Grant explain it better through a letter he recently wrote. I love his heart.

     "I am going back to Ethiopia! Recently, through an organization called Children's Hopechest, my church, Bismarck Community Church has partnered with a community in Ethiopia, called Jemo. Jemo is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
     Currently, There are over 200 children in need in this community. Our church has taken on the challenge of sponsoring 150 of these children. As of now, we have 136 of the children sponsored.
     Our family sponsors two girls, a 9 year old named Yordanose and a 9 year old named Bethelehem. Jemo operates as a drop-in care center, a safe place where needy children can come for care and support. The children of Jemo have the opportunity to grow physically, educationally, spiritually, and emotionally through the care center.
     So, on May 9th a team of 14 including me will be going to Jemo to continue the partnership between our two communities. In order to go to Ethiopia, I will be raising my own funds. One of the ways I am raising funds is by selling American Apparel Jemo T-shirts designed by me. You can order one at www.jemofund.blogspot.com.
     I am so excited to meet Yordanose and Bethelehem. I look forward to sharing with you about my experiences. Thank you for helping me and also praying for me. I really appreciate it."

Love, Grant

Thanks for all of you who have purchased shirts already helping make it possible for Grant to get this experience. Below is a photo of Yordanose and Bethelehem that Grant wanted me to share.

Thanks Again, Kasey

{9 months home. Ariyat update}

Thought I'd give you a little update on our Ariyat:) She has been home 9 months now!! It often feels like she has been home so much longer...
She is doing so well!! We are currently working on 1st grade curriculum with her..she goes to ESL 4x/week for an hour each time & that sure seems to be helping with her reading. She is a delightful little girl! She had her 1st dental appointment & handled that so well. After 9 months home, I can very happily say she seems like she is securely attached to our family:) One night last week as I was putting her to bed, she said, "momma, come here." She put her arm around my back & said, "you are a really nice & good momma, I love you so much!" "Did nana teach you how to be good mom, she did good job!" Made my heart smile & my eyes teary. She continues to visit with us about her family & life in Ethiopia...she has very fond memories & loves to talk about it with us. Up until a few days ago, we assumed she'd forgotten alot of her amharic...guess not!! Yesterday while driving, she started speaking in Amharic & trying to teach us what she knows...my, do we have much to learn!!!

She loves going to kids church on Wednesday nights!! I can now leave her their with our other kiddos & she feels safe, secure & taken care of while I'm gone..each week, she loves seeing her kids church teachers & friends:)

She loves any type of food!! Her favorite meal is probably spaghetti!! I think she's finally understanding & realizing that she doesn't have to worry about where her next meal will come from & if she'll receive enough. Love witnessing her worries subside & her joy, ease & happiness increase!!

As you can see, that smile of hers continues to shine bright!!

The care she shows to younger children is so tender. You can definitely tell she has been around little ones & enjoys being a little mother hen:) Along with that, we are also very aware that the independence we see in her was just a normal way of life for her & we are so thankful that she is allowing us to take care of her needs & allowing her to just be a kid:)

She loves My Little Pony & about anything princess!!! It is so fun to watch her discover, learn & play with toys/puzzles/movies!! She loves dancing around with dress-up clothes on & she talks often about being a ballerina!!

Thought you'd enjoy a little glimpse about our girl!!! 

xo

{ I was only letting myself think enough for those thoughts & feelings to not come up to surface...Because, although we know that Ethiopia is where God is calling us to, it doesn't mean it comes without doubts, questions, fears...}

Wow. bad blogger award goes to me! What a busy last two months we've had. busy kids. busy schedules. busy minds. busy processing. busy praying. busy... thinking of ways to keep busy so my mind didn't have time to really think. What I really mean is, If I really took the time to think about our decision to move to Ethiopia, the preparations that are taking place, the funding that needs to happen to GO, the boxing up of our belongings for storage while we are gone... I was only letting myself think enough for those thoughts & feelings to not come up to surface...Because, although we know that Ethiopia is where God is calling us to, it doesn't mean it comes without doubts, questions, fears...
 I believe it so deep in my core, that God is moving us into this next season of our lives in Ethiopia. Each & every time I have questioned the how's, what-if's etc etc etc....He shows up in His big & mighty ways! Why is it that I question everything so often?! Why do I doubt His word?! He tells us over & over in scripture...

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
Deut. 7:9

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Ina all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 

Thankful for a very patient & faithful God, who never stops loving us in our times of fear, anxiousness, apprehension... So blessed to have friends & family in our life that support our family as we take this huge step!! As of today, we have one generous monthly sponsor and two generous one-time donations that have brought us so much closer to our One-Time departure expense!! We are so thankful for each of you & the way you are loving our family. Again, here is the link to our ministry website, www.hhmafrica.org... We would be honored if you'd be willing to share it with your family and friends if you feel led to do so! Blessings to you this weekend. xo

www.hhmafrica.org