Stepping out!

Good Morning!!!
As much as I'd like to be able to say we are fully funded & set to go financially...I can't quite say that yet..Oh, how we knew that this life that God has pressed upon our hearts would be not be easy or comfortable..Since saying "yes" to adoption 4 1/2 years ago, our lives have dramatically changed...and it hasn't been easy or comfortable at times!! Because we are human, there are days when I long, (I mean long!!!!) for normalcy, whatever normalcy looks/feels like! Right now, in the midst of raising funds for moving our family to Ethiopia...our normal has become living in our home that really doesn't look or feel like home anymore(thank God I know where our true home is!!) raising funds, which at times feels like we are begging for your support...and, please, please never hear or read it as begging...we know that this is just part of this process & its necessary, but God has most definitely been faithful with using friends & family in our life that have shown incredible support & love for us..we are truly thankful for you! And yes, we will continue listing our needs...if you feel led to support us financially, thank you!!! If you feel led to support us in another way, thank you!! You are a vital part to our ministry & we can't thank you enough!! We've had a few people express their concern as to how we are able to move while we aren't fully funded...great question!! We are in the process of securing our plane tickets to go to Ethiopia in March...we are just waiting on a few different prices..But, we GO trusting that God knows the needs & desires of His people & we've experienced His faithfulness time & time again!! Is it scary stepping out of the boat?? YES!! Id be lying if I told you that I have no concerns about going without being fully funded, but at the same time, we fully trust in our God & we know that He is able to do far more than we could ever imagine...so, we are stepping! Will YOU step with us??? Will YOU make the jump & prayerfully consider supporting 8:7 Africa & our family??? www.87africa.org

John 21:6
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

be blessed.

Why We Follow Him

This might be a long read but I hope it's worth it for you. It was a very exhausting day yesterday. It's hard to explain the joy I felt yesterday at Jemo followed by the deepest sadness I can remember feeling. 

I started out the morning attending an awesome church service, the message to the Ethiopian congregation was about being mission minded and giving to others. I remind you that these people have nothing but yet at every opportunity they give of themselves. It reminded me why I fell in love with Ethiopia. I was invited up on stage and was asked to speak. Like Kristen said I get very nervous, but I spoke about how only God's love can bring two cultures so different together to form one family. The whole time I am thinking, if these people only knew how they have changed my families life. 

I then had the best time hugging our girls. They were happy to see me but it was very clear that Kristen was the one they really wanted to see. ha I love it though! She is such a nurturing woman, so I totally get it. 

Ok, so this is where my heart sinks... After the girls ran off I met with the director and Fikire to discuss a boy that Kristen had asked me to check on. The decision was made to bring him in so that I could see him. I was not prepared to see what I was about to see, even with the description Kristen had given me. As the boy walked in I could see how scared he was along with the pain he was in. I assured him the best I could that it was ok. They asked him to lift his shirt and OH WOW is the only thing I could muster up to think along with a gut wrenching feeling. They proceeded to ask him to lift his pant leg and that is when I almost broke into tears. His body looks as I can only describe as flesh eaten and raw, covering 100% of his lower body from waste down. Only a picture would explain the horror I was seeing. When I looked at his sweet face I saw a child that's spirit was broken. His pride shaken to the core. It was like I was looking into his soul. I can't shake the image. Honestly, I don't want to!!! I asked for permission to take photos, sent them to Kristen and our wonderful friend Lynne who is trying to get them in from of a dermatologist. I could not help but think, if this boy is not helped he will not be with us in a year or so. It was that bad. 

So when, people ask us why we want to go to Ethiopia. Today is why!!! How can I turn my back on that. 

Kasey 

www.87Africa.com

Women of Entoto

Women fuel wood carriers are among the poorest in Ethiopia, with average incomes of less than $12 a month. Approximately 60% are the head and sole support of their households. One third are between the ages of 10 and 19. Working under harsh conditions, the women carry bundles of eucalyptus branches weighing 75-80 pounds 18 miles down Mount Entoto to markets in Addis Ababa. Guards sometimes harass them, demand bribe money, or assault them sexually. Despite the risks to their health and safety, women fuel wood carriers have no choice. They lack the education and financial resources necessary to make income alternatives a reality.

8:7 Africa has the incredible opportunity to work alongside Connected in Hope Foundation working with dozens of the women who once carried 70-80 pound bundles of eucalyptus branches the 18 miles down the mountain to sell in the markets of Addis Ababa for a dollar. Overcoming enormous odds, 70 of the former fuel wood carriers now weave scarves and make baskets to earn income for their families. Currently, Connected in Hope supports their efforts by bringing their products to global markets and re-investing profits in programs that benefit the women and their families.

We are really looking forward to developing relationships with these women & their families!! March can't come soon enough!!

Visit www.87africa.org to get involved and support our Ministry. Thank you to all you prayers and support.