Oranges and Bananas

It’s all about the people.  Jesus loves the people.  He cares who they are, how many hairs they have on their head, their name, the history and their needs.  In Ethiopia there was never a chance meeting with his special children.  Divine appointments, a schedule set by the Man himself.  Months of preparations seemed like such a small offering when given to Him to complete our efforts.  Who are some of these people? 

In preparing for our trip, we agreed to take special treasures on behalf of two moms who have claimed the attention of some beautiful young men.  We also had designated funds sent by the Wilson family for fruit for all of the boys and sound equipment sent by Anja Wood.  The young men were orphans who have grown up and have exited the government orphanage in the city called Kolfe.  Kolfe is where the boys end up around 13 and is a holding place until they are eventually pushed out on the street and expected to survive and have life figured out. This place is where the children who age out of the other orphanages come to finish their time.  Not at any fault of their own except for aging.  I can only imagine that as young children they had hopes of a family whisking them off and calling them son.  I don’t know exactly when each child realizes that it was no longer likely to be brought into a family.  After all, when the white people come to visit and sometimes bring gifts, each time they have the opportunity show their knowledge, their English skills and flash their big smile, in hopes of being noticed. All of their baggage,  their hurts, needs and desires are stored up without a forever family to help them unpack.  Over the last 5 years the conditions of this place has improved.  It isn’t what it used to be.   Moms like Tamara and Leslie have been willing to let her heart be broken over and over by “adopting” sons who stay in Ethiopia.  Tamara has brought shoes and pillow cases and funds to provide special dinners for all 250 plus boys and most of all made close relationship with a few of the boys.  They Skype and send emails and share as family. 

The three young men we were supposed to catch up with and get them care packages from their American moms, were supposed to be so busy that it would be impossible to see them more than a few minutes.  But God had an agenda.  We had only been in Addis Ababa less than 24 hours.  We were unpacking and resorting the donations when the call was made and surprisingly, because of an Ethiopian holiday which we had not predicted, the boys were available to not only see us but they “happened” to be walking in the neighborhood and were only a few blocks away.  They had time to hang out with us the rest of the day and help us deliver fruit to the 250 plus boys still living in Kolfe and the sound equipment.  AMAZING.  That the boys were reachable by phone, they were in the neighborhood, they had time off to spend with us and that they were willing to help us make our first connection point with donations sent for this very purpose was nothing short of a miracle.  A divine appointment. 

Emnatu shown with such a big smile and delight.  Ayal  greeted us with hugs and kindness.  They were eager to share their Ethiopian love and generosity with us.  How could these young men, with so many strikes against them come to us with such a generous and giving spirit?  Giving of their time and energy and kindness and willingness to help?

Over the past couple of years a few moms got together and became pen pals with some of the boys in Kolfe.  Many of the moms like Tamara and Leslie pay attention to what is going on with them, pray for them and show them love through small packages, encouragement and commitment.  I believe that Emnatu and Ayal both radiated with Jesus’ Love that has been nurtured by their mom.  They have purpose.  It might not be living in the United States.  It might not be glamorous.  But they know they are loved.

 So on that Friday afternoon, the boys hopped in the van, helped us purchased hundreds of oranges and bananas and candy and off to Kolfe we went.  We also were able to bring the speaker sent by Anja Wood for a new music program.  The Kolfe boys were so delighted that they spontaneously gave us our own little mini concert.  It’s hard to visit a place like Kolfe for me because I don’t feel like I make much of an impact.  I even question if I am bringing harm by popping in and out of their life, unlike someone like Tamara who shows continual support throughout the year.  She is  consistent.  Then I remember that I am only a piece of the puzzle.  For that day, we brought delight, we connected Emnatu and Ayal to their mom.  We helped them bless the boys in Kolfe by allowing them to purchase and bring fruit to the boys which is a big treat.  I myself was moved again by Jesus adopting me.  By his choosing of me and how lost I would be if he had not saved me from my worldly circumstances. 

Three days later, in a completely different place in the city, we got word that the police had raided Kolfe for some unknown reason and many of the boys had been unnecessarily beaten and some had been taken to jail.  We prayed.  We could physically do nothing.  Our only hope was to fight the spiritual battle of darkness and cruelty and pray that God would intervene as the heavenly father.  My heart was grieved for the injustices of corruption, of inconsistencies, and lack of integrity from the very people who were supposed to be protecting these young men.  God heard our prayers and the prayers of many “moms” I presume, and the boys were eventually released but I cannot imagine the emotional betrayal and pain the boys continue to endure. 

As always, I left there asking God….”What are You doing here God?  I know you love these children more than I can even comprehend.  How can I join you?”