The Story’s Not Finished Yet…

Written By Jennifer Bridges on March 7, 2014

When I finished with this post and read it a few more times, it seems like my tone is negative. My desire is really to give you a peek into the reality of the obstacles and to show how everyday is not a win all by itself. Only in heaven will we fully appreciate and see all of His plan. I was actually encouraged by what God is doing with our own medical in comparison to other programs and to continue to learn. Thank you for your grace as you read.

The very full days filled with physical activity, at times leave me wanting more sleep when time for buna (coffee) is called. Today we were in a hurry to climb the mountain to meet the expert at the deaf school in Nekempte. I was packing my overnight bag anticipating a shower; I think I’ve had three since I left a month ago. Any obstacles can be muted with bribery of a shower… I’m still weak like that. I had two sick patients to take care of and prepared the plate of treatment for the little boy so mama could supervise him tonight. Alex called the woman we had the appointment with and reminded her we were coming from far away and she dropped the first challenge.

Sometimes I think we are on the Amazing Race or something…we needed to be there by noon as she had other communities to visit after that. I frantically hurried my getting ready and huffed and puffed as fast as I could up the mountain as it was already 9AM and I had no idea how we were going to make it.

Once we made it to the bus station we learned there were no mini buses (vans). My heart has been disciplined to limit feeling but if I had one it was despair.   How were we going to make it, the time and energy and effort? I held on to my own bribe of the shower.

A sweet lady brought out a wooden chair from her house at the bus station having pity on me. She began talking and finally sharing her motive, to get rid of her kids. I ignore her. I am on a mission to the deaf school and I’m behind schedule. I chatted with the kids, precious yet filthy, snot running down their upper lips and again I must close my heart. Desperate people living in an impossible system, some imposed, some carried as tradition and some learned helplessness.

We get put on a list for the next available seats and finally a van comes. So thankful. There was nearly a fight over the coveted spots. We arrive in Nekempte with 15 minutes to spare and bribe the bus driver with some extra money to take us to the alley near the school. Walking in the gate right on time.

We met the lady we came to see and followed her to a room where she was going to check Jeldu’s ears. She took a small plastic basket and pulled out a small piece of equipment to peer inside. She announced they were clean. His ears were clean. Yes I know, I cleaned them. After a few minutes of discussion she informed us that the power was out and she could not test his ability to hear. Deflated. How I wish I had my solar. Even our power is better than this.

A kind man from Europe had been walking across the campus and entered the room. We discussed everything more clearly and he took us to the director. We discussed the services they had to offer and what was available locally. We talked about healthcare in general, complications with culture, how to get treatments and special services and aid from the government and other NGOs. Thankful to share more insights.

The very knowledgeable director and the kind man invited us to get our hotel room, eat lunch and they would call us when the power returned. What about the lady who said she would not be available after noon and put so much pressure on us? The director was surprised and said she would be around, no big deal (sometimes in an effort to be important a attitude of unavailability is imposed). Trying not to think of my rushing and huffing and puffing up the mountain. My unnecessarily inflicted panic.

We walk and take a crowded three wheeled taxi to the hotel and find out it is booked. No vacancy in the city with rooms that would be safe for me because of some meetings or something. All dreams of the shower bribery go down the drain.

By now it is 1:30 and we need some lunch. We walk again and go to “our restaurant.” The four of us order, all of the food comes except mine, they need 45 minutes to cook it. Bread with veggies. Ok.

We start to get worried, with no hotel we might get stuck without transportation. We finish our lunch, still no power and go to the bus station. We also have to get home before dark to climb down the mountain.

Finally we get a van and by 4:15 in the van and on our way back. We get the call…the power is on. Oh my goodness, this crazy life. Could we try again Tuesday? We are in route.

Truthfully I’m not sure she has what we are looking for. I want a clear diagnosis with current health of his ear. I want to know whether a hearing assistance device would make a difference and if so, what kind and finally info on current learning info. Even being 20 or so years old he has never had his ears checked. He was never allowed to go to school. Who cares about my silly shower? I certainly should not whine.

We arrive to the mountain just before dark and make our decent. Almost immediately it begins to pour down rain and I’m so thankful we didn’t get stuck in it. Ashebir is stuck away from home in the mud and will have to sleep somewhere.

Thankful to be home. Thankful to learn more today. Disappointed that it wasn’t my plan but surely that means God has something better.

A challenging way of life and a God who is in all of it. In the mess with me. My perceived mess is His creation that He loves and adores. The story is His and it’s not finished yet.

Each. Child. Matters.

Written By Jennifer Bridges on March 6, 2014

Our little boy with the flesh eating nose fungus visited me faithfully today during his usual time after school. He walks about 45 minutes to an hour each way. He comes into the house, greets everyone and waits patiently until someone summons me. Today I could hear and recognize his voice from my little room. It has been a long day, spending time at the church upstairs showing the Jesus movie and I had temporarily collapsed on my bed in exhaustion. Hearing his young voice encouraged me to jump up, prepare my vitamins, disinfectant and ointment. I met him in the living room and he followed me to the porch where adequate light showed me our progress. God’s progress.

Using hand motions and a few words I asked him to bring out the little mirror in his pocket. I wanted him to watch me carefully today. The little steps. 1st) we clean our hands 2nd) we clean his nose with the oxide peroxide mixture 3rd) we apply the anti fungus ointment 4th) he takes his vitamins of zinc, C and a probiotic and finally today. he helped me place the band-aid. My intention is that when I leave for the next couple of months he can track his own progress and continue our regime as needed.

Today I melted when he looked in the mirror and with his big smile said in his tiny bit of English,”Good! Thank you!” Oh my heart…into a puddle…I have an emotional smile and tucked myself back inside for some vitamin E for his scars. Tears are not easily understood, even happy appreciative tears. It’s easier to go after the vitamin E than to hide tears. We finish his treatment with 3 pieces of candy. In the beginning I wasn’t sure if he would be motivated to come to me.

Today he is in a hurry to go and has a treasure tucked inside his shiny new burlap type sack. Alex helps me discover inside – a basket that was made by his grandmother and his hurry was to sell it before dark upstairs at the market. Alex was thinking quickly and offered to buy it. It gives us a good excuse to bless the boy and his grandma. We paid three times market value, about $5. I am oh so tempted to keep it for myself. It’s a big beautiful traditional basket used for sifting grain from chaff, serving bread, gathering crops etc.He has a name. His name is Milkasa. Would you consider helping us with more medical? Thank you for blessing me and our village. Each. Child. Matters.

Local Culture and Ten Observations

Written By Jennifer Bridges on March 3, 2014

Local culture and 10 observations.

10.  There are four words in Afan Oromo that equal our word for scarf. Scarves are really important.

9.     It is not necessarily faster than walking, to pay for transportation to get somewhere; lack of direct routes, no roads, a variety of distractions and other travelers, Chinese road construction. However it is still preferred to ride in a car for status purposes.

8.    A placebo can be a powerful tool when hope is lost. Vitamin C and zinc, soap, Vaseline and food are my favorite – rather than sending someone to the clinic for a glucose shot.

7.    Clothes are changed because of how dirty they are, not necessarily for fashion, which varies from one to three days. However the style of clothing worn is very important and more formal than what I am used to. Suits for men and women are the first choice, all the time.

6.    When you need something and it is perceived that someone else has it, you camp out at their house until you are able to get what you need. It is an obligation to give what you have especially if you have extra.

5.    Tissues for blowing your nose don’t make any sense. Why would you save it for later? Also picking your nose is no big deal but licking your fingers is disgusting!

4.    Leprosy sucks the life out of women, one swollen foot at a time. There is no one close currently treating it that I know of.

3.    Community farming and taking turns at each other’s farm to harvest grain is a given and a responsibility. This is also the way local news is transferred.

2.    The number of glucose shots you receive from the clinic is a direct indication as to how sick you are. Diagnosis is never given.

1.    All life stops for coffee. Nothing gets in the way of drinking coffee together.

Jesus, Hold My Heart.

Written By Jennifer Bridges on March 1, 2014.

Our visit to the city is finished and we climb into a mini bus (small van) at the bus station. The music is blaring with twang and words I don’t understand. The sun is scorching and the dusty orange dirt is blowing. I am relieved to find transportation so quickly as sometimes it takes hours. Ashebir made sure the van from Arjo reserved these treasured seats for us. Our bag with our meds, special food, books and a small coffee table is secured on top. Thankful for our heavy duty duffle bags we use for our luggage.

As I sit still my heart settles into our day. I was free of fleas for 24 hours and even as I sit I can feel them collecting around my waist and up my legs, there is no reason to fight it. This is just part of my story.

I am still extremely sensitive as today my heart melted uncontrollably for the first time in awhile. I have been keeping good control of the emotional side and fighting with logic and solutions as best I can.

Even still as the music blares it takes me back…today we visited the entrance of E’s school and camped outside at a little tea shop while he finished registering for his second semester. His grades for his first semester came back as A-, A-, B+ and B+. He has worked hard balancing working on the farm and studying. He is a one hour bus ride from home (thanks to the road being paved) each way. Sweet coffee with milk and then a walk to see his room. For some reason staying in our beautiful room last night must have left me soft. Too soft and clean to be prepared to see his room. Behind a falling metal wall in a construction area a cement box with a door and a lock. I began to shake. “Is this where our boy is staying? Away from sweet mama and the kids and the farm?” I turned around quickly and tried to shield my tears. I am so proud of him, I don’t want him to think I am disappointed. The family has worked hard to negotiate this room.

The music stops and the van is turned off, our trip is being stalled. At least the music stopping helps me control myself in the van.

For a moment I question myself and my people. Who made me in charge? Who gave us the power to decide who gets help and how much? How can I be tormented with such decisions. Why does a beautiful young man inside and out who is honorable and working extremely hard have to live in this cave? Why is he so extremely thankful?

Sweet Jesus, lift this burden from me.

The van is turned back on and we begin to roll, body odor, dust, smoke from an outdoor cooking fire and car exhaust. I’m ready to go back to see mama and the littles.

We talked with the owner of E’s room and will put him on the waiting list for a better safer place. As I come to my senses I have a meeting with myself and bring my justifications. The room is dry, has a lock, a mattress and he only has to sleep there. Every student is poor and it builds character to work hard and earn it. At least for now I must believe it.

Jesus holds my heart. Once again I put the family back in his hands, I had tried to hold them on my own. He is so patient with me.

I must be strong and trust in an almighty God who was working in this family and village long before I came on the scene. He knows them. He sees them. He loves them.

Receiving your hugs by faith. Please share these stories so that others may be encouraged to find the village God has for them.

The Learning Curve!

Written by Jennifer Bridges on February 27, 2014

Ten Observations:

10.   Fleas move slowly and are easier to kill after engorging.

9.   Mud floors are best maintained by being swept and then sprinkled generously with water; periodic refreshing with new dirt keeps it level.

8.   Getting to the bathroom before everyone else in the morning is key and is usually softer on the senses especially when dinner the night before included large amounts of berbere (mixed red spices).

7.   Roosters are quite beautiful when they dance together; however the dance usually ends in death unless there is an intervention. The dogs always enjoy the dance, hoping to personally benefit. The enemy of our soul delights in our prideful dances, hoping to devour us after our own self destruction.

6.   Butter is fabulous as a hair moisturizer if you can afford the luxury.

5.   Purchasing goods at the market is not only gauged by the expense of such items but by how much you can carry down the mountain.

4.   In translation, trousers are pants and pants are underwear.

3.   Morning is always brought to fruition with coffee and spending time with the family. Eating together is a time to be cherished and often the one meal a day – might be around 10pm at night, when everything is finally done.

2.   Visitors should always be greeted and given your full attention. They must be invited in and standing as they enter shows respect.

1.   Peace, selflessness and true Godly love can revolutionize a community.

My Top Ten Traveling Companions and Must Haves for Africa…

Written By Jennifer Bridges on 02/26/2014

10.    A urinary redirector, freedom to pee.
9.      Anti itch cream; prevention isn’t working.
8.      Sensitive facial wipes for bathing.
7.     An inhaler to fight the dust, altitude and pollution in the city.
6.     A good pillow, a very worthy splurge.
5.     North Face backpack made for a woman and extra pockets.
4.    Goal Zero battery packs for charging anywhere.
3.     iPhone for staying connected, taking pictures and capturing video as well as journaling.
2.     Sleeping meds for when my mind and the bugs are just too busy and the dogs are talking too much.
1.     Jesus, the best friend and companion ever.

Just can’t leave home without them!

A day in the life…

I am chuckling to myself about our morning routines. I stand on my bed to unlatch the wooden window shutters and let in the light. They are calling me through my curtain for coffee. I take my potty trash bag to the outdoor abandoned water well encased in metal sheeting. I finally make my way to the living room with greetings to children and animals along the way. The children are washing their faces taking turns holding the little red plastic pitcher and pouring it into each other’s hands to be splashed upon their faces. The run-off falls into the dust. Bright smiles greet me yet few speak unless spoken to first. The sisters come out of the outdoor kitchen and abandon their coffee grinding or bread baking to greet me.

Once in the living room we sit on the wooden benches around the room. The eldest sister sits on the small stool to serve us a proper coffee ceremony with tiny cups and fresh roasted beans. C and H take turns to rise early to climb the mountain and bring down fresh bread (similar to a subway loaf). We split them in half and fill them with peanut butter, honey or a chocolate nut butter we brought from Addis. We are almost finished with our fancy condiments.A tiny goat pair slip in the front door unnoticed and join the loose chickens attempting to steal a chunk of soft bread from someone’s hand. Mama jumps as a chicken was successful and she giggles with surprise.

The littles are often whining and sharing irritation about something. This morning I can only see their tiny feet peaking from under a hanging curtain as they are trying to hide. Their shift from contagious smiles to tears is like shifting dust. Kids are kids.

Carefully coffee is served one cup at a time filled fully to the top. Some with sugar, others with salt or butter. The quiet brother has fallen in love with tea. One black tea bag for a pot of hot water mixed with sugar into the teapot I made at a make -it-yourself pottery place. We wrote all of the grandkids’ names on the beautiful teal green pot. Some of the others have shifted to tea as I think they love the sweetness. When everyone has finished, all of the cups are rinsed and returned to the tiny coffee table ready for the next ceremony.

Alex, the quiet brother (J) and the eldest in college (E) and I pack our back packs to go downstairs. Getting our backpacks loaded and out of the house is intense, double and triple checking if we have everything for our own safety as well as for the benefit of those we have planned to meet along the way. We have a full day in front of us. Water, our mini first aid kit, a package for the disabled boy’s mom, clothing for the five kids I mentioned the other day (thank you Deanna for encouraging me to go), pillow case dresses, roasted grain, candy, urinary re-director, extra bug sting ointment, solar recharger, camera, wipes, Vaseline, soap, flashlight, emergency trail mix and electrolytes. For the two families, I brought art and coloring books. We are loaded… So once we are packed and walk out the front door, the journey begins and the detours become the pathway. Wait… Did I brush my teeth?

Our way down the mountain in never short on adventure and a need for flexibility is paramount. I am mentally prepared for the dusty decent down the narrow water runoff grooved pathways that accommodate travelers to and from the market. Travelers with legs of two and four. We are among them. In front of the passing lane a single donkey will literally run with the others close behind. When the first is running with an attitude of confidence the others don’t question, only follow. Have you ever seen a donkey stop to ask if the donkey in front is the best one to follow? Hah!

We walk no more than 20 steps out of mama’s gate, knowing we have a full day of traveling and we are invited for a coffee by a sweet neighbor. How can we resist? My American girl wants to say thanks but no thanks, we have a plan! But my other side, that is learning to follow and watch for what God is doing, follows my brother who is respectfully following her to her house. We stay only a few minutes and assure her we will return. Once again we are on our way… Deanna asked us to follow up with the two families downstairs and we are on our way! I focus on my feet and one step at a time because we are headed straight down and it’s so easy to turn an ankle and the dust is slippery. It has taken two weeks but I have finally adjusted to the altitude and can breathe freely again! My asthma is not even bluffing my intentions. I was feeling so gazelle like in my workout pants and long skirt I jumped over a ravine to show off, my ankle turned and down I went. My three comrades are completely honorable and don’t laugh at my skinned knees and pile of me in the dust. Wow. Classy. I dust myself off and will be fine, yet I need to be careful, healing of wounds seems to take much longer here. Even a simple blister from hiking our first day is still scabbed and fighting cracking.

We are focused on visiting a kind man with his wife and four kids. When we finally arrive at his small round mud home only a single small boy is there keeping watch. He gives us the local news… Mom is at the market and dad is with the animals down by the river. We decide to move on and check on the disabled boy and mama next. On our way over another knoll a man follows us. We had given him sugar and coffee a few days before. He is walking fast yet not wanting to approach us. Alex takes a few steps back and allows him to catch us to find out his intentions. E and J stay close to me and we continue on our path. Alex calls from behind and says the man has injured himself, went to the clinic yesterday and could I take a look? We walk over to a small log, I scrub myself and un-peel the rag of a dressing from the clinic. His finger has been smashed by a heavy door leaving mangled flesh and a swollen digit. In this culture even more than most, to lose a finger would be terrible. I ask to pray for him. This is way over my talent level. Alex prays out loud and I lay my hands on his head. I pour iodine over the wound and scrub it with the supplies from my backpack. In addition to the iodine I only have ointment and some bandages. He promises to come see me at mama’s house tomorrow where I have better dressings. For now it is at least clean. Difficult at best in this environment.

This man is conveniently the neighbor to the disabled boy. Even though the weather is hot a storm comes and it begins to pour down rain and we are getting soaked. We tuck into the mans house with the smashed finger and visit for a moment. We are wet, dusty, sweaty from hiking and stinky at best. Makes me laugh. Finally we escape and catch the mama outside her home with the boy locked inside. We ask to see him and he is not dressed. She does not have the precious box we left with her only days before. My heart is sad. She gives an explanation about it being at her sisters for safety or something yet I know deep down even though I always am hoping the best that she may be beyond what we can help. The little boy has feces stuck to his body. I work hard to suck it up. Hold it in. I ask if she can get the box back and we will come back again in a couple days. I know what she really wants is to be free of the boy. She just can no longer cope. I must keep moving.

We circle again in this downstairs neighborhood. We meet the wife of the man with a good heart and has a single son. He is one of the two we set off this morning to find. Instead of being free to visit and talk we are bombarded by jealous spirits. There are 15 of us in the tiny room with coffee cooking over an open fire. As a new person enters more room is made on the long skinny bench. It is almost completely dark in the house because there are no windows and smoke from the fire fills the room. My brother takes the opportunity to talk about contentment, helping each other and Gods love. Again eyes are opened as others watch me interact respectfully with the quiet brother who had left the village a mere boy and returned as a man. He must be around 20. Because of the extra visitors we must leave without giving our gifts. We finish drinking coffee from tiny cups and eating roasted barley kernels. How I wish I had brown sugar, raisins and cold milk! I always love the roasted grains. Because the house was so dark I did miss the first offering and Alex stopped me quickly. It was a roasted barley with smashed oil seeds mixed in. I think it would have been crossing the line for my palate.

Onto the man’s home with the four children. He is home! The man with the one son follows us and we have coffee ceremony again. Treasured moments when the mom is absent so the little girl prepares our coffee. I share a scarf from Vivianne with her and a big smile for such a pint sized body. Thanks to little dresses from Maggie, donated clothing and our airline fees, we have beautiful clothing translated as hope for these kids. We brought soap, Vaseline, roasted grain, coloring books and art supplies. Such delight and thankfulness. For me it represents a new beginning. A new start and two more families we can follow and help push forward. Bright Spots. Hidden gems to uncover.

Now hours after packing our back packs we are headed home again. Climbing the mountain, sucking down water, step by step through the dust as if it never rained and staying out of the way of the donkeys… Little black spots with a shiny blue hue are to be avoided in every step. Finally home in time for a foot bath, dry clean clothes and family so excited to see us… Fresh potato is waiting with olive oil and berbere. And the evening begins.

Uncovering God’s Hidden Treasure

Guest Post By:  Shana Reece

Struck by the Vision

“As the wind and pressure blew my face and hair I could squint through the bright daylight and see a beautiful lush land full of resources passing quickly beneath me. I sensed God whispering in my ear saying…”There are bright spots. There are places and people to uncover. Ethiopia has everything it needs, we just need to help them uncover the hidden gems.” – Jennifer Bridges

When I first read these words written by Jennifer, I felt my heart crying out “Yes! Yes! Yes!” This vision (so clearly God’s heart for His precious children) coupled with Jen’s passion; fueled by faithful giving, prayer and encouragement of friends and family launched the Bright Spot Sponsorship program in the spring of 2013. The uncovering of precious gems began.

God has allowed my family to have the privilege of sponsoring children through several different organizations. Each child, each family becomes part of the heartbeat of our family. Their pictures hang in our dining room; our children hold them in their prayers. So, when the Bright Spot sponsorship program began, we asked ourselves, “How is this program different? What impact will this program have?”

Personal – Relational

In Matthew 10:30, Jesus tells us that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” by God. Imagine, our Creator loving us so deeply that not only did He create us in His image, but He cherishes the minute details of His creation. He knows each hair! (Yes, even the white one that was sticking straight out of the top of my head. The one I “lovingly” plucked out while my daughters watched giggling hysterically!)

God is in the details of our lives. He called us to love; to love one another. He lives in us. His love is made complete in us. Imagine. So we share. We share what He has given us. We share our love. We share our resources. We share our time. We yearn to dive deep into the details of the lives of those God has put in our care, has put us in fellowship with.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:11-12

Even now, as Jennifer sits among the Bright Spot families, God’s love is pouring in and through her. While we cannot sit with her, she is developing a personal relationship with each child, each mother, father, guardian. Jennifer and the team hand-carry basic necessities, personal notes and gifts from sponsors; and they plan simple (yet so eye-opening) art projects and activities to teach and strengthen the bond of friendship. While in Ethiopia she is being the very hands and feet of Jesus; helping to provide for their physical needs, teaching His word, tending to wounds, encouraging their souls.

Going Deep

When I think about discovering and uncovering precious gems I don’t envision simply tripping over a mound in my path, dusting it off and admiring it. I envision careful scrutiny of surroundings, gentle prodding and finally slowly kneeling on the ground to brush off years of layer upon layer of dust… then holding the gem dearly, inspecting each facet, knowing its value is precious.

God has put this longing in my family’s heart: To truly know the children whom God has called us to sponsor; to be faithful friends, to be an encouragement, and to provide for their needs. The Bright Spot program has allowed our family to begin a very personal relationship with the children and as a family with young children; it has given us many teachable moments.

When we received our fall updates, our son was deeply moved by the fact that his friend T. (just 7 years old) was scared of hyenas. We talked about how as it was T’s responsibility to watch over the animals, he would often have to go out at night, in pure darkness, hearing the call of the hyenas in order to gather the animals and bring them in their small hut in order to protect them. Imagine.

Our son was touched and concerned. Like many children his age, he fears the dark… and I am quite sure he would fear a hyena. At the same time, Embrace Compassion had begun its fundraising efforts for solar. Having sold some of his toys throughout the summer, our son eagerly ran to his bank asking how much it would cost to get his friend T. a solar torch and his family one too so that if T. had to go outside, they would not be left in the dark. I was touched. I was inspired.

Then a precious teachable moment came just a few weeks ago. At the Embrace Compassion Christmas party, our family had won one of the solar torches in a raffle. At first, our intention was to donate it to the village. But, Jen insisted that our son keep it as a reminder of the gift he had given to T. God knew. God used the gift in a precious way. One of the light bulbs in our son’s bedroom had gone out (one!). As my husband went to replace the light one night, our son’s room was dark and he was scared. I told him to find his torch. It was tucked away in his bedside stand drawer. Using the attached hook, we hung it from his curtain rod and the light penetrated the darkness marvelously… but my son was still nervous. So, we sat, him holding a framed picture of T. and talked about the “scary” things outside his room: his sisters for one; their Polly Pocket dolls, the brightly lit hallway (oh wait!)… and compared it to what lay outside his friend T.’s door. It led to a precious time of prayer and peace. It led to an unforgettable moment when God’s light shown down on my son, opening his eyes once again to His precious blessings.

Love

Synonyms for Love = Admire – Care for – Cherish – Treasure – Be Fond of – Delight in – Hold Dear

It has been a joy for me to have the privilege of helping in the administration of the program. I love details. I love relationships. I love organization. I love seeing hearts connect. I love seeing individuals and families step forward in faith to be a blessing and be blessed in return. I love hearing stories of young children making jam and bookmarks to help with the sponsorship of their family’s friend.

I love listening to my children tell others about their sweet friends in Ethiopia. I love shopping with my children to pick out just the perfect item for the personal Ziplock bags we send with Jen twice a year. I love sitting side by side my son as we loom knit hats, imagining one day holding a picture of our precious friends wearing what we are creating.

Though I have never met them, I love knowing each child by name, recognizing their faces in photos, knowing details of their family’s lives, their successes, their struggles. I love seeing the impact through pictures and stories coming back from Ethiopia. I love seeing transformation.

Transformation

This fall, as I was putting together the reports for the sponsors and printing updated pictures, I came across a face I simply didn’t recognize. I looked. I pondered. I looked at my list again. I looked at the photo. Then I saw it! The face of the child had completely changed… simply unrecognizable to me! In his original photo, he was withdrawn, sullen, downcast and carrying heavy burdens. But in this photo… his face was so filled with joy and hope, I didn’t recognize him. Holding a precious pair of new shoes in one hand and a picture of his new American friend in the other… hope abounded. Hope. Precious hope. A simple gift of love. Simple words of encouragement. Unspeakable, unrecognizable hope.

We currently have 26 Bright Spot children in our program representing 11 families. Jen has identified an additional 5 on this trip so far and we are diligently praying as God nudges her and gently points out the gems to be uncovered. This is such a precious opportunity. Are you ready to see a life transformed? To help uncover a precious gem and help him/her to shine as the stars in the sky?

If so, I would cherish the opportunity to share more information with you: shana@embracecompassion.org

Blessings!
Shana

And before you go: here is some information regarding the program from the Embrace Compassion brochure.

Connect. Share. Love.

Connecting with a child personally is a blessing both for the donor and for the child. Often times, education is available for children at little or no cost but they are excluded from school because they do not have shoes, uniforms or basic supplies. We hope to change this by providing these basic necessities and encourage the child to stay in school with the loving connection to their American friend sponsor.

Our ultimate hope is that these children and their communities will come to know Jesus, if they don’t know Him already. He is the only one who can truly make a lasting impact in a community, from the inside out.
Hope. Opportunity.

E., our oldest Bright Spot, has miraculously started in a medical program through a generous scholarship. A young man who had been destined to be a farmer in an area where not enough land could really sustain another generation, now has been given new hope to provide medical care in our very own village. Because we choose to go deep with our children for lasting relationships, we are already working with E. on a 4-year plan to open a clinic that would bring much needed medical care to our very rural community.

Each child is being given the opportunity to thrive, to learn and to be encouraged to give back as they take hold of each opportunity.

For $40 a month, you can begin your sponsorship today.

Blessed.

Guest post by:  Brittany Callen

I am blessed. I am blessed beyond belief.

Jen emailed me the day before she left asking if I would be a guest writer for her blog, while she was gone in Ethiopia. I was humbled and quickly accepted the invitation. However; writing this post has been on my mind and to-do list for quite a few days now, and I’ve been praying for God to give me an idea of what I should focus and write on…and guess what, he did give me an idea.

As I’m sitting here today, and unexpected raw emotion flows over me. Warmth embraces me. I am moved to tears by how much God has given me, by the prayers he has answered for me, and the strength that he gives me.

I am blessed. I am so extremely blessed.
I sit down and thank God for all the things I take for granted. All of the things I just accept.

The first image that I’m thankful for pops into my mind. It’s my beautiful family. Each of us so unique, yet together we are whole. Like pieces of a puzzle we complete each other. They are my constants.
I thank God for each of the pieces that make my family:
My father, As I think of my earthly Father piercing blue eyes appear, with crinkles and lines around the edges of his bright eyes showing signs of wear after all of these years. I see a warm smile. He is a constant for me, a rock. He is strong, and encouraging, and such a wonderful faithful man. He has taught me encouragement, and he has taught me the important lesson of never giving up.
Next, my adorable, bright, cheery mother. My Mom as well as friend. She is the first person I go to with problems. She is someone I rely on. Just like warm gooey melted marshmallows bond with rice krispies to make something delicious, my Mom is the sticky goo that holds us all together.
My older sister, Kristen, is my best friend, and has always been a role model to me. She is someone I look up to, and when I go down a wrong path she knocks me back into shape. When I think of everything Kristen is to me I smile. She’s my best friend, and words can’t describe how much I love her. There is no one on this whole world, that can make me laugh the way she can.
Jessica. O little Jesse. At age 16 she has grown up into such a beautiful young woman. I’m amazed at how much she’s grown in these last few years, and how how mature she has become. She amazes me with her dedication, and passion. She has a large place in her heart for animals, and I know God will use her passion for his good. Once this girl sets her mind on something she is UNSTOPPABLE.
And last but not least, Beth. What a goober Bethany is. I continually see her growing into the woman God intends for her to be, and I’m so excited to support her and see her grow along the journey of her life. I can just see she is going to be such a servant for the Lord!

Other things I take for granted that I am so so thankful for: My wonderful friends, a steady job, a warm cozy home, food in my belly each night. The list goes on and on.

God has blessed me, and I’m sure God has blessed you. What are you thankful for?

God blesses, and God answers prayers.

I encourage all of you readers to start a prayer journal, that is if you haven’t already. The congregation of the church I attend, Horizon, has been reading the prayer circle together. A 40 day prayer challenge. This wonderful book, written by Mark Batterson, has taught me and pushed me, it’s inspired me. After starting this book with my family, and my church family, I started a prayer journal. In it I write not only prayers, but thank-you’s and scriptures. I thank God for all the prayers he has answered, and the life he has blessed me with. Every night I reflect back on the day I just faced. It’s incredible to see all the small blessings from that day written out, and it opens up a whole new realization for all that God does. I have documentation looking back through my prayer journal of prayers I prayed, and that were answered. I have documentation of God moving through my life.
The prayer journal has strengthened my relationship with the Lord, and pushes my relationship with him to grow. As humans we take many things for granted, God answers prayers and he answers OUR prayers, no matter the size. When a prayer is answered it’s not just a “coincidence.” IT. IS. A. GOD. THING.

OUR God is strong, and mighty. He gave young David the strength to kill Goliath, he protected Daniel in the lions den. He saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the blazing furnace. THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN’T DO, and no prayer he can’t answer.

Open your eyes to the prayers God has answered for you. Pray, pray, pray everyday and thank God for all of the prayers he has answered, and all of the things he has blessed you with.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through God who gives me strength.”
This is my GO TO verse. I’m currently taking a dreadful public speaking class in college, and as a small shy girl I thought this class would be horrible. I signed up for it, pushing myself, knowing it’s something that will help me gains skills to benefit me for the rest of my life. I faced so much anxiety just walking through the door that first day of class. My teacher (who terrifies me, BY THE WAY) assigned us a speech on a person, place, or thing we held close to our heart. A tribute speech. I walked out of class that day feeling heavy, stressed, and anxious about this speech I had to give. As I got into my car for the drive home God popped this verse into my mind. I repeated it over and over and over again…. “I can do all things through God who gives me strength… I can do all things through God who gives me strength… I can do all things through God who gives me strength…” And by the time I got home all anxiety was gone. I prayed each day, and up to the day of the speech for confidence, and strength up on the stage. I prayed for help. And guess what.. God answered that prayer! I got up onto the stage with confidence and kicked that speeches butt! I felt no anxiety, and I performed the speech with all of my natural energy, not having a fear at all.
THIS IS SUCH A GOD THING.
I am positive I couldn’t have done this without God. He walked with me up onto that stage and held my hand. He gave me strength.

This is just a small example of the prayers God has answered for me.

Seeing God work through Jen has been so incredible, and I’m so glad I have been involved in her life and I’ve been able to witness it first-hand. Jennifer Bridges is so so inspiring. I’m pretty sure there is nothing this woman can’t do with God by her side. I’ve seen miracle after miracle occur. God has planted a passion for Ethiopia in Jen’s heart, and she is growing farther and farther into the heart of Ethiopia. It’s been so incredible watching her journey. She is sharing God’s unending grace, love, and beauty to all of the souls of Africa. She has left SUCH a mark on not only me, but many others. She is leaving many deep footprints on this world, and when we are all gone, those footprints will still remain. She is planting seeds in many. Seeds that will blossom into something pure and beautiful.

I love watching God work through Jen, and Embrace Compassion. I love seeing all the souls that are touched by Jen’s work. She is constantly wearing Gods light and love. Because she has literally EMBRACED compassion, she has given the people of Africa the greatest gift of this world- the news and proof of God.

If there is one thing I could have the readers of this blog post walk away with it would be this:
Stop and don’t take for granted, realize and say thanks all of the beautiful things God has placed in your life. You are continually blessed. Don’t forget to pray, and don’t forget to thank.

Sincerely,
Brittany Callen

Psalms 23:5 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

What Ethiopia Means to Me?

A guest post by: Kaytlynn Bridges, age 14

Ethiopia is a really big part of my life right now and I really don’t know where to start.  Let’s see, I have been to Ethiopia once and it as such a great experience I really want to go back.  God has done amazing things since I have been there.  Specifically in Arjo, I have seen God bring blessing.  From the kiddos sponsored, to the three pure water wells to the solar stuff, there have been amazing things being done.  I am so thankful to be a part of God’s plan for Arjo.  I want to thank everyone for praying and believing that this could really happen.

It’s so cool to see all the wonderful things that God has given us to take.  Its fun to be at the office or at home when I see everything getting packed and to think that someone in Ethiopia is going to be so happy and surprised when they see or get some of these gifts.  It is fun to see how my clothes that were too small for me as a growing kid can now help another child who doesn’t have a full closet of clean clothes.  Just to see the smile on their faces when they receive something like that just makes me joyful and feel all warm inside.

When I get older, I want to be a teacher…wouldn’t that be cool to help teach in Arjo?  I just see all of the little kids smiles and believe they would bring me so much happiness.  Last time I went, I was totally captured by Ethiopia.  Although the countryside is beautiful and the culture drinking coffee is fun, what really called to me were the kiddos.  I remember there was this one little girl who was so cute.  She was probably around 5 and she let me hold her.  I carried her everywhere I went I was so captured by her.  And then to see how they live and their humble homes, when it was time to go, I didn’t want to leave her.  I just wanted to take her home with me.  I love being part of the sponsorship program.  I would really love to go back and see my friend, my sponsor child.  Last time I got really sick in Arjo so I don’t remember everything, but it doesn’t leave my heart.

Whenever I hear the word Ethiopia I smile.  Even at school, whenever I have a country project I always choose Ethiopia because it reminds me of how blessed I am to be able to go to school, to have a roof over my head and food on the table… EVERY night.  Not only that, it also reminds me of memories of the children like the little girl I held onto so closely, and it inspires me and encourages me to never stop trying to help.  To think that kids die each day in Ethiopia from the little things that here would be no big deal because we would just go to the doctor or drink some fresh water or take some medicine.  We have such an advantage and it takes a lot of bad stuff or sickness to get us really down, where there they have so little margin even dehydration can be a death sentence.

I believe God has a special plan for me.  Maybe someday I will become a missionary just like my mom.  Who knows? I’m just going to let God take control.  Whatever God let’s me do, I want it to be a blessing to others.  Please pray for my mom as she is in Ethiopia now.  She is such a huge blessing to our family.  I am amazed how she sacrifices so much to do what God calls her to do.  You’re my hero mom!