As I near closer and closer to going back to Ethiopia, the more excited I get! To think that it is only 4 months away! There is much to do in preparation. I've been in contact with our son Abraham's orphanage director in Ethiopia - Almaz. We will be working with her while in Addis Ababa. While there we will also be traveling up north to Mekele. We will be working with a man named Dr. Geb who is a good friend and liaison of Almaz's. It has been amazing to be in contact with him and hear his heart for the children and families in Ethiopia. He is a firm believer in Jesus and wants to not only bring the necessities such as water, food and health, but hope as well! Here's a brief synopsis of his story...
Dr. Gebrehawarait grew up in an orphanage with no parents. He very much understands what the millions of children in Ethiopia suffer through every day without a family. He grew up and found a way to get himself into school and eventually became a Dr. How he managed this, I do not know, but I am so excited to hear more of his story. He is in the process of starting his own grassroots non-profit organization in Ethiopia called
Welfare Association Arch Bishop Yohannes (long name, but you can refer to it as WAABY). With his organization he is building a hospital that will serve HIV/AIDS patients in the Mekele region. It will also have an entire floor dedicated to training nurses. I find this to be so exciting. Another amazing thing that Dr. Geb is doing is supporting an sponsoring around 40 children in the region who are orphans but living with their extended families. For me this is very exciting because this is my heart's desire. I want children to be able to stay with their families whenever possible. I am excited to meet Dr. Geb, hear his story and be a part of the work he is doing! As I find out more information, I will continue to share about this amazing man!
In my conversations with him we have been discussing what is needed and what we can bring to help with the hospital and the children and families we will be visiting. I've listed below some the needed items below.
• Paintbrushes
• Paint tape
• Paint tarps
• Paint pans
• Paint rollers
• **Dr. Geb said we will need extra of these because the locals will want to help.
• Ziplocks to store paintbrushes
• Shoes (or cash to buy shoes - around $8.00/pair) for children ages 3-17. We need around 200 pair.
• Clothing for older children 8-17 (distributed to about 40 children Dr. Geb is sponsoring within their extended families – parents have died and extended family is taking care of them).
• Money to help buy paint for Dr. Geb’s HIV/AIDS hospital (cost between $500-$2,000).
• Older children's cold medicines and antibiotics.
If you feel that you would like to help by donating any of the above items, that would be amazing and more than appreciated! We know things are tight for everyone, but to be able to give something so tangibly and to know exactly what it is going towards is an exciting thing. Last year many of my family and friends (as well as my friend Karen's family and friends) graciously gave money for shoes and we were able to purchase 150 pairs! What a blessing it was to the people of Kerbera Village. I'm including pictures of many of the children who received the shoes from our friends! This is something that we would welcome being passed along to other family and friends if you think they might be interested in donating. My blog address is http://greshamclan.blogspot.com/
Alamz and Yohannes (her brother) buying shoes for the children in Kerbera Village with the donations from my (and Karen's) family and friends (a 5 hour drive from Mekele - very remote region)
My email address is tandkgresham@gmail.com if you are interested in donating. More than anything, we appreciate your prayers for this trip! Thanks everyone!
Kristin
On a personal note, I just want you to know Tom that I think you are the most amazing father that I have had the privilege of knowing. To see you lead our family, show our children how to love your wife and to give yourself fully to them is such an incredible blessing not only to me but all who know you! You are a true example of what it means to seek God with all of your heart and show a Godly example to our family. Thank you for being the most amazing father to our three beautiful children! I love you Babe!!
