Dale, Ethiopia Update

For the past 3 years I have been coordinating the sponsorship of some precious children in Dale, Ethiopia for Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children. I received a lovely update the other day which included some great pictures. I still struggle to understand how much a school uniform and basic school supplies means to them. Without this sponsorship program they would not be in school and without an education the future holds little promise. Thank you Dale sponsors for making a difference in the lives of these children! Check out the pictures below.

 Shiny new supplies for the 2014-15 school year!

 The children attend a local public school which is so large 50% of the children attend 1/2 day and the rest the other 1/2. Therefore, 1/2 a day is spent at this care facility called Dale Center of H.O.P.E. (Helping Orphans Prosper through Education). The children come here for a meal, homework help, extra tutoring and to learn about how much God loves them. There is a water faucet at this location so they can wash up, a luxury they do not have at home.

 For many of these children this is the main meal they receive, a total of 6 meals per week.

 I love seeing those smiles. It's been 18 long months since I visited these children. I cannot wait to get back in April 2015.

My thoughts and prayers are with these Dale, Ethiopia children.

Thank YOU Dale sponsors for your faithful giving!

7 Dale children still need sponsors. E-mail me at reachinghiskids@gmail.com for more information.

Cows and Sheep

                  

Four years ago if you had told me that someday I would be excited to receive an e-mail about cows and sheep I would have thought you were crazy.  However, the e-mail update I received a couple weeks ago made me SO happy.  It's great to be literally fulfilling James 1:27, helping widows in their distress.

In June 2013, 36 widows received one cow and sheep, it was phase 1 of an animal husbandry project in Shanto, Ethiopia.  I've visited Shanto twice now and my next trip is scheduled for early April 2015.    Many of these widows have children in the sponsorship program I coordinate through Children's HopeChest (hint, hint, see sponsorship tab above).  I have 7 little guys who still need a monthly sponsor, just saying!

The e-mail update stated that many of the widows expressed, "...that becoming an owner of an animal was unexpected during their lifetime.  They are obtaining milk and milk products for the use of their family; the offspring gives them hope of having more animals..."  I must admit that it is hard for me to comprehend caring for my family by raising livestock.  It's the second part of James 1:27 at work...keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  It is SO easy to get caught up in our daily lives.  I think caring for others helps give us perspective on our own lives and not take things for granted.

Finally, from 36 cows, 2 have given offspring and 7 more are pregnant.  Of the 36 sheep, 21 have given offspring including a few sets of twins totally 25 offspring.  This is good news!

Defining Moments of Life

January 2011

Shanto, Ethiopia

What amazes me about this picture is the fact that I took it before I had ANY idea how it would impact my life.

The small classroom, made of mud walls and floors, had been packed with almost 100 people.  Backpacks of gifts had been handed out amidst lots of giggles, smiles, and joy.  Children and staff at a small Christian school in southern Ethiopia were rejoicing over the gifts and visit from our team.  The room emptied and I stayed behind to photograph a sponsor and their child.  After they left I found myself alone.  I glanced down and saw those shoes lying on the mud floor.  I picked them up, inspected them, set them on the desk, and took that picture with NO idea how my life would change.

I suspected that the owner of the shoes had outgrown them; I headed out to find the owner.  I asked a teacher to help me.  As the children all sat waiting for their lunch the teacher held the shoes up and spoke in the local language.  Soon a boy, around 11 years old, walked up.  His name was Israel.  I took him aside and was able to find him a used pair of shoes from our donations.  I washed his feet, gave him some socks and made sure the shoes fit.  Then I sent a VERY happy child off to join the others for lunch.  What happened next changed my life.

A few minutes later I walked over to take more pictures of the children while they ate lunch.  I noticed Israel in the background, head down, fidgeting with his new bag.  I walked over and realized he was crying.  My first thought was that something was wrong; I led him to a teacher who translated for me.  Israel was happy, those were tears of joy.  

A young boy's joy over a used pair of shoes was a defining moment in my life.  I knew I could not return home and ever live my life the same.

Today is GIVING TUESDAY.  After all the crazy shopping we are asked to give.  I personally think GIVING TUESDAY needs to come before BLACK FRIDAY, CYBER MONDAY, and the holidays in general.  Giving should come first.  

Thanksgiving is about thankfulness for all we have been given.  

Christmas is about the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Savior.

However, I don't think our society is going to follow my idea so I'll go with the flow and ask you to give today; please give to my little friends in Ethiopia.  To read more about the $15,000 I am striving to raise this holiday season follow THIS LINK.

Black Friday and I am in bed!

This is my view today.  I am in bed feeling very sick.  Today we were suppose to be working on our kitchen.  I was looking forward to it because I really want to get it done plus being sick often means I have time to reflect on life.  Reflection can be good but it's not what I need right now.  I will spare you the details of my illness but they are reminiscent of how I felt when I returned home from Ethiopia last March.  However, not near as severe.  Those first few weeks home were very difficult.  I blogged about it and quite honestly I just wanted to quit everything because it felt too hard.  Thankfully, I pulled through last spring and I am continuing with the good work that has been assigned for me to do.

I saw this quote on Twitter today. 

 

"You think you're gonna serve people out of your good example & expertise, but then God has you serve out of brokenness & disappointment."

 

That quote really hit home.  Almost three years ago I ventured off to Ethiopia with a desire to make a difference in the world.  I had no idea how involved I would become or how much I would change.  I really wish I was one of those matter of fact thinkers but I am not.  I have moments where I accept the harsh realities of this world but more often than not, I am emotionally drained by them.  I read a recent article about 13 things that mentally strong people don't do and to be honest I struggle with not all, but many things on that list.  Does it mean I am mentally weak?  Who knows for sure, but what I do know is that despite the struggle I am determined to push through my weakness by clinging to Jesus and striving to be obedient.  I love what Jesus had to say to the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 12:9,

 

"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."

 

Therefore, Paul boasted in his weakness, he understood that what is done in his own strength would not be enough, he must rely on God.  I completely understand that truth and rest in God to help me continue this good work of helping care for these children in Ethiopia.

 

Right now I am working to raise $15,000, a much needed fund for my little friends over there.  I long to see...

 

 

Children enjoying childhood because their needs are being met.

 

 

Advanced medical care to address the needs of many children who are just receiving basic medical care at this point.

 

More nutrition on a daily basis.

 

 

I want to see this wonderful staff at FOVC Shanto continue to help these precious children.

I am participating in Children's HopeChest "Change Their Story" year end campaign.  My goal is to raise $15,000 for FOVC Shanto which will provide the children with a new school uniform.  It will help cover the cost of any unsponsored children now and in the future as FOVC potentially expands.  Finally, it will give FOVC a much needed medical fund.  Children currently receive basic medical care at the school but multiple needs have been identified and I would like to see these children get to the city for advanced medical care.

Donate TODAY and help make a difference in the lives of these precious children in Shanto, Ethiopia.

 

 



No More Perfect Moms

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the Hearts at Home conference in Rochester, MN.  About 2300 woman gathered to praise Jesus and be encouraged as moms.  I traveled down with my friend, Amy, and we both enjoyed the time to recharge our mom batteries.  On Friday night Anita Renfroe did her comedy act.  Oh my goodness, I about peed my pants.  80% of her material was about boobs and sex (within the context of marriage) and it really was clean.  It wasn't what I was expecting at a Christian conference but so stinking funny!

I LOVED the conference theme which was No More Perfect Moms and each speaker was so transparent about their lives and struggles as mothers.   Jill Savage, who started Hearts at Home and recently wrote the book No More Perfect Moms, was the first keynote speaker.  The highlight of her talk was that it is so easy (especially with social media) to think that other moms are perfect.  We can get drawn into the comparison game and it can lead to discontentment and add to our struggles as moms.  She showed this beautiful picture of her family, 5 grown children and grandchildren, and said that if she posted it on Facebook it could appear perfect.  Then she proceeded to break it down and share heart-breaking stories of struggles her family has faced over the years.  Despite many years of successful ministry, her life was far from perfect.  

Of course, the conference was full of display tables with a bagillion great books, oh I wish I had more time to read! I bought a couple devotionals and this book on teens.  I haven't started it yet but plan to very soon.  My oldest is 13 and I have a very soon to be (like in 6 days) 12 year old.  My youngest is 7 and I've got the 7 year old thing figured out but this teen thing is new and a little scary!

A highlight of the weekend was meeting Candace Cameron Bure who I watched on TV many years ago as she played D.J. Tanner on Full House.  I've been following Candace on social media these past few years and her testimony and love for Jesus is SO AWESOME!  I stood in line to say hi!  Whenever I meet people that I have seen on TV (it's happened about 1/2 dozen times in my life) I find myself wanting to pinch them, you know, to see if they are real.  Don't worry, I didn't do this to Candace but the thought crossed my mind :-)  The picture below I took while standing in line. 

After saying "Hi!" to Candace I walked through the Rochester skyway to get my caffeine fix and found this super cool Barnes and Noble with a Starbucks, thank goodness the holiday drinks are out!!!  I love this time of year.

I loved the story of this man who shared his testimony at the conference.  He grew up in extreme poverty, was brought into a sponsorship program and his life changed.  Today he has a master's degree, is married and sponsoring 4 children through Compassion International, talk about a success story!  It is definitely motivating me to continue doing the work I am (hint, hint: see the child sponsorship tab at the top of my blog)!

The conference ended with Candace sharing her testimony and journey as a mom.  Again, it was SO refreshing to hear that she isn't perfect, has had lots of struggles.  This mom journey isn't easy and it is comforting to know, it's not just me struggling.  

I also attended a workshop on boys, since I have 3 of them and they are crazy!  It cracked me up to hear the speaker say things that I SO resonated with and at the same time hear 100's of other moms laughing, again, it's not just me!  Here are 5 things I got out of the conference:

1) There is a biological reason boys are aggressive (it's called testosterone) and the best strategy for dealing with it is to embrace it!

2) Boys have an innate desire to fight evil and uphold good.  That is why they love running around with sticks saving the world, again, embrace it!

3) Boys need an outlet for their aggression and desire to fight evil, get them outside, let them run, let them fight with sticks and wrestle with them a lot!

4) No mom is perfect, every person has their struggles, don't compare someone's highlight reel (Facebook) to your inner mess.

5) Moms don't need to be judged, they need support, NO MORE JUDGING!

I came home from the conference and immediately wrestled with my 7 year old, since that is what he needs!  I also practically attacked my husband, thanks to all the sex talk over the weekend, and he definitely didn't mind :-)  I hope to make it again next year to Hearts at Home!

Unwrapping Potential

     

Can you believe that Christmas is just 50 days away?  In 50 days, we will be UNWRAPPING presents but starting TODAY we can be UNWRAPPING potential!!

It is time to RETHINK Christmas...  

In case you didn't know, I have 150 precious little friends in Southern Ethiopia.  Unfortunately, they are either orphans or vulnerable, meaning they have lost 1 parent.  I've visited them twice, once in January 2011 and in March 2013.  I've seen the poverty and the struggles they face but also THE POTENTIAL they have.  One way I am helping them is by coordinating their sponsorship program, and another way is by raising funds through capitol projects.  

THIS CHRISTMAS (actually starting VERY soon) I will be asking friends, family and really anyone to help me raise $15,000 for this wonderful Christian school in Southern Ethiopia.  

$15,000 is A LOT of money.  There are 2 ways you can help.  First, just donate, buy a few less presents (a.k.a. RETHINK Christmas) and donate to this project.  Second, you can join my team and help me raise the money by asking your friends and family.  Seriously, if you want to help me you will get your very own campaign page, with a thermometer so you can see how much you have raised.  Doesn't that sound like fun?!!!

WHO WANTS TO HELP ME?  E-mail me, Ingrid, at reachinghiskids@gmail.com for more information.  Also, my donation page will be up and running shortly.  Check back soon to RETHINK Christmas by making a donation to UNWRAP the potential in these children.

Sponsorship Saturday & Orphan Sunday!

I recently came up with a blogging plan and today is Sponsorship Saturday, whoo-hoo!

I am a volunteer sponsorship coordinator for 150 precious little children in southern Ethiopia.  I've had the privilege of visiting the school they attend twice, in January 2011 and March 2013.  You can read about it HERE and HERE.  I'm working in partnership with Children's HopeChest to support a wonderful ministry in Shanto, Ethiopia called Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FOVC).

The truth is, there are millions of children in need in this world and it's hard to know how to help.  Studies have shown that sponsoring a child is one of the most effective ways to fight global poverty and change a life.  Approximately, 9 million children are in sponsorship programs worldwide and 150 of them are in mine!!  I feel so privileged to be helping these children, I wish you could see them, they are darling.

The great thing is, if you sponsor a child through me, you have the chance to meet them.  I am planning my next trip, October 2014, and would LOVE to have sponsors come along.  Last March, I took 5 sponsors over to meet their children, it was neat!  If you can't come next October, I will hug your child for you and you will receive a little present from them upon my return.

25 little friends (pictured above) still need a monthly sponsor.  Sponsorship is $34 a month, you can sign up online by following THIS LINK.  On "Status" click the arrow and select "Unsponsored" to see the waiting children.  Within a couple weeks of signing up, you will be hearing from Children's HopeChest and from ME!!!  I LOVE my sponsors so much and pray for them.  Please consider joining my team.  Let's work together to make a difference in the lives of these precious children.

Tomorrow is Orphan Sunday (Children's HopeChest is listed under orphan care agencies) and I would LOVE to have the rest of my little friends sponsored.  I am praying!

How does sponsorship work?

So how do sponsorship programs work?  

Why would you be looking for a sponsor for a child who is already attending school?  

These are the kinds of questions people ask so I wanted to give a quick explanation.

Sponsorship programs generally pool funds together to help all the children in the program.  At FOVC Shanto 150 children were selected and they are all attending school.  However, only 116 of them have paying sponsors, so funds are being S - T - R - E - T - C - H - E - D to cover all 150 children.  I am actively looking for 34 more sponsors, the funding is SO needed!

During the past school year all 150 children attended school but the unsponsored children were not allowed to receive a meal each day at school, they were sent home for lunch.  I know that sounds harsh but funds just couldn't be stretched that far.  I don't want that to happen this school year!

This precious boy's name is Tarekegn.  The picture on the left was taken 1 year ago when he first entered the program.  The picture on the right I took 6 months ago when I visited the school.  He is definitely benefitting from attending school everyday and would benefit even more if he was also receiving a daily meal.  $34 a month is all it takes to sponsor him.  Being sponsored also means he has another mentor in his life who can pray for him, write to him and encourage him to work hard to ensure a better future.  All the children in this program are orphaned or vulnerable, meaning they have lost 1 parent to death or abandonment.  Education in Ethiopia is not a guarantee, would you consider sponsoring Tarekegn to ensure he can continue his education?  If so, follow THIS LINK to sign up to sponsor him.  You can also e-mail me at reachinghiskids@gmail.com for more information.

Thanks in advance!

Ingrid

34 kids, 34 days, 34 dollars!

In case you didn't know, I'm a sponsorship coordinator for a Christian school in southern Ethiopia. I've had the privilege of visiting the school twice and plan to return in 2014!

Out of the 150 kids, 34 still need a monthly sponsor. These children are orphans or vulnerable and desperately need the opportunity to receive an education, daily nutrition and medical care. This school is also striving to teach the children about how much God loves them.

$34 a month is all it takes! 34 kids in the next 34 days need 34 wonderful individuals (or families) to say YES! How about you? Would you consider joining me in helping these precious children?

Click on the child sponsorship tab at the top for more information or follow this link to sign-up to sponsor a child today.

42 Ways to Change the World!

I have opinions, lots of them.  Today I read an AMAZING article in Christianity Today in which one of my opinions was complete and utterly supported!  It was supported by a HUGE study done involving over 10,000 individuals in 6 countries.  Can you guess what it is was about?

"A top economist shares the astounding news about that little picture hanging on your refrigerator.   Want to Change the World? Sponsor a Child" - June 2013 Christianity Today

"...that little picture hanging on your refrigerator."  Seriously, did they know my plan?  In February, I had 60 children who still needed a sponsor.  I was wracking my brain to find a creative way to get more sponsors.  So I did this...

...and posted it on Facebook.

It worked!  Seeing all the unsponsored children immediately got 2 sponsored and it's been a slow trickle ever since.  The fun part is, I went to Ethiopia in March (I am supporting FOVC's Christian school in southern Ethiopia and I'm responsible for the sponsorship of 150 orphaned and vulnerable children) and I had all the children make frames for their sponsor's refrigerator.  I even had the unsponsored children make one for their future sponsor.

Then I came home and did this...

...and posted it on Facebook.

More children have been sponsored and as of today, I have 42 precious children left.  Children who without sponsorship face the devasting impacts of poverty.  "...poverty causes children to have very low self-esteem, low aspirations.  The big difference that sponsorship makes is that it expands children's views about their own possibilities..."  Sponsorship gives children HOPE! 

There are at least 150,000,000 orphaned and/or vulnerable children in this world.  I am helping 150, that's 0.000001% of them.  According to the article about 9,000,000 children in the world are in sponsorship programs.  That leaves 141,000,000 without help, without HOPE.  The statistics can be overwhelming, crippling and for many people it keeps them from trying at all to make a difference yet...

"Child sponsorship appears to get under the hood of human beings to instill aspirations, character formation, and spiritual direction.  In short, it trains people to be givers instead of receivers."

$34 a month doesn't seem world changing yet the long term impact of sponsoring a child can be huge!  Children who are sponsored are 50-80% more likely to obtain a university degree and 35% more likely to get a white collar job.  The study shows they often become leaders in their communities.  I love the story of Maureen Owino, a Compassion International sponsor child, who grew up, graduated from university and is now running a ministry in Nairobi, Kenya in partnership with an American blogger.  It is a huge success story, one of many.

I have a very diverse group of Facebook friends and people who read my blog but right now, I am speaking from MY heart.  I am a dedicated follower of Jesus and my faith compels me to do this good work, to strive for obedience.  The Bible is so blatantly clear that as a follower of Jesus I am to care...

"...Jesus does not ask that we care for the less fortunate, he demands it.  When calling ourself Christ followers, caring for orphans and the desolate and the widow, are not an option, it's a requirement." - Katie Davis

I've had fellow Christians say, "It's so great to see YOUR passion for this, it's not mine but I think what you are doing is great."  Oh no, you're not off the hook that easy.  We are required to care for "the least of these...for orphans and widows in their distress...for the fatherless."  It doesn't necessarily mean dedicating the amount of time I do, at the bare minimum it can be $34 a month, 1 child, 1 organization. I believe that every Christian should be dedicating some of their giving to povery alleviation and "according to a top economist" that little picture hanging on your refrigerator, is a great place to start!

For my non-religious friends, many of whom have HUGE hearts for the poor, for Ethiopia, this article has great news for all of us, SPONSORSHIP WORKS!  

Opinion #1 - Children sponsorship works! 

Opinion #2 - Sponsoring through my efforts is a great place to invest!  Check out my Child Sponsorship tab or THIS LINK to learn more about my 42 little friends whose frames are waiting for a refrigerator.

March 2013

Shanto, Ethiopia

  

When Helping Hurts

I am SO excited to announce that I am partnering with Children's Hope Chest to continue helping my little friends in Ethiopia. Why the change? It's a long story but one in which I clearly see God's hand.

In case you don't know, I took a life-changing trip to Ethiopia in January 2011. Upon my return, I began to support a US based non-profit that was working with a ministry in Ethiopia called FOVC. In August, 2011 I became the sponsorship coordinator and was responsible for a program that was helping 100 precious little orphans.

Last May, I was given the news that the US based non-profit that I was working with, was going to stop supporting FOVC in Ethiopia. I was heart-broken but prayed and trusted God. HE came through in a BIG way.

I was told that I could move on with the sponsorship program if I could find another organization to step in and help. I sent out some e-mail inquiries and one of my e-mails was forwarded to Children's Hope Chest and in early June, they contacted me. I had never heard of them. Honestly, I was pursuing Compassion International. Compassion looked into the situation and decided they couldn't help. However, the more I learn about Children's Hope Chest, the more excited I get. They are a Christian organization whose goal is to help alleviate poverty and spread the love of Jesus. I LOVE their philosophy of ministry.

Children's Hope Chest bases their model on a book called When Helping Hurt: How To Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting The Poor And Yourself. Their goal is to help ministries become self-sustainable. That means they want to see FOVC be able to supports itself within 10 years. That is a healthy goal! I would highly recommend that anyone who is working to fight poverty or is taking short-term mission trips to developing countries, read this book!

This transition will happen in November. More children are being added to the program. I will have about 90 new children to get sponsored. I am excited! If you would like more information about sponsorship please e-mail me at reachinghiskids@gmail.com. I think this is unique in that you can know and get personal e-mails from your sponsorship coordinator, ME!!  I am also traveling to Ethiopia once a year to visit the children and sponsors can come along with me.  It is exciting.  I hope to hear from you!

Wrestling

I recently wrote that I don't like Ann Voskamp.  Don't worry, I really do like her, I just struggle with her writing style (but LOVE her photography).  Seriously, I feel so stupid when I try and read her writing.  Reading and writing have been a challenge for me my entire life but I am blogging and working hard to face something that challenges me.  I am trying!

I really do appreciate Ann's heart!  I tried to write a post that would get some attention so that I could point them to Ann's recent post about her trip to Haiti.  It worked, I got over 120 hits and that is a lot for me.  I hope and pray that many of those people clicked through to A Holy Experience.  Ann is wrestling with the whys of life (and beautifully explained it) and I completely understand.  18 months ago I took my first trip to a developing country and ever since, I have been wrestling.  

This past weekend we headed up to the cabin.  Oh, how I love that cabin!  It is nestled in the Northwoods of Minnesota and was built by my husband's great-grandfather.  There is no running water, electricity or cell phone signal.  It is a boy's paradise and considering I have 3 of them, it is the perfect weekend get-a-way!

About 1 mile down the road is the community well.  The water is free, ice-cold, always available, abundant and drinkable.  We end up making one trip a day (driving) to get the water that we need.  It's fun and a gift from God but...

...what I find as a fun weekend adventure is a reality for billions of people (minus the always available, abundant and drinkable part).  In the area of Ethiopia I visited, I learned that families are limited to one jerry can a day, walk up to 5 miles to get water and many of the wells are not filtered. 

Taken on my trip to rural Ethiopia in January 2011

I love our cabin, it is a gift, love the experience it gives my family but I am wrestling to understand what my responsibility is in this world.

This post linked to


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Why I don't like Ann Voskamp

I'm going to be honest.  I'm a little nervous saying this in an open forum but here it goes.

I don't like Ann Voskamp.

I'm sure you are SHOCKED but don't worry.  It is nothing personal.  I do like her but not her writing style.

I realize that tons of people adore her, her writing, everything Ann but I personally don't like flowery, poetic writing because frankly, I struggle to understand it.  I like things clear, simple and straight to the point.  Therefore, I don't read much of Ann's writing nor pay much attention.  However, I DO appreciate her subject matter, Jesus and all He calls us to do, and the fact that HE has given her a HUGE audience.  Go Ann!!

I realize that I could have just simply started this blog post out by saying,

"Ann Voskamp recently wrote this great blog post and I think everyone should read it."

BUT let's be honest, you probably wouldn't have paid much attention to me.  I really wanted to get your attention and point you to her recent post which I actually read.  A friend posted it on FB, I clicked on it.  It was about her recent trip to Haiti with Compassion International and it was powerful!  Also, it was actually pretty clear, simple and straight to the point, my style!  More importantly, Ann really expressed what I have been wrestling with for the past 18 months since I traveled to Ethiopia.  My first experience in a developing "third world" country changed me forever, thank God!

I appreciate people, like Ann, who can express (in a variety of styles) what many of us can't but really want to.  So head on over to A Holy Experience and read what is on Ann's heart, my heart and I pray it changes yours. 

Destination: ETHIOPIA

My trip to Ethiopia has been postponed and I am SO sad.  The truth is, this trip has been a challenge from the beginning.  I been praying for God's guidance and looking back I can definitely see Him closing doors.  We had a couple team members back out, in March airfare was outrageously expensive and there was indecision along the way.  I feel sad because I was SO excited to take my son (summer vacation seemed like the ideal time) to see all the FOVC kids.  I just wanted to hug those 118 precious little friends whose pictures adorn the walls of my office.  I also feel that our sponsors deserve a personal update from me (their sponsorship coordinator).  I am praying about a trip in the fall.  I am praying that God would continue to work in the hearts and lives of everyone involved.  After all, in the end, it is all about Him!

Destination: ETHIOPIA

I wish I could say something profound but here is the simple truth: ETHIOPIA CHANGED MY LIFE.

Almost 2 years ago, I sat at a kitchen table and heard a story of a widower, in rural Ethiopia, who gave his 3 year old son up for adoption because he couldn’t feed him. A few months later, I sat at another kitchen table and heard a similar story of a widow, a fellow believer, who made the same difficult decision. My heart broke and I thought, “Am I doing anything? Am I being obedient to the 2,000+ verses in the Bible that say I need to care, to act, to remember that, ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’ – James 1:27.” The answer was no but it needed to be YES! I needed to not be “polluted by the world”, thinking only of myself, my family and striving to live my life in comfort, ignoring that there were needs that I could meet because of the resources and abilities that God had given me.

In January 2011, I traveled to Ethiopia to visit Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FOVC). FOVC was started in 2006 by Desalegn Daka, who wanted to meet the needs of the poorest people in his community through education, food, medical care and income generating projects. In August 2011, I became FOVC’s sponsorship coordinator and I am overseeing the US side of a program that is impacting 118 precious little children in southern Ethiopia.

This past year, I’ve realized that James 1:27 holds the truth. “…look after orphans and widows in their distress…” - 49% of why I need to care, for the benefit of those on the receiving end and “…keep oneself from being polluted by the world” - 51%, it's about my heart. I need to care for many reasons; to meet needs, to learn, to keep myself humble, understanding on a deeper level that everything I have is a gift from God. I need to remember that I have just as much to gain from my outreach as do those on the receiving end. I am no better and it is only by the grace of God that I have what I have, “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48b.


June 1-15 I will be traveling to Ethiopia, along with my oldest son, to visit FOVC. Colin, is almost 12 and will be my assistant. He is thrilled! We need LOTS of prayer. If you feel led, please pray for our trip, for health, safety, productivity and team unity.

The cost of the trip is between $6,000-$7,000 (depending on airfare). I am trying to raise some funds to help offset the cost of the trip.  You can see my online fundraising page by clicking here.

ETHIOPIA CHANGED MY LIFE and I cannot wait to go back!

Sponsorship Fun

I've been SO busy!  This sponsorship position could be full time.  It is definitely ALWAYS on my mind.  I've tried to set certains hours to work but I find myself working anytime I can grab a spare minute.  I LOVE it!

Right now I'm coordinating a mailing from our sponsors.  I initially thought, "I'll have the sponsors send a letter, no big deal."  It is VERY time consuming but fun!  The thing I've enjoyed the most is getting lots of e-mail responses and getting to the sponsors better.  I appreciate their heart and willingness to love these children.

I'm also starting to plan for a fundraiser on March 10th.  I am having a pancake breakfast.  My church is letting me use their facility.  I hope to get a couple hundred people and raise at least $1400.  The money will be used to cover my overhead expenses, things like office supplies, postage, printing pictures, etc.  The money should cover about 18 months of my work.

This past month I have been flooded with new sponsors!  I have 11 children left of the original 100 who need a sponsors.  The best part is that I e-mailed our Ethiopian director and said, "Let's add more children to the program."  In the next few weeks I will be receiving pictures, bios and names of 18 new children to find sponsors for, I'm excited!

Children are not a statistic to God

Every 15 SECONDS, another child becomes an AIDS orphan in Africa
Every DAY 5,760 more children become orphans
Every YEAR 2,102,400 more children become orphans (in Africa alone)
143,000,000 children are orphans in the world today
18,000 children die everyday from hunger related causes
2,000,000 children are believed to be exploited through the commercial sex trade
Worldwide 134,000,000 children between the ages of 7 to 18 have never been to school
5,000,000 children in Ethiopia will never attend school
Every 2.2 SECONDS, another orphan child AGES OUT with no family to belong to and no place to call home...

I have to be honest.  When I read the statistics above, I feel sad and then, I zone out.  My guess is that you do the same.  I think our minds just cannot grasp those numbers and the incredible pain that accompanies them.  I think that it is important to remember that,

children are not a statistic to God. 

He knit together each one of them in their mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

He created them in His image, he has His fingerprints on them. Genesis 1:27

He knows the number of hairs on each head. Luke 12:7

He LOVES each one of them so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to died for them. John 3:16

HIS heart breaks!

I think it is impossible for our finite minds to grasp those numbers, to understand what an infinite God sees and knows.  What we can do is take it to a level we can understand.  Below is a precious little girl.  She is part of those statistics listed above.  However, she is NOT a statistic to God and NOT a statistic to me.  She lives in a little village in southern Ethiopia with her widowed mother and 3 siblings.  She is 7 years old, in Kindergarten and she is malnourished.  I'm a sponsorship coordinator and she is on my list.  She needs a sponsor.

Sponsorship programs WORK!  If you want more information on her or the 17 other children on my list please e-mail me at ingrid@fovc.org.  Also, check out our website, Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children.

Sponsor a child today!  If not through my organization, please go to Compassion International and check out the 1,000's of waiting children.  God knows each one of them and LOVES them so much!  Don't let statistics hold you back.  If we all sponsored one, what a difference we could make!

This post is linked to



The Rusted Chain 

Somegirl's Thought Provoking Thursday

World Aids Day

I have to be honest, I have never paid attention to World Aids Day before but this year is different.  Why, you ask?  In August, I became a sponsorship coordinator for a small NGO in southern Ethiopia called Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FOVC).  I had the privilege of visiting FOVC last January.  I fell in love with the children, the culture, the country and the people who are working hard to make a difference in their own village.

I have 100 children who are on my sponsorship list.  74 have sponsors!  Of the 26 who do not, at least 8 have been impacted by Aids.  So World Aids Day has a whole new meaning to me as I work hard to find sponsors and raise money to help educate, clothe, feed and provide medical care for these innocent and precious children.

We all have different motivations for helping but for me, as a Christian, I look to the 2,000+ versus in the Bible that talk about God's concern for the poor, hurting and oppressed.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."  James 1:27

I am striving to put my faith into action and help these precious children. Will you join me? Please e-mail me at Ingrid@FOVC.org for more information about sponsorship. I would LOVE to get these 8 children sponsored today!

Below are the 8 children, sponsor one today!

Elisabeth, Age 6

Girum, Age 7

Helen, Age 6

Milkiyas, Age 9

Tayech, Age 12

Biniam, Age 11

Messay, Age 12

Temesgen, Age 10

This post is linked to Thought Provoking Thursday at SomeGirl's Website