A $30,000 Recess Consultant?

The Kamfourd School of Excellence in Shanto, Ethiopia
March 2013
Photo credit: Ingrid Olson

My son’s elementary school has a lot of involved and concerned parents. We have a parent Facebook group that is a great place to share information, ask questions, and sometimes vent. Today, another parent posted a news article that shocked me.

I pay attention to what is posted and occasionally comment because I love to challenge people’s perspectives, especially when the issues are often first world problems or hint at helicopter parenting. The truth is, we live in a first world country and I fully acknowledge that our problems are real. I also think that parents need to care and advocate for their children. However, without perspective, it’s easy to harp on things that really aren’t that big of a deal.

The article posted was about how the Edina School District recently spent $30,000 on a recess consultant.

I’ll write that again so you all can digest it.

The article posted was about how the Edina School District recently spend $30,000 on a RECESS CONSULTANT. Yes, all caps means I am YELLING!

Now, I am trying to be nice here because I fully realize that there may be some information I don’t have but what in the world is a recess consultant, why are they needed, and why do they cost $30,000?

Oh goodness, there are so many articles floating around about how our kids need free play, more exercise, and that helicoptering them whether it be parents or other adults, is harmful. Yet, recess consultants exist in this country? Worrying about how our children are doing at recess is most definitely an annoying first world problem!

As you can imagine, I did comment on that post and here is what I said, “Ok, this makes me want to cry. I am working my butt off to raise $24,000 to support AN ENTIRE SCHOOL in southern Ethiopia for 12 months. $2,000 a month to pay 19 staff members and cover some other admin expenses and I live in a freaking country where $30,000 is spent on a recess consultant.”

It’s true, I am volunteering my time to run a non-profit. Also, I am currently working my butt off to raise $24,000 which will support a school in southern Ethiopia for 12 months, a whole year! So you can understand my disgust that $30,000 of tax payer money is being spent on a recess consultant (insert eye roll)!

If I had know about this ahead of time I could have contacted the Edina School District, encouraged them to donate the $30,000 to The Kamfourd School of Excellence in Shanto, Ethiopia which is impacting over three hundred children living in poverty. In Ethiopia, an education is not a guarantee. Today, there are over five million Ethiopian children who do not attend school. Talk about keeping a healthy perspective so you don’t harp on things that really don’t matter, like how our children are playing at recess.

In exchange for the $30,000 donation I would have offered my services to the Edina School District for free to be their recess consultant. I would have advised the following.

1. Give the children two, forty-five minute recesses per day.
2. Make sure they have access to open areas to run, trees to climb, and large rocks to jump off.
3. Allow all children, especially boys, to defeat the imaginary bad guys, even if it involves running around with sticks.
4. If there is snow on the ground let them make and throw snowballs.
5. Limit adult intervention.
6. Keep the perspective that dealing with disappointment and working through conflict will help them become healthier adults. Also, a scrap here and there helps build the immune system.

The bottom line of the article stated that the recess consultant was hired to make sure that children felt safe on the playground, that visits would decrease to the school nurse for injuries, and the school principal for dealing with playground conflicts. They also wanted to help children focus more in the classroom. I don’t necessarily think that all my suggestions would help accomplish their goals other than the classroom focus. I think more exercise would help with that. Overall, I think my suggestions would help the well being of the children, not necessarily make the school staff have an easier job.

The news article made me cringe. $30,000 is a great deal of money. I know what I would do with it, it would go to Ethiopia to support an amazing school!

Just Pray...

I keep trying. I try to write about my daily life, my faith, my parenting, but the words just don't flow. However, writing about Ethiopia seems to be no problem at all. I just hope and pray that each time I write it impacts somebody -- encourages them to get involved.

In May, I expanded my efforts to help my little friends in Shanto and Dale, Ethiopia, by taking over a non-profit called Partners With Ethiopia. I love the concept behind the name. We are partnering with an already established ministry and school in southern Ethiopia. Unfortunately, I have witnessed some very unhealthy efforts to support work in Ethiopia. It was hard to watch and makes me very determined to "partner" in a healthy way as I work to expand Partners With Ethiopia's support base.

To learn more about my expanded effort, check out the Partner With Ethiopia’s website where I have written with passion!

Two years ago, I read a book about the life of George Mueller. He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. His main way to raise the funding needed was to simply pray. He believed that God was the one moving in people's hearts to give and he wanted God to get all the glory in his ministry. The book brought me to tears and has inspired me to trust God on a much deeper level. I have so many stories to share of seeing how God has provided these past few years as my involvement has increased.

I will fully admit that I am very nervous about the commitments I have made by taking over Partners With Ethiopia. We need thousands of dollars each month to help this work in Ethiopia continue. I have been praying and trusting God. Funding has come in each month; just days before we have needed to wire the money. September is no different. I am praying, trusting that God knows the need and will provide. Month to month support is hard. I would love to have a large amount in the bank, but if this makes me trust God even more, so be it!

What I have deeply grasped, because of my Ethiopian adventure, is that Jesus is all I need. If I am stripped of everything in this world but I have Jesus, I have enough. God has promised to provide for us and He gave the ultimate provision when He sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. I am clinging to that truth as I work to raise the funding to impact over 200 children, dozens of widows, and two communities in rural Ethiopia.

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2015. Back in high school I remember watching Back to the Future II, shouldn't we be in flying cars by now? LOL!

The past few years have been hard, especially the end of 2013 and most of 2014. It was definitely reflected in the fact that I only wrote six blog posts last year. I am hoping to do more writing in 2015. I enjoy writing, not that I am amazing at it but it's fulfilling. Plus, I really want to write more about Jesus, Ethiopia, being obedient, and making a difference in this world.

This past year we moved. It was a long, drawn-out process that was definitely stressful, full of hard work, and miraculous all at the same time. I LOVE our new home and everyday as I pull into the driveway I smile and say thank you to God. Here are a few pictures of our house and yard taken this fall. By the way, we had the most amazing fall, the colors were insane and we found out we have four sugar maples.

We found a house on a wooded lot yet not out in the country. We are in a suburb, right up against a park, it is wonderful! The house was originally $90,000 over what we could afford. We decided to look at the house anyway and because of the work it needed, we got the price down to what we could afford. I also became an expert at mold remediation, more on that in a future blog post.

Our backyard is all wooded so we use our front yard. We LOVE all our trees. In Minneapolis we only had 2 trees, this was definitely a change for us. Raking was fun, especially since we were able to dump leaves in the woods versus bagging them. 

We have many long-term projects for this house. I want to turn this space into an outdoor patio.

I hope to write more about last year. Even though it was hard, I saw God at work in our lives and I learned a great deal. I am glad 2014 is over and hope that 2015 brings more money, yes, I said money. The needs in Ethiopia are great and I am focusing on fundraising. The end of 2014 brought in over $16,000 that will be used for an animal husbandry project which will provide 20 widows with a cow and sheep. Also, funds will help provide school uniforms for the 150 Shanto children. I am thankful for a successful fundraiser but FOVC is underfunded and has wonderful plans to expand if funding can be found. I am praying! 

Thanks to everyone who donated to this fundraiser! I had fun raising money on Facebook, making fun pictures to grab people's attention.

                         

Lots more to come in 2015 including a trip to Ethiopia. I can't wait!

The House

Ato, Zenebech and their precious children (Yishak is on the far left)

January 2012

I remember blinking back tears as I read their names, Yishak, Zeritu, and Loyite. It was early 2012, these were the new children added to the sponsorship program, it was my job to find them sponsors. I couldn't believe the level of poverty displayed in that picture. I had been to Shanto, Ethiopia before, I had seen firsthand the needs but this picture was different.

It didn't take long, the children were sponsored, I was thrilled! About a week later the news came, Yishak had died, he was 9 years old. His death was a result of unsafe living conditions, if only they had received help sooner. Here is what FOVC's director, Desalegn, wrote about meeting this family,

"The level of poverty that Yishak’s family faced was beyond desperate. Their home was a nearly collapsed hut in Tomtome village in the Shanto area. They had nothing to eat. The two parents were seriously sick. I thought the whole family would die. They truly needed a miracle."

Fast forward to March 2013, I traveled to Shanto, met Ato, Zenebech and their 3 living children. I stood in the small "police hut" they had been renting since their home collapsed the summer before. There was barely enough room for the whole family to lay down, let alone be safe at night from hyenas and dry from the rain. I also saw the beautiful lot of land they farmed, where their hut once stood, and was the spot they could rebuild if only...

March 2013

I desperately wanted to say, "It's OK, I'll go home, raise the money and FOVC will build you a new home" but I couldn't. I've learned that it is important to not make promises unless you are 110% sure you can fulfill them. There were many unanswered questions as to how this project could be funded. I left that day with a very heavy heart. 

A few months later Dan and I began the process of getting our house ready to sell. As we gutted and redid our kitchen I often thought about Ato and Zenebech, praying they were surviving the rainy season in their tiny rented "police hut" that wasn't even designed to be a home. It's purpose was for the local police to be able to get out of the sun and cool down.

Dan and I had lived in our home since 1997. We had been praying for a couple years about selling and moving. We finally felt like the time was right, however, it was definitely a year long process that began the summer of 2013. We prayed, trusted and waited on God for all the details to come into place. At the same time, 7500 miles away, Ato and Zenebech were doing the same thing, praying, trusting and waiting on God for all the details to come into place. They were often on my mind as we prepared to sell and move.

Over the winter we were making the final preparations before listing our home and Zeritu's sponsor, Kristy Neeley, was raising the funds needed to make this new house project a reality. Partners With Ethiopia agreed to participate in this project with FOVC, the funding was the final step.

In April 2014, our home went on the market and the funds for Ato and Zenebech's new home were wired to Ethiopia. All the praying, trusting and waiting paid off. We received a full price offer on our home after 11 days on the market and Ato and Zenebech received the news, their new home would be built in May. 

Ato and Zenebech in from the their partial constructed home.

May 2014

Dan and I prayed for so long about moving. We had a specific school district in mind, lots of things on our wish list which included a home on a wooded lot, something we thought would be impossible at our price point. However, we found the perfect house. It was priced too high for us but we put in a low offer and got the house! It felt miraculous on so many levels. So many details had to fall into place for us to move and it all worked out. Our prayers had been answered.

In June 2014, we moved into our new home, I still wake up each day in awe of what God clearly provided for us.

In June 2014, Ato and Zenebech moved into their new home. I imagine that they still wake up each day in awe of what God clearly provided for them. 

I realize that most people would look at this picture and see the vast gap between the developed and undeveloped world. They would see rich versus poor, abundance versus scarcity. But to me this picture shows answered prayers, God's provision, and the whole reason Jesus commanded us to care for those in need. Last June, as I moved into this new home I thought about Ato and Zenebech and imagined their joy. Our worlds are very different, and that can be extremely hard to reconcile but it keeps me humble, deeply grateful for everything I have, and striving daily for contentment, things that in a culture of abundance are easy to forget.

"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 12:48

This house project was definitely a life changing event for me. I don't know why God chose to place me in North America in 2014 but I believe Luke 12:48 applies to financial abundance. My faith in Jesus, His instructions to care for the poor, compel me to make a difference in this world.

UPDATE December 14, 2016: My latest fundraiser is called GIVE HOPE. We are raising funds for our UNsponsored kids in Shanto and Dale, Ethiopia. Go to hope.give2pwe.org to make a child's Christmas extra special!

In the words of Ato and Zenebech, “Everything is done through God. I have no words to express my heartfelt thanks to FOVC and all who contributed to the construction of this house. As you all know, I had no shelter. I used to live in a local community policing center ’senteriya’. When I remember those life challenges, tears come out of my eyes. I never want to remember those days again. My oldest son died due to unsafe living conditions. But now, because of you, I am living happily and safely with my little children in my new house. Now I am very happy to have such a good house! My tears are swept out and my prayers are answered. God bless you all.”

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!

$9,745 to go!!

This has been on my mind for 6 weeks...

 

With 3 days to go, I am wondering if I will meet my goal.  This $15,000 will help my partner in Ethiopia, FOVC, continue the amazing work they are already doing to help 150 precious orphaned and vulnerable children in Shanto, Ethiopia. 

 

This Ethiopia journey hasn't been easy for me; I wrote about it last April.  However, I feel God leading me to continue striving to make a difference.  I wish I could go into detail but trust me when I say I see God working in amazing ways.  This is truly eternal work and I would love to have you be part of it by investing financially.

 

Here is the link to the donation page.  It gives more details about the fundraiser.

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.

How I wish...

My cousin Abby approaching her sponsor child's home (March '13). 

Today is Cyber Monday.  How I wish I could write some amazing and compelling words to encourage people to give in the midst of shopping.  Shopping isn't bad; I plan to buy a few presents over the holidays.  Shopping helps stimulate our economy and we all benefit from a strong economy.  However...

Abby and her sponsor child along with his Grandmothers who are helping raise him (March '13).

The needs in Ethiopia are overwhelming and yet my experience in visiting twice is mixed with deep change in my own heart for which I am grateful.  I've seen people live a life that I can't even imagine living yet they live it with incredible grace and resilience.  I wrestle with this world and the harsh realities that exist.  I can't change the world but I can make a difference.  My faith and obedience to Jesus compels me to.  I long to see children continue to learn, grow, receive medical care and clothing.  I am raising $15,000 for a "child security fund" to help FOVC Shanto continue to meet the needs of all the children including any unsponsored ones.  Advanced medical care is desperately needed for many children.  This fund is SO important.  Donate today in the midst of your shopping.

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.

 

 



Sex Education 101

I'm going to be completely honest. I haven't been doing well lately.  I will spare you the details, but this fall, I have felt like I've been spiritually attacked.  I know that some people might not understand what that means, but for those of you who do, I'd appreciate your prayers.  I am actively working to make a difference in the lives of precious children and youth, both in my neighborhood and in Ethiopia.  I volunteer my time because I SO deeply care and I know full well that a war is waging.

These past few days my husband has come home to find me in bed, being unable to make dinner because of the many pressing burdens that are weighing on me.  He has been amazing by taking care of dinner, listening, loving me, and while I write this post, he is corralling our boys and getting the house all picked up (not an easy task).  Tonight at the dinner table we got the comic relief we SO desperately needed.

7 year old: "Did you guys know that a woman has to lay with a man to get pregnant?"

Us: "Really, where did you learn that?"

7 year old: "The Lego Bible."

Oh my goodness. I've always wanted sex education to come naturally in our home, but little did I know the Lego Bible would be helping us out!  So parents, order your copy today! I noticed they have the OT and NT in a combo pack at Costco.

Plumpy Nut

I love this picture.  It was taken a couple days ago in Shanto, Ethiopia.  That precious little friend of mine is enjoying her first taste of Plumpy Nut. 

19 months ago I found myself on my knees diligently praying for these precious children.  The U.S.-based non-profit I was volunteering for announced they were shutting down, which meant the funding for these orphaned and vulnerable children would end.  In the months that followed I faced an extremely difficult situation.  I prayed like never before and watched God open doors I didn't even know existed. 

12 months ago I partnered with Children's HopeChest (a HUGE answer to prayer) to continue helping these precious children in Shanto.  One of many concerns I had was health care.  In Ethiopia, there is approximately one doctor for every 24,000 children.  Therefore, medical care for orphans in rural villages is almost non-existent.  I prayed that God would provide a doctor to come on my March 2013 trip; someone who could assess the children's health and advise my partner in Shanto, FOVC, on future medical care.  God TOTALLY provided and Dr. Rob came along.  I was so thankful for his hard work, diligent planning, and all the follow up he has done since March. 

One thing Dr. Rob suggested was a product called Plumpy Nut, which is a peanut-based paste.  FOVC has multiple partners which include Children's HopeChest, Ethiopian Orphan Relief (EOR), and a new non-profit called Partners With Ethiopia (of which I am a board member).  All three are staying connected and working in partnership to help FOVC.  EOR is funding the Plumpy Nut project and their team just delivered a three-month supply to the children in Shanto.  I am thrilled!

"The provision of the PlumpyNut is an essential part of the program to reduce protein-deficient malnutrition in the children of Shanto and enhance their health. It is produced in Ethiopia from Ethiopian peanuts and therefore is also stimulating the local economy."

- Dr. Rob

It's been amazing to watch everything unfold over the past 18 months.  God brought me through a very difficult and emotionally draining situation which immensely strengthened my faith in God and the power of prayer. 

To learn more about this story check out "My Journey" and "Child Sponsorship" tabs at the top of my blog.

24 little friends...

24 little friends...

I've been encouraged since July, since I read a book about the life of George Mueller.  He cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime and believed that it was God who moved in people's hearts to give.  Therefore, he never asked people for help, he just prayed. 

There were times when he would be praying late into the night, praying that food would be on the table for the children's breakfast.

God came through...

...from a broken wheel on a milk truck, to a baker who couldn't sleep and felt God leading him to bake bread all night and deliver it to the orphanage in the morning...God came through.

This has been the cry of my heart since July.  I even asked friends to pray with me.  I set a goal to have all 150 children sponsored by tomorrow...I've prayed...I've struggled...Do I promote via social media or do I just simply pray?  Those are the questions that have been on my heart.  I've gotten a few sponsors these past 3 months months that just simply felt God leading them.  Those stories, one I just heard last week, REALLY encouraged me.  I want God to get the glory, not my creative social media tactics :-)

I believe that God will come through in His timing.  I SO wish that His timing was my timing, I'd love to be at 100% sponsorship by tomorrow.  It's a goal I plan to continue praying about until tomorrow...until I see what happens.  I believe that God can come through if He so chooses. 

24 little friends still need a monthly sponsor and those funds are SO needed.  These children attend a Christian school in Southern Ethiopia in a little village called Shanto.  I've been there twice and God willing, I will head back next year.  SO if you have $34 a month to spare or better yet to sacrifice for, would you consider joining me, join this team of fabulous sponsors as we work together to help these children?

That child sponsorship tab at the top has more information.  Or better yet, follow THIS LINK to see the waiting children and signup online TODAY! 

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.

The village of Dale

I am helping support a local NGO in Ethiopia called Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (FOVC).  Last fall I signed on with Children's HopeChest and they are helping me get funding to FOVC's Shanto Village outreach which includes a Christian school and projects for widows.  However, I've been working indepentently to keep funding going to 26 children in another village called Dale.  On my March trip, we spent 1-1/2 days visiting the Dale children.  It was amazing to finally meet them in person, what precious children.

Our team did medical assessments, served the children lunch, had them make crafts for their sponsors, did a few home visits, delivered the sponsor's gifts and took LOTS of pictures.  

Arts and crafts time, these children drew amazing pictures!

A highlight of the trip for me was having my big brother and sister-in-law come on the team.  They are sponsoring a Dale child and it was neat for them to meet him.

The children loved their gifts from their sponsors.

Me, Desalegn (FOVC's director) and my neighbor who was SO excited to come to Ethiopia!

Desalegn proudly displaying FOVC's beautiful new logo.  There are many plans to expand services in Dale.

On our way to a home visit.

Checking up on some livestock that was donated last year by a sponsor.

Along with a gift bag the children received new shirts.

I was so excited to meet this little girl.  My mother-in-law is her sponsor.