Reflection

It has already been 3 and a half weeks that we have been home with Kidest. I think Chris and I are just finally finding time to talk through and really refect on our time in Ethiopia. I think the question I am struggling with right now is what do I do with what I know now? I used to know of the millions of orphans in Africa, because I have read alot of books on the subject. I know alot of staggering, sad statistics of these children. Now I have seen them, touched them and hugged them. They have faces, faces that I can't get out of my head. Eyes of hope and smiles that you can't believe. They find Joy in the simple. We keep trying to find it........in places we won't. Oh, in so many ways they seem to have it right, where we seem to have it wrong. So what do you do when you know there is a 17 year old, that you have hugged...who is now out of a job because she needed to travel to the city in order to appear in court for the adoption of her daughter. What about all the children, hungry, sick, and just needing love. What about the verse from Matthew 25 where the righteous ask Jesus " When did we see you hungry and feed you , or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' Verse 40: The King will reply, ' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the lease of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' This verse then goes to Jesus speaking to those on His left and says that when He was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat..........and then at the end they ask ;Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsy or needing clothes or sick or in prison (orphanage) or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not help you? He will reply; 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did NOT do for one of the leaset of these, you did NOT do for me.'
What does this look like? Is it different for everyone? If we deny ourselves and live fully for Him....I don't think we would be quite as comfortable as we are now. Anyway, these are the struggles going on in my head right now.

Kidest is doing great! She continues to be full of joy, smiles,a little sass and energy! All of the kids are starting to adjust to having her around...not as whiny as the last few weeks. Each week gets a little easier. Things like making it to the grocery store AND getting all the groceries is a big accomplishment! The first time we got 2 things on the list and had to get out of there due the the fact she wanted to eat everything and didn't understand why she couldn't! Everything is a first!