Sad

I have been missing Ethiopia a lot more lately.  I don’t really know why.  Maybe it is because I am constantly thinking about it because I am in major preparation and fundraising mode.  I would say 95% of my awake time is spent thinking about and anticipating my upcoming trip.  I am just now at the 4-mth mark. . .October 2^nd can’t get here fast enough.  I sometimes feel bad saying that, as if in some way my wonderful friends and family will misconstrue that to mean that I won’t miss then immensely.  I will. . .a lot, but God has made a place for me in Ethiopia and it’s as if a part of me is missing because I am not with my new family.  I am just now beginning to process how intensely I will miss everyone here in the States and it is a bit overwhelming at times but I know where I belong and I can’t wait until I fit in again. 

Fekerite

I just received my monthly newsletter from Blessing the Children and I am so excited!!!   

Fekerite Tilahun is 15 years old and she lives in the Sunshine Foster Home at BCI with her younger brother, Teddy.  Both of their parents and another brother died from HIV complications.  Fekerite and Teddy went to live with their grandfather but he became unable to care for them so they were sent to live at the Sunshine Foster Home.  Fekerite is a very special young lady, as she is almost completely deaf in both ears. 

Imagine being an orphan in a third-world country.  Now imagine being a deaf orphan in a third-world country.  Unlike in America, schools (if a child is even attending school) in Ethiopia are unable to give specialized care to children with disabilities.  Being born with a disability is almost like being born with no hope of being able to provide for yourself in the future.

The management team at BCI was concerned about Fekerite’s future.  They decided that it would be a good idea for Fekerite to learn a skill.  Her foster mom, Tigist, will be her teacher.  Tigist will start teaching Fekerite how to sew and hopefully, Tigist and Fekerite will then be able to take on new students as to pass this skill on to others. 

The sewing machine and supplies were bought through the Blessing the Children’s Micro Credit Program.  This program has helped many families in Debre Zeyit start their own small businesses but more than that it has allowed families a way to provide for themselves.  If you would like to help other families through the Micro Credit Program please mail your checks to:

Blessing the Children

Attn: Micro Credit Program

2267 Fraser Rd

Kawkawlin, MI 48631

As always, your donations are greatly appreciated and put to great use to further help BCI families.  There are so many ways that you can help.  Just a few are:

*Pray blessings upon BCI and the children.

*Sponsoring a child.

*Sponsoring the Breakfast Feeding Program.

*Sponsoring the Micro Credit Program.

*Making a donation to the building fund.

*Making a donation that can be used as BCI sees best fit.

Check out www.blessingthechildren.org for more information on the wonderful people of Debre Zeyit that have stolen my heart!!

On a personal note:

Plans are quickly coming together for me to leave on a 2-year visa to Debre Zeyit.  I am planning to leave on October 2^nd.  I can’t wait to get back to my babies!

I am in major preparation mode as I am constantly thinking of all of the things that I have to do and buy before I leave.  Please pray for me, that God will use me in wonderful ways to bless the children and families in the BCI program.  Also, please pray about supporting me financially.  I need quite a bit of money and I won’t be able to work for money over there so I am fully relying on God and His blessings.  If you feel  led to support me with a one-time gift or even a monthly gift please mail your tax-deductible donation to:

High Praises Church of God

PO Box 1188

Anderson, SC 29662

Memo:  Jonnett Barrick

Any and all donations are appreciated more than I can say!!