I still get the questions... And I still get the funny looks...
Why were you in Ethiopia? How could you live there? You moved there by yourself? At 23? Were you a missionary? Is it safe? How could you stand it there? Do you speak African?
Is there really any question left to answer after seeing those faces? Each one of the 4.8 million orphans in Ethiopia have a face, a story, and have survived great adversity. Every time I look into a child's eyes over the age of 5, I immediately think of how precious they are. One in five children die in Ethiopia before reaching this age. They have survived, against the worst of odds. And somehow, they lift themselves up and continue to show us what life truly is all about. It's amazing how a 5 year old can teach you some of the most important lessons in life.
I met Bamlak 2 days after her fifth birthday... And though she is thousands of miles away, I can't imagine my life without her. She made it, against the odds. And for some reason, a reason I may never fully understand, I may have the amazing privilege to be her mother. I am so very blessed.
The Day We Met
3 comments:
LOVE this picture!
Is that the same Kechene and Kebabetsay (sp)?
No it's not the same Kechene but is the same Kebebetsehay (which is where Bamlak goes to school, but not lucky enough have her in the video) :)
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