Rainey has generously created a sub-campaign for Dube Bute!  Visit her page here.  She will be adding items, so check back frequently!  I have the cutest military hat ever with the Hope logo on the front and then for Dube Bute on the back.  Darling.  Could have sold many just as I wear it around town.  It is a great conversation starter as well.  So visit her site, buy some gear and help the people of Dube Bute!

Here is Abey sporting the hat.  See, I told you--- d.a.r.l.i.n.g.


I got a great email yesterday from an adoptive mama with a great idea to help the campaign.  I am literally humbled by those coming alongside and helping make this happen.  Excited to share that one with you too.

Hope for Dube Bute from A Glimmer of Hope on Vimeo.

I have been a big fan of Tracy at Junk Posse for years.  I literally wear my Africa necklace daily!  Love her heart and the way she uses her God-given gift to advocate for the orphan and those living in extreme poverty.  She has graciously partnered with us (thank you Rainey!!) and is donating 30% of this awesome necklace (the love one as well) to the campaign!  Thank you Tracy. :)

Great Christmas gifts!!!!  Go here to shop!

Giveaway ends 10/28 at midnight!!

"A report published recently in the medical journal The Lancet concluded that poor water sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water take a greater human toll than war, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction combined.
According to an assessment commissioned by the United Nations, 4,000 children die each day as a result of diseases caused by ingestion of filthy water. The report says four out of every 10 people in the world, particularly those in Africa and Asia, do not have clean water to drink."VOAnews.com
Imagine that you are a mother living in Dube Bute, Ethiopia.  Water is vital to survival. We all know that right?  So you have two choices. You drop your bucket in the well that sits in the kebele center or you attempt to retrieve water from the muddy spot below.  Both contain potential water borne illnesses, you are constantly aware of that, but you gather the water to prepare meals, wash clothes and bodies anyway. You have no other choice.

As I was standing over both of these places not long ago, it occurred to me that we would most likely shoo our dogs away from either of these places to drink.  These people deserve better. They deserve clean water.  Water that runs clear.  Water free from all waterborne desease.

You can help make that a reality.  Every bit helps.  We will provide the community with 15 new water points.  10 spring protection (most of what I saw in Dali) and 5 hand dug wells.

I realized that I haven't properly thanked you for praying EthiopiaSmile 2010 there and back!  I know that many of you prayed, had others pray and I can promise you those prayers were felt each and every step of the way.

Only God could take a group of 67 people, many meeting for the very first time in country, and knit our hearts as one.  Unity was incredible.  Transportation was so smooth--- HUGE thank you to Gladney, Genet and the AMAZING drivers that worked so hard that week.  Food was fine great, no major illness, dental days were productive, the hotel perfect for our needs..........just can't adequately put into words the countless ways that He went before us and prepared the way!
I do hope to get others from the team to share their experiences with you- some unbelievable moments for sure.........like the dentist that just couldn't see the tooth on a child that needed extracting.  She had her headlamp on, but it didn't provide enough light.  She said out loud, "Lord, I can't see this tooth" and seriously (several witnessses to confirm) a ray of light came through the crack in the Korah shelter they were treating and shown DIRECTLY on the very tooth that needed to come out!

We had those moments all the time.  So full of His Presence.

We would appreciate your continued prayers as our team processes all we saw and experienced.  It is hard to know what to do with all of it sometimes.  We would also covet your prayers for the new fundraising effort.  It simply won't happen on our own and I know that He will lead us all each step of the way.  We feel a peace to put one foot in front of the other.........
We can't believe it, but planning for the next trip will begin soon!  Think we need to get over the jet lag first, but we are praying for wisdom and clarity.  We learned so much on this first one and we look forward to going back.  Always ready to go back!! :)

I knew this whole fundraising effort would be a faith journey, an opportunity to SEE Him work, move in the hearts of His people and I was absolutely right.  We have only just begun to share the story, and I have been so humbled already.


Please take the time to read below.  This is taken from my dear friend, Mary Lynn Saxon's, sub campaign page.  She is a gifted pilates instructor, I know, as Moody and I both took from her prior to the Lord placing Africa on our hearts and then needing to make necessary budget cuts. :)  It is beautifully written and straight from the heart.  She is using her gifts and talents to help those in Dube Bute.  I'm beyond grateful that the Lord allows my family to do life with hers.  It is a gift.

I am going to try to start recapping our trip.  It will be hard to put into words just how amazing our two weeks in Ethiopia were for our team and our family.  One of the biggest concerns for me as mom, was how the little boys would do.  I was worried about Abe physically and Eyasu emotionally.

Both did great, but this post is about Abe!  He was his sweet, smiley self for the whole trip.  He never cried on the LONG plane rides and was a joy during the days.  He couldn't ever figure out the whole sleep thing unfortunately though.  Made for a tired mama, but he seemed to hang in there on all fronts.


I loved how new friends in his life discovered his love for the camera and how he will squeel in delight when one came near him!


We did discover that international travel and life in Ethiopia aren't geared towards someone with disabilities.  Many stairs, and few elevators made for much Abey holding.  Fine now that he is 25 pounds, will get harder as he gets heavier.  Just part of the journey, part of His refining us.  So thankful he was there with us, to experience his birthcountry.

Sad to be back to reality honestly.  My heart just aches to be there. Excited about new projects, and planning the next EthiopiaSmile trip.

ps- great story to go with the first picture.  One of my favorite from the entire trip..........will share soon

Can you hear hope?  I know that I did on a dirt road, while riding a horse, heading into my son, Eyasu's village.
If you look closely, you will see the emotion of the moment came over me in a wave of tears.  Hope.  These beautiful people were singing praises to the Father because we came and they now had hope.  We hadn't given them a drop of clean water yet, a new building to educate their children, a new clinic to provide for their health needs or a vet clinic to care for their animals, yet they were so JOYFUL to have us come. Hope. Hope of yet unseen. Hope.

We will return. We will give them the very things we promised.  We do need your help though.

$284,000 is a large sum of money.  Money we don't have just sitting there to give.  It is change to the One that called us there.  I'm excited to see the community that He raises up to help make this hope a reality.  I know it will come from many. Every dollar adds up, every gift matters.  We are humbled by each and every one, knowing they come from a real place of sacrifice.

Click here to join the team! Anyone can create a sub campaign page.  This is His project, not our own. More pics and stories from the trip coming soon.

"For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever." Psalm 9:18

Okay - I am a day late posting this for Team Alexander. And I'll admit it - I got caught up staring at all the pictures of our beautiful daughter they sent us! So here is the text message I woke up to yesterday morning:

Ok, can't put into words how amazing yesterday was as we spent the day in Dube Bute, the kebele Eyasu spent his first two years of his life. We were greeted at the road by hundreds of people. They were singing and praising the Lord that we came. They have hope!

we rode about an hour on horseback to get to the kebele center. Finalized project! Praise the Lord that we will be able to provide 18 clean water points, 8 new classrooms (2 new buildings), a new health clinic, renovate existing building used for healthcare workers (one cared for Eyasu when he was so sick) and the first ever vet clinic in the kebele. This is a farming community. Should have fundraising page live in the next few days!

Love you friends!

Okay - so because I am a late slacker - the fundraising page is already up! I won't even try summarize it for you - just go read it here and be amazed (or click the banner below) - it's incredible what they have going on and I can't wait to watch God work in this. It's gonna be BIG!

Abe didn't sleep much the night before our visit to Korah. I threw myself a decent ole pity party about 3 a.m. I remember having the thought that my life was hard, harder than I wanted. I wanted sleep, was that too much to ask?? Driving through the streets, tears streamed down my cheeks as I was so ashamed Hard? Really Emily? Hard? Oh the condition of my heart.

I have heard many will say that Korah will wreck you. They were all right. Korah, is a city of outcasts within Addis. I have spoken to many that have spent their entire lives in Addis Ababa and they had NEVER even heard of Korah. It is in the west part of the city and is inhabited by lepers, HIV positive, and others society doesn't care for at all. The very least of the least of these. It is located next to Alert Hospital (treats those with leprosy) and the city trash dump. It is very desolate, yet we saw so much joy.

We met up with Cherrie Cornish, a delightful woman that has also been wrecked for this place. This is her 4th trip since April. She helped us greatly with the logistics on the dental day. We met Sammy, a precious soul that was raised in Korah and is now working hard to help better the lives of it's residents. We were able to treat many patients dental needs and also do crafts with many of the children.

A highlight was getting to go on 2 home visits. We walked down the streets holding hands with the local children. Both homes we saw women, too sick to forage in the city trash dump any longer. They now have their children do the work for them so they may eat and find a way to pay the 100 birr rent on their "homes". I am so thankful that Hill and Wick were able to be with me. I think it was a very pivotal moment for them, I know it was for me.

As we were leaving the second home, the heavens parted and down came the hardest, coldest rain. We started running in the rain back to the church. We were soaking wet and our shoes were covered in mud. It was simply an image that I won't soon forget!

We then all walked to Alert to purchase hand made items from their store. Sammy didn't think a larger group had ever visited Alert at once and he was pretty sure that our group of 65 provided the shops largest single day total ever. Praise God. The sweet man that sits and weaves door mats had a smile from ear to ear when he heard that all of his goods were sold out! We all walked back to the church with messenger bags, scarves, crosses, animals........etc in our arms.

I wasn't able to go on the tour of the trash dump as I had to return to the little boys. A few vans did go and from what I hear have some great video footage to share! Have I mentioned that Kurt Neale (guy that married us) is here making an incredible documentary? He is working so hard to capture each story. I pray that it will be a great blessing to many once complete. We are very grateful that he is here as so many things take place and he is getting as many as possible.

Off to dinner.........more soon I hope.

Thank you for praying. We feel it! Please keep them coming.

Got a text message from Emily after their day at Korah...

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 - 9:47 AM
Amazing day at Korah! Such joy amidst such poverty. Treated about 300. Several house visits and Sammy said highest gross at Alert store for a single day!

Woot woot!

Headed to trash dump then cultural dinner tonight. Much more to share about day. Some life changing experiences for many! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.

Text message from Emily and team - BUSY DAY!

Monday, October 4, 2010 - 12:08 PM
What a day! 900 patients came and saw about 400. Was painful to not be able to treat all of them. Team worked SO hard.

The Lord provided for all and it was just amazing to see it all come together.

Korah tomorrow.

Still no sign of bag. Forgot to mention a laptop we carried for a Dr. here was in it!! :(

Wick may get some clothes from Ethiopia and we may be buying a laptop.

TOMORROW'S PLANS
Where: Dental service at Korah, a city of outcasts foraging in the trash dump.
Pray: Appropriate treatment space, number of patients, patient flow, safety for providers, healing for patients.

Have amazing privilege of doing a TOMS shoe drop for the kids at Korah. Pray for all the details and that they would each feel loved as they receive a brand new pair of shoes.

Gwen Here .... Just got a TEXT FROM EMILY ... PRAYERS FOR THEM AND HOW GOD IS USING THEM !!!!


"Much better nights sleep! Praise the Lord. Great day yesterday. Really loved Drawn from Water. Sweet kids. They have huge need for people to partner with them and sponsor the kids. They will not be able to adopt any of them Internationally and efforts to find local foster or families to adopt haven't worked so far.
Pray as we are about to head out to first big dental day. Area just outside Addis called Lego Tefu. Government health clinic and school (Glimmer project) we will work. Really poor area. Were told to expect hundreds to have lined up before sunrise. May the Lord multiple time and efforts and allow everyone with needs to be seen.
Pray for the " patient buddies" who will stay with their patient through the whole process (triage, possible numbing, treatment etc) and will use time to make and explain salvation bracelets. May hearts be opened today!
Thanks friend."

Our first full day was spent at Kingdom Vision International, the orphanage where Abe is from. It is very dear to us for obvious reasons. It is now in a different location that is much larger than before. It was great to see Eyob and several of the nannies that were there two years ago. It was joyful and yet heartbreaking at the same time to see some of the older children there still. They so long for a family as they have witnessed most of their friends come and go. One particular sibling group is still there. They have been at KVI since it began over two years ago. H is a 12 year old girl. She is beautiful and smart. Loves to smile, practice her English and clearly has a tender little heart. Her younger brother is most likely 10. He is a charmer and my boys said an excellent soccer player. Eyob said he simply can't understand why they are still there as so many older children have already come and gone. Apparently H, goes into Eyob's office most days to inquire if today is possibly the day a family has requested them. Can you even imagine? Are you their family? I will be happy to share more information if anyone would like...............they are delightful.

On with our day. Immediately we just started playing with the kids, getting our our donations, painting rooms, rocking babies,making crafts and the 3 dentist already here began checking all of the kids teeth. Laurel ran a very fun and educational dental hygiene hut. It made me want to learn how to brush my teeth. Sadly the kids only brush their teeth one day a week. Wednesday. We asked if it would be possible to increase this to several more days and were told it simply wasn't possible. I understand as it is often a process to get my 6 to brush theirs and KVI has 65 kiddos there right now.

I knew that we would most likely be seeing Abe's birthmom again today. I was definitely anxious. We arrived and Eyob said that he thought she was coming though wasn't 100% sure. He tried reaching her but couldn't as the phone number he had wouldn't work. He eventually got another number to try. With each passing hour, I was losing my faith. I was disappointed yet willing to trust that maybe it was best Maybe she wasn't ready. She only recently learned of his brain injury and I assume was still processing her own shattered hopes and dreams for her son.

Eyob walked up to me a while later and said, she is coming. Then the butterflies began to turn in my stomach. I simply wanted her to see Abe has a precious gift, dearly loved by many and a perfect creation. I just didn't know how she would respond. I also prayed that Abe wouldn't cry as he often does to strangers He is such a happy guy 99% of the time, but when he cries, it isn't a whimper. He can carry on for awhile.

Sometimes things go different than we hope, but always according to His plan. So I heard she was there. I walked towards her with Abe in my arms. I was crying, she was crying, Moody was crying and then sweet Abey just couldn't handle the stress. He LOST it. Just couldn't stop crying, which made her cry that much harder. Crying like you can't imagine. I was so broken for her. I didn't know if it was seeing him or seeing him so very different than she imagined, but she was so shaken.

Enter my dear Rainey. She just has a way with timing. As dear D, was sobbing and I was trying to console her, Rainey approached with a letter and gift. Rainey was adopted as an infant. She penned the most eloquent and beautiful letter to her. Eyob translated and we were all deeply moved. She shared of her past, her birthmother's courageous choice, Rainey's life, her happiness with the family He chose for her and how deeply Abe is loved by many. She then gave her a beautiful necklace. It has two small round metal discs- one says Abenezer and the other I carry your heart in my heart. Wow. It was such a moment I will never forget. It also allowed for the emotions to settle down a bit and we sat to visit.

Eventually Abe stopped crying and we were able to share with her a photo album that we made. It showed his joy. His amazing smile. Him working hard in therapy. His new wheelchair and walker. It also contained many family photos of events over the past year. It made her smile to see him so happy, so loved. Everyone kept telling her how happy he is, that he rarely cries and how many came on this very trip as a result of their love for him.

She was told how brave she is, how proud we are of her for finishing her education this past year and just how much we love her for the precious gift of Abe. She thanked us over and over and told us she loved us dearly. Dereje had been translating for us to this point. We were explaining how hard he works in therapy and of the progress he is making. We told her our hopes and dreams for him in the future. She then said something. We turned to Dereje for the reply and he simply couldn't talk. He was completely overcome.

Then his phone rang and in classic Africa fashion, he answered. He proceeded to walk out the front gate. Um, kinda left us hanging here....... :) We grabbed Eyob and had her tell him. So thankful that we didn't let it go. She said that when she found out she was pregnant, it wasn't a good time as she was young and poor. She prayed and prayed. She said that the Lord confirmed in her heart that He would work a miracle in this child and all would be ok. Wow. Tears and more tears.

Abe is a miracle, I believe that with all my heart. It doesn't get me to stop praying for the healing that is possible in this life though for him. Join me in that?

Heard from Emily and crew today - just a few text messages and not sure who all she messaged so we're posting here to keep everybody updated! Good stuff - keep praying!

Saturday, October 2, 2010 - 3:01 PM EST
"Wow! What a day. Spent it all at KVI. Dentistry was done, crafts were made, kids were loved on and 3 goats and a sheep were purchased and cooked for all.

It was a VERY emotional time with Abe's birthmom. More on that later. Feeling definite attack as we are doing trip stuff and life with 6 kids. They are doing amazing though and were great with all of the kids today!

I'm not feeling well either :( Praying a night's sleep changes that. Beza and Drawn From Water are on the schedule for tomorrow.

Thanks so much."

No, Team Alexander. Thank YOU!