Dental issues....ouch! I was rendered useless and was only able to lay in bed tolerating the throbbing pain that came from my bottom jaw and extended all the way to my ear and to the back of my head. During this time, all I could do was think. Dental problems are common, especially in a community that is so poor they could not afford a tooth brush, let alone tooth paste or proper dental care. I had Tylenol & Motrin to dull the pain while I waited my two days for my dental appointment. The poor in Ethiopia don't have the option of such simple pain medication. They don't have the resources to travel from their tribe to the capital city of Addis Ababa to see a dentist. With all the different languages, it is unlikely that tribal Ethiopians will be able to tell the dentist what is wrong. Third, how do you pay for dental services when the average income is $1.00 US a day? I couldn't imagine living one more day with the horrific pain, but we are privileged. I was able to get help.
Illnesses...it breaks my heart to see our little ladies sick. All I want to do during this time is cuddle them and attend to their every need, while taking their temperatures multiple times a day hoping and praying for improvement. There are millions of orphans in Africa that are abandoned and have no mommies or daddies to help and cuddle with when they are sick or hurt. God created ALL children, even the lease of these, for a very special purpose. I pray that more Christians will step up and help by adopting these beautiful children into forever loving families.
Orphans in the United States live with Foster Parents until they are adopted and have a forever home. I know that the Foster Care system is not perfect, but the temporary parents can show the child proper love, teach about God, and care for your needs. In other countries (including Ethiopia) being abandoned means you live in an orphanage. It means having 1 caretaker for 30 to 40 children, where meeting simple needs such as diaper changing, bathing, and 3 meals a day is almost impossible. The poor staff at the orphanages are unable to show love and individual attention simply because there is to much....to many children and to much need. Please pray for these children as they are sitting in orphanages not receiving love, not knowing (but so longing) the true meaning of family, not receiving an education, and not learning how to be a child of God.
I was hungry, you gave me food to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you welcomed me into your home. When I was without clothes, you gave me something to wear. When I was sick, you cared for me. When I was in prison, you came to visit me. Then the godly people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you? Then the king will answer, The truth is, anything you did for the least of these, you also did for me. ~Matthew 25: 35-40
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| Capital city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
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