A Reflection of A Trip To Abenezer Care Point
When you go to a foreign, third world country like Ethiopia, communicating and connecting can be problematic. You don't even speak the same language. My first morning in Ethiopia, I was asked to give my testimony. I have never given my testimony before that or since. But in that little building in Africa, I told my story or at least part of it.
The biggest heartache of my life that Jesus saved me from was the loss of my son. In that room full of the mothers of our sponsored children, I told them through the use of 2 interpreters about my journey following the death of my 19 year old son. It was an overwhelming feeling of love and understanding that I felt from these women who struggled every day just to feed and clothe their children.
After the session was over, an Ethiopian woman approached me with one of the interpreters. Through him with tears in her eyes, she explained to me how she had also lost a son. We embraced, two women from completely different worlds sharing a moment of kinship and love for our children. She understood me and I understood her. I will never forget that incredible blessing!
—Kelly Woody Poirier
Hemela
“I had the honor and privilege of meeting Hemela when I went to Ethiopia on a mission trip in 2018. I felt an instant connection with this beautiful girl when I first saw her when I arrived at the Carepoint on our first day. It is hard to explain feeling an instant connection to someone that you cannot even communicate with except with a smile.
The next day when we returned to the Carepoint, she approached me immediately with a big smile and a hug and a very small heart charm. That little heart is one of my most treasured possessions from one of the kindest souls I have ever met.”
—-Kelly Woody Poirier
Aster
Aster has polio and not able to walk. Her mom walks over three miles with Aster on her back to the care point and then another three miles to get back home. She does this at least once per week to get access to the medical care, food and other necessities that are provided at our care point.
Asters story is just one example of the impact we are making in the lives of the children in Ethiopia. The fact that a mother is willing to go to those lengths to have access to what our sponsorship provides speaks volumes…
—Nicholas Raschella