My answer was always, "Physically, yes, but in other ways I hope I never do recover."
I have wanted to sit down and write a follow-up post to Ethiopia. I really haven't felt like I could end my trip posts and then start again with the "happy" posts, it just didn't feel right.
In Ethiopia I tried so hard not to get bitter, to remind myself that some are blessed with things and others are blessed with faith and we all need to share. But upon coming home, putting that into practice was so much harder than I thought it would be. I was/am so caught up in how frivolously we spend, how much we "need", American traditions or the "norm", taking so so much for granted...don't even get me started on Hollywood.
Nicholas had to talk me down several times, because I would get so angry..."Why isn't anyone helping?! How can people ignore the needs of others?!" The truth is, feeling like this won't get me anywhere. I can't get mad at people I don't know and assume they aren't helping, maybe they are? All I can do is account for my actions. What am I doing to help? Am I ignoring the needs of others? Am I taking my blessings for granted? It's not hard to get caught up in our culture; to expect a hot meal on the table, a clean bed climb in at night, a hot shower and clean clothes available everyday. We are so blessed in so many ways it's overwhelming.
I couldn't stop thinking of that sweet little Hermela I held in my arms, sobbing for a bite to eat. Nicholas and I decided to sponsor them through Endihnew Hope via Ordinary Hero. Sponsorship meant three meals a day for her whole family (Mum and little brother Kaleb), as well as a job in claywork where she can bring her children with her. I just about lost it when Endihnew sent me a picture of their first trip to the market.
Seeing these pictures brought such joy to my heart, because the last time I saw her, she was sad and sick and hungry.
Pulling that little girl off the ground that day and feeling her suffering radiating off of her changed my life. God blessed me so that I could bless her and change her life. It's a beautiful circle.
Since then I have learned that she turned 5 yesterday! SO much fun that her and Holden are so close in age. It makes it really fun to share with him about Hermela and easier for him to relate to her. I cannot wait to go back and squeeze this sweet little girl! Holden wants to go too...maybe someday we can go together.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HERMELA!
Happy Birthday from Holden!
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