We had the most blessed time in Africa! Absolutely everything went better than we ever dreamed. All 4 of us have unforgettable memories of our time there. We stayed at a wonderful guesthouse and were treated like royalty. =) Our visit with our sponsored World Vision child felt like something from a movie. We were driven 2 1/2 hours from Addis Ababa to the Adama region, so were able to see the beautiful country . We drove as far as we could by vehicle and then walked 1 1/2 miles to her village! We literally walked through a field to the edge of a mountain (seriously, like in a movie!) We were greeted warmly by her family who, through an interpreter, were told how they could not believe we traveled 1/2 way across the world to visit them. =) Our sponsored child prepared a traditional coffee roasting ceremony for us in their 2 room house. She was very shy, but made eye-contact and smiled often. It was emotional leaving them after our visit. Knowing that we'll all be together again as God's chosen people made it easier to accept.
We felt so honored to have so many praying for us during our trip. I could feel your prayers. There were times when, normally, I would have felt anxiety or concerned about different situations, and just didn't. I know we had many praying and could feel God's protection all around. Oh, how we loved our visit! It feels strange being back in the U.S. It was actually difficult leaving Ethiopia. I just fell in love with the culture and people.
God willing, we'll be back soon. Kyah is waiting for her mom and dad to come get her!
We felt so honored to have so many praying for us during our trip. I could feel your prayers. There were times when, normally, I would have felt anxiety or concerned about different situations, and just didn't. I know we had many praying and could feel God's protection all around. Oh, how we loved our visit! It feels strange being back in the U.S. It was actually difficult leaving Ethiopia. I just fell in love with the culture and people.
God willing, we'll be back soon. Kyah is waiting for her mom and dad to come get her!
I am thrilled everything went so well for you all. That's awesome you could feel God's presence and protection so strongly. Looking forward to hearing more and eventually seeing pictures of YOUR DAUGHTER. Yeah! Kelli P
ReplyDeleteDear Klaasens, Isn't is wonderful to feel the prayers like that? So entirely ecstatic for all of you lately I'm about bursting! So happy that the court went so quickly and easily and you got a couple visits with dear Kyah. And isn't World Vision so wonderful!?? I know what you mean, they are helping you at every turn and it is like "out of a movie" when you actually get to meet the sponsored child you have written to and prayed for. It's beyond words. I'm glad that worked out, because how often is one able to go to Ethiopia? When we left Honduras I actually cried because I so fell in love with our sponsor child and the country. I know what you mean. Can't wait till you bring little Kyah back home. Do you have a date yet?
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful all of you had a safe and protected journey all the way along. Everything went well, and that's truly a blessing. As Solomon has said, "Everyone is God's children." And everywhere is God's creation. I'm very pleased you could do everything you wanted to in Ethiopia and you loved God's creation there. May Kyah remain safe and in fine health, and that you can very soon bring her to her new home.
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