Children's Heaven - The Reality

I've blogged about Children's Heaven previously, but now I have been there. I have met the girls, been treated like an honored guest, and had my heart completely stolen. When I called Hanna and asked if I could visit, I was not expecting to be treated like an honored guest. I was not prepared to make a speech, and I had come without gifts. Next time I will know better.

While we were there we were able to ask the girls what they thought of America. They had some interesting answers. They thought Americans were hard workers. They thought that Americans never have enough time. They thought we were clean. They thought there were a lot of Christians in America. They were excited about Barak Obama, and had a lot of hope for change under his administration. They were wondering why we were on a twelve month calendar, when they are on a thirteen month calendar.

One young lady told us her story. She told us about her seven siblings and what had happened to them after they watched their father die. They moved into Addis from the countryside. Their mother remarried, and then became sick. Their stepfather made it clear that if their mother died he would not be able to care for them. They nursed their mother as best they could, but she continued to deteriorate. She made them promise to look after each other, and to always trust in God. She assured them that God would not forsake them. She was not able to finish her story, because all of us were in tears. Hanna told the girls that they could not cry. She insists that they do not despair, and that they trust in the Lord. It was very humbling.

I asked Hanna what she needs for her girls. She would like to rent another house so that she can provide shelter for more girls. Currently she has several girls living in her home with her. She said that they are to the point of putting mattresses on the floor in the living room at night so that everyone has a place to sleep. She lives in the home her parents left to her, and she has an office compound where the girls come for Bible study, meals, fellowship, and safety. Rent in Addis is around $600/month. That is US dollars, so it is expensive. She said that they also need more sponsors. She asks sponsors to commit to $25/month for at least one year. She said that it actually takes two sponsors to fully support each girl. It is hard for us in America to believe that $25 makes a difference in a child's life. I can tell you from being there that $25 does make a difference. The average woman that is working as a house cleaner or cook makes less than $50/month. Hanna does not have a corporate office, her overhead is minimal, enough to cover her compound rent. The money you donate goes directly to the girls to provide them with one nutritious meal each day, school uniforms, help with rent if they are living with someone other than Hanna, and the classes that Hanna teaches.

These girls were awesome. They were cheerful. They were cooperative. They clearly love Hanna and are grateful for the opportunities that she is giving them. I am committed to helping these girls. They were so shocked that we would come from America and visit with them. It made me see how much we have been given, and how much we are required to give. What would you give up if you sent these girls $25/month? One meal out? Two lattes a week? One sweater? Do you need it? What would it provide for them? One meal a day, the opportunity to go to school, fellowship with other girls, a roof over their heads, safety.

If nothing else pray for Hanna. She has recently had some health issues that keep her from doing more. She is also required to travel to the US every six months to maintain her visa. This adds expense and time away from the girls. Remember these young ladies, and all that God is doing for them. Be thankful for the many blessings you have around you every day.