Library is Funded!

Soon, the children at Kechene will hear that they will be getting a corner of their school turned into a library!

This was a vision I had one day when thinking through the school's needs. I really felt God prompting this team to get those kids some books! When I brought it up to Children's Hopechest, the CH team in Ethiopia responded quickly. They were thrilled! However, there was no place to put the books. They had no shelving. They had no tables and they had no chairs, with the exception of their benches that they cram several children, shoulder to shoulder, on.

So, within a few months, we had a HUGE art sale. People from all over our area brought in their crafts, photography, paintings, jewelry, and so much more. People came to shop and we raised over $1000! The money started to grow.

Then, we received over 120 colorful and unique pieces of art from the children at Kechene. Sponsors generously donated money when they received their child's work. The money grew some more. Little by little, donation after donation via the website and our partners around the country, the money grew.

Now, we will be able to send $3700 to CH in Ethiopia at the end of Dec. Therefore, in the month of Jan., the staff at Kechene will be busy shopping for much needed reference books, some much needed new textbooks, building shelving, tables, chairs, and maybe even purchasing some books for fun!

This was a wonderful thing to get accomplished since there are no places in the Kechene neighborhood quite like this care point. Now, the children will have a place within their little school to read, explore, study, and learn! Thank you everyone for your part in this project! You make a difference one step or project at a time!

Karen's Team visits Kechene...and other updates...

 Karen's team is just returning now from a full week in Ethiopia. Karen's team was loaded down with donations and full hearts to share with over 500 children in the capital of Ethiopia and the countryside.

They had a full load of care packages they handed out .

They brought donated blankets to the children of the dump area in Addis Ababa and another care point, called Korah.

They provided a special injera meal for everyone at 2 care points.

They also brought our toothbrushes and other small supplies to Kechene.  

Karen's team visited Kechene for a short time one afternoon and was able to play with and entertain the children. 

They stopped by a fruit stand and bakery to buy some bananas and rolls for all 160 children at Kechene. They LOVED them and           enjoyed their visit very much!

More to come upon Karen's return. 

Thanks Karen and the team for your love and dedication to these children!! 

Karen and her girls with one of their sponsor daughters at Kind Hearts Care Point.

Water Purifier donated!!!

This week, we heard from Children's Hopechest that a very generous donor has asked to donate water purifiers to some of Children's Hopechest's Care Points. Kechene was one of them!!

This is an amazing thing for Kechene since, like so many households and places in the country are using water that is at its most primitive state. The water would make you and I sick, and some of the children at Kechene sick as well. Now, the filtration system will be able to make it safe for those more susceptible to disease.

I will send pictures of the system in place once this project is completed, but this is a project where no more money is necessary to see through to the end. What a blessing that is!!

This is the water system that is in place now. It consists of a large bucket up high in the air and pipes that carry the water to this trough for the children to use with the faucets. The water comes from city distribution when they can get it there. That water is not always safe to drink. Now, with a filtration system, it will be safe!! 

Change Their Story Campaign

What: A campaign Children's Hopechest and sponsorship coordinators are partnering to bring change to Kechene

How: Consider having a fundraiser in your area to raise $500 by Dec. 31; Rummage Sale, Bake Sale, Jeans Day at work, Brown Bag Lunch'n it, donations from family and friends, etc.

Why: 160+ children in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia are surviving and working hard to learn so they can be changed forever! They need our help! We can raise the money via 10 team members and change Kechene for the better.

Who: YOU! With the money raised by 10 teams, you being one of them, we can choose our project for Kechene for Christmas. Contact me to be on a team and CHANGE THEIR STORY!

Here is the story told by Children's Hopechest...

Dear Greta, Thank you for signing up for more information about Change Their Story, the Children's HopeChest Christmas campaign for orphans. I wanted to get you some information about what to expect in the next few weeks, and answer any remaining questions you might have. The first part of this e-mail is about team captains. If you only are interested in being a participant, scroll down for that content.  What is a team captain? The team captain does everything a participant does. That means you select a project, set a fundraising goal, create a personal page, and ask your friends to make donations on behalf of your project.  In addition to participating, there are two key aspects you help with: First, you commit to recruiting 10 or more volunteer fundraisers to join your team. This is the most critical aspect of being a captain. By bringing more people to the campaign, we increase our chances for a very successful campaign. A team of 10 people is a goal to reach for. There are very effective teams of 3-8 people as well.Reach out now to start recruiting your team members. Send them to this page, and tell them to indicate they want to be on your team.  Second, you agree to encourage and support team members throughout this process. That means you'll be sending encouragement and reminder e-mails to your team members throughout the campaign. You'll have a special section of your fundraising page to send team member e-mail messages. We suggest you contact each team member 1-2 times per week to ensure they are on track. I will have some pre-formatted messages you can adapt and use. Ready to be a captain? Just reply to this e-mail and I'll get in touch with you about how to select your project for Change Their Story 2012. You'll have a special registration process to ensure you are set up properly as the team captain. What is a participant? If you signed up as a participant, just sit tight for now. In about 2 weeks, I'll be sending you the official registration link with all the login information you need to select your fundraising project and set up your personal page. Here's what you can do right now: 1. Determine your fundraising goal.  We suggest starting with $500. Over the past two years, the average participant has raised around $800. If you don't reach your goal that's okay! We will use the money you do raise to support the proejct you selected. 2. Think about the project you want to support.HopeChest works in 9 countries, and we have projects to help with food, water, medical care, education, trafficking, and microenterprise. If you are a current child sponsor, you can pick the project associated with your child's CarePoint or orphanage.  3. Invite your friends and family to join Change Their Story.Would you take a moment to ask others to join you as a volunteer fundraiser this year? Just send them to this link to read and pre-register just like you did.  And begin to make a list of who you are going to ask to support your project goal.

We're back and want to go to school!

We have a couple children yet who need a sponsor to love them from afar and to care for them through Children's Hopechest's support. Children's Hopechest is the organization that we sponsor through. The Christian organization employ social workers, teachers and directors who are very active at Kechene, watch out for the kids, and organize the care point in order to feed and educate over 130 children!

In a year and a half, we have gone from 56 children to 130 children and they are all sponsored, but 2! We had 100% sponsorship at one point, but some of them moved away for various reasons while others discovered the care point for food and shelter. Most of the time, the children are at the care point 6 days a week, but sometimes death in the family or sickness of a parent forces them to stay home or to move in with a different relative.

Presently, these 2 children are NOT sponsored for reasons like that or other reasons. If you feel moved to support them for $34/month, please consider one of these boys. You can mail me at gretabcg@hotmail.com if you would like to sponsor. Thanks so much.

My name is Lemiya and I am 7 years old. I was at Kechene and came back, but don't have my sponsor anymore since I moved away and came back. Please sponsor me again. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Tamirat and I am 11 years old. I had a sponsor, but for some reason they are not sponsoring anymore. Please sponsor. I love getting letters and know about you. Thank you.

I need a sponsor...

Hi, my name is Henok and I live in Addis Ababa. I am able to attend a school there because there are sponsors helping to keep it going. I had a sponsor, but now I do not have one. It is fun to get letters from them and pictures. Would you be my sponsor? SPONSORED!

Hi, my name is Genet. I live in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia too and go to Kechene School. I had to leave Kechene and move away, but now I am back and I love being with my friends again. Would you be my sponsor? SPONSORED!!

Hi, my name is Ayenalem and I am 16 years old and in the Ethiopian 5th grade. I had to leave Addis Ababa and my school, but now I  came back, so I lost my sponsor. Please sponsor me since I LOVE getting letters and pictures and it feels really great to be prayed for by someone in America! SPONSORED!!

These children need your help. They are at Kechene Care Point with 125 other children who ARE sponsored, but they are not. Though these are not their exact words, this is what the staff has shared with us that they would like. You can see them on our web page http://www.hopechest.org/community/kechene 

and sign up today! When you sponsor a child at Kechene Care Point in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, you are changing lives of the vulnerable one child at a time. Thank you!

Update on the Library and Children's Hopechest community page for Kechene

Since we first started the Kechene Library Project (shelves, tables, chairs, reference books, textbooks, and other necessary books), we have raised $2965! In order to achieve ALL the needs for the little library at the school, our goal is $3700.  To view our progress or donate, you can go to this link at www.go.hopechest.org/kechene-library

Also, Children's Hopechest and I are introducing a new web page on the Children's Hopechest website. Follow it to find all the newest information about Kechene at
http://www.hopechest.org/community/kechene

The new web page is a great way to view sponsored and unsponsored children at the care point, or to just see what is going on at Kechene. The page is user friendly and easy to share with those who may want more information about our care point in Ethiopia or perhaps wanting to sponsor.

Art Sale a Success!

Wood working from family and church friends

Photography from my dad and my friend

Mums in chalkboard painted pots from a friend

A step stool all decorated ready for a porch from my mother-in-law

Necklaces from friends

Crocheted  hats and scarves from friends

Embroidered towels and hand sewn items from my Mom

Hand crafted baby headbands and wonderful packaged bath salts from a friend

Hand Knit blanket from my sister-in-law

Art work from a church friend's daughter

Headbands from my son's cross country teammate

Paintings from a neighbor, my son's art teacher, and from a church member

Birdhouses from my father-in-law's friend

Baked goods from friends 

The list could go on and on and on!

And then there was all the help I had before, during, and after the sale...

Karen F.

Karen H.

Penny N.

Staci D.

Joanne

Cindy L.

Keith B.

Matt B.

Caleb

Gavin

Jenny H.

Dale H.

Mayra A.

Joyce V.

Steph B.

Paula U.

Susan B.

Brian and Cherie R.

Chance W.

Jorre D.

Jeanne J.

Laci S.

Anita P.

Jami L.

I know there are so many more because I found myself saying thank you in my sleep. Everywhere I turned, someone was helping me do something. 

It is HUMBLING.

It is OVERWHELMING.

It is GOD!

We made our goal! $2000 was raised for the kids' library at Kechene Care Point. 130 children will soon enjoy a corner just for them to study in with reference books, dictionaries, and some fun books to just read all while sitting on chairs at tables.

Thank you, Byers and Anderson Families, Dodgeville, and Hidden Valley Community Church!
You made a difference! God is so good!

What is this Art/Craft sale we speak of???

Art Sale? Crafts? Bake Sale?

It is all to benefit the kids at Kechene Care Point in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where we have 130 children who are presently sponsored by folks here in the U.S. through Children's Hopechest. www.hopechest.org

All 100% of the money raised from the sale will go towards their "library." This will consist of reference books, a few shelves, a couple tables, and chairs and hopefully some "fun" books! We are excited since they don't expect it to all be done in one sale, but our goal is $3500!

Come help us achieve this goal and give these children a library they have never had before!

Where?  Hidden Valley Community Church

When?  Sat., Aug. 18 from 9a.m.-3 p.m.

What?  Over 20 artists/crafters featured with items like wood pens, trivets, cutting boards, crocheted hats, beautiful scarves, paintings and photographs, a girly table, baked goods, and even lunch of BBQ sandwiches, chips and lemonade.

Treading in new waters

As I emailed all the sponsors recently, we had some changes with this new idea of the children at our care point creating art to help support their school. The original idea was big and getting bigger. I felt as if we had something that could really grow and empower the children, but sometimes those ideas are too big, too fast.

In receiving the artwork from the children at Kechene and sending it all out to the sponsors who donated for the school's library we are presently raising funds for, it became a concern with Children's Hopechest that it could be child labor. I know we do this all the time in the States to raise money for schools like new playgrounds or improvements on classrooms. However, in a country like Ethiopia, it could be seen as a gray area and we MUST be careful.

So, the artwork has all been sent out to the sponsors as a gift from their sponsor children at Kechene. If they feel they would like to donate to the library, or anyone else who feels moved to do that, they can still go to the link www.go.hopechest.org/kechene-library and the funds will go directly to the library that Kechene so desperately needs. (This will consist of reference books like dictionaries, extra textbooks and thesauruses, as well as a shelf, tables and chairs.)

As far as empowering the children to help their own school, this is still a frustrating factor that I hope to work through with the organization, and Ethiopia for that matter. I strongly believe that empowerment and self-help is the key to growth and prosperity, but it is a battle I am not fighting alone, nor one to be solved overnight.  New waters may need some more treading, but we will keep swimming forward before giving up!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Ironically," this verse was shared today at church...


"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the Proper time He may exalt you." 1 Peter 5:6

Art work is HERE!

I have been a little giddy lately... the long awaited art work arrived last week and I have just now had the chance to photograph all of them and get them on line, all 127 of them. (3 children did not finish their painting when they were sent.:( )I will soon be sending them out to everyone so they can look for their sponsor child's art!

I'm excited because they are all so precious! They were done by the kids at Kechene during their art class knowing that they were going to their sponsors and that it would be making money for their own school! The goal is $3200 for shelves, reference books, extra textbooks, chairs and tables. Their new "library" is something I thought they would need and it turns out they are very much in need of these items.

I will send out an email soon to all the sponsors will ALL the art. The children painted their picture AND their names and reference numbers on the material (muslin I think) so folks can see who it belongs to. They are all so cute!

So, here is a sampler of the joyous, colorful pieces of creativity the little ones (Kindergardeners and 1st-3rd graders) have done for you...

Gotta Love them!

Garage Sale a success!

In April, it looked like Nov. 2012 would be the date to go back to Ethiopia to see all the children at Kechene and continue work to link sponsors with their sponsor child. However, since then, I have had clear direction that June 2013 is better timing for Caleb.

Since then, I had planned a garage sale to raise part of our enormous goal of $6000 so I set a lofty goal of $1000! In our small town, this is not very realistic. Most garage sales earn about $300 for a good sale. The heat last week was intense and it looked to be a very far reach.

I started to ask for donations for the sale from friends and family back in early June. I have a friend who has been very motivated to clean out their basement and she said this was the event she needed to get the job done. When the week came, last week, to start collecting the items, they really started coming! First a couple boxes from Matt's mom, then, a few more boxes from Matt's mom, then, more stuff from Matt's mom. (You get the idea...) Since we do not have a garage, I asked for people to bring things close to the garage sale date. Well, on Wed., Selam's room was packed full of stuff. I was starting to get worried that I would not get this all sold!

Our neighbors offered their amazing, new double car garage to use for the sale, Thank God!! By Thursday afternoon, it was PACKED! We had everything from kitchen tables, to furniture, to name brand clothes stack after stack. The donations came from people I have never met who heard from someone else that this sale was for our kids at Kechene.

I was so overwhelmed by not only the generosity, but the way folks were talking it out with friends and neighbors. The word spread quickly and by Thursday night when we closed the garage door before the sale, it barely closed. Now, my husband was really worried that we would not get rid of it all and we would be taking load after load to storage. It really was a lot of stuff!!! I reassured him that it would be ok and I'll take care of it. The verse, "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in prayer and petition lift your cares to the Lord," became my verse for the weekend!

By Friday, people were lined up outside of the garage door before 7 a.m. The shoppers didn't stop coming until we closed at 4:00 p.m. We had already made over $600! Sat. was slower, but we still sold a ton! We even gave out $1 bags by the last half hour. Gavin, our 12 year old, had the idea to put out a donation bucket! Good thing, not only did it make us $82 on Friday, but another $42 on Sat! Plus, we were able to share what we were doing to everyone!

By the end of the garage sale, all of the big "stuff" was sold and all that was left was the little stuff that we were able to donate to We Care and Goodwill. The whopping total for the sale was $1008! (That's with all my expenses taken out from advertising and starter money.) How amazing!

HUGE thank yous go out to Mueller Implement for the donation of tables, Scott and Jami Lundell, Susan and Mike Bisbach, Tim and Mayra Angel, Keith and Connie Byers (my fearless mother-in-law and father-in-law for all the amazing donations and Connie's tireless help at the sale), Elizabeth Morgan, JT and Keeley Thomas for their garage usage, Anita Phillips, Bill and Lynn Abbott for their incredible lot of vintage toys and books, Cindy Wiker, Staci Driscoll (help at the sale and donations), Maggie Piper, Amanda Lockmann, Sandy Marty, Patty Steil, MacKenzie Johnson, and all the shoppers and donors who helped rack up the total!

Teacher comes to Kechene

"Cherokee Gives Back" is an organization that works to bring education to vulnerable areas around the world. They are located in North Carolina, but send volunteers out to spend 3-4 months at a location to assist in any way possible while also giving Americans experience in their field of work.

Colleen is one of those teachers sent by "Cherokee Gives Back" and has arrived at Kechene! She has a blog that she will be updating as she assists the children at Kechene with Math or whatever the staff needs her to do.

I added her blog to my favorite links so you can read it periodically as I will be doing. I asked several friends and family if this would be something to share and they all thought it was a valuable resource and reading a different perspective of the care point was really interesting. So, here is the entry I read this week, again, you can find the entire blog on my favorite links section in the right column down a ways.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012

Settling in

This past week, I have felt much more useful and much more productive at Kechene school. I am starting to get to know the kids and their different but totally cute personalities, and I literally cannot believe how smart they are! I am also getting to know the teachers well too, and that has been great. We have conversations about education, marriage, and just about life, usually while we are eating rice and cabbage for lunch (the students are totally silent during this time because they are concentrating so hard on eating their own food). And when we are feeling frustrated from the language barrier, we just go outside and play volleyball, and all is well.

I have only ended up teaching one day this week, for about half an hour. And believe me, it was tough (in a different way than in New Orleans, but still as tough for sure). Anyway, I asked the math teacher what he wanted me to teach, and he said "Anything! American math!" And I was like..uhhhh.....help haha. I know nothing about kindergarten curriculum, and at the time I had no idea how much math these student knew! So I decided to teach them order of operations, because it was clear that they could add and subtract (I focused on how to evaluate math expressions when they included parenthesis). Thus, I began my lesson to at least 30 six and seven year old kids. They had no notebooks or pencils,  so only a few kids could work out a problem at the same time on the chalkboard, which was quite problematic for my behavior management! Not to mention the language barrier, which was hard (although I am pretty good at counting in Amharic now, I must say!). Teaching was quite an experience... but I think I learned a lot from just jumping right into it, and I have a few ideas for improvement when I teach next time. I really want to teach an African geography lesson (they love pointing out things on their map).

I have found tutoring students during recess and breaks to be much more productive. The first time I had sat in on a class, I noticed one of the students was REALLY far behind the others. So at recess tapped him on the shoulder, and we practiced the English alphabet together. I made flashcards, because I noticed he could only do the alphabet in order. He really liked the hands-on activity. In fact, like five other kids gathered round and were studying with us! It was great. The next day, I started giving kids math problems. Now a few of them walk up to me and ask me to give them a problem right when they get to school, even though they have time to play outside then. Especially these two really cute kids named Besufucato and Limya (Limya has the biggest eyes I have ever seen!). Anway, it makes me really happy that they enjoy learning, this is going to take them far in life.

I am also working on a few other projects for the school, like writing a newsletter about the graduating kindergarteners and editing their school brochure. Also, one of the teachers is starting another school in his neighborhood, because none of the kids there have enough money to go otherwise (government school tuition is free, but students have to pay for uniforms, books, and meals). A church has donated land and labor to build a school house, but other than that they have no funds whatsoever. But this teacher has such a big heart, that I think it will work one way or another. I am helping him write a proposal and budget; it's a great learning experience for me! I hope the school will be successful because the kids deserve it.

So even though there are setbacks often, things are going really well over here. I almost feel like I have been living here for like a year! It's only been three weeks though.... :)

-Colleen

God has spoken, and His answer is "WAIT."

Well, after some restless days last week of feeling anxious over getting things done and shots taken care of, and $6000 raised by Nov., I prayed. I prayed for clarity like never before. I prayed over the email I sent to the sponsors for help with the trip. And I prayed for peace in our family about this decision.

God answered ALL of these prayers almost immediately after sending the emails out to the sponsors. I had just sent out the first email with an explanation that I was wanting to go back to Ethiopia and take our 16 year old son, Caleb when the phone rang. It was my friend, Susan informing me that I had 2 different conflicting reference numbers for which to give a donation for our trip. I thanked her and sent out another email with notes for the change. Again, I prayed that as it went out, if God wanted me to go back in Nov., to open the doors and raise the money. If God did not want me to go back in Nov., I told God that I was ok with that and that I just wanted to do His will. I truly meant it this time and felt peace almost instantly.

Well, almost immediately, I got another phone call. This time from my friend Kristen who just came back from Ethiopia with her son, Dalton. He is also 16 and will also be a junior. I asked her how her trip was with her son. She was very honest with me and said that she could NEVER have taken him during the school year since there was so much to process after their experiences at the care points. I totally know what she is talking about. It was very emotional for me upon coming back in 2010 and to think of our Caleb coming back with this load to process AND trying to catch up with missing 9 days of school was like the loudest message I have heard in a long time!

The decision was made. But then, Kristen made it even easier. She invited me to help her lead next June's trip back to Ethiopia to visit Kebron, her care point, Kechene and of course, Kind Hearts too, where our sponsor daughter attends school and building will be underway for a new school!  I had to start calling and writing all the people I would "disappoint." This actually turned out surprisingly well! I called a church friend who was planning on going in Nov., but when I told him the change, he was excited since his wife may be able to attend now with it being summer, and she is also a teacher. I wrote Karen, my dear friend who I would have been traveling with in Nov. She was also very understanding and was just happy we were finally at peace. I will really miss the experience with her!! But then, with Caleb, I explained and he was actually relieved, as was his friend's family who was also going to go. They are actually excited to not miss school and will be able to do their best their junior year. I also had to talk with Selam's mom in Ethiopia, who was just as excited as I was to meet and spend an entire weekend together in Addis. She was very understanding and agreed with me that it was a better time to come with Caleb.

And finally, my dear, patient husband, Matt. He did not say "I told you so." Rather, he was just excited for Caleb and his friend Chance to have the school year to focus on their studies and to then really experience Ethiopia! So, it all worked out all right, you see? God's plan brought peace. If we listen hard enough and are stubborn, like me, long enough, God will show us the way!

June 2013, ETHIOPIA, here we come!!

Two visitors in one week!

In one week, we have had 2 visitors to Kechene! Whoo Hoo!

The first visitor was Kristen Roach, my new friend and roommate when I was in Ethiopia in 2010. She was visiting her care point that she coordinates called Kebron. It is south of Addis, but she stopped at Kechene for us to pick up the art work that the children were working on for our art show in Aug.

The second visitor to Kechene just today was a woman who delivered a huge box of teaching supplies for us. Several teachers in our area like Penny Edwards and her colleagues as well as Beth Ingraham from Elroy, WI donated things that they thought the teachers would use and that were actually requested by those teachers. Thank you to Jenny Harris also for the extra colorful letters and other great supplies! I will post a picture as soon as I get one.

As I read in the email from Teresa, who delivered the box, I was instantly reminded of my heartache for the school and those kids. She wrote of her intense desire to help as her eyes were opened. It really does open your eyes when you visit and I needed to hear that from Teresa for new energy for this care point. Thank you Teresa for your visit, your inspiration, and your heart! Here is what she said after her visit today at Kechene...

Greta it was an amazing trip.  We just got back.  We plan to come back to visit school.  Please let me know how we can get their uniforms and shoes asap to them.  They really want them.  Also I am sending them crayons, makers and pencils in a few weeks thru a family.  My husband is gonna come back will plan with Juree and spend a week with some men from church....will also bring new basketball goals then.  We loved the teachers.  Want to send them some money at Christmas and gifts if possible when you come.

Thanks for your hard work!!  Our eyes are opened we will help more!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Much love to you,Teresa Toney


Just a side note, the uniforms/shoes have been ordered, we are just waiting for the order to be filled. This is one of those cultural differences that is very difficult for Americans to get used to with instant gratification. We get upset when things are late to come after we have ordered it. In Ethiopia, this is the norm. I will send pictures as soon as they get their uniforms and shoes. 

Here we Go!

(Fundraising, that is.)

Now that school is over for the summer, Caleb and I and our friends and family are busy planning how to fund raise $6,000! That is quite monumental for us, but we've got some pretty sweet ideas that God continues to show us. 

June 29, 30- Massive Rummage Sale to be held at a friend's shed. Bake sale and lots of items from many families will be available for sale. The awesome thing is that my brother, Leland, really wants to see us "get to business" and will match what we raise up to $500 by Aug. 1. So, our earnings may become bigger with his challenge! Thanks, Leland and Rachel!!

Aug. 18- Art/Craft Sale at Hidden Valley Community Church from 9:00-3:00 will (1) benefit Kechene's Care Point by raising money for their new library. I would LOVE to be able to purchase books for the children to have a library they can read from and get into stories that inspire them to write and enjoy reading. Right now there is nothing for them to read other than textbooks. (2) We would also love to serve the children a special meal while I am there in Nov. of goat wot and injera. 

We will be featuring several area artists including, but not limited to; oil paintings, wooden pens and crafts, popular crocheted items, scarves, photography, jewelry, and other crafts.

We will be showcasing and introducing the art work of the children from Kechene!! They will be sending  their own artwork via another traveler. We will be selling copies and various items made from their artwork. I am really excited about this display since it's an experiment for making long-term money for the care point. If the art sells well and becomes marketable, various fair trade stores will continue to sell the art  making it possible for Kechene to make their own money and support themselves long-term.

If you would like to sponsor Caleb and I, you can go to the Chidlren's Hopechest website directly at this link. In the reference field write,“ET121102T Byers”in the Notes field, enter "Greta and Caleb Byers."
https://secure3.convio.net/chc/site/Donation2?df_id=1420&1420.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=mtaydopur2.app332b

Thanks so much for your continued support!

Travel Plans to Ethiopia

In November, 2011, my friend Karen Wistrom returned to Ethiopia to continue the connection with her care points.  She also graciously visited Kechene for us and delivered our care packages, letters and pictures.  She and her team gave hugs, bought special food for the children, and took many photos.  Through her efforts, we saw our children growing and happy; happy because they got special gifts from you, and also very happy to have a connection with their sponsors, YOU!  Our connection with each other is critical in keeping us aware of what is happening at their school and in their lives.  It also teaches the children to trust us when we continue to return and help improve their lives, and it helps ALL OF US see where our money is going. 

This year I feel called to personally return to Kechene, with a goal to deliver care packages, your letters, pictures and gifts. I also hope to feed a special meal of goat and injera to the children, and of course take LOTS of pictures to share with you. But, what's really been on my mind and heart lately is wanting to begin planning with the staff of Kechene for them to become self-sufficient.  This, of course, is our ultimate goal, but I would like to  begin now to make it a reality.

My son, Caleb (16), would like to join me this year, which would help him reach beyond himself during this crucial time of his life as he gives of himself to help others. Together, we would travel with Karen on Nov. 11, 2012. 

During my first travel to ET in 2010, I paid for the trip out-of-pocket. This year, however, I am not able to do that.  With a per person cost of $3,000, I am seeking help with funding this trip.  If you feel you can help us reach our goal, Hopechest has a spot for sponsoring Caleb and I that has been set up for easy donations. Please visit it then pass it on to others.  I tend to feel guilty for putting this money into a "trip" instead of sending it directly to Kechene, however, there would be no sponsorship had the first trip not taken place.

Thank you so much for being the hands and feet of Christ through your sponsorship. I pray that we can continue to work for your little ones by bringing YOU to THEM!  Please keep my son and me in your prayers as we work to raise the funds for this goal.

Children's Hopechest has a space for donations on their website that is tax deductible. Go to https://secure3.convio.net/chc/site/Donation2?df_id=1420&1420.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=mtaydopur2.app332b

Please use  "ET121102TByers"

as your reference number and in the Notes Field, please write, "Greta and Caleb Byers"

Thanks so much!

Cakes for Kids!

Huge THANKS go out to Amanda Lockmann for her amazing work and talents with the facebook cake auction last Friday! We raised $400!! That money will be sent to Children's Hopechest and put in our account with Children's Hopechest. http://www.hopechest.org/connect/

Also thank you so many of you for bidding and WINNING! Not only did you get an awesome cake, but you are making it possible for us to get closer to our next goal!

Check out some of these amazing cakes!