Each morning, bright and early, I wake up to spend time and eat breakfast with ten of the most incredible boys and girls I have ever met. If any of you know me at all, you probably know that Taley and mornings DO NOT get along, but these kids are far too great not to spend every moment possible with. They have impacted me in such a great way that waking up two hours before I have to be up doesn’t even phase me.
These boys and girls are kids that Gadisa has brought in and taken care of as his own. They have all lost one or both of their parents and have lived on the streets or with family members who can’t support them for the majority, if not all, of their lives before Gadisa met them about a year ago. They have lived through and seen many tough things that most will go their whole lives without ever seeing. They have been hurt, left alone, abused, malnourished, traumatized, and never introduced to the Lord. They are all off the streets now and living with family members, but Gadisa provides food, clothes, and the deep love of Jesus to each and every kid. He has helped them get back up and turn their trials into testimony. He has given them hope. He calls them his children and they call him dad.
Over the past few weeks, after spending morning after morning with them and all day Saturday, I can truly and 100% say they have my heart. They have impacted me through their strength and resilience, and I would love to share a couple of their stories with you.
Shimelis is ten years old and in first grade. He has grown up his whole life without knowing his father. His mother is very very sick with breast cancer, but has no way of paying to go to the hospital and get treatment. As you can imagine, this means the Shimelis has never been provided for, but rather has had to grow up providing for himself. He used to be homeless, but now due to Gadisa’s ministry lives a way better life.
Girma is eight years old and in first grade. When he was younger, his father used to get very, very drunk and beat his mother right in front of him. When he was just four years old, his father ran away and he hasn’t seen him since. His mother has gotten very sick meaning she can’t work to provide for Girma and his family. She tries to work to provide for them, but she is very often sick and they struggled to eat one meal a day. Now that Gadisa provides for Girma, he gets to enjoy his life and not fight to survive.
Kibretu is ten years old and in first grade. Before he knew Gadisa, he grew up in a home where his mom and dad constantly fought. Soon, his dad fled from his problems leaving him with a mom who couldn’t provide for his family. One day, his mom sent Kibretu out to buy some coffee from the market and when he came home, he found his mom dying. She had hung herself and he watched her as she breathed her last breaths. After this, his dad came back and hired a nanny that treated him horribly. He ended up running away and living on the streets for a while until Gadisa found him through mother and children affairs. Currently Kibretu is living with his father in a much better situation now that Gadisa helps provide for him.
Kibretu, Shimelis, Bilar, Galane, Kalkidan, Froal, Girma, Bali, Naty, and Abu you will never know or understand the impact you have had on me. Sure, we can’t communicate all that much, but just starting each day with your smile and positive attitude brings me more joy than I could ever express. I will forever remember and miss you. Thanks for the laughter and good times!!
I hope these stories have inspired you as much as they inspire me each and every day. These kids have chosen to grow from their past rather than living victim to it. They are some of the most positive and joyful kiddos I have ever met despite the hard lives they have lived. These stories will one day bring so many men and women to know the Lord. These kids will one day be kingdom changers.
