In early December, a friend shared some pictures on Facebook of jewelry crafted by African women. When I saw the items, sold through an organization called Beads of HOPE--my favorite word!--I got a chill. Very closely related to a story chill. So I knew I was supposed to pay attention. I started reading this friend's blog and discovered she and her husband were in the process of adopting a child from an Ethiopian orphanage. More chills... Intrigued, but uncertain how to respond to my tingling spine, I became a regular reader of her blog.
Several days later, this same friend shared photos of ten Ethiopian orphans who needed sponsorship. The organization seeking new sponsors? HopeChest International! HOPE again! Another chill smote me--this one more powerful than the others. God whispered in my ear, "Act." So I contacted my friend and said I'd like to sponsor one of the children. Unfortunately, the little girl I chose had already been claimed, but my friend referred me to the head of HopeChest, who suggested another little girl, and........
Meet Medanit, "my" daughter from Ethiopia. My friend traveled to the orphanage in early January and delivered hugs and presents to Medanit for me. The letter of information I received after completing my sponsorship application indicated Medanit loves animals and loves to read and WRITE stories. Could God have chosen a more perfect match for me? I don't think so! HopeChest sponsors several ministry-related visits every year, and I'm already praying for the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia, meet Medanit in person, and uncover new ways to minister to the children of Kechene School.
When God whispers, He has a plan in mind. I'm so thrilled to see how He carefully laid the stones for my pathway to connect with a little girl far oversea. And I can't wait to get to know her better--to be a blessing to her, and to be blessed by her.
The scripture from the nineteenth chapter of Jeremiah is so true: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord... And when we listen, He makes them clear. :o)
May God bless you muchly as you journey with (and listen for!) Him! ~Kim
7 comments:
Kim1 This is AWESOME. It is truly GOD'S HAND at work.
The minute I read your opening sentence about the K-Love Cruise, I thought of the photo of you and Kathy sitting on the deck together. I remember saying to you that I thought you looked alike. I know you think of each other as "Sisters".:)
GOD led you to each other and now He has led you to this beautiful little girl, who loves writing!
I cannot think of a more suitable person than yourself, to be "Mum" and MENTOR to this dear little girl. Maybe you both will write a joint book together.:)
Go one step further.... She could also be AKA "HOPE." Wouldn't that be wonderful!
I wish you both ALL the Blessings in the world, that you so richly deserve.:)
You have my Prayers.
Kim, your daughter from Ethiopia is beautiful.
And just think (and I'm sure you have) as you bless this little girl, she may very well one day be a blessing to many others in her country for God's Glory!
It never ceases to amaze me, God's multiplication. When we are obedient to His leading, He magnifies it above and beyond what we can ever fathom.
Thanks for not only "listening" to His voice, but doing what He said. I know Medanit thanks you too ;-)
Oh Kim---I got chills (the good kind!) reading your post today. Your beautiful little girl overseas is so precious, and I feel certain you are already a blessing to her. Thanks for sharing this sweet story of HOPE and your obedience to the Lord's nudgings to you---WOW!! He truly works in AMAZING ways!
Hugs, Patti Jo :)
I've been busy all day with meetings and couldn't get over here to respond--please forgive my tardiness!
Rosie, now I've got to look up the meaning for "Medanit" see if hope is wrapped up in there somehow. :o)
Veronica, I already feel so blessed to be able to communicate with this precious little girl and pray for her. I suspect she is going to be a blessing in lots of different directions.
Patti Jo, you are SO right--GOD works in WONDERFUL WAYS.
Blessings to you three lovely ladies who are so faithful to read and respond to my posts. I appreciate you so much!
Rosie, from what I can discover from my search, "Medanit" means "inspirational" or "friendly." I like both of those even if they aren't "hope." :o)
Way to go Kim!
I hope you're still up and have not gone to bed yet!
I was so pleased to read your comment re research on names and that what you discovered was to
your liking..that is wonderful.:0)
I was also trying to find out about the meaning of Medanit's name and I came up with something amazingly interesting. Perhaps you have discovered this on the net too, but in case you haven't... here goes! (and I quote) "Tree found in Ethiopia raises "Hopes" for species."(end of quote)
Apparently the tree known as"Dingategna Medanit" is one of the trees used in herbal medicine. As it seems to be thought to raise "hopes" of species, maybe it could be re named as the "Tree of Life."
To me,your little girl looks the "epitome" of life(if that is the right word to use.. and I use it in the text of the word "represent")
How fantastic would it be, to know her name was used in a life saving drug. eg something similar to digitalis(fox glove)
Just another aspect to the name Medanit, which I thought extremely interesting and God had it right from the word "Go" in creating nature...Life Saving Plants for Mankind.
Do HOPE you can understand my drift! :0)
Rosie, thank you for doing that search! That is awesome and I loved the way you connected the dots back to our Maker. Gave me happy chills. :o) Bless you!
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