This last weekend we were so blessed to have a short visit from Almaz, the woman who runs Hannah's Hope Ethiopia. It seemed as if it might not happen even though we had been planning it for quite some time. God gifted us all when He made it possible and though she was only here for less than 48 hours, we made the most of our time together.
Here Almaz is pictured with 13 of the 15 kids that were here for our reunion. For most of these kids, it had been 1 or 2 years since they had last seen her and they all remember the love she showered on them in Ethiopia. I know it was very emotional for her to see the kids that she released so long ago and better yet, to see them all thriving in their new families and country. Over and over again she stated, "Only God could do this."
Here are the mommas of the special bunch of kids. We were surprised and yet blessed that the Morby's travelled all the way from New Hampshire and the Riggs drove all the way up from Oklahoma, for such a short and spontaneous trip. The rest of us Missouri Mommas had it easy in comparison. Of course, we all took turns filling in Almaz on our children and picking her brains about what God continues to do in her life and at Hannah's Hope. We will not forget this weekend!
A special treat for our family was having the Riggs stay at our home. Though we'd met Michelle & Hannah at last year's reunion, we got to meet Abby & Landis this time. It was our own mini-Guatemala reunion over here. Poor Abby http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/ didn't feel great through the weekend and yet she was such a trooper and just the sweetest thing you could imagine. It's both inspiring and heartbreaking to know the difficult road she has been travelling with her Leukemia. Please continue to pray for her and her family.
We had 3 big meals together as a group and filled in the gaps between with lots of laughing, playing and talking. My man marvelled at how we ladies could all talk for two days straight and yet still not run out of things to say. Almaz said that last evening that she wished it would continue on for 3 more days. Men will never understand us...
Not only did God take a humble woman from Ethiopia and call her to make a big difference in the lives of so many children and families, He endeared her to my heart in such a special way. Not only is Almaz my sister in Christ, in so many ways she is like a little sister to me. I have said many prayers on her behalf and I am compelled to continue to lift her up in prayer as I see even deeper into her calling, her heart and her needs. Her road is hard, her heart is big and it is surrendered to His will. ""Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised". Proverbs 31:29-30
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5 comments:
Oh wonderful and beautiful for Almaz to see all the happy children again. She truly is an inspiring lady . I am so thankful all our children had her in their lives :)
Lovely and perfect post!!! But, it does make me a little sad that our next little guy won't have the honor of knowing Almaz's love. But, God is taking care of him now, and we'll be greatly blessed, no matter what road we have to take to get to him. :) I am hoping to see Almaz and HH when we travel back to Eth.!!
Thanks for sharing your great pictures and stories. :)
That is truly one prayed over woman! What a beautiful post, I'm so glad she could visit all the kids. I hope she comes back our direction next year.
Where are we???
What a wonderful post!! And what a wonderful blessing for all of you. We have been looking into AGCI, but it seems a little on the pricey side, not to mention they require an income of $10,000 per person in the family, including any children to be added. They keep sending us pics of children, which tear at my heart, but we'll see--continuing in prayer and waiting on the Lord, His will, and His timing.
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