Tuesday, July 28, 2009
ON MY WAY BACK TO ETHIOPIA!!
I can't believe it is really happening?? I am getting ready to go back to Ethiopia to see Solomon again. The Lord has been doing some amazing things to make it clear that this is HIS plan. Please pray for me...I am shaking in my shoes...AGAIN!! It looks like cousin Georgie is joining me to be our photographer and journal the next chapter of this story. We are all praying for the funds to arrive in time for our trip in August. I have learned when the LORD says GO...He provides the funds and usually through the saints! If you are reading this blog and know our story, would you please pray and ask the LORD if HE would have you be a part of this adventure and help financially?? (If so, please leave a comment and I will send our address)Thank you to those of you who have already shared your financial resources with us. I promise you every penny will be invested in Kingdom work for the LORD!! IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!! Stay tuned, Kolfe orphanage here we come again!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Solomon's Letter dated 7/04/09
This letter is in response to my questions to him. I need to know the exact graduation day so I can make my flight arrangements. I asked if there was someplace he wanted to visit while I am there with him. Mr. Brannigan goes to our church, Open Door Baptist Church in Raleigh. He and his family served as missionaries in Ethiopia for 9 years and he now travels back to teach at the Seminary that meets at the International church in Addis Ababa.
Hello My Sweet Mom,
How are you today? I am doing very well. Mom I asked our college director but still they are not set the exact day of our graduation. I don’t know what to do. I told them why I need the exact day but they don’t tell me the exact day. If you want to communicate with my college director here is they email address: - infonetcollege@yahoo.com and the web site www.infonetcollege.com.
Mom I met with Mr. Tom Brannigan. He is really a good person. He invited me to his home and we talk about many things. He asked me my future plan and about my past life. He loves your work very much. Finally he prayed for me, for God to make me a way to come to there and to bless you all for me.
Mom, the pharmacy college I know is very far from Misganaw’s family. But I hope there is also another pharmacy college near to Misganaw’s family house.
Mom, I don’t know where Ethiopian International Church is found.
Mom, I don’t visit any place before so I don’t know what to say mom. I only want to sit with you and look your beautiful face and listen your beautiful words. Until now this is my only wishes. You are my happiness and everything for me. So, if you are with me I have everything.
Mom, I don’t know what to say for everything you are doing for me. How an awesome thing to have you and the rest of my family. I am a lucky person because of God give me you for me. I love you very much you all. Please know that always thinks and praying about you my beloved, sweet and precious mom. You bring me from dead to a good life and give me a future hope. I am a full man because of you. I love you very very, very much. You are my words when I speak and my way when I go to anywhere. I learn form you many good things about God, love and life. Thank you very much for everything.
“(000000000000) Hugs (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) Kisses” with my love.
God Bless You My Sweet Mom!!!!
From Your Son Solomon Mestas,
To my dear Mom. Eileen Mestas.
"HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STEPPING OUT IN FAITH AND CARING FOR AN ORPHAN??"
I pray that reading this blog is blessing you as you have an opportunity to get to know the heart cry of an orphan boy. He needs and wants a family. He needs to know that there is someone in the world that GOD and the LORD JESUS has given HIM to be his family and to help him get established while on this earth. GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO HELP YOU CARE FOR AN ORPHAN... ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH HIM ENOUGH TO TRUST HIM AND STEP OUT IN FAITH???
Feel free to contact me if you would like to pray about it or have any questions?? If God can use Me & JERRY, the messed up Mestas' you have no excuses!!!!
Hello My Sweet Mom,
How are you today? I am doing very well. Mom I asked our college director but still they are not set the exact day of our graduation. I don’t know what to do. I told them why I need the exact day but they don’t tell me the exact day. If you want to communicate with my college director here is they email address: - infonetcollege@yahoo.com and the web site www.infonetcollege.com.
Mom I met with Mr. Tom Brannigan. He is really a good person. He invited me to his home and we talk about many things. He asked me my future plan and about my past life. He loves your work very much. Finally he prayed for me, for God to make me a way to come to there and to bless you all for me.
Mom, the pharmacy college I know is very far from Misganaw’s family. But I hope there is also another pharmacy college near to Misganaw’s family house.
Mom, I don’t know where Ethiopian International Church is found.
Mom, I don’t visit any place before so I don’t know what to say mom. I only want to sit with you and look your beautiful face and listen your beautiful words. Until now this is my only wishes. You are my happiness and everything for me. So, if you are with me I have everything.
Mom, I don’t know what to say for everything you are doing for me. How an awesome thing to have you and the rest of my family. I am a lucky person because of God give me you for me. I love you very much you all. Please know that always thinks and praying about you my beloved, sweet and precious mom. You bring me from dead to a good life and give me a future hope. I am a full man because of you. I love you very very, very much. You are my words when I speak and my way when I go to anywhere. I learn form you many good things about God, love and life. Thank you very much for everything.
“(000000000000) Hugs (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) Kisses” with my love.
God Bless You My Sweet Mom!!!!
From Your Son Solomon Mestas,
To my dear Mom. Eileen Mestas.
"HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STEPPING OUT IN FAITH AND CARING FOR AN ORPHAN??"
I pray that reading this blog is blessing you as you have an opportunity to get to know the heart cry of an orphan boy. He needs and wants a family. He needs to know that there is someone in the world that GOD and the LORD JESUS has given HIM to be his family and to help him get established while on this earth. GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO HELP YOU CARE FOR AN ORPHAN... ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH HIM ENOUGH TO TRUST HIM AND STEP OUT IN FAITH???
Feel free to contact me if you would like to pray about it or have any questions?? If God can use Me & JERRY, the messed up Mestas' you have no excuses!!!!
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said; "ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OFTHE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE."
So I have had another season of being by myself with our 5 littles. Jerry was in CA working for 10 days, Ellie was in Guatemala working an the Aqua Viva orphanage. Then they came home and Ellie left for another week to go to the Precepts Boot Camp in Chatanooga, TN. This is a week long intensive bible study camp run by Kay Arthur and the Precepts Ministries. During this time, I also had my precious grandson Vaden Elliot. So, never in my life have I had 6 children under 6 years old solely depending on me for all their needs to be met. Yes, I was very nervous and asking God; "WHY, Lord, Why are you giving me this responsibility in this season of my life?
I remember when I had only Melissa, one child for seven years and I thought that was a hard job. Of course, I was also working in the corporate world full time, I had a live in Nanny-housekeeper--cook and a gardener who cared for the yard. And I thought life was so hard??? Then I became a stay at home Mom when Jonathan was born. I had a precious little boy who was so easy and I had a 7yr old in private Christian school. Then the Lord gave us Ellie Marie 3 years later and moved us to NC when she was 11 months old. I had Melissa in public school, started homeschooling Jonathan & Ellie, no more housekeeper, cook and gardener and I thought life was hard.
Then the Lord called us out in faith to adopt the twins Jeremiah & James who were 27 week preemies and very, very fragile. When we got home from the NIC unit with them they were hooked up to machines, we were going to Dr.'s at DUKE and in Raleigh every week to find all the "medical issues" they suspected them to have. Due to being preemies and a grade 3 brain bleed at birth,we were expecting sight and hearing loss, Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, etc. So we were on a new journey of Dr.'s visits and keeping them quaranteened for the first year of life. All this while homeschooling BJ and Ellie, keeping house, doing laundry, etc. and I thought life was so hard!
Then the Lord called us out in faith again to go to ETHIOPIA and adopt 3 more precious children under 3 years old. Not only did I always say I never wanted to go to Africa, but now he also took us to visit orphanages and made us SEE the ORPHAN CRISIS and experience HIS HEART AND PLAN FOR OUR LIVES IN A WHOLE NEW WAY!! He gave us the Kolfe boys orphanage, a speaking ministry and our precious SOLOMON TOO!
And I thought life was hard!
NOT ANY MORE!
As I was alone during these last few weeks, I have spent a bit of time praying and asking the Lord a lot of questions. I honestly have been crying out to him for wisdom to understand WHY HE IS DOING ALL OF THESE THINGS IN MY LIFE?? WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME ALONE SO MUCH THIS SUMMER WITH ALL OF THESE KIDS??? THIS IS HARD!
I have been praying that the family wouldn't come home and find me in the closet chattering my teeth!! Or to find the kids in the closet because of the crazy MAMA caring for them?? I want my children to grow up with happy memories! You now they all grow up and they all remember what life was like!! Nothing is hidden, there are no secrets...So, I have been praying for JOY, JOY, JOY; PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE, AND FOR MY SAVIOR TO BE WITH ME EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY TO GUIDE ME AND PROTECT AND TO GIVE US MORE OF HIM!!
As I was looking out my kitchen window, while cleaning up the final meal of the day, all the kids were in bed,and I was just asking HIM to speak to me again to assure me that HE was there and I was in HIS will. And this is what he has whispered in my into my heart through my devotions and reading HIS WORD....
"Eileen, do you love me?? Then feed my sheep! Eileen, do you love me?? Then feed my sheep!! Eileen, do you love me?? Then take care of my sheep!! I gave you these precious children to care for in MY NAME! This is from me, they are MINE!! I have just given you the responsibility to care for their needs, feed them, cloth them, bath them, laugh with them, teach them, love them, discipline them, all in my name! You are my representative...I want them to SEE ME, KNOW ME, and grow to LOVE ME!! This is all about ME not YOU!! You are my servant whom I have entrusted these precious souls to for such a time as this. This is not too hard for you!! I have prepared and equipped you and this is between ME & YOU! I have also given Solomon to you and we are just beginning with him. TRUST ME!! WAIT ON ME! DO NOT BE AFRAID""!
Now I am not claiming to have "arrived" or to have "perfected" anything. But, I have a new understanding and a renewed sense of JOY! I am SERVING MY HEAVENLY FATHER, MY SAVIOR, MY ROCK, MY EVERY REASON FOR LIVING, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, by caring for the precious children HE HAS ENTRUSTED TO ME. This is my calling, this is my gift, this is my blessing and I desire to serve HIM with GRATITUDE AND JOY!
After all, I didn't have to hang on the cross and have nails pierced through my hands and feet with a crown of thorns dug into my head. I did not suffer the beating and ripping off of my flesh, being spit on and ridiculed, stripped naked in front of the multitudes, hated and screamed at by the multitudes of people to be crucified while being innocent of any crime, to sweat drops of blood, to have suffered more than any human being on this earth!! No, my life is not hard!
Then Jesus came to them and said; "ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OFTHE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE."
So I have had another season of being by myself with our 5 littles. Jerry was in CA working for 10 days, Ellie was in Guatemala working an the Aqua Viva orphanage. Then they came home and Ellie left for another week to go to the Precepts Boot Camp in Chatanooga, TN. This is a week long intensive bible study camp run by Kay Arthur and the Precepts Ministries. During this time, I also had my precious grandson Vaden Elliot. So, never in my life have I had 6 children under 6 years old solely depending on me for all their needs to be met. Yes, I was very nervous and asking God; "WHY, Lord, Why are you giving me this responsibility in this season of my life?
I remember when I had only Melissa, one child for seven years and I thought that was a hard job. Of course, I was also working in the corporate world full time, I had a live in Nanny-housekeeper--cook and a gardener who cared for the yard. And I thought life was so hard??? Then I became a stay at home Mom when Jonathan was born. I had a precious little boy who was so easy and I had a 7yr old in private Christian school. Then the Lord gave us Ellie Marie 3 years later and moved us to NC when she was 11 months old. I had Melissa in public school, started homeschooling Jonathan & Ellie, no more housekeeper, cook and gardener and I thought life was hard.
Then the Lord called us out in faith to adopt the twins Jeremiah & James who were 27 week preemies and very, very fragile. When we got home from the NIC unit with them they were hooked up to machines, we were going to Dr.'s at DUKE and in Raleigh every week to find all the "medical issues" they suspected them to have. Due to being preemies and a grade 3 brain bleed at birth,we were expecting sight and hearing loss, Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, etc. So we were on a new journey of Dr.'s visits and keeping them quaranteened for the first year of life. All this while homeschooling BJ and Ellie, keeping house, doing laundry, etc. and I thought life was so hard!
Then the Lord called us out in faith again to go to ETHIOPIA and adopt 3 more precious children under 3 years old. Not only did I always say I never wanted to go to Africa, but now he also took us to visit orphanages and made us SEE the ORPHAN CRISIS and experience HIS HEART AND PLAN FOR OUR LIVES IN A WHOLE NEW WAY!! He gave us the Kolfe boys orphanage, a speaking ministry and our precious SOLOMON TOO!
And I thought life was hard!
NOT ANY MORE!
As I was alone during these last few weeks, I have spent a bit of time praying and asking the Lord a lot of questions. I honestly have been crying out to him for wisdom to understand WHY HE IS DOING ALL OF THESE THINGS IN MY LIFE?? WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME ALONE SO MUCH THIS SUMMER WITH ALL OF THESE KIDS??? THIS IS HARD!
I have been praying that the family wouldn't come home and find me in the closet chattering my teeth!! Or to find the kids in the closet because of the crazy MAMA caring for them?? I want my children to grow up with happy memories! You now they all grow up and they all remember what life was like!! Nothing is hidden, there are no secrets...So, I have been praying for JOY, JOY, JOY; PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE, AND FOR MY SAVIOR TO BE WITH ME EVERY SECOND OF THE DAY TO GUIDE ME AND PROTECT AND TO GIVE US MORE OF HIM!!
As I was looking out my kitchen window, while cleaning up the final meal of the day, all the kids were in bed,and I was just asking HIM to speak to me again to assure me that HE was there and I was in HIS will. And this is what he has whispered in my into my heart through my devotions and reading HIS WORD....
"Eileen, do you love me?? Then feed my sheep! Eileen, do you love me?? Then feed my sheep!! Eileen, do you love me?? Then take care of my sheep!! I gave you these precious children to care for in MY NAME! This is from me, they are MINE!! I have just given you the responsibility to care for their needs, feed them, cloth them, bath them, laugh with them, teach them, love them, discipline them, all in my name! You are my representative...I want them to SEE ME, KNOW ME, and grow to LOVE ME!! This is all about ME not YOU!! You are my servant whom I have entrusted these precious souls to for such a time as this. This is not too hard for you!! I have prepared and equipped you and this is between ME & YOU! I have also given Solomon to you and we are just beginning with him. TRUST ME!! WAIT ON ME! DO NOT BE AFRAID""!
Now I am not claiming to have "arrived" or to have "perfected" anything. But, I have a new understanding and a renewed sense of JOY! I am SERVING MY HEAVENLY FATHER, MY SAVIOR, MY ROCK, MY EVERY REASON FOR LIVING, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, by caring for the precious children HE HAS ENTRUSTED TO ME. This is my calling, this is my gift, this is my blessing and I desire to serve HIM with GRATITUDE AND JOY!
After all, I didn't have to hang on the cross and have nails pierced through my hands and feet with a crown of thorns dug into my head. I did not suffer the beating and ripping off of my flesh, being spit on and ridiculed, stripped naked in front of the multitudes, hated and screamed at by the multitudes of people to be crucified while being innocent of any crime, to sweat drops of blood, to have suffered more than any human being on this earth!! No, my life is not hard!
Solomon's Letter dated 6/26/09
Hello mom,
How are you? I’m doing well. I met to day with one of your friend Sarah Herbert. I spent with her an awesome moment. She told me about you and bible any things. She also took a picture of me and Habtammu. She is such a fantastic woman.
Mom I know I am late to say this but I want to say for Jonathan congratulation. I am proud of him. I believe that he will be a hard worker by the way he graduated. I pray for him God to give a job soon. Mom, how is Ellie? I can’t hear from her for a long time. Is she ok? I pray and think of you everyday. I think and dream about you day and night. My mind, hearts are there only my body is here. I don’t know how I bring my body there too. Because I don’t want to live with out you. I love you. You are my everything. The only person that I telling my everything with out hiding anything’s. You know about me more than me and other people. The reason is only one because of you are my beloved, sweet and precious mom.
Mom, I am study now. I will finish class on the end of July. In June I will take final exam so, I’m preparing my self for the final exam to score good marks. I love you and miss you very much. I can’t wait up to see you, hug and kiss you. God bless you.
Everything is ready for my graduation. I only waiting you eagerly my beloved and sweet Mom.
I LOVE YOU
Your son Solomon Mestas,
To my dear Mom!!!
I am in absolute awe of how the LORD is sending so many people to visit our Solomon and the Kolfe orphanage. Sarah is the daughter of one of my very, very best friends, in fact, my homeschool mentor, Beth Herbert. Sarah has organized 2 fund raisers for Kolfe at Appalacian State over the last 1.5 years and little did she know the Lord had plans to actually take her there!!! She has spent the month of June in Ethiopia working with the Cherokee Gives Back organization. She spent the month working in the Kechene orphanage school. She actually got to go visit my Solomon & Habtamu and give them hugs for me!! This is just too amazing for me to comprehend! God is so good!!
How are you? I’m doing well. I met to day with one of your friend Sarah Herbert. I spent with her an awesome moment. She told me about you and bible any things. She also took a picture of me and Habtammu. She is such a fantastic woman.
Mom I know I am late to say this but I want to say for Jonathan congratulation. I am proud of him. I believe that he will be a hard worker by the way he graduated. I pray for him God to give a job soon. Mom, how is Ellie? I can’t hear from her for a long time. Is she ok? I pray and think of you everyday. I think and dream about you day and night. My mind, hearts are there only my body is here. I don’t know how I bring my body there too. Because I don’t want to live with out you. I love you. You are my everything. The only person that I telling my everything with out hiding anything’s. You know about me more than me and other people. The reason is only one because of you are my beloved, sweet and precious mom.
Mom, I am study now. I will finish class on the end of July. In June I will take final exam so, I’m preparing my self for the final exam to score good marks. I love you and miss you very much. I can’t wait up to see you, hug and kiss you. God bless you.
Everything is ready for my graduation. I only waiting you eagerly my beloved and sweet Mom.
I LOVE YOU
Your son Solomon Mestas,
To my dear Mom!!!
I am in absolute awe of how the LORD is sending so many people to visit our Solomon and the Kolfe orphanage. Sarah is the daughter of one of my very, very best friends, in fact, my homeschool mentor, Beth Herbert. Sarah has organized 2 fund raisers for Kolfe at Appalacian State over the last 1.5 years and little did she know the Lord had plans to actually take her there!!! She has spent the month of June in Ethiopia working with the Cherokee Gives Back organization. She spent the month working in the Kechene orphanage school. She actually got to go visit my Solomon & Habtamu and give them hugs for me!! This is just too amazing for me to comprehend! God is so good!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What A Life!
So, want to know why I haven't been posting so much on our blog?? My life is so busy I just can't squeeze it all in. Something had to go and so I took a break from blogging. Here is just a few things that have been consuming me lately.
I am a grandma again!! Cana Naomi Pearce was born on June 12, 2009. I had the awesome privilege of watching her come into to this world and praying over her as she entered. Melissa & Randy & Vaden are doing great and GOD IS SO GOOD!!
Eph. 3:16-21
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Jonathan graduated from the Wake Forest Fire Academy and is now a FIRE FIGHTER!
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like the arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127
He asked me to pin his badge on at the graduation ceremony. What a privilege and honor! Jerry and I are SO PROUD OF HIM!
Grama is so PROUD of him too. My brother Chuck and nephew Gary who are also fire fighters drove up from Florida to surprise him by attending his graduation. When his name was called to go to the stage for his badge presentation, they both stood up (in their uniforms) and he saw them for the first time. His face said it all...he was shocked to see them there! Three Firefighters in our family now!
Ethiopia In August??
However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
Well, it looks like I am on my way to Ethiopia the end of August. Solomon is graduating and has asked that I come to be there with him for this important day in his life. As I, we have been praying about this, the Lord has shared his heart with us in another interesting way.
Our Ellie just spent a week in Guatemala at the Aqua Viva orphanage. She went with some friends of ours, Don Albright & family, who have been serving there for over 10 years now. Our daughter Melissa went with them when she was 16 yrs old....10 years ago!How time flies!! Anyway, Ellie just got home Friday night and shared this story of two testimonies that were shared with her there.
Eduardo, who is the pastor at Agua Viva was raised there himself. He was brought there when he was a baby and grew up not knowing who his parents were. Through the sponsorship program , his sponsor who is from Memphis, TN wrote him letters all the time and was his spiritual mentor. He says he does not know what he would have done without her in his life and that having someone who cared about him and encouraged him is what helped him get through life as an orphan. Her influence in his life is what made him want to become a pastor. He is now going to seminary in Memphis, the town where his sponsor lives, within the next year.
There was another child there who just graduate highschool from the Agua Viva school and his sponsor was able to fly to Guatemala for the graduation. The orphanage director was talking about how special it was to have the child's sponsor there and how a lot of the kids would have no family at the graduation. This sponsor not only supported this child for years, but even went so far as to show up for his graduation which the entire orphanage was so excited about and it meant the world to them all.
None of these people knew about our situation with Solomon. But the Lord knows we have been praying for wisdom on when I am to go visit with him. Ellie came home and said; "MOM, YOU HAVE TO GO TO ETHIOPIA FOR SOLOMON'S GRADUATION!" So, all this to say, we believe it is very important to be there for Solomon! The Lord is the one who brought us together for such a time as this and we are trusting that this is HIS WILL.
So, now it's time to make the plans. I just found out I can stay at the Cherokee House, they have vacancies and Solomon can stay with me!! And it is only $100.00 for the week. I have to pay for Solomon too so it's $200.00 for accommodations!! What an answer to prayer. I might be able to use a voucher from Ellie's travels for my flight to D.C. I have $1500 towards my ET flight from the generous gifts from the saints who sent support when I thought I was going in April. So, as you can see, it looks like things are working out this time. I need about another $1000 for the trip and then I'm on my way.
I would love for someone to come with me to help document with video and photos. I will not only be attending his graduation, but will be meeting with Misganaw's family, who has said they will take him in to live with them. I am also going to be checking into a school for Pharmacy Tech. that he is interested in attending and setting up a bank account, etc. We are going to find out how much it will cost for the school, his room and board with this family etc. and then figure out how we can send the money to help him. I am just absolutely amazed at what is happening now.
When we traveled to Ethiopia in November '07 to pick up our precious 3 babies, I honestly thought that was it. I would just come home and focus on them. The Lord has obviously had other plans all along!! We are on the next chapter of this adventure and would greatly appreciate your prayers!!!
To those of you who communicated that you would like to help support Solomon, stay tuned as we will find out the details soon. Also, Habtamu is doing well and passed the National exam which means he will be going on to University for 2-3 years. He also needs some financial support. While Jerry and I have been doing our best to send money to them, anyone who is interested in helping would be greatly appreciated. These guys are so grateful and hard working young men who are seeking after God to fulfill His plan and purpose for their lives. WE NEED TO BE THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS TO HELP THEM. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read this blog and to pray for the orphans in Ethiopia. Stay tuned!!
1 Corinthians 2:9
Well, it looks like I am on my way to Ethiopia the end of August. Solomon is graduating and has asked that I come to be there with him for this important day in his life. As I, we have been praying about this, the Lord has shared his heart with us in another interesting way.
Our Ellie just spent a week in Guatemala at the Aqua Viva orphanage. She went with some friends of ours, Don Albright & family, who have been serving there for over 10 years now. Our daughter Melissa went with them when she was 16 yrs old....10 years ago!How time flies!! Anyway, Ellie just got home Friday night and shared this story of two testimonies that were shared with her there.
Eduardo, who is the pastor at Agua Viva was raised there himself. He was brought there when he was a baby and grew up not knowing who his parents were. Through the sponsorship program , his sponsor who is from Memphis, TN wrote him letters all the time and was his spiritual mentor. He says he does not know what he would have done without her in his life and that having someone who cared about him and encouraged him is what helped him get through life as an orphan. Her influence in his life is what made him want to become a pastor. He is now going to seminary in Memphis, the town where his sponsor lives, within the next year.
There was another child there who just graduate highschool from the Agua Viva school and his sponsor was able to fly to Guatemala for the graduation. The orphanage director was talking about how special it was to have the child's sponsor there and how a lot of the kids would have no family at the graduation. This sponsor not only supported this child for years, but even went so far as to show up for his graduation which the entire orphanage was so excited about and it meant the world to them all.
None of these people knew about our situation with Solomon. But the Lord knows we have been praying for wisdom on when I am to go visit with him. Ellie came home and said; "MOM, YOU HAVE TO GO TO ETHIOPIA FOR SOLOMON'S GRADUATION!" So, all this to say, we believe it is very important to be there for Solomon! The Lord is the one who brought us together for such a time as this and we are trusting that this is HIS WILL.
So, now it's time to make the plans. I just found out I can stay at the Cherokee House, they have vacancies and Solomon can stay with me!! And it is only $100.00 for the week. I have to pay for Solomon too so it's $200.00 for accommodations!! What an answer to prayer. I might be able to use a voucher from Ellie's travels for my flight to D.C. I have $1500 towards my ET flight from the generous gifts from the saints who sent support when I thought I was going in April. So, as you can see, it looks like things are working out this time. I need about another $1000 for the trip and then I'm on my way.
I would love for someone to come with me to help document with video and photos. I will not only be attending his graduation, but will be meeting with Misganaw's family, who has said they will take him in to live with them. I am also going to be checking into a school for Pharmacy Tech. that he is interested in attending and setting up a bank account, etc. We are going to find out how much it will cost for the school, his room and board with this family etc. and then figure out how we can send the money to help him. I am just absolutely amazed at what is happening now.
When we traveled to Ethiopia in November '07 to pick up our precious 3 babies, I honestly thought that was it. I would just come home and focus on them. The Lord has obviously had other plans all along!! We are on the next chapter of this adventure and would greatly appreciate your prayers!!!
To those of you who communicated that you would like to help support Solomon, stay tuned as we will find out the details soon. Also, Habtamu is doing well and passed the National exam which means he will be going on to University for 2-3 years. He also needs some financial support. While Jerry and I have been doing our best to send money to them, anyone who is interested in helping would be greatly appreciated. These guys are so grateful and hard working young men who are seeking after God to fulfill His plan and purpose for their lives. WE NEED TO BE THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS TO HELP THEM. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read this blog and to pray for the orphans in Ethiopia. Stay tuned!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Solomon's Letter May 22, 2009
I have been praying for the Lord to show me what we are supposed to do about Solomon for a year and a half now. All the doors for the exchange student program have closed. I am praying about wisdom on when to go visit him again. All the previous opportunities have been closed. So, I sit and wait on the Lord to show me HIS WILL. I have been amazed at the way the Lord is introducing us to Ethiopian people and possibly opening some doors. My prayer is that we can get Solomon to come live with us some day. He just turned 18 years old so he is no longer a minor. Now, we have to see how to proceed. I am at a total loss. Here are his latest letters. We correspond regularly and I have been sending packages to him through the wonderful families who have been traveling to get their newly adopted children in Ethiopia. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN BLESSING US IN THIS WAY!!
As you will read, Solomon is about to be released from KOLFE and has absolutely NO ONE AND NO PLACE TO GO!!! Please join me in prayer asking the LORD FOR HIS MIRACLE OF PROVISION FOR OUR PRECIOUS SON. If any of you are going to Ethiopia soon, maybe you can visit him for me too??
Hello my precious mom,
How are you today? I know that you are finding many ways to bring me there. I hope God will show us the way soon. Because he meets us also he will prepare the way how to live together. I don’t want to live with out you. You are my voice when I could not speak, you are my eyes when I could not see, you are everything for me. More people live with me but I feel lonely. I need you and miss you very much. You are the only person that makes me happy. You are need for me very much for my life. It is very hard for me to live with out you. I am equal with others people now because of you. I thank God because of he gave me you for me.
Mom, Kolfe’s plan is to decrease the number of boys. So, if we are finished school they immediately gives 4000 birr.( approx. $380.) and let us go from here. After that Kolfe is not responsible for us. More boys are faced money problems when they out from Kolfe. Many of them are smoking, drug, thieves and they do many bad things. There home is street. Because of inflation 4000 birr doesn’t do anything. I don’t want to live these kinds of life when I leave from Kolfe. What do you think mom? I have 4 or 5 months to stay kolfe. I don’t know where to go and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know any person with out you. Only God and you are my hope.
Mom Kolfe address is as follows:-
Kolfe Wetatoch Kebkaba Makuakuamiya Tekuam
Kebele 19/20
Addis Ketema Kefle Ketema
House Nomber 575
Phone Nomber 011-2-13-55-60
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mom I know that you are very busy by caring for the babies and finding a way to bring me there. Also I know that you are thinking about me every second. I also think about you every second. I love you very much. If you want to send for me something send for me things that are necessary for my graduation. Example suit. Here is very expensive. Last quality price is 700 birr. So I can’t afford it. Mom I love you and miss you very much. Day and night I think about you. Say all my family hi and I love and miss them very much.
Your beloved son Solomon Mestas
To my dear and sweetest mom Eileen Mestas.
God bless you all!!!
Letter Dated 6/1/09
I sent the money for his suit with the Albright family who just got home with their beautiful baby girl. I found out he will be graduating from school in August and so now I am praying for the Lord to allow me to be with him at his graduation. So, now it looks like I may be going in August!!!! Please join me in prayer!!!! I have half of the money so far and my family will need help caring for the 5 littles in order for me to go. LORD HELP US BE THERE FOR SOLOMON AND PROVIDE A HOME FOR HIM.
Hello Mom,
How are you today? I hope everything is well with you. Thank you for the money. Mom it is an exciting thing for me to celebrate my graduation with you. I pray to God to happen this thing. I need it very much to celebrate with you. I was worried about this because all students will come with their parents but for me no one. So if you are with me, I am equal with others students. Please mom, I need very much to happen this. I pray to God for this day and night. I asked my college the day we graduates but the college told me that only the month. It is in august but the day not set specifically yet. I will tell you when they tell us the specific day but last year our college graduated students in August 27.
Thank you for send for me more emails to get for me peoples to help us. I know that you are thinking and finding a way for me. I proud of you. I love you very much. Thank you for everything. God bless you all.
Your son Solomon Bekele.
To My dear Mom Eileen Mestas.
As you will read, Solomon is about to be released from KOLFE and has absolutely NO ONE AND NO PLACE TO GO!!! Please join me in prayer asking the LORD FOR HIS MIRACLE OF PROVISION FOR OUR PRECIOUS SON. If any of you are going to Ethiopia soon, maybe you can visit him for me too??
Hello my precious mom,
How are you today? I know that you are finding many ways to bring me there. I hope God will show us the way soon. Because he meets us also he will prepare the way how to live together. I don’t want to live with out you. You are my voice when I could not speak, you are my eyes when I could not see, you are everything for me. More people live with me but I feel lonely. I need you and miss you very much. You are the only person that makes me happy. You are need for me very much for my life. It is very hard for me to live with out you. I am equal with others people now because of you. I thank God because of he gave me you for me.
Mom, Kolfe’s plan is to decrease the number of boys. So, if we are finished school they immediately gives 4000 birr.( approx. $380.) and let us go from here. After that Kolfe is not responsible for us. More boys are faced money problems when they out from Kolfe. Many of them are smoking, drug, thieves and they do many bad things. There home is street. Because of inflation 4000 birr doesn’t do anything. I don’t want to live these kinds of life when I leave from Kolfe. What do you think mom? I have 4 or 5 months to stay kolfe. I don’t know where to go and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know any person with out you. Only God and you are my hope.
Mom Kolfe address is as follows:-
Kolfe Wetatoch Kebkaba Makuakuamiya Tekuam
Kebele 19/20
Addis Ketema Kefle Ketema
House Nomber 575
Phone Nomber 011-2-13-55-60
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Mom I know that you are very busy by caring for the babies and finding a way to bring me there. Also I know that you are thinking about me every second. I also think about you every second. I love you very much. If you want to send for me something send for me things that are necessary for my graduation. Example suit. Here is very expensive. Last quality price is 700 birr. So I can’t afford it. Mom I love you and miss you very much. Day and night I think about you. Say all my family hi and I love and miss them very much.
Your beloved son Solomon Mestas
To my dear and sweetest mom Eileen Mestas.
God bless you all!!!
Letter Dated 6/1/09
I sent the money for his suit with the Albright family who just got home with their beautiful baby girl. I found out he will be graduating from school in August and so now I am praying for the Lord to allow me to be with him at his graduation. So, now it looks like I may be going in August!!!! Please join me in prayer!!!! I have half of the money so far and my family will need help caring for the 5 littles in order for me to go. LORD HELP US BE THERE FOR SOLOMON AND PROVIDE A HOME FOR HIM.
Hello Mom,
How are you today? I hope everything is well with you. Thank you for the money. Mom it is an exciting thing for me to celebrate my graduation with you. I pray to God to happen this thing. I need it very much to celebrate with you. I was worried about this because all students will come with their parents but for me no one. So if you are with me, I am equal with others students. Please mom, I need very much to happen this. I pray to God for this day and night. I asked my college the day we graduates but the college told me that only the month. It is in august but the day not set specifically yet. I will tell you when they tell us the specific day but last year our college graduated students in August 27.
Thank you for send for me more emails to get for me peoples to help us. I know that you are thinking and finding a way for me. I proud of you. I love you very much. Thank you for everything. God bless you all.
Your son Solomon Bekele.
To My dear Mom Eileen Mestas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)