ZAT Project

So, as you've noticed, we weren't in Addis for a several day jaunt south of the city. We so enjoyed our time with a team from Lifesong for Orphans.

We were invited along and were undeservedly treated like guests of honor. Two of the school sites had a surprise program prepared by parents, school staff and community members in thanks to the many who have sacrificially given (through monthly sponsorship and one time gifts) for their children to go to school.

Lifesong works with orphaned and vulnerable children. The schools in Ziway and Adami Tulu (Zat Project) provide a high quality education and two meals a day.

At one school, the students' drama club put on a short play, starting with two vulnerable children being found, enrolled in school and fed. It was touching to see the children's view on how lives are changed through education.

(Pictures from this post at Ziway Preschool)

Watching morning routine, complete with worship. 

Several weeks ago, we invited a friend for dinner. As he sat on the couch, he told his story. One of his siblings had been sponsored through a sponsorship program. Now, at age 18, this young man points to that program as what God used to bring his entire family through some incredibly difficult years. Through the sponsorship, their family could stay together. 

Sponsoring a child for $19 a month truly changes lives.

 

And a few other fun pics...

Playing "Follow the Leader" tirelessly...

 Where were The Littles during all of this?

They started here...

But warmed up and then...

Relaxed enough to play. :)

and later, at the elementary, while we helped with sponsorship updates...

I could look out for the white scarves and find them being very well-loved.