One of my best friends just landed during the night in the beautiful country of Ethiopia. She is traveling with Kelly Putty and the Ordinary Hero group on a mission trip to visit and advocate for orphans who don't yet have families. Most of you know, it was while listening to Kelly Putty's testimony and the mission of the Ordinary Hero Foundation that God spoke to us about adoption so this ministry holds a special place in our hearts.
While checking facebook for thier current status this morning I learned a few astounding numbers about their trip so far. There are 28 people going on the mission trip and they each brought around 100 lbs of donations with them (max allowable to check at the airport). They each carried their personal belongings as carry on baggage so that all their checked luggage could be things they could give to the children (toothbrushes, toys, clothes, etc). They had over 1300 lbs of donations! Wow - so awesome!
The next astounding number is that from Nashville to Ethiopia, they traveled nearly 7700 miles by plane! About a 16 hr flight. That's a lot of peanuts:-) Then after this long flight, they were held up at security for another 5 hours while all 1300 lbs. of donations were inspected. I bet that made for some crankiness :-)
We had hoped that Kelley would be able to visit our girls (and there still is a slim chance) but so far the itenerary doesn't include a visit to their orphanage. The main reason is their orphanage is a few hours away from where they are staying and all the children there have been matched with families already. OH's main mission is to visit and advocate for those kids who don't yet have families. We sent a few presents with Kelley just in case she gets to see them. We hope that it works out but totally understand if it doesn't. We would never want to take time away from them visiting with other kids and taking photos and information to bring back to the US so that other families might find their children.
Thank you Kelley and other OH travelers for giving your money and time so unselfishly to put action to God's work. Thank you for sitting on a plane for 7700 miles and 16 hours and for sitting in security for 5 hours and lugging around hundreds of pounds of stuff for these precious little kids. And that's just the first day :-) I know you will bless and be blessed for what you are doing. God is good. Here's a little quote that Kelley had on her blog (mytwosons-kelley.blogspot.com for those of you who want to visit it) and I cried when I read it because it is SO true. "It has been an absolute privilege for me to watch the hands and the feet come together and join with me on this trip. A trip that was born of a love for people that I don't even know. I asked Him to break my heart for what breaks His. And He has (or at least He has begun to.....I have this sneaky feeling that this is only the beginning)." I love you my sweet friend. Godspeed.
Blessings,
Valerie
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