The rusty old door in the fence was opened by the little girl with huge brown eyes. Maybe it was her warm coat that she wore on this hot day that hid any fears that she might have had. Did she know that her life was about to change forever?
Elshaday is a small six year old girl in the Upper Kindergarten class at the Lifesong School in Ziway, Ethiopia. She has lived with her elderly grandparents ever since she became an orphan at two years old. Her favorite subject is English and she spends much of her free time jump roping.
Her elderly Grandpa’s love for her was evident, but his poor health kept him in a bed or chair. The meager wage her Grandma makes washing clothes by hand and spinning cotton has the family still depending on charity to survive.
The Grandpa begged us to find a home for his granddaughter. He was old, unemployed and felt helpless to care for dear Elshaday. Academically, Elshaday was at the bottom of her class and the Grandpa told us he couldn't teach her things he didn't know himself. He desired his granddaughter to get a good start in life, but he knew he could never provide food, education or health.
Love made a hard decision.
Elshaday has now moved into a forever family with a new Mom and Dad to love, protect and provide for her. She is now living at Samuel’s Home, a vision project by Misgana Ministries, with nine new siblings. Samuel's Home is designed for vulnerable children, like Elshaday, who no longer have family that can care for them. She now has a permanent, Christ-following family and hope springing into her future.
Elshaday...One Changed Life!
"God places the lonely in families..." Psalm 68:6
(Thanks to Ann Meyer, Ethiopia Vision Team Member, for relaying this story)