Drawn From Water -- Part 1 and Part 2

Peter and I were very excited to go and meet the Jessie and Levi from Drawn From Water while we were in Ethiopia. We had read their entire story and heard so much about them and their work, it was amazing to meet them. We brought some dvds and toys for Jessie and Levi's kids and some presents for the kids in the orphanage. We even got to meet the little boy that Ruthanne sponsors and he is so cute and bring him a special gift from her and the boys.

When we were there they mentioned how much the kids loved the bike they had. We asked if we could get them another bike and both Jessie and Levi were so excited about that. Our great driver took on an adventure to purchase one and we were so excited to bring it back to the kids. We did not even get it out of the car and the kids were climbing on it. Truly, it was so wonderful to share some of the donation money we had received for our travels and see it in "action".

Some of the dry goods in the kitchen.

Love seeing Kosta with Ruthanne's pictures. I am sure they are hanging by his bed now.

The bike coming out of the back of the car, not sure the wheels were on the ground when someone hopped on.

Buying the bike.

The kitchen.

The bathroom.

The girls' beds and notice the sponsor family pictures by their bed.

The injera maker and Peter!

Us and Kosta.

Jessie.

Jessie and Levi's kids so excited to get some new movies.

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We were so excited to share with Harper, EB and Tate all about our journey to Drawn from Water. Harper was very taken with the pictures of all the kids and loved that we had bought them a bike.

For Harper's 10th birthday she wanted a BIG dance party. She was not thinking 10 girls dancing but everyone she knew dancing the night away. We came up with the idea of having people donating food to the food pantry or raising money for Drawn for Water. We got a list from Jessie and Levi about what they needed and how much everything cost. The grand total was $455. We had no idea we would be able to raise that much money and fill a car with food for Saint Francis. We were so excited to watch Harper's face as she counted the money and realized we had gotten $460 and excited their wish list by $5.00.

We cannot wait to see pictures of all the great things the kids are going to be able to get -- from the great kids in LaGrange to the great kids in Ethiopia!

Here is what we wrote for everyone to read:

The kids had popcorn, cotton candy and pizza while they danced and sang on the microphone. My dad manned the cotton candy machine and ended up blue and furry.

All the kids!

Thank you everyone for being so generous to Harper on her birthday, it made it a day she will always remember. We are so proud of her that she choose to make her 10th birthday extra special by thinking of others.

We love you Harper! Happy 10th Birthday!