We didn't choose Burayu...Burayu chose us!

    In October 2013, we ventured to Ethiopia with Children's HopeChest) (CHC) on a Vision Trip in search of a community with which to partner.  Knowing that we were going to be establishing a link to many adoptive families that travel in-country to complete their adoption, we thought we would select a community in the south near Awasa.  Many Adoption Associates familes travel south  to get a good perspective of more rural life in the country.  The southern area seemed like a natural fit.
    We visited multiple CarePoints in the south that still continue to warm my heart, make me smile, and even leave me thirsting for partners for them.  The smiles of the children, their songs, their hospitality and generosity was overwhelming and most certainly humbling.  As we headed back north, we knew it would be a difficult decision, picking the community there that would fit the gifts and talents of our community here, back in the States.  We had one more site to visit back near the capital of Addis Ababa before hoping a long plane ride home.  Burayu took us by surprise.
   Burayu wasn't the rural poverty with poor farmers able to provide food to the community just 4 months out of the year.  It wasn't the urban street poverty we see where children are begging or women are asking for food while trying to breastfeed the crying baby.  They didn't come with a large ceremony for us.  They were simple; and their lives spoke volumes.
    Burayu is a community of people off the beaten path, urban poverty.  The community that ensues behind the scenes of the bustling city life was unlike that of the capital or the countryside.  It was a lot of men, women and children living together, concentrating on survival, with no place to work the land for crops and currently few opportunities to invest in education or industry. God has called us to share the story of Burayu and Ethiopia with you.  There is so much more to come...and we don't even know what all that is yet!

 Thank you joining us in the developing story of Burayu, Ethiopia.  We can't wait to share more stories, updates, perspectives and lessons we are learning with you.  Come back regularly for updates!