Easter In Ethiopia!
Yes, Ethiopia celebrated the beginning of the New Year of 2014 in September. Ethiopia is one of the few countries in the world with its own calendar, using the Gregorian calendar rather than the Julian calendar that we follow in the Western world. They are 7 years and 8 months behind the Western calendar. Enkutatash means the gifts of jewels because it is believed that on this date the Queen of Sheba returned from her visit to Solomon with a gift of many jewels. The yellow flowers are a traditional part of the celebration.
In my last newsletter I mentioned that Mossy Foot International was chosen as the top NGO out of 57 in the Wolaita Zone. Now Mossy Foot has been chosen as one of two NGOs at a Federal level under the Consortium of Christian Relief and Development Association to represent Ethiopia Civil Societies Health Forum. This is quite an honor!
Also, I told you about the grant that allowed us to buy chickens for seven of the poorest children at each of our 16 clinics in order to be a source of income and sustainable food. This has been very successful and we want to continue to help our Mossy Foot families in this way.
One way that you can be a part of this is to participate in our Annual Gift Catalog. You can purchase chickens, goats, or a cow as well as other helpful choices. It’s a wonderful way to recognize someone with a meaningful gift in their honor.
The following pictures show some of the families that have received the gift of an animal through the generosity of friends like you and how it impacted their lives.
Abebech Herano, a patient at the Gununo Clinic, received several chickens.
She has been selling eggs and buying food and school supplies for her children.
Almaz Anjulo, a patient at the Bombe Clinic, lost her husband 20 years ago. Her goats had babies and supply lots of milk to help her children.
Telgeme Teka, a patient at the Shanto Clinic, is also successful raising goats. She and her three children were so grateful!
Over the course of the months of the Pandemic, I know all of us have experienced loss, whether through sickness and death, or isolation, or physical hardship. Thank you for your willingness to continue supporting our work in Ethiopia. May the Lord multiply back to you many times every kindness you show to others.
Mossy Foot Project President