We are grateful for YOU because without your partnership, we would not be able to treat and rehabilitate our patients or share the good news of Jesus with them.
I am excited to let you know about my upcoming trip to Ethiopia from May 31st through July 2nd. Over three years have passed since I was able to walk the familiar streets of Soddo (pictured above). What a joy it will be to reunite with our staff, who are like family to me. Also, I look forward to visiting our 16 clinics and being able to talk with, hug, and encourage the patients who have been outcasts in their communities. You would love to see the smiles that light up their faces! I will be sure to capture some of these moments in videos I can share. Additionally, Zebdewos, our Executive Director, and I will be making necessary visits to government offices.
Last month a medical team from Germany returned for additional training with our staff on lymphatic massage, drainage, and bandaging. Zebdewos brought all the clinic workers to our headquarters for training and all the headquarters staff received the training as well.
This young man came in with an exceptionally severe case of mossy foot disease looking for help and treatment.
The medical team from Germany was able to gain practical treatment skills by working with our patients.
These past two weeks our staff visited all of our clinics to distribute self-help loans among recovering patients to support the setup of small businesses. Those who receive the loans have a year to repay them, with the first month being orientation and the last month an evaluation.
During each of the ten active months, they repay a tenth of their loan from their small business profits. If one member of the group falls behind, the others help to support them. If they do well in the first year, they can apply for another loan. Many of their businesses consist of buying and selling in the market. This work enables them to feed their families and send their children to school.
This patient will be able to send her children to school through business profits.
These joyful smiles reflect the hope an investment in their future brings.
Thank you for your continued support for this work. I look forward to sharing about my time in Ethiopia in our next newsletter.
Wishing you much joy and blessings,
Mossy Foot Project President