Verne Hill (WBFJ News) - Live from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)
What's on the menu this evening?
Well, we are 'breaking bread' with a promising accountant, an architectural designer, an up and coming environmental engineer, an urban planner and a Doctor of Veterinary medicine.
Our Compassion / Ethiopia team (including Cindy and myself) was treated to a Five-Star meal with five LDP college students. As we dined on lukewarm Sprite, 'buna' (traditional coffee) and 'injera' (or sponge bread), the conversation spiced up with talk of hope, thankfulness and a peaceful cultural revolution all cultivated with compassion for the needy. Compassion International's LDP (or Leadership Development Program) is the next phase - an additional
investment - into a sponsored child as he or she completes High School. Graduates who were previous 'sponsored kids' and show exceptional leadership skills are recruited to participate in Compassion international's latest program. If these future leaders are chosen, they receive a college education, plus further Christian leadership training through Compassion.
I had the pleasure of sitting and chatting with Ms. Menderin Zewde, age 21, who is studying Accounting and Finance at the local University. Menderin loves to crunch the numbers. But says Politics is also on her 'wish list' of things to do after graduation in 2009. She tells me that life has not been easy but through dedication, determination and sponsorship through Compassion's Child Development program...she was at least given a chance. A chance. All because a family in America signed up to be her sponsor through Compassion International. The future definitely seems bright for Menderin and her fellow college mates as they make their mark in Ethiopia...all in the name of Jesus.
-Verne
1 comment:
Hey Verne - Glad to see your trip is going well! Recital preparation is coming along well, too! Spent a great deal of time talking with Paula this evening and, of course, we could hardly pull Cassie and Mariah apart when it was time to go home! Luckily they'll see A LOT of each other over the next few days!
I hope your trip is going well (and that your technical issues get better!). Can't wait to hear all about it and maybe even see pics when you come home! Be safe and we'll see you soon!
Wendy
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