The smell of the rain, the incense, the coffee, and the diesel fumes are all familiar. They overwhelm my senses in the best way because they ARE Ethiopia. They warm my heart because all of these smells mean I get to spend time with some of my very favorite people. Every second I get to spend with the kids and staff at Bring Love In is so precious. The kids here have become great friends. It makes it hard to say goodbye, but I know that no matter the distance the love we have for each other will not fade.

The kids a part of Bring Love In (elevate orphan) embody the name and mission of this beautiful organization. Their intentionality, joy, laughter, generosity, and pursuit of Jesus are doing exactly that… bringing love in. They teach me how I can be a better listener, friend, sister, daughter, and disciple. When I’m in Ethiopia surrounded by people who emulate Jesus and the redemption that He brings it is easy to be intentional and generous and kind. But the real challenge is carrying these things thousands of miles back home. I pray that leaving Addis, my heart will be changed. That I will not leave what I learned here. Rather that I can love my friends, classmates, coworkers, and even strangers as if they are Christ Himself. I pray I can bring Ethiopia home with me. And I pray that as a church we can deepen our impact here in Ethiopia. That we have hearts of generosity that allow us to further the reach of elevate orphan so that more kids, more orphans, have the opportunity to experience the love of a family like Bring Love In and of a God who has created them perfectly in His image.

Love,
Sara