Saturday, April 19, 2008

Family

This is Alebachew with Jennifer and her amazing family. Alebachew or "Alex" was an employee of our agency. He is an amazing man. He was so easy to love. Jennifer and I had a lot of fun with him.

Alex was always there for us. One of our goals in Ethiopia was to be God's hands and feet. Before we left for Ethiopia our prayer was to be used no matter how big or how small. I raised money to take with us to use for God's plan. Alex gladly and without hesitation took us to see the true realities of the country. I will forever be thankful for his willingness to help. He took us to a village where there was a big church on top of a hill. People hungry for food, thirsty for water, dying of diseases waited outside the gates perishing, clinging on to life. We came across this man. I thought he was dead. His body was lifeless. As I turned away, Alex went over to him and helped him up.

This is Gadese. She is Alex's wife. Throughout our stay in Ethiopia we found out about her. She is an ex Olympic athlete. She was hit by a car and can no longer run. Last year Alex and Gadese were pregnant with their first child. At 8 months she developed pre eclampsia and they lost the baby. They are now pregnant with their second baby and terrified.
After prayer and discussion and with the help of Jennifer and her amazing family Gadese flew home with us. We are humbled that God would chose us to be His hands and feet in this young couples lives.

Last week she had her first visit to an ob/gyn here in America. It was beautiful being with her during the ultrasound. I will never forget the pure joy we felt seeing the heart beating. Even though Gadese and I speak different languages, the language of motherhood is universal.

She is such a strong and courageous woman. I am learning so much from her. Imagine flying across the world with someone you don't know, who doesn't speak your language. Leaving your family, country, the man you love for a chance to give life to your unborn baby. Imagine the strength of her husband to ask a stranger in a different country that speaks a different language to take your wife home for the chance to give life to your unborn baby. Now imagine being the one blessed enough to call this couple your family.

Praise be to God.

Please pray for them.
Pray for strength for both of them during their separation. Please pray for God to open a door to have Alex come to America to be with his wife. Please pray for us as we walk in faith to provide medical care for Gadese and her baby.

23 comments:

Major Mom said...

You are an amazing woman. Amisdt the ache of caring for your new babies you have a heart to care for more people. I truly see Jesus in your family.

Cassie said...

amazing.

Bergmama said...

Thanks for sharing your stories. I look forward to hearing more! We are praying for you all, and I will add Gadese, Alex and their precious baby to my prayer list.

Anonymous said...

What a great story- A friend of ours is adopting from Afica and just got her children's names and pictures and one of them is Gadese. I thought it neat that here was a beautiful lady with that same name. You are such a blessing. Many prayers to you.

Emily said...

Wow you guys are amazing!

Salzwedel Family said...

Amazing! Praying for this family...

Brandi said...

Chills all over. . I love it! God is so good. . I can't wait to see all of the amazing things He is going to teach you through this and show you about Himself! Thanks for being so willing. . .

Love you,
Bran

Brandi said...

Ps: they are a GORGEOUS couple! This baby is going to be rockin' beautiful!

Bran

crispy said...

What a blessing to read something so beautiful. They are a beautiful couple. And I will be praying for your new friend and her baby.

It is great to have you back in blogville. I have eagerly anticipated hearing how God is working in your lives.

Still praying for you my friend.

Mrs. Hammer Time said...

Lifting you all up! What an incredible testimony...

Anonymous said...

How precious. You guys ROCK. I will pray for this woman and her baby.

junglemama said...

These are amazing stories! Much like yours! Thanks for sharing!

amy smith said...

oh steffany. you never cease to amaze me. what a gift you have been given. praying here.

Anonymous said...

Steff,
I love the picture of Alex and Gadese. Hey where are my copies from the trip? Love ya, Jenny

Incognito said...

I have heard so many wonderful things about Gadese. Laura said yesterday that she wanted to bring her home with her and the kids. Lots of prayers for you guys!

Anonymous said...

PS... don't have to post this.... the Burt's Bees was from us. It was supposed to have a gift message. Anyway, just wanted you to know we are celebrating the twins safe arrival home with you. ENJOY!

Danielle said...

Wow! There are no words. God is awesome!!!

Thank you for sharing. I will be praying for Gadese, her husband, and your family.

Blessings,
Danielle

Christin said...

Wow wow wow.

I so agree...the universal language of motherhood can bind any heart together. I was crying just reading it and imagining what I would do to help save the life of my unborn baby.

I know it sounds so trite, but thank you for being such the tangible display of love to her. God's heart is *filled* because of it.

Laura Lu said...

Ah, Gadese, she is the most amazing women!!!! Her quite strength and devotion to the Lord touched my heart deeply. I can not imagine leaving the man that I love for a new country with strangers. I will forever be impacted by this sweet woman of God! I LOVE her!!!!!!

Laura said...

Steff, I hope this finds you with your head above water and your mind on Jesus. I love the pictures of you all in Ethiopia. I love the pictures of Gadese and Alex. We miss you guys and hope that all is well with your soul. Alexandra is reading over my shoulder and says that I don't write with enthusiasm. Picture this: I am standing up with big poster board letters that say WE LOVE ALL OF YOU AND WISH WE LIVED CLOSER SO THAT WE COULD SEE YOU MORE OFTEN! There, how is that? Ha! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Amber G. said...

What an awesome story. I will be praying!
The three months last fall that Ahmad stayed with us were SUCH a blessing. I wasn't sure about it in the beginning because it was so unexpected and because we didn't know him at all... but it was SO obviously the Lord. We would really like to do it again.
Enjoy the time with her! What a blessing all around.

Love,
Amber

Anonymous said...

HI GADESE! I'm so excited you had an ultrasound. I bet that was amazing to see your baby! I'm so glad I got to meet you and spend the little bit of time there with you. I'm praying for you & Alex. P.S. When's the baby due???

Erica said...

Reading back on all of these posts - amazing. God is GOOD! So excited to talk with you.