In my first blog, I had the chance to share the unique story of the Baer family.  Tom, Sally, Wilson (9 years old), Andy (6) and Sophie (5) have been in Ethiopia for a short time now.  Emily (18), will be visiting over the summers and on Christmas break throughout the school year.  In this blog, I wanted you to know about all the great work being done through this wonderful family.

When I spoke with Sally about the vision for what they would be doing in Africa, she described the work as threefold.  1) To support the Gladney Adoption Center by providing training to the caretakers in the foster homes (hygiene, classroom structure, etc.), 2) Organize updates for the families that are adopting from Gladney’s foster homes, and 3) Help both Gladney and Kidmia by providing hospitality for missionaries, preparing for the work to be done by missionaries, and helping with fundraising for Kidmia.

Tom will be gathering supplies for the mission team that will be arriving soon after the Baer’s get settled in Ethiopia.  They will be building playgrounds at the foster homes and at Kidmia.  In the first month or two, they will also be interviewing and hiring a new Director of Kidmia.  One of the greatest challenges they will face is to educate the community about adoption.  Currently, adoption is viewed as slavery by most in Ethiopia and many other parts of Africa. Their desire is to build relationships within the community and instill the Biblical view of adoption in the hearts of individuals.

There are great challenges that lie ahead for Tom and his family.  The language barrier is a more obvious struggle.  They hope to find a language instructor as soon as they can.  Sally has learned that being “present” is of great importance in building into any other life.  There are many distractions to take our focus away.  On a more personal level, Sophie’s biological mom is in Ethiopia.  Tom and Sally are struggling with the decision to invite her into their family’s life or not.

Kidmia has a wonderful vision and mission for helping the orphans and families in Ethiopia.  Many of the necessary steps to make things happen are being put in place by the Baer’s.  This is no small feat.  So, what can we do from the US?  Sally asked that each of us not take prayer lightly.  Often times, we overlook prayer because we think they are receiving enough prayer or that it isn’t physically helping them.  She has personally witnessed how the prayers of others can triumph over the challenges we face. There are also ways you can help through the overflow of God’s provision in your life.  Kidmia has several different ways you can give financially.  Check out the donation section of the website for more information.

joyfully blogging,

tori rubinson