We hope and pray that you are all doing well. It is hard to believe it has been a month since Zewdu and I came back to the States.  Zewdu went back to work right away and I would like to share with you what I have been doing since our return from Addis. But before I explain to you what I have been up to, I want to let each one of know how much we (especially me) appreciated that  you took time out of your busy schedule to come and participate at the initial meeting we had while we were in Addis.  I would like to let you know how I was deeply touched by the support you showed towards me and the call I felt God has placed on my heart  even though my vision was “fuzzy” and unclear at that time. Guess what?!  The vision actually became clear to Zewdu and me the next day!

 Samuel Hailu, who was present at our meeting, had arranged for us to a tour a school that was started by a Christian couple in Addis to give us an idea of what we can do and to clarify our vision. Zewdu and I were uplifted and amazed by what a dedicated couple with determination, hard work, and a lot of faith in God have been able to accomplish. The school is totally supported by donations from individuals and local businesses. Ato Mengesha G/Yes and Wizero Frehiwot Gugssa  have dedicated their lives to educating the poor children in their area for over 10 years. They have expanded their school to 8th grade and the school has been consistently ranked highly when compared to  other private schools. We highly recommend that each one of  you to go and visit this school and to learn about the work this couple are doing as well as how to get involved with their amazing work.  I am sure Samuel will be happy to arrange a tour for you since he is deeply involved with his position on the Board of Directors at the school. Sammy, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and to let you know how much Zewdu and I appreciated the sacrifice you made out of your busy life to take us on the tour of this school. You were instrumental in opening our eyes to what could be possible. God bless you!

 The tour really illuminated the need toprovide quality education to vulnerable children and the endless possibilities these children can accomplish if given the opportunity. It became clear to Zewdu and me that we need to put all our effort into starting a school  starting with a kindergarten class and adding a new class each subsequent year.So here is our mission statement,to provide a well–rounded, quality education to needy children to empower them to lead and transform their communities.

 The vision is to provide the following opportunities to the students:-

 a)   Provide quality education

b)   Offer enrichment activities with a library and access to technology.

c)   Ensure that students receive adequate nutritious meals (at least two a day),uniforms,shoes, school supplies, as well as regular dental and medical check ups. The students will also be given opportunities to explore their talents in music, sports, and other extracurricular activities. As we expand the grades, we will also have skills training classes woodworking, cooking, and managingpersonal finances.

d)    Encourage students at an early age to do service learningby being involved in cleaning their neighborhood, picking up trash,  cultivating a garden, peer tutoring,and mentoring.

 I am sure you remember meeting Ato Jima, our lawyer, who has graciously has agreed to assist us in forming an NGO in Ethiopia.  However, I still need to start an NGO in the State in order to be able to fund raise and for donors to get tax deduction on their contribution to the NGO. Sincereturning from Addis, I have been busy researching on how NGO’s work, and what I need to do to get a tax exempt status as a 501(c )(3). Please pray that God would send people who will assist me in this process and that I stay focused and not become discouraged by the daunting task at hand. I would also appreciate your input, such as any comments and suggestions about the mission and vision statement or any other advice you may have for me. After we receive the tax exempt status here in the US and we are granted an NGO title in Ethiopia and in the US, we will explore a location for our school . The first school will probably be somewhere in Addis with hopes of expanding to other cities as the Lord wills.

 As you well know, the need in Ethiopia is great. The thought of us trying to make a difference in our country seems a laughable and an almost impossible task, but we have a BIG God who is able to do beyond what we think or imagine if we allow him to use us. I want to be like the couple I mentioned above, to be first to surrender all that I am and all that I have in order to change the life of one child. Who knows, that one child might grow up to be a leader as the example shared with us, by Dr. Aberra Getahun, about the life of General Taye Tilahun whose life was changed by the education provided to him by a missionary. We hope each one of youwho were at the meeting will see the vision of what Zewdu and I are trying to do. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will support us in making our vision become a reality by willingly sharing your professionalskills, lessons you learned from your life, as well as the gifts and talents that God has given you. As the old saying goes, “hamesa lome leand sew shekmu, le hamesa sew getu”. Let us come together in rebuilding our nation one child at a time because it is “better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

 Be blessed and please keep in touch.

 With Best Regards,

 Zewdu and Makeda Nehemiah 1:17 “…Come, let us rebuild…”