Ethiopia
Ethiopia Mission 2021 – Dayna’s iCare Foundation planned 2 mission trips to Ethiopia that were canceled due to the pandemic. However, on October 31, 2021, a two member DIF team traveled to Addis Ababa and Burayu, a sub city of Ethiopia, on the continent of Africa to provide the assistance DIF committed to for the past 2 years. The trip was simply amazing! The people of Ethiopia were beautiful, warm and kind. The goal of the mission was to provide support to the children of Maranatha Church of God in Christ, along with other churches in that local district and vicinity. Pastor Eyasu (Joshua) Buta, of Maranatha Church of God in Christ, was the host. The DIF team ministered and provided food for families in that area.
The team also made another important pre-arranged visit and connection during the mission. They visited Hope for the Fatherless in Addis Ababa. Hope for the Fatherless is a wonderful non profit organization whose mission is to support the many orphans in Ethiopia, especially in the area of Addis Ababa. The team brought many items for the children, such as: clothes, shoes, sneakers, toiletries, hair supplies, personal hygiene kits, barber kits (that included clippers, outliners, capes, scissors, combs, and more), and a sewing machine. The DIF team also left funds for the purchase of material and thread so the young people would be able to begin making clothing. Everyone was welcoming and appreciative of what DIF was able to provide.
Additionally, the team met with the founder of the organization who discussed the work they are currently doing and their goals for the future. They shared their plans to expand the orphanage so they are able to provide not only more safe homes for the children and academic support, but also vocational training. The DIF team and Hope for the Fatherless team discussed a possible future trip that would include DIF bringing along a seamstress and barber to provide a week of training for the older teens, to assist them in acquiring skills to help them to become self-sufficient.
During the mission the DIF team was made aware of a threat reported on CNN about a possible conflict in Addis Ababa. It was also reported that US Citizens were advised to leave the country. The team was abreast of the situation, inquired about the threat, and took necessary safety precautions. At no time during this mission were they in danger, nor did they see or experience anything but a peaceful environment. As a foundation, we give God all the glory and honor for his divine protection during this mission and we are thankful for the concern expressed, prayers and our team’s safe return!