Last week I posted a blog about raising money for Selah Guest House. If you missed that post, you can read it by clicking on the link on the left of my blog.

In one week you have all helped to raise $1100 to purchase the things we need to furnish the guest house. Here is what you bought in Ethiopia this week….

Bedside tables. They are woven out of eucalyptus. This man takes each strand and separates it using his teeth. Then he weaves all the strands together to form very sturdy furniture, tables and laundry baskets.

And just because I am a proud Mama, I want to share a story about my son Joel. He started saving his money many months ago in an account he called “adoption.” He said he wasn’t sure exactly what he was going to spend it on, but he would figure it out when we got to Ethiopia. Something for his sisters and brothers maybe. Or the kids in the orphanage. Well, this week he made his first purchase from his adoption fund. As we were paying for the bedside tables Joel told me that he wanted to pay for one of them himself. I like his heart!

We used part of your money to buy things for the kitchen, too. When we got here our cook had 2 pots, 2 serving bowls, and 1 skillet. As she was preparing meals for 10-15 people every day, she was continually cooking one dish, moving it a serving bowl, using the same pan again to cook another dish, etc. We now have full cupboards! Pots and pans, serving spoons, baking dishes, and storage containers.

And last but definitely not least…your number one purchase in Ethiopia this week! You bought a washing machine!

Can you imagine how much happiness this brought to our maid? She is in charge of washing all the towels, sheets and laundry for all the guests here. Oh my goodness! This will make her job so much easier!

Here are a few pictures of getting the washing machine into the house. It was too big to fit through the doorways so the men decided it would be best to lift it up and over the balcony.

Assessing the situation

Scott climbing the ladder to check things out

 

Alan pushing from underneath

 

Almost there!

 

Ready to go!

 

Thank you so much for helping. We appreciate every person who is partnering with us while we are here in Ethiopia. Don’t forget to purchase a bracelet if you want to get in on the action. We still have many more items that are needed! Just click on the “Donate” link on the side of our blog.

Blessings!

Natalie