Transcript
Helena & Beminet: “We were ever so hungry. We would endure it through the night, and we would often cry. We’d wait for a better tomorrow, but it never seemed to come.”
Eyob (Center Director): “Regarding the food crisis in our community, due to economic instability, inflation and goods getting more expensive, we face multiple challenges every day. Parents involved in our center, especially, are going through a hard time due to these challenges. Regarding Emebet, before Emebet came to Asela, she used to live in Addis Ababa. But right after she gave birth to twins, her husband left her. That was when her difficulties started.”
Helena & Beminet: “Our mother raised us as both a mother and a father. Our mother raised us by cleaning bathrooms and washing people’s clothes. We had a hard time. When we went to school, other kids would bring lunch, but we didn’t have any. It was so tough.”
Emebet (Mother): “They cried because we were hungry. It gives me stress when I heard them cry.”
Eyob: “Due to the economic pressure she had to go through, she struggled psychologically. Also, because of her husband leaving and losing that support, she faced a mental disorder.”
Emebet: “I was depressed. I didn’t know what was happening. I didn’t even know what I was talking about. The church recognized the situation and helped me join the Compassion center.”
Helena & Beminet: “We take Bible classes. We receive academic assistance. Our medical costs are covered. The food donation helped us a lot. I even remember one time, the food from the center lasted nearly a year.”
Emebet: “It’s really the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. But with the Lord all things are possible.”
Eyob: “As a family, we can see a lot of changes for her children. They are physically growing well. Their cognitive development is significant, and they are advancing in school. Both children passed the national exam for Grade 8. When we see these changes, we can confidently say there is hope for their future.”
Helena & Beminet: “Compassion has cared for me like a father, protecting me in ways a father would. I believe God has gifted me with Compassion.”
Emebet: “Speaking of the food support … hunger is a terrible thing. It’s hard to explain what an awful thing hunger is. Now I am happy because they are not hungry.”