our first graduate
Her name is Redet and she was born in a village outside of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When Elizabeth called for housekeeping work almost eight years ago, Redet showed up at the age of 10. Elizabeth stated her family “just used her to make money and was very abusive.” Redet had never been to school before. Once Elizabeth took over her care, her family disappeared from her life. Elizabeth immediately placed Redet into school but of course she was way behind. When we met Redet, she was 17 years old and in grade 6 having SIX years of school left just to graduate from High School. When we traveled to Ethiopia, I was extremely drawn to Redet and her sweet, loving spirit but once we left Ethiopia, Elizabeth began having issues with Redet with her not wanting to go to school and getting involved with boys that were no good. She even ran away for a month once which was very concerning. Elizabeth and I talked on the phone and agreed that I should talk to Redet. I asked Redet multiple questions. One being “what do you want to do if you don’t go to school?” She said “I want to go to beauty school and learn to do hair, makeup and nails.” I also asked her if she wanted to live in the home still and she replied “yes” so we talked about boundaries and her behavior and how she had to keep the environment safe for the other children. I expressed how loved she was and how we would look into beauty school for her. She LIT up! Once off the phone, I text Elizabeth and told her to look into the beauty school and how much it would cost. Elizabeth REALLY wanted Redet to finish high school as she felt she had been given a “gift” to be able to go but I explained to her that Redet was almost at an adult age and still lacked six years of schooling and it was going to be very hard to get her to graduate and stay engaged and motivated. I explained how I thought we needed to try and pour into her goal for beauty school so she felt she had a purpose and we were listening to her as she was quickly becoming an adult. Elizabeth found out the school would cost only 400 USD and Redet would go for 6 months. Elizabeth got her all signed up and she began around March 2026 and graduated in September!!! Redet excelled in the school and was one of the top students in her class. She now is working part time in a salon in Addis Ababa and will continue to take more classes on how to do nails. Elizabeth describes Redet as being very different now. She is excited for her future and loves doing all the kid’s hair in the home. I truly feel Redet felt HEARD for the first time in her life. She was getting to choose her path and not having it chosen for her and she excelled. Her behavior has changed. Her outlook has changed and she thanks God for this opportunity that was given to her. It took 400 USD to change the trajectory of this child’s life forever. I can’t wait to see what she ends up doing with her life and how she pours into others the love of Jesus because she was given this gift. We can’t thank our donors enough!! YOU all are changing lives, clear across the world.
CONGRATULATIONS REDET!! WE LOVE YOU!!!