
Casey and I had the opportunity to return to Adami Tulu and Ziway, Ethiopia for the first week in January. Of course, we will take every chance we get to return to our adopted homeland and our favorite place on earth. We had an amazing trip. It was so fun to visit the schools while the kids were in class and see all the wonderful things that are happening there. We’re so grateful to Gary and Peggy Ifft, the American missionaries who are running the schools. They are doing an outstanding job.
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January26th
1 CommentAdami Tulu Sponsorship
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu
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January24th
Perspectives
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically, Spiritual
I’m about 5 or 6 blog posts behind right now. Since I last posted, we’ve celebrated Christmas, completed our current fundraising efforts for Lifesong Ethiopia, spent a week in Ethiopia, celebrated Josiah’s 3rd birthday, and spent a fun-filled week with some of our favorite friends. I really want to write about all of these things, and plan to very soon, but today I want to write about the new adventure that Casey and I are undertaking this year.
A couple weeks ago, Casey and I began taking the class called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.” We had our first lesson last night, and I’m already blown away. This material is incredible, mind-boggling, and life-changing. There are several people in our class that are taking it for the second time; it’s that good. Read More
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December6th
Hope Ethiopia: 100
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically
Children at the Lifesong Ethiopia school are fed 2 nutritious meals per day, provided with a quality education, and taught the message of Jesus Christ. This gives kids like Beza the hope they need in order to break free from gripping poverty.
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November24th
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Author: Casey | Posted in: Home Life & Family
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November21st
Learn Amharic
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu
When we were in Ethiopia last August, we got the chance to meet Dawit Lambebo. Dawit teaches Amharic to foreigners, and is quite good at it. So good, in fact, that his friends encouraged him to write a book about learning Amharic, and he did.
His book is designed to aid English speakers who are beginning to learn Amharic, and focuses on conversational Amharic. It also comes with an audio CD so that you can hear the pronunciations. The book is printed in Ethiopia, so, as far as I know, you can only get it there. Read More
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November17th
A Matching Donation
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu
Today we got some amazing news. If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen my post about it, but before I give the details, let me fill in some of the background.
When we were in Ethiopia this summer, we worked with our team to plan the next steps for the Adami Tulu school. It was obvious that for this school to continue to bless the community, it will need to grow. This past weekend, we finalized a three year plan that will expand Adami Tulu to about 500 students from nursery school through fourth grade.
There are three parts to the plan: Read More
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November16th
The Perfect Gift for Teachers
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically
Are you searching for the perfect gift for the teachers in your life? How about skipping the routine coffee mug or picture frame and make a donation to the Lifesong Schools in Ethiopia instead? Teachers are guaranteed to love that you made such a thoughtful donation in their honor.
If you donate at least $10 in honor of your teacher, we will send you the card pictured above and below for you to give to your teacher. Several former teachers have told me that they would have loved to receive a gift like this. And, as a former teacher myself, I agree with them. Teachers get bombarded with coffee mugs, candy, and teacher do-dads at Christmastime. This year, give your teacher something truly meaningful instead; spread his or her love for education around the world.
All donations will go toward expanding the Lifesong schools in Adami Tulu and Ziway, and will be tax deductible. Click here to donate through Paypal. As you donate, leave a note in the “Special Instructions” box telling me how many cards you would like.
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November14th
Holy Discontent
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu, Living Radically
Casey and I just had a much needed weekend away in Chicago. We drove up on Thursday and spent Friday morning in Wheaton with my brother and future sis-in-law. Then we headed to a Lifesong for Orphans conference with our great friends Aaron and Cacey Klein, and many others.
It was a packed weekend with meetings, planning, praying, shopping, and lots of coffee. We spent hours discussing our dreams for Lifesong’s schools in Ethiopia. It was so fun to spend several days with great friends who live across the country but share our heart and passion for Ethiopia and orphan care. There is an incredible bond between people who are filled with the same passion. We loved getting to continue these relationships and make new ones. Read More
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October16th
We’ve Got Winners!
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Random Thoughts
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September27th
Adami Tulu Kick-off
Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu
We’re kicking off our next fundraiser for Adami Tulu today! We’ve agreed to continue our work with Lifesong by raising funds for another school building on the Adami Tulu campus. This will enable the school to expand to include 1st and 2nd grade. More details will be coming soon, but we’re anxious to get a jump start on fundraising. We know that this project will cost at least $50,000. But, for these sweet faces, we’ll do anything!
We are very excited to announce our first fundraiser for our next phase of the Adami Tulu project: another Aspen Giveaway!
Our Aunt and Uncle have, once again, generously donated toward our fundraising efforts. Only this time they’ve offered us not one but FIVE stays at the Hyatt Grand Aspen.




















