Picker Point
  • Archives
  • 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

    The kids want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving:

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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 | Comments

  • 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 | Comments

  • November16th

    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.

  • 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 | Comments

  • October16th

    We’ve Got Winners!

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Random Thoughts


    We’ve drawn the winners of the stay in Aspen. Congratulations to the winners; we’ll be in contact with you. And thank you everyone who contributed to the Adami Tulu Project. We’ll have more information about our plans soon.

  • 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.

    Read More | Comments

  • September19th

    Ask 5 for 5

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Living Radically

    As many of you know, the famine is still raging in East Africa. And even though it’s tempting to donate a little money and then look the other way, I really believe that God calls us to to be steadfast in our prayers and support for those that are hurting. Please take the time to read the following post from Sarah Lenssen. I love it when ordinary people make a difference!

    Guest Blogger: Sarah Lenssen from #Ask5for5

    Family photos by Mike Fiechtner Photography

    Thank you Mary Beth and nearly 150 other bloggers from around the world for allowing me to share a story with you today, during Social Media Week. Read More | Comments

  • September15th

    Adami Tulu In My Heart

    Author: Mary Beth | Posted in: Adami Tulu


    “Adami Tulu” means “cactus hill,” and there literally is a huge hill covered in cacti right in the middle of town. You can see it from everywhere in town, and the school is no exception.

    We asked Solomon, our translator and good, good friend, if there was a path to climb it. “Of course,” he said, “I’ve climbed it many times.” So one afternoon, when we were tired of painting, a few of us decided to climb Adami Tulu. It ended up being one of my favorite times during the trip. Read More | Comments