Scribbling Barefoot

The first time I traveled to Ethiopia, I wasn’t traveling as a tourist or a missionary or a philanthropist, I was traveling as a mother.  So when the heights of Addis Ababa broke through the clouds and I peered through … Keep Reading…

On Sunday morning, Mary Beth and I sat down with one of our ministers at church, Ron Cook, and talked more about what we’re planning to do in Ethiopia this summer. I know we’ve outlined some of our plans here … Keep Reading…

I gotta tell you…in late November, we weren’t quite sure this was going to happen. On November 30, we had raised just $54,000 of our $300,000 project. And what can I say? Somebody important loves these kids in Ethiopia, because since December … Keep Reading…

All joking aside, we do wish you a very merry Christmas. We’ve had a busy, but fun, year at the Picker house. Caleb started kindergarten this fall, and Evelyn and Josiah are both going to preschool. Casey’s business, Lamplight Media … Keep Reading…

I thought I’d share a brand new video produced by the amazingly talented Reed Yackley of Lifesong, telling the story behind the Ziway + Adami Tulu Project. I hope you’ll join us in helping to make this next phase of … Keep Reading…

One of my favorite things about being in Ethiopia is greeting people with the phrase “Selam,” or “Selam no?” They use it as an every day greeting, but it’s actual meaning is “Are you at peace?” I like it so … Keep Reading…

To kick off our fundraising for Phase Three of the Ziway+Adami Tulu Project, we are hosting an online auction over here. There are many great items, many purchased and handmade in Ethiopia. Here’s a little sampling:

We are incredibly amazed by the generosity of so many who have made the project at Ziway and Adami Tulu possible. As you know, we first embarked on the project in 2010-11 to double the size of the Adami Tulu … Keep Reading…

I’m just back from my fifth trip to Ethiopia in a little over three years. I remember sitting on the plane home after our first trip, with our sweet baby Josiah in my lap, wondering, wishing that we would be … Keep Reading…

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost one year since I first set foot on the grounds of the Adami Tulu School in Ethiopia. Thanks to an amazing leadership team and the generosity of hundreds of donors like you, giving … Keep Reading…