Korah-“Cursed”

Just when I thought God could not possibly wreck me anymore, He did. He tore the veil even further from my eyes and I am a complete mess. COMPLETE MESS. I know what you’re thinking, "Britany, you’re already a mess.” Well, I’m talking way worse than before, and way messier.

I have recently been looking for a ministry in Ethiopia that we can get involved in. Ryan and I want to make a connection that will be in tact even after Little Krause comes home. We plan to return to Ethiopia over the years as much as financially possible and with the intention to serve.

Yesterday as I was surfing ministry websites I came across a documentary that told the story of the garbage dump of Korah Ethiopia. It’s something you have to see to believe.  Here is some information on Korah from Children’s Hope Chest:

Korah is a community that sits on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia next to the city garbage dump. The population of this once small community of lepers, has swelled to approximately 100,000 people. Many lepers, HIV/AIDS patients, orphans and widows struggle to survive in this community. People in Korah are forced to scavenge from the garbage dump for scraps of food to eat or plastics to sell for small amounts of money. The dump is a dangerous place – children have even been run over by the garbage trucks in their hurry to get to the “freshest” garbage first. Often, children are kept out of school so they can help dig in the dump or because there is no money for education. Sickness and infection run rampant in this community, deepening the problems the children face every day. The name Korah literally means “cursed”. The people in this community are the poorest of the poor and live as outcasts with little hope for change. 

It felt as if time stood still. The world around me faded away and it was just me, reality and God. All I could think was how disturbingly appropriate it was that these people, who are considered outcasts and trash, are living in and surviving on a garbage dump. It ruined me. I wish I could accurately describe the restlessness that began to grow inside of me. In those 15 minutes God lit a passion in me I cannot quench. I have walked around all week distracted and heavy.

I was crying on the phone to my sweet, patient husband, “Why THERE, Ryan?”, “Why can’t God give me a burning for the people of Buda”, “Why am I haunted by their eyes?”, “Why won’t God let me go?” He so matter of factly, and this is why I love him, said, “Because one of them could be our child, Britany.”

The harsh reality of his statement floored me…but made all the sense in the world. Why wouldn’t God break me for the people of Ethiopia? Why wouldn’t He create a longing in me to change their circumstances…my child is there. Did you get that? MY CHILD IS THERE RIGHT NOW. For all we know, Little Krause could be walking the streets of Korah as I type these very words. In the very least, these are his/her people. Ethiopia will be a part of our world forever through the adoption of our child. I’m beginning to make sense of it, God.

If you know me well, you know that I am not one to sit still when God speaks. Now, at first I may drag my feet…moving towards Him but still presenting my argument on why the direction, OVER THERE <-----, might be a better idea. But once I am resolved and surrendered, It’s ON:)

I told Ryan, “We have to go, baby. We have to go over there.” He so calmly shrugged and responded, “Ok, let’s go.” Do you see why God blessed me with this man!? I’ve always said I’m like a balloon floating all over while he securely holds my string. He is grounded and I am not and it’s a beautiful thing<3

I have spent my week emailing different people and organizations working in Korah. I’m sure my emails are a rambling mess, but I’m praying God translates as they read. My girlfriend Karen called me after we had lunch and told me she found what may be exactly the avenue to take. I pray so. I’m just a crazy, event planning, singer mom,  but I have to do something. I have to tell these people they are not cursed, that they are beautiful, loved craftsmanship of the Almighty God. They are not garbage and, most importantly, THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

I can only compare this time to when God started wrestling with me over adoption. It’s a little different as I am not resisting him, only searching for His direction. As He is removing the veil from my eyes a little at a time, it feels as though He is sloooowly peeling away a Band-Aid…from a very hairy arm:)

Maybe He knows to rip it off quickly would only mean a temporary heart change. The pain brief and fleeting. No, I suppose he knows that wouldn’t work with me. It must be a process. Sometimes messy, slow and painful but one that changes me forever.