I was thrilled to be able to go back to Trees of Glory a few weeks ago. Aside from seeing Simret and the kids, I was most excited to see all of the progress that has been made now that the fresh water well is up and running.
That was the first thing Simret wanted to show us as well.
I don't know if everyone knows this or not, but Simret did not always struggle to get water each day. She lived in the capital city of Addis Ababa up until a few years ago when she moved out to the property at Trees of Glory. She worked a government job and had a relatively comfortable life with access to clean water and electricity along with all of the conveniences that living in the city afford.
But, as she became more and more aware of the orphan crisis around her, she decided that something had to be done. She took in several children on her own, and then a few years ago, she petitioned the government for the property at Trees of Glory.
She is living out the gospel every day and I admire her obedience to literally give up everything and follow Jesus.
I just love her heart and her willingness to go even though it meant forgoing her own comfort.
When we were there this time, Simret told us that the name "Trees of Glory" was inspired from God from verses 22 and 23 of Ezekiel 17:
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shades of its branches.
Ezekiel 17:22-23
Trees of Glory is indeed becoming a splendid fruit bearing tree that is providing shelter in the shade of its branches. A beautiful fulfillment of scripture playing out on a daily basis.
Here's what Simret wanted you all to know as she stands in the newly updated kitchen equipped with multiple sinks providing clean fresh water.
 |
| New kitchen area with sinks. |
 |
| The new cooking area of the kitchen-this use to be a storage area. |
 |
| The new laundry facilities. |
 |
Listen to Simret as she explains how all of the kids who live at TOG and attend school there are now able to wash there clothing--a real luxury.
 |
| The new well. |
 |
| The cisterns that store the fresh water that has been pumped from the well. |
Simret tells of the celebratory coffee ceremony that was held at this site.
In addition to the sinks in the kitchen, laundry area, and water storage tanks, there is now a new shower house at TOG filled with stalls where the children enrolled can bathe themselves.
All of the plumbing has been repaired and there are working showers and toilet facilities in the orphanage dorms as well.
 |
| What's this you ask? Well I almost asked the same question just before I realized that this WAS the toilet. See the nice little foot grips for your feet--you just put your feet right on those and then .....well, you can probably imagine the rest from here. . Definitely a new experience for me. |
 |
| just pull the cord on the tank above and wallah--a flushing toilet at TOG |
The changes at Trees of Glory over the past 14 months are just amazing. I still have a whole other post to write about the live stock and new chicken coop. Things are taking off, but there are many needs that remain--I have a post for our next project coming up soon as well.
For now, on behalf of Simret and the TOG children and staff, THANK YOU for helping provide access to clean water for them and the surrounding community. The impact this has made is remarkable.
