When you go to a foreign, third world country like Ethiopia, communicating and connecting can be problematic. You don't even speak the same language. My first morning in Ethiopia, I was asked to give my testimony. I have never given my testimony before that or since. But in that little building in Africa, I told my story or at least part of it.

The biggest heartache of my life that Jesus saved me from was the loss of my son. In that room full of the mothers of our sponsored children, I told them through the use of 2 interpreters about my journey following the death of my 19 year old son. It was an overwhelming feeling of love and understanding that I felt from these women who struggled every day just to feed and clothe their children.

After the session was over, an Ethiopian woman approached me with one of the interpreters. Through him with tears in her eyes, she explained to me how she had also lost a son. We embraced, two women from completely different worlds sharing a moment of kinship and love for our children. She understood me and I understood her. I will never forget that incredible blessing!

—Kelly Woody Poirier