The moment I set foot on RAEY’s campus I knew, without a doubt, why God had brought me there. Any feelings of inadequacy or unpreparedness vanished, replaced by a deep sense of love, belonging, and purpose. The warmth and kindness that we received from the children and the staff at RAEY were like nothing I had ever encountered before. It was as though God’s presence was palpable there, radiating through the smiles and the genuine love of the staff and children alike.
Every child I met was incredibly special, each one filled with life and joy. But there were three children in particular that I had the privilege of working closely with throughout the week. These three children have conditions like cerebral palsy and spina bifida, which can often make it difficult for them to walk or communicate. But despite these challenges, these children were thriving due to the medical interventions that they are receiving through Medan. They played at recess, laughed with their friends, and experienced the joy of simply being a child. What was even more incredible was hearing from Anita that some of these children have only begun to walk, play, and learn independently over the past year. In looking at videos of these children from just a year ago, the transformation is undeniable. Their eyes now sparkle with joy and life. They laugh freely with their friends, sit attentively in class, and learn with enthusiasm.
I can’t think of a clearer testament of God’s amazing power than seeing the work He is doing through organizations like Medan Initiative. The children at RAEY are not just surviving—they are thriving, full of strength, love, compassion, and hope. They are so deserving of everything that God has in store for them. My heart is overflowing with gratitude, and my hope for our world has grown immeasurably since traveling to Ethiopia and experiencing firsthand the incredible work that God is doing through Medan Initiative.
Garrett Collins, DPT
April, 2025