I sit here today, 2 months since I flew to Ethiopia to serve with Medan Initiative. I sit in awe of all that has transpired since that time. I sit here with a grateful heart for many reasons.
A few weeks prior to the trip, I was surprisingly diagnosed with breast cancer. No one ever expects this diagnosis and I was full of emotions. Nonetheless, I still greatly desired to travel with Medan. My care team encouraged me to go, so I packed my bags and made the long journey to Ethiopia. With certainty and peace, I knew that God was still calling me to serve and trust Him, despite my current circumstances.
Ethiopia is a special place for my family. My two daughters were born in Ethiopia and I was heading back for the first time in almost 8 years. I was familiar with the warm, welcoming hearts of the Ethiopian people and the hustle and bustle of the capital city, Addis Ababa. I was familiar with the extensive poverty that exists in Ethiopia — this was one of the many reasons why we chose to start our family through adoption. However, this trip to Ethiopia was different. Different because we were going to help provide poverty solutions by offering preventative health care to some of the most vulnerable and needy children in Addis Ababa.
What I loved about serving the children at RAEY School is that we were able to identify several chronic health conditions that needed urgent attention. We are not just treating the rashes, the ear infections, and the wounds. Rather, we are coordinating life-changing referrals and critical diagnostic tests for more complicated health conditions. These health conditions have been undiagnosed or ignored because of the limited financial means of the families. But now, through the work of Medan Initiative, these young children will receive access to ongoing medical care.
To see these precious children willingly accept our care was simply incredible. They put on brave faces as we poked, prodded, and listened. Their big brown eyes looked up with amazement and gratitude. Several mothers expressed their gratitude to us for taking care of their children and coordinating care with the local health community. For us it seemed so simple — of course we will use our gifts to serve these children, we will collaborate and provide follow up care, and we will treat these children with dignity, respect and love. Yet for these children and families, it was vital.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to offer my time and talent to the children and families at RAEY School. God can always use our meager offerings and make it so much bigger. Medan’s model offers ongoing medical care beyond our physical time in Ethiopia — this is so critical for the ongoing medical needs of the children. I cannot imagine being in their shoes without the resources to address my own current medical needs. I have access to health care, which is something that I can so easily take for granted. I am easily receiving care for breast cancer, which would be insurmountable for most people in Ethiopia.
I am grateful for the children and families who taught me to have joy despite my circumstances, to recognize that I am not defined by my situation, and that I can always find God’s goodness and faithfulness in my surroundings. The children taught me to be brave and courageous despite having trepidation and concerns and to trust God’s plan. I am healing and feeling well. I know there will always be a part of me connected to Ethiopia and I look forward to the day that I can travel back again. I am confident I will be taught new life lessons by these amazing children and families with each return.
Kelly Towers, PA-C
June, 2023