Jessica Leonhardt goes to Ethiopia on mission work

A Lovell woman took a mission trip to Ethiopia this summer that changed her life and opened her eyes to the great need of others.On June 4 to 15 Jessica Leonhardt went to Ethiopia on a mission trip with Harvest Church of Billings. The team of seven stayed in Addis Ababa at the guest house of Ordinary Heroes, assisting in the work there.[caption id="attachment_11646" align="alignright" width="169"] Jessica Leonhardt holds and Ethiopian child while on her mission trip in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, June 4-15.
Courtesy photo[/caption]The team began with a few days at Heart for Korah. They helped distribute 70 pounds of food to sponsored families in Korah.“Once a month these families get grains, flour, rice, noodles, oil, butter and bananas. On another day families bring in their children, who receive a new set of clothes, shoes and a toy,” Leonhardt explained.She told about meeting three children from No Ordinary Love Ministry. This center picks up children who have run away or are dropped off in the city to find work. About 30 children live at the center and receive counseling while their families are found. These three shared their success story of finding their family.One day was spent in the mountains near Addis Ababa, where most of the children struggle with starvation. Leonhardt’s team worked with Endihnew Hope Charity Center giving out food to 160 kids, which they do every Saturday.A very awarding event for Leonhardt personally was meeting 5-year-old Ararsa, whom she sponsors through Compassion International. With the money, he gets medical check-ups, food and supplements and learns body hygiene and other life skills. The team was able to take their sponsored children to Rafiki Village, where they provided crafts, games, water balloons and puzzles for 70 kids.“It was so much fun to see so much happiness,” Leonhardt said. “The boys are so good at soccer. The kids really enjoyed ice cream at the end of the day of fun.”Compassion sponsored children get to spend time at the project, playing with other children and attending Sunday School. They also get tutoring help with school.“I truly cannot say how thankful I am to have gone on this trip. I know that this trip has changed my life and I am ready to go on another trip. I hope to go back again in a few years,” said Leonhardt.