Barrett & Rachel Ward

It is with a heavy heart that America World announces that Rachel Ward will be leaving Ethiopia to return to Tennessee on February 3rd.  America World is grateful for Rachel and for her and Barrett’s willingness to uproot their life and spend this past year serving our Ethiopia program, the children and AW families.   We know her hard work and love for the children and people of Ethiopia has blessed many.  Many families have shared with us their appreciation of Rachel and all she has done to love on their children while in the transition home.  She will be greatly missed!  Please see Rachel’s personal note below.

Letter from Rachel:

Its hard to believe that the time has come to leave Addis Ababa.  After one year here, this place is home.  The sights, sounds, and smells of this city are so familiar.  The people are deep in my heart.  Of all the things I will miss, I will certainly miss my work.  What will I do without a mass of children running to give me a hug and kiss everyday that I come to the office?  I love loving on these precious children.  What a privilege it is for me to be a part of what God is doing in their lives and in the lives of the families they will join.  What fun it has been for me when the families come to town and I am witness to a glorious union of parent and child.  It is all counted as joy.

Barrett and I will return to Nashville, Tennessee.  He will continue working with African Leadership/Mocha Club.  I will not continue working, but rather focus on completing the paperwork for our own adoption from Ethiopia, and just getting settled back into life there. 

Peace and lots of Love…