In rural Ethiopia, Seyoum lives in a rental home with his loving family. His mother, Sifan, stays home, and his father is a daily laborer and serves as an elder at their church.
Seyoum admires both of his parents, but shares a special bond with his father. He sees his father as a source of love, guidance, and strength for his family, and despite the struggles the family faces, Seyoum is grateful for his steadfast parents.
Even as a young boy, Seyoum understands the weight of responsibility that rests on his parents’ shoulders. “[Their worry] weighs on my heart,” he said. Seyoum’s family faces an uncertain future — they frequently receive sudden notices to vacate their rental home. The instability is understandably frightening for Seyoum and his younger sister.
“I worry where we will go and if we will find a new place to live,” he said.
Despite these fears, Seyoum stays hopeful. “I try to remind myself that change can sometimes lead to new opportunities and experiences,” he said.
His mother encourages him. “Our faith in God has given us the strength to navigate these challenges with grace,” Sifan said. “I am confident that with our love, we can face any obstacle that comes our way.”
Seyoum still finds joy in the small moments: attending school, playing football with friends, and enjoying the meals provided by Convoy of Hope. His mother recalls the overwhelming excitement when Convoy’s program center opened.
“This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for our community,” she said. “It brings hope and relief to those in need, including my son.”
Seyoum’s favorite meal is injera — a popular Ethiopian flatbread — with lentil stew, but he also enjoys chickpea stew, macaroni, and rice. The program center has become a crucial resource for their family and the rest of the community, and it offers them not only regular, nutritious meals but also a sense of belonging and support.
Seyoum’s family continues to face challenges, but they hold onto their dreams of a brighter future. Seyoum is determined to work hard at his studies, and the meals he receives from Convoy help him do that. With faith, resilience, and the support of his family and community, Seyoum believes that better days lie ahead. This hope began with a warm meal at the program center, and it has given him the strength to look forward.
