Kuku’s Journey Toward Healing and Wholeness

Ongoing financial hardship led Kuku’s* parents to make the only decision they felt like they had—to send Kuku to live with a family friend in the city. 

It was a difficult decision but also one made out of love since they believed with every part of them that life in the city was the only way to give her better access to education, and therefore a better future. 

Unfortunately, the arrangement did not go as planned. 

Persistent conflict with the household maid created a hostile environment for Kuku, and eventually, Kuku ran away.  

After some time on the streets, the local police found 10-year-old Kuku and referred her to the AGCI & Tim Tebow Foundation House of Hope for Girls in Ethiopia.  

From the moment we saw her, it was clear she had faced some devastating trauma in her young childhood. She was visibly upset, emotionally unstable, and exhibited challenging behaviors toward both peers and caregivers.  

None of this came as a surprise to the House of Hope’s trauma-wise staff. They knew she didn’t want to hurt anyone. She was just reacting out of her survival instincts—the same instincts that kept her alive through all she had faced.  

With patience and compassion, the team began to meet Kuku’s needs, allowing her to settle in and learn that she was safe in their care. By creating a nurturing and emotionally safe environment, Kuku slowly began to feel connected to those around her.  

For the first time in almost a year, Kuku finally felt safe.  

So safe, she began to become emotionally attached to the House of Hope and was even hesitant to consider life beyond it. She knew the home as a place of safety and stability, something she hadn’t experienced in a long time, so the idea of one day leaving—no matter how far in the future that would be—felt uncertain and overwhelming.  

The care team consistently and gently reminded her that the home was a temporary space designed to support her until she could safely return to a family environment, while also reassuring her that reunification would only happen when she felt ready. No one would pressure her to leave prematurely. 

Through her time in the home, it was clear God was working in Kuku’s life. Guided spiritual practices and moments of quiet reflection were transformational for Kuku, and through them she began to unlock God's peace that surpasses all understanding as well as a renewed sense of hope and purpose found only in Christ.  

As God continued to work in her, the idea of reunification began to grow in her heart as well. A turning point came for Kuku when she was shown short videos of other children who had successfully reunited with their families. These stories inspired her and helped her visualize a positive future beyond the home.  

Gradually, Kuku began to express interest in reconnecting with her own family and continuing her education. 

While Kuku was on her journey toward healing and wholeness, the House of Hope family locating team was working in parallel to find her family. And thankfully, they did! 

Upon learning that their daughter was alive and well, Kuku’s family expressed deep joy and gratitude that was not only rooted in the relief of being reunited with her but also in witnessing her transformation into a more confident, emotionally regulated, and hopeful young girl. 

After 10 months in the House of Hope and over a year separated, we’re praising God that Kuku was recently reunited with her family! 

Today and every day, we thank you for your relentless support in standing up for this child now. Because no child should be alone. 

*Name changed to protect privacy.