The stark choice may be between prostitution, an early marriage or perhaps running away from her home. The area around Metema has such vast potential for wealth that Ababech’s future could be made so much better and safer.Amazingly the thorn scrub forests in this dry area are full of Frankincense and Myrrh trees, harvesting has traditionally happened for centuries but over time things have changed. Outsiders come in and steal Frankincense, killing the trees and burning the forest for cultivation. This has made life hard, putting pressure on local people as they try to survive.Action Ethiopia, with its experience in getting people to work together can change things. Villages can be formed into specialist groups and trained to harvest Frankincense and Myrrh (essential oils) in the most effective way. Other groups learn the skill of sorting and grading the product. Crucially learning how to process and deal directly with buyers, removing the middleman. Each group is given legal ownership of their part of the forest, making it harder for outsiders to spoil the land.The forest begins to thrive and yields of products from the forest increase. Families begin to have an increased income which gives people more choice.Suddenly Ababech and many of the young people, have hope and a chance of a productive future. If families have more disposable income, they can see a way of providing for their children.Ababech can choose if she wants further education, she can decide to leave the area for study or work. The possibility of housing and the chance to take advantage of opportunities all become things that can be realised.If you were sitting with Piers under that fig tree, drinking coffee contemplating the future of this little girl, he believes you would want to do all you can to keep Ababech’s sparkling intelligent face smiling.We can do this together, it takes skill, dedication and resources. Over the coming holiday season you may well think about Frankincense and Myrrh again!