Awasa

On the drive back from Shone, we took a bit of a detour to stop in a town called Awasa.  Our first stop was at a lake-side resort where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet.  We sat outside on a patio overlooking the lake and watched as monkeys stole bananas off of people's plates (no lie). 



waiting for breakfast

breakfast is served

needed a lil sugar

After breakfast we hopped on a pontoon and went on a "hippo cruise"!  The driver knew right where to take us to find the hippos swimming in the water.  They were fascinating creatures, even if we mostly saw the tops of their heads and their backs.  My sister's perspective on hippos is that they are a true sign that God has a sense of humor.  We were  completely intrigued by these enormous creatures and seeing them in their natural habitat was definitely a highlight for us. 

Locals by the lake

hippo swimming

2 hippos

wishing Bella a happy birthday

Before leaving Awasa we stopped in a residential area on the edge of town.  This was the sight of a church plant of Covenant Church.  It was a fairly large lot with a small 1-room building on the lot.  As most churches were located in the center of the city, Covenant felt like this was a good location to plant a church because the people in the area could not easily get to the inner city churches for worship.

It didn't take long to "tour" the site, then we went inside and sat and visited with a few of the men in charge of the church there.  We sat and asked a few questions, learning a little about what was happening in this new church.  There wasn't a lot of room in the church for worshipers, so when the church was full, people started filling the lawn.  There weren't big signs or flashing light, it was word of mouth and curiosity that lead people there.  At this time, there were approximately 30 people worshipping on a regular basis. 

The walls in the church were ultimately bare except for 1 window and a drum hanging on the wall.  I of course had to ask, "who played the drum?" and "can we hear it played?"  It didn't take long for them to go out and find the drummer man, who was a little reluctant at first.  I guess we (I) did kind of put him on the spot.  However, this lead to the most amazing, impromptu worship service I will likely ever be a part of.  The men played and sang songs of worship, then asked if we could sing a song.   UUUMMMMM....  We sang "Amazing Grace" which didn't really have the same beat as their song.  We followed with our best attempts at a couple of bible camp songs which were accompanied by the drum. 

Just a drum and our voices.  There we sat, in what is likely the smallest church I have ever been in, singing praises to God with complete strangers, who were also our brothers. 

A.  Ma.  Zing!!!

Inside the church

The drum -
The only instrument (other than voices) used for worship in this place. 

 

1 man band.  Most amazing concert ever! 

The current land and building that Covenant is using for their church is being rented, but available for sale.  Our group felt called to help Covenant with this church plant so money was left for the fund to help purchase this land.  Although it was not nearly enough, we pray that they will soon have enough to be able to purchase this place and further develop their church in Awasa. 

Providence Guest House

While in Ethiopia, we stayed at Providence Guest House.  It was an absolutely lovely home, owned by Heavenly Hope Ministries, and was a wonderful alternative to staying in a hotel.  Much more affordable, much more homey, and the proceeds going to support a wonderful cause!

Mom, Beret and I shared a suite that had a full-size bed, bunkbeds, a crib, a couch, coffee table, bathroom, and a little patio.  The guest house was definitely home away from home for us.  We were well taken care of and had beautiful accommodations.  After long days, we were always thankful to pull up to the gate.  At least 1 person in the van would say "we're home!", knowing a hot shower, warm bed, and quite possibly a big bowl of popcorn waited for us. 

Standing outside our guest house.
*Note the gate.  Most homes and businesses were surrounded by a fence and had a large gate in front. 

Kathy on her balcony.
Our room was just below hers. 

The living area on the main floor.  I'm not sure we ever turned on the tv.
We did use the computer and were grateful for the wireless internet.

Christmas tree still up.

Homemade donuts - we had them several mornings for breakfast. 
They were absolutely delicious!

We all loved them!!!!

Breakfasts at the guest house every morning, and occasionally an evening meal or snack



Breakfast menu:  coffee, fruit smoothies, donuts, banana bread, eggs, pancakes, and/or oatmeal.
Typically very "American-friendly" and always delicious!

Tsige (far left) was our wonderful hostess at the guest house. 
She took good care of us, made our meals and cleaned up after us. 

One of a couple of guards who sat at the gate of the house. 
We appreciated their protection, although we never felt threatened. 

For more information on Providence Guest House and Heavenly Hope Ministries, visit their website:  http://providencegh.org/

I would highly recommend staying there when you visit! 

Sweet Mesilu

When visiting Shone, we fell in love with a little girl named Mesilich (pronounce Mesilu I believe).  She had an incredibly infectious smile.  Even before receiving the gifts we brought for her, she radiated pure joy.  As we watched her and got to know her that day in Shone, we watched her dance, sing, laugh, smile and completely melt our hearts. 

Mesilich was one of 24 sponsored children in Shone.  Covenant Church selected 24 families, and from each family 1 child could be sponsored.  So, on the day we visited, 24 children accompanied by a parent or grandparent came to the Covenant "compound" in Shone.  We had a new outfit and a small toy or hat for each of them.  Their families also received flour, cooking oil, and some money as part of their Christmas gift from Covenant. 

Mesilich was accompanied by her grandmother.  This elderly woman, blind and desperately poor, was raising Mesilich and her brothers.  Mesilich and her grandmother both stood out to us that day but for completely different reasons.   While Mesilich sang and danced, her grandmother sat quietly, blind and barefoot.  Her feet were deformed, missing parts of toes, presumably due to the elements and a rough life.  They were dirty and bare and desperately needed shoes. 

Later that afternoon, we were able to visit several of the sponsored families in their homes.  What an incredible opportunity to be welcomed into their houses and hearts this way.  They seemed so honored by our presence.  They prayed blessings upon us.  They moved furniture, lit lanterns if they had them, and honored us with whatever they had to offer.  It was an incredibly amazing, yet humbling experience.

Mesilich's house was last.  By the time we got there it was dark and we were drenched from an unexpected downpour while on our walk through Shone.  We entered Mesilich's home and entered a world of darkness.  No lights.  No lanterns.  No stools to sit on or tables to eat at.  No mats or beds to sleep on and no blankets to cover with.  With the flashlights on our phones, we watched Mesilich prancing around her house.  She changed from her new outfit into a new pair of pajamas she had also received.  We met her brothers.  And we gave her grandma a pair of shoes.

This gift was probably the most awesome gift I have ever been a part of giving in my entire life.  The way that her family responded to this pair of shoes, you would have thought they had won the lottery.  The boys grabbed the only thing they could find, a piece of a flour bag, and started wiping Grandma's feet.  Just as Jesus showed his disciples how much he cared for them by washing their feet, Grandma's feet were washed, the best they could with what they had.  Grandma sat there quietly as a brand new pair of socks were gently slipped on, followed by her new pair of shoes. 

I don't know if Grandma is still wearing those shoes.  If she is, it is because someone is helping her get them on every day.  Not only that, but I wonder how much she needed her feet to be her eyes for her?  Maybe we needed Grandma to have those shoes more than she actually needed them?  I'm not sure.

All I know is that we witnessed something absolutely beautiful that day. 

We left Mesilich's house and Shone with a desire to do more for Mesilich and her grandma.  We felt called to help this family receive straw mattresses and blankets so they no longer have to sleep on the hard, cold, dirt floor in their house. 

And at night, when tucking my own girls into their nice warm beds, with more blankets than we know what to do with, I say a silent prayer for Mesilich and her family.  There is still so much they need and yet they showed us that in some ways, they have more than we will ever have. 

 

Mesilich (in pink/black) and her friend showing their new gifts.
(Grandma pictured on the far left)

Grandma's feet. 

Helping prepare Grandma for her new shoes.

Quite possibly my favorite picture from the entire trip.
God bless you, Grandma of Mesilich!  We love you!

New shoes for grandma.  <3

We are waiting for information on how to help sponsor entire families in Shone!  This would provide for more of the daily needs for the families and would allow all of the children in the family to go to school.  For anyone looking for a way to help . . . this would be an incredible gift.

Mark 10:14

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God...And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."

                                               (Mark 10:14,16)                                                               

We didn't visit very many places more than once . . . Ok, except for 1 shopping district, there was only 1 place we visited more than once.  Two afternoons were spent with "the boys".  "The boys", 10 of them, most of them not even 16, were some of the strongest, determined individuals I have ever met.

Each of them had their own story of how they ended up at the shelter.  Run aways.  Orphans.  Abused.  Addicted.  Alone.  Only a miracle from above could save this select group of boys from the street.  Once strangers, these boys are now family.  They have shelter, food to eat, and they are getting an education.  Most of all, they are learning about Jesus's love for them. 

These boys made quite an impact.  We ate 2 meals together.  We drank coffee.  We played games.  We shared pictures.  (They loved seeing pictures of SNOW!)  We sang.  We prayed. 

Our group felt strongly about helping these boys.  In addition to the clothes and shoes we were able to bring them, we also were able to leave money to help buy shoes for several of the boys who needed them. 

Their needs are great.  But their potential is incredible.  Dreams to become engineers.  Prophets.  Ministers.  Dreams to be reunited with their families.  Dreams to share the word of Jesus with the world. 

They need our prayers.  The people working with them, guiding them, and caring for them need our prayers.  Their families, who they hope to return to, need our prayers. 

Habamu sharing his story. 
How brave to stand in front of a room full of strangers and share details of your darkest days. 

Each of the boys prayed for a bible verse to be given to each of us. 
10 boys.  10 in our group.
This was the verse I received from Habtamu. 
These words are from Hebrews 6:10  (not 6:7 as written)

Our first meal together.

All of us at the shelter. 

The alley to their gate. 

If you would like to learn more about how you can help these young men, please visit the website below.  We learned that you can sponsor one of these young men with a monthly gift.  The shelter recently received permission to open for 8 more boys which means there will be 8 more boys to sponsor.  Some of our money will go to buying items needed for this transition and growth.  But the needs are great! 

We also learned that the ultimate goal of the shelter is to find and reunite each boy with his family, if possible.  This is costly process, which can also be supported through sponsorship. 

http://www.duttonfoundation.org/project_mark.php

Covenant Sisters

 

While in Holeta, a small village west (I think) or Addis, we got to visit the Covenant Sisters.  This was a group of 10 women who made beaded necklaces using hand-made beads made out of magazine paper and clay.  Their necklaces were absolutely beautiful.  But the work that went into these pieces of jewelry was incredible.  Tedious.  Time consuming.  And in the end, although their products were beautiful, they were mainly marketed to tourists, as locals would not have the money to spend on such an item. 

 

Although these women were able to make enough money to send their children to school, they did not make enough money to make any kind of profit in order to improve their quality of life. 

 

Before we met these women, we had heard of a proposed business plan that involved purchasing looms for the women.  Looms would generate clothing and blankets that could be used by the local people and would potentially create a larger profit because they would be able to sell their products to a larger market.  We knew that they ultimately wanted 10 looms (1 for each of the women), however they were hoping to be able to start with at least 6.  We were told the looms cost approximately $100 dollars a piece depending on the model. 

 

This was something many of our group felt very passionate about.  This was more than providing a new outfit or a gallon of cooking oil.  This was providing a means to help these women afford these items on their own! 

 

Cumulatively, our group left enough money for these women to get 10 looms, depending on the type of loom they chose to purchase.  We know that once these looms are purchased there will be months of training on order for them to be up and running on their own.  But we also learned that this kind of operation could employ more people, as they need people to set up the looms, work with the yarn, etc. 

 

These women need our prayers.  They are working hard for their families.  They are motivated to make a better life for their children.  They value education.  They are willing to learn. 

 

I bought several necklaces.  After meeting these women, I wished I could have purchased them all!!!  Our next trip, I hope to purchase a scarf (or 2 or 3) and maybe a blanket!   

 

 

 

 

1 bead was made from 4 layers of magazine, cut into long triangular strips,
rolled carefully, secured with glue, and then dipped in lacquer before stringing.   

I made this bead.

I wonder where it will end up....

 

 

Polished and ready to be strung on a necklace. 

 

If you are interested in purchasing products that help support women and their children, please visit the following website:
http://www.projecttesfa.org/

Itinerary

Well, we are getting a later start than anticipated, but if all goes as re-planned, we will be heading out tomorrow morning!!! 

We've had to revise our itinerary, but this is a guess at what we will be doing each day:

January 7:  Depart Fargo  Melkam Gena - Christmas in Ethiopia


January 8: Arrival

January 9 & 10: Shone/Awassa?-  This will be a bus ride south of the capital approximately 120-150 miles, but we are told it could take 5-6 hours.  We'll be visiting an orphanage and doing some sight seeing in the country . . . We are hoping to see hippos in the wild!!!!

 

January 11:  Jimmy & Rachel- No Ordinary Love/  Maybe Kebebe Tsehai

 

January 12:  Sunday- Worship- Covenant Church:  Dinner with Mark 10:14

January 13:  Holeta/Ambo - Our original plan was to serve a Christmas meal and deliver Christmas presents.  I am hoping our plans will stay the same, just be a little belated.   

January 14:  Addis- Delivering supplies
   

January 15:  Addis- Delivering supplies
     Mark 10:14 Shelter
     Kebebe Tsehai Orphanage
     other Addis stops
 

January 16: Holeta/Ambo? This may move.

January 17:  Addis Day

 

January 18: Addis day/ Departure


January 19:  Arrive in Fargo

 

Here are some of the websites for a few of the places we will be visiting:
Several orphanages and street children's shelter http://www.duttonfoundation.org/

Awake and Alive Kindergarten Center http://www.noordinarylove.org/

Project Tesfa training program http://www.projecttesfa.org/

 

I am hopeful I will be able to post a couple of updates with pictures while there.  Stay tuned!

 

For now, please pray that we are able to get out of Fargo safely tomorrow and that we reach our destination with all of our supplies!  We may have missed Christmas, but that doesn't mean we can't share our gifts and the good news of Jesus's birth! 

 

Life Lessons

In a less than 48 hours I will be getting on a plane with my mom and sister and 7 others. 

Our destination:  Ethiopia

Our mission:  to share the love and truth about Jesus, delivering supplies for women and children in need, including gifts for Christmas, which they celebrate on January 7th.

This trip has been a bit difficult to explain to Pinky.  How much do you tell a 3 year old? 
It's hard to explain to anyone what we are really going to be doing, since I don't exactly know myself.  We've been talking a lot about helping the people in Ethiopia because they don't have the money they need to have a home or beds or clothes.  That some of the kids don't have mommies and daddies to take care of them.

She has a lot of questions and ideas to help them:
"Can't daddy build them beds?"
"Can't we buy them a house?"
"Where are their mommies and daddies?"
"Why didn't Santa bring them any Christmas presents?"

After Christmas, we counted Bella's new stuffed animals and blankets.  We counted 8.  Then, I picked out a handful of stuffed animals that she doesn't play with often and that were small enough to fit in my suitcase, and she picked out 8.  8 stuffed animals to send for Christmas gifts to children around the world that she'll never meet.

This was not an easy task for our stuffed animal collector.  The decisions were not easy and she did change her mind a couple of times.  Then we picked one from her sister's basket, and one from her dad, and not to be left out, one of mine. 

Together with our furry friends and bags and boxes of donations, the 2 of us met up with the rest of my team of travelers and we packed our supplies into 15ish giant duffle bags.  Pinky's jobs were to help find matches for shoes and to count out the number of stuffed animals that needed to go in each bag.  She saw pictures of some of the kids we will be visiting.  We talked about the animal some of them might like to receive. 

I don't know if or when Pinky will understand why we are going.  I'm not sure what she will think when she realizes I won't be home on her birthday.  I hope she knows that I don't have to be with her to love her.  But more than that, I hope she is inspired to want to make a difference.  To want to help those less fortunate than her.  I want her to understand just how blessed we are to live where we live and have what we have.  And I want her to know that sometimes we have to make sacrifices in order to do what is right.

We had Chinese tonight for dinner.  I just so happened to have 3 fortune cookies in the cupboard for dessert.  My husband's read something like this:  "Decisions are easier when your values are known." 

An important lesson to learn.  An important lesson to teach. 

One of our chosen friends who will be flying with me to Ethiopia.

Donations zipped up and ready to go.