A Hard But Good Day

We are sitting down right now planning out what we are going to do tomorrow with the children from Warancha. Today was our first day there and it was wonderful to spend the day with the kids but it was overwhelming in many ways.  We are seven people and we encountered about 400 children. If you are any good at math, you can figure out the numbers were not in our favor! We planned last night for quite a while but we were not fully prepared for the numbers we encountered. Our minds and reality were not on the same page. Now we know what to expect and we are talking to be better prepared for tomorrow. Our hearts are definitely in the right place. The kids have touched us in many ways and we want to be there for them and bless them in this time we have together. What we have determined is that we need more structure. Every minute has to be planned out.  Having said that here is what we did today…

We got up early and met for breakfast at 7:00 leaving the hotel at 8:00, arriving at Warancha at 8:30. We were swarmed by the kids. Then the children came out with the teachers and very nicely sat in rows, quietly. Alex introduced us one at a time and had the children repeat our names. This went well until he introduced Doug and all the kids said “Hello Dougie”. Needless to say, he is now Dougie to us! We (the Firje) then sang songs and attempted with our best effort to teach them the words. Fortunately, they already new Chick A Boom, Chick A Boom, which is what we started with. These children love to sing. We sang the Banana song and then taught a Bible story about how God made the children of the world, and how he loves us all. Dougie did the narration of this story and he did a really good job! After doing this we had a game called “In it to Win It”.  We had two teams (a guys team and a girls team of about 5 kids each) and they all had an Oreo. They placed the Oreo on their forehead and the object was to get it into their mouths without using their hands. The kids loved it! They probably loved the Oreo too! It was great fun listening the cheering and watching the concentration on their faces!

After that we took the kids back into their classrooms. Warancha has classes for Pre-K through 3^rd grade. Neda took the youngest kids along with Zach. Jaimie took the next level, with Marie, Dougie and Judy taking the older kids. I had no responsibility for individual kids as I am the recorder of the mission. Sounds easy, but it was a real struggle today. The classrooms were more controlled chaos though the second grade class has 60 kids in it! Imagine 60 kids in ONE classroom!

After this we went back outside and attacked the soccer field. The girls took on the boys with all the Frije playing except Judy and me.  Dougie has no mercy. Winning is everything to him, even if it means taking out little kids (at least that is how he talks!). In reality, the only people he tried to take out were his fellow frije!! I was impressed with the talent level all around. The girls did a great job and held their own, doing very well!  While the teams were playing the other kids stood behind a wooden fence and cheered on their teams. When a respective team scored the bystanders yelled and jumped in excitement. After each score the players rotated out and new players came in. One of the teachers joined in the fun (she played for the girls side) and she was quite a good player! I was proud of my fellow Frije. They managed to stay on the field and remain standing the whole time without collapsing from exhaustion!

And then we broke for lunch… The kids leave at noon to go home to eat so we went out to eat. Another amazing restaurant with another awesome meal! After lunch, and some revitalizing we returned for the afternoon. We started back in the classrooms coloring pictures.  The hope was that this would take a while but it was done in no time at all. While this was taking place I was going from classroom to classroom and taking pictures. This was becoming increasingly more difficult as my entrance was always a distraction. The kids just wanted their pictures taken and would not take no for an answer. The lack of communication did not help! The more I asked them to wait, the more they pulled and pulled on me to get my attention. There was frustration for all involved. I was frustrated because I was getting pulled in all directions (literally) and they were frustrated because I was not taking their pictures fast enough! Good news is this team is such a good group of people that I could vent my frustrations tonight and explain my reasoning and now I feel better.  Part of the equation is that these children come from a background so different from ours that it is hard to understand fully where the other is coming from. They have nothing and have had to beg and plead for all they have. They do not give up easily. I, on the other hand, am use not use to being pulled on and pushed on to get my way. At times I finally put my camera away and walked away from the fray because the constant shoving was unmanageable. Then of course I would feel guilty and try again. By the end of the day I was exhausted and had nothing left to give. I have spent the better part of the evening in silent prayer asking for forgiveness and for patience and for understanding. I love these children and I want to give to them. I want to take their pictures and give them the pleasure of seeing what they look like. I want to honor their wishes and honor my pledge to God to give to them.  I want to see joy on their faces and let them know they are loved. 

And so I leave you tonight and ask for your prayers. Prayers for patience. For peace. For strength to give unconditionally and to persevere and they did today.  Prayers for the children of Warancha to find joy in life and to learn the love of Christ. Prayers for our team for rest. I love you all.

WE HAVE ARRIVED IN WARANCHA

We are no longer in Addis Ababa. We got up early this morning and left at 6:45 for Awassa where Warancha is located. Our hope was to get here before church started but that is not quite what happened. Church started at 10 am and she showed up about 11:30. But I am getting way ahead of the story…

Our Internet access leaves something to be desired. After leaving Korah on Friday after feeding the kids lunch we actually stopped at the offices of Hopechest and had an opportunity to connect to the Internet. The door was opened and in we walked. I think it was the only time we have been silent all trip. The computers, phones, and Ipads were immediately opened and everyone was busy connecting to the outside world. You would think we had been without communication for months! While in Korah we had a chance to visit with a few elder men afflicted with leprosy.  We had met a woman there from Canada, Eve, who helps support this mission. They provide housing, food and medical assistance for those with leprosy in need. Originally Korah was a leper colony. The men in the house were so happy to have visitors and it was an honor to get to spend some time with them. One of the men weaving at the compound I spoke about in my last blog was also afflicted with leprosy. He was in the process of weaving a basket and he was so proud of his work. His hands were gnarled and he was without fingers down to his knuckles. And yet his work was beautiful and he had such pride in the fact that he could still produce such beautiful work. The American woman who works there, Emily, originally came to Ethiopia on a mission trip with her mother and was really called to the people in Korah. She came back three months later and is now married to one of the men that works there as well. In fact, the two of them run the program. Her husband, Birham, is originally from Korah and was a street kid himself before coming to Christ as a young child. He has dedicated his life to helping those in his own community. Emily is an RN to the two of them serve the people together and have no qualms getting their hands dirty in the process. The day we spent with their organization was a blessing to us all. Korah, for those of you who don’t know, is the poorest section of Ethiopia so it is great to see help coming to the people there.

Saturday morning we got up and went to No Ordinary Love sponsored by Jimmy and Rachel Gross, both from San Antonio. Their program is to minister to the community children. Both have had a heart for ministry for years and have been in Ethiopia for approximately two years. They have several children of their own and have just adopted a beautiful baby from San Antonio. We were able to see their organization and see the children and supply them with many donations that they needed thanks to the contributions of many of you. So thank you again for your generosity. They take care, not only of children, but also of young unmarried girls who have given birth. They provide them a place to live and help them to find employment once they get their feet back on the ground. I think the thing that I love the most is the fact that all the places we have visited employ Ethiopians to do the hands on work. They are having the countrymen and women take care of their own and providing employment opportunities. I am also so impressed with the love for the people they are all serving.

In the afternoon we went to Fashionable, a place under the care of Ian and Brittany, both originally from California. This was the coolest place ever. The women who work there make scarfs; and not just any scarfs, but absolutely beautiful scarfs made with care! The women who work there were once prostitutes who have turned their lives around and now have jobs, are earning money and are able to take care of themselves and their families. The women enjoy one another and the sense of family is permeable. We had the chance to work side by side with them dying the thread they use to weave the scarves. We then got to rinse them out – this was no easy process. We rinsed and rung them out and rinsed and rung them out at least five times. When done they were soaked in fabric softener to ensure they were incredibly soft before making. By the time I was done my hands were blue (as were my new white tennis shoes)!  But I got a high five from my Ethiopian partner so I was feeling pretty good. The weavers (all women) were amazing to watch. Their skills were fast and accurate. It was a great day to see these women smiling while working. At the end of the day we asked if it would be appropriate to buy each of the ladies a scarf, or if this would be like buying a chocolate for the woman who works in the chocolate factory, and were told this would be a wonderful surprise. So that is exactly what we did. They were so excited to get to pick out something for themselves. All the women but one picked out the same scarf – the one standout got the scarf named after her! We got a group picture, but not before they all went home and changed into their Sunday best! It was so neat to see them smile! I have to admit; up til now this has been my favorite part. Just seeing the joy on their faces was awesome!!!

For the past several nights we stayed at the Providence House in Addis Ababa. Judy and I shared a room, while the three other ladies stayed together.  Between the seven of us we had two bathrooms, limited hot water, and lots of humor. Our hostess was the sweetest woman ever; not to mention the best cook! Regardless of weather it was breakfast or dinner, the meal consisted of several courses and every one of them was delicious. Not to worry about my losing any weight over here! I told her I wanted to sneak her home in my suitcase! Last night they prepared a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony for us. They actually roasted the raw coffee beans over coals and then ground them. This was poured into small cups into which we all added at least 4 spoonfuls of sugar. It was great to watch and real coffee drinkers would have greatly appreciated the taste! We thanked her with a scarf as well!

Last night we met our driver’s boss just by happenstance. He pokes his head in the window and asks us all a question. In order to get the full humor of this story you have to understand that our guide’s name is Alex. He is NOT our driver. Marie, who was sitting in the back seat and only partially paying attention, responds to the question by saying, “Great, thanks to Alex”.  It’s too bad the question was, “How’s your driver doing?” Needless to say, she got the most inappropriate answer of the day award!

Last night we went to the Post Office (it’s an area of shopping, much like a market area, where there are a lot of Street Kids). We had an opportunity to browse the area and see if there are things we’d like to purchase and get a feel for the area. A young lady, also staying at the Providence House, who is from Tennessee, is working with those kids, and so we wanted to see what that was all about. It was an extremely difficult area for me. The kids are everywhere. Many of them are selling packs of gum to earn money. Rebecca was telling us about 9 year olds living on their own with no adults to help. Then there are many just begging for help. There is no end to those in need of help and they are not only children. There are many adults too. Mothers with young babies. Older men. Everywhere you turn someone is looking at you with pleading eyes! Meanwhile the shop owners are ushering you into their shops so they all know you have money! It was really hard for me. And no does not mean no. You can tell a person no, but it is as if they don’t hear. They continue to ask again and again. Our guide, Alex would bargain for us if there was something we wanted to buy. He had little faith in us Americans (ferje, pronounce feringe, which means white person). So I have made some progress. I am no longer a Mzungu. I am now a Ferje; at least for the next few days!!!

As a group, I’d have to rate us a ten! We really do get along well. The jabbing and jawing at one another started almost immediately, which is always a good sign. We have laughed hard and often and loved much. We thoroughly enjoy one another and seem to compliment one another (though definitely not verbally!) in skills!

We are now beginning to get ready to leave. This is a team that wants to be on the go. Today we went to the church, which is where I started. I love the worship. Everyone standing up and clapping and singing. The volume, the enthusiasm, the praise. It is without words. Then the women came and hugged us and the children loved on us and wanted to play and laugh with us. Sadly, the day came to an end much to quickly. But fortunately we have tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday and part of Thursday. I know the time will fly by and I will try to blog again tomorrow. In the meantime know I love you all. And Go Aggies Go!

I AM YOUNGER THAN MY HUSBAND!

We arrived yesterday right on time but by the time we got home last night we were all so exhausted it was all we could do to make it up the 31 stairs to our room to collapse in bed and go to sleep. Seriously, we were all in bed, asleep by 8:30. By the time we got to dinner I was so tired I passed on the meal and tried hopelessly just to keep my eyes open!

What an amazing trip so far! Ethiopia is such a different country from the US or from Uganda. The first difference I noticed right away was the fact that there are street signs in this country. The biggest car does not always win! I saw more street signs in the first minute than I saw the whole time I was in Uganda! I also noticed as I climbed into the van all set to take pictures from the passenger side that I was not on the passenger side. Ethiopians drive on the same side of the road we do. I was all set up to take pictures and now had all this traffic in the way! I did notice that the driving is not much different than Uganda though. The cars can make it through the tinniest spaces and though we passengers were a little scared the two Ethiopians thought nothing about it! Addis Ababa as a city is much wealthier than Kampala (the capital of Uganda). Our guide, Alex, is a wonderful man, married, with four children. He is patient with us in answering all our questions and his English is very, very good.

Anyway, we arrived and got through customs without a single hitch. In fact, no one even looked in our bags. We immediately left for the guest house where we dropped off our bags and left again, before anyone had a chance to fall asleep. We left and went to Bring Love In an organization started by Levi Becker. We toured his facility and then played with the kids. He has taken in children and matches them up with widows in the community (six children to one widow) and then he houses them and gets them sponsored. We had a chance to see the houses and they were really nice. Each child has a bunk bed, and there is a living area in which they can sit as a family. At 3:30 the children got off the bus from school and it was great to see. One of the widows (mothers) was at the base of the bus welcoming each child (not only her own) with a kiss. When they got inside the compound Thomas (one of the employees) was malled by the kids who were so happy to see him. He was equally as happy to see them! It was great to see the love between the two. Each afternoon the mothers come to the compound to pick up their kids from school and it was a great to see the interaction.

We then left there and went into town to meet Emily (part of Project 61 from Korah) where Doug and I followed her to go buy the goats. We bought six of them for $30 each. We then walked them down the street (actually they were walked for us) and then their legs were tied together and tied to the top of the bus for the trip to Korah. All the way there we could hear them moving around and hear them bahhing... I'm sure they were thinking "Oh boy, Oh boy, we've been chosen". Little did they know. Once we got to Korah they were being slaughtered so we could provide the kids a lunch today that actually included meat! Seeing all the goats in the market I knew I was no longer in Bulverde!

It was a great day. I have to say we were tired. The flight was a good one; it was non-stop which was a huge blessing although the movie selection had a lot to be desired. Jaimie watched Abe Lincoln Vampire Slayer... that should give you an indication of what our choices were. It should win an Emmy any day now! The rest of choices were not as good! There was no turbulence and no coke and the food was a little iffy but we got here in one piece and all our luggage arrived...on time!!!

The team is bonding well. We are beyond the perfunctory being nice and polite and are now just being ourselves. What this really means is the harassment has started and the comebacks are quick to come! This morning we got up and sorted through all the supplies and headed out to Project 61 which is Korah the poorest part of the country. They had kept one of the goats for us to slaughter (Zach did the honors) and then we watched as the goat was skinned to perfection. What an art! They then brought out two other goats and Marie and Neda artfully cut off the heads. Being the photographer I recorded the entire event (being glad that I had an excuse to be behind the lens). He then cut up the goat preserving every edible piece possible. They even braided the intestines to eat later! I was glad we were serving lunch but not eating!!! The heads which they cut off were left scattered around the property covered in flies. Again, Jaimie, the vegetarian, had nothing to do with this process. She sat with one little girl who pantomimed that they were slicing the heads of goats. They bonded immediately. The meat was then transported across the street where it was cooked in one little room (the smoke did me in after a few minutes) by a very gentle and loving woman. We then served it to the kids with "anjera" (spelling questionable), large looking pieces that look like tortillas but are much for absorbable. The kids ate it up in no time at all. It was a huge honor to get to be a part of the serving process.

There are also a large number of women who bead for a living. We had the chance to sit with them and watch them bead (Judy and I actually tried to make a bead or two). The beads we were making were made of two or three long strands of paper rolled up very tightly. They did get a laugh or two out of us (and I'm sure were laughing inside a lot harder). It takes huge concentration, at least it did for me. They each bead 200 a day. Two hundred! I did two and my hands were sore and my back was killing me! They were not only able to socialize while working but they were smiling and having fun! And to top it off they were beautiful women!

Now here is some very exciting news. In Ethiopia they follow their own calendar. Instead of following a twelve month calendar they have thirteen months, each one with 30 days. Their calendar begins in September with September 11th (my birthday) being New Year's Eve! That just gives me another reason to celebrate! But here is the really GOOD news. In Ethiopia it is not 2012!!! It is actually October, 2005!!!  So that means I am NOT 57, I am only 50!!!! Which means that I am NOT five years older than Steve. I am actually TWO YEARS YOUNGER!!! PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT, STEVE! Take that to the dinner table and discuss it with your children. I gotta love that! I may never come back!!!!

So the children are incredible as usual. I would expect nothing else. We are getting ready to head back to Korah. We have spent the last hour at HopeChest using their Internet since our guest house has no Internet. I will not be posting again tonight but wanted you to know we are all well. I love you all.

Leaving American Soil for a new country in a great Continent...

Day 2… It is now 8:30 and we are all at the airport in Washington, D.C. waiting for our flight to Ethiopia which has now been delayed an hour… not departing till noon! So I will be looking for something to eat before I go! We arrived last night on schedule and then the fun began. We gathered our luggage and waited outside for the “Embassy Suites” van to come pick us up. After all the other vans drove by several times the van finally showed up. We loaded ALL 14 BIG bags into the van and headed out to the hotel. When we got there and unloaded all the bags it came to our attention that only two of our team members (the guys) actually had reservations there. The rest of us had reservations at the Hampton Inn!! So we reloaded the luggage (10 bags now times 50 pounds) and headed out to our new location. So much for the best laid plans. By now it was close to 11 and we were all hungry, so we dropped our luggage in our rooms and headed out the door to the only restaurant in walking distance. Fortunately, for us, it was really good! And eat we did! Salads, as this is something we won’t see much of us for the next ten days.

Zach (the youngest member of our team, a high school junior) has come prepared. He emptied his backpack on the plane and had a snack of every variety imaginable. He will not go hungry! Sadly, I think he made his way through most of them on the three hour flight to Washington. He has everything from soup to dessert! The rest of us have pretty slim pickins in comparison. Yesterday he was sharing freely. Today he has figured out if he charges money he can come home having made a profit!!!

The team is doing well. We are very excited about what is ahead of us. We are anxious to get to Ethiopia and begin doing what it is we are meant to do.  I have no doubt that God has knitted together a good group of people who will work well together to accomplish his purpose.  I will update again tomorrow night after we arrive in Addis Ababa. I will be praying for all of you. Love you bunches.

My Bags are Packed...

Today is the big day… again! My bags are packed and I’m ready to go!  Wow, I should put that to music. Oh wait, someone already did. John Denver to be exact, in 1966. For those of you old timers who may remember it was recorded most often by Peter, Paul and Mary. So though I will be on the plane you can start humming away to your hearts delight! Today is also my in-laws 49^th anniversary. So happy anniversary to the two of you.

We leave today and spend the night in Washington, DC and then leave tomorrow for Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. We spend the morning working with Levi Benker’s ministry in Addis (you can look him up on the Internet) and then we will purchase goats for Project 61. That night we will deliver the goats and then the next day we will slaughter them and provide a special meal to the children there.  After that each day will be spent with different organizations until we reach Warancha, an orphanage where we will spend the remainder of our time.

I will be blogging in detail each and every day about the experiences we encounter and the people we come in contact with. I expect both will be amazing. I am excited to get to know this team better and to see where God leads us. My prayer is that we are all open to his guidance and that we are willing to follow his call. I also pray that the team is not overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and smells of Ethiopia but can walk into this as people loved by God and be able to share that love with all we encounter. I hope we can separate tour “Americanism” and just walk in as people. And I hope we can do that quickly so we can love fully and completely in where they are and not spend time evaluating the differences. Instead, I hope we see all we encounter as God’s children completely the same as we are just born into a different place.

We are not there to give of things. We are there to give of ourselves. So let us go in the peace that God has gone before us, he will be there with us, and he will guide us every step of the way. Two days from now I will be in a country I have never seen before in a Continent that I have grown to love. I can’t wait for the journey to begin…