Ethiopia is our first stop of three in Africa. I went into this month expecting dry desert land and unbearable heat. We looked up the weather and climate before we got here, but we have learned on the race to expect the worst, so we hesitated to believe that we were going to be surrounded by green (rainy season) and dealing with temperatures around 75 degrees. The entire squad was thrilled when we realized that the reality of this month was beautiful storms, cool temperatures, and altitude too high for risk of malaria.
This month my team lived and worked at HOPEthiopia. The compound currently houses 3 house moms, 19 orphans, and several staff members. They are building more homes to bring in more house moms and children over the next few years. The children’s ages range from 2 years to 16 years; most of them are between 4-7. None of the kids are up for adoption, but instead are being raised with Christian values in a wonderful and safe setting in their own country and culture. Our days usually consist of bible stories, crafts, games, and songs. Every single one of the kids are absolutely amazing. I’ve tried not to have favorites, but we all know how that usually turns out. I’m going to miss hearing them say, “I love you” and their sweet kisses. When we aren’t spending time with the kids, we’re usually painting the new houses or gardening. The kids sometimes follow us around and insist on helping.
Here in Ethiopia, it’s only just now 2009. Their New Year starts on September, 11th. For the new year celebration, we were all invited to partake in a traditional Ethiopian barbeque. Two sheep were slaughtered and cooked over an open fire with a machete and a huge wok. Throughout the night we got to watch a few of the girls dance and sing beautiful songs under a perfectly clear, horizon to horizon star filled sky. That day I learned how to kill, skin, and cook a sheep; something I hope I never NEED to do.
Last week HOPEthiopia hosted their annual 6km race in town. 5 of us decided to run, knowing that there was no way we were going to be able to compete with Ethiopians that probably ran on a daily basis. We finished last, of course, but still had a decent time with the unique experience. They also did a bike race and a kids race, which some of the kids we are working with participated in. That day I learned that I can tell myself I can run a 6k cold-turkey all I want, but actually running it is not likely.
This land is beautiful, the people are beautiful, and God has done some amazing things this month. I’m sad to be leaving this country, but have a feeling this won’t be my last trip here. Saying goodbye to those kids is going to be hard, but I know God is going to continue to provide for them and trust in the people that are bring them up.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
