This month we worked at HopEthiopia in the country side of Ethiopia called Harbu Chulule. This place was absolutely incredible. We were on a compound that was the home to 24 orphaned children and five house moms. On the grounds they made bricks that were used for each building, there was a fish pond, a hen house, they kept bees to harvest honey, there were two oxen roaming the grounds, and there was a well that was open to the community for water. They also had an apple orchard where they grew apple trees and would donate them to the community so that people could grow their own apples. It was amazing.
It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was incredibly simple, but extravagant in the way we got to witness and soak in God’s creation on a daily basis. There was no wifi for miles. The sunsets were breathtaking every evening, followed by the stars where you could see three shooting stars in one night. There were just open fields where you would see a few people walking with their cattle, goats, and donkeys. People traveled by foot or horse.We would see one or two vans go by in the distance every few days. That’s it. The market was only open three times a week, Saturday being the biggest day where livestock was being sold.
One night for entertainment, we played some games that were oldies but goodies, Mancala and Pick Up Sticks. Those are the games I played when I was a kid, back before internet was used for entertainment. It felt so good to go back to the basics, having a blast with the people around you, enjoying each others company.
This month, we went back to the basics. When we didn’t have a phone in our face at all times. When you could take time to yourself or with loved ones, and no one would be upset if you didn’t answer a text in a timely manner. Before everyone had to be connected at all times. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.. Now that I have wifi, I caught myself scrolling, and it was addicting, but almost painful because of all of the stimulation and trash.
After having this experience in Ethiopia, it really makes me wonder if I could live like this. I actually wouldn’t mind a season like this. I wouldn’t mind living off the grid with my family and a community of believers. We could enjoy each other’s company, having fellowship on a daily basis. We could raise our children, having a small school for everyone’s kids. Will they grow up “weird?” Probably, but that’s ok. Just a thought. I probably wouldn’t mind having a bustling about 30 minutes away to get to coffee shops, a mall, and some boujee restaurants, but hey, we’ll see what the Lord has.
Here is a video done by my sister, Alex Banks to show a little of what our month looked like. Below is her blog info to keep up with her journey!!
http://alexandrabanks.theworldrace.org/
World Race Month 6: Ethiopia
