Ethiopia Hope Ministry Team Update

I have heard others say they left half their heart in Ethiopia. I’ve thought about this and the feelings I have as well. Feelings of sorrow at saying goodbye to new friends, feelings of wanting to be here home with my family and friends, and yet wanting to further experience all that we were introduced to in Ethiopia. I think for me, I haven’t left my heart in Ethiopia, I have brought Ethiopia home with me in my heart.

My most memorable moments include,

The beautiful sight of children laughing, always laughing and smiling, so excited to be with us, only wanting to be with us. It made me feel so special and yet so humble at the same time. Why would my presence bring such joy to their faces? It also made me want to step it up and be that person who was the best and most loving I could be.This is something that is in my heart.

The sight of boys playing football in the streets with shoes that have holes in the bottoms so big they might as well have been playing barefoot. Those same boys using the streets in the early morning to exercise on, doing sit-ups on the medians, kicks and jumps along the curbs. I love the simple joy that can be found in companionship. I take that with me in my heart.

Seeing those women, from the very old to the very young, walk that dangerous busy road to the top of the hill only to pick up a heavy burden of branches and slowly walk that same road, with bodies bent over under the weight, back to the bottom. This sequence then repeated itself again and again during the day. I wonder how many trips they have taken? All this told me poverty is not something that comes about because of laziness, I saw people who worked harder in a day than I have ever worked. Poverty is a thing you are born into, stuck in, and without someone or something to help break that cycle you will likely never be free from it, nor will your children. I take this back with me in my heart.

I remember the gift of roses... I wonder what the cost was to give us a rose? I imagine I have never received a more costly flower. It made my heart swell with love. I will always remember to see a gift beyond its cost to purchase because what might seem to me a small gift could be the most extravagant. I will appreciate and be thankful for every gift and count them as special and precious.

I remember laughing at myself when I completely messed up an attempt at making injera. The lady of the home we visited in Modjo made injera for a living and was so excited to show us how to do it. When she offered me a chance to try I weighted the costs, figured I would mess it up, and that it wouldn’t matter, so I jumped in and tried. As I had feared I didn’t do very well and ended up with a piece of bread with large holes in it where the batter didn’t meet in the middle. She laughed, I laughed, the team laughed. It was good for my soul and good for hers as well. I am glad she was able to see herself as someone who was good at what she did, and that it wasn’t simple, and she could be proud of her work. I will remember I don’t have to be the best at all things, and my failures may bring someone else some pride that they can know things that are of value and teach them to others.

When I think of Ethiopia I think of Yoseph, whenever he was asked to do something he always answered “It is no problem.” When asked if he liked something he would say, “it was very good.” I want to take such a positive outlook on life back with me in my heart. I want to find myself saying to others, Yes, it is no problem, I can do that for you, and to use the words, it was very good, or very nice. I want that to be my heart. A servant heart, I can do for you, no problem, and whatever I receive, it is very nice, or very good. These are words I want to come out of my mouth.

I remember watching the young men with the children, such gentleness, such love in their actions and words. I love the gentleness I saw in Ethiopian people. I can sometimes be harsh, I want gentleness to flavor my life.

Some sights on the streets were so overwhelming. I saw children who had been injured or had been hungry too long in their short lives, begging. I saw adults who had had their bodies tormented by leprosy, or some other disfiguring event. It was so hard to see such things and know that I couldn’t just throw money at them and help their situation. I hurt for them, for their lives, I pray they will have an opportunity to know God. That He will fulfill their needs, physical emotional and spiritual. My prayer life will be enriched by remembering them to God.

I also was inspired to see the rich standing and talking to the poor, side by side. There seemed to be no worries about classes of people. I am not sure the Ethiopian people would understand the American way of only being comfortable with those who are of your same social economic situation. I take this part of Ethiopia back with me in my heart, people are people, love people, that is all, love people. Step beyond the weird social system I have been taught to live in. Just love people, both those of less income, and those of greater. Upon thinking of this I find I am very uncomfortable around people I perceive to have greater wealth than I have. Why is this? No wonder so many Americans are so lonely...

One thing that did bump my way of thinking a bit was seeing so many people just hanging out on the streets with each other. At first I thought, “doesn’t anyone work in this city?” The answer of course is yes and no. Many do work, many work on those same streets and they were at their jobs as I drove by, selling things to passers by. But some did not have work, so they were there to be social. Being social is such a gift. I am so caught up in being busy, getting things done, move on to the next thing. I am challenged to slow down a bit. Find a balance, let some days slide away with little accomplished but a good visit with a friend. What will last in the end anyway? My vain little attempts to work, or relationship with others? I think this will be something I will ponder and work through in my heart.

I am challenged by the generosity of the people of Ethiopia. How is it that those who have so little are the best at giving and sharing? How is it that I who am so privileged am so stingy and selfish? This I take home with me and struggle through in my heart.

I loved hearing the prayers of the people. I didn’t know what was being said, but the way they prayed, the way they go before the throne of God with such thankfulness, such boldness, was inspiring to me. I love the thank you and amen after each section of the prayer. When one family we visited was asked can we pray for you, the answer was, “ prayer is essential.” Prayer is essential, could it be said any better? My heart is full of the thankful spirit of the Ethiopian people.

These are some things I have in my heart now after coming home from Ethiopia. I feel connected to the people there, my heart is full of their love, their faces, their stories, their way of life. On the way home I met a young man who was traveling back to the states after having a long visit home to Ethiopia. He asked me how I liked his country. When I said I loved it he was so pleased. He couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful he felt that people would come to his home country and love it. I think Ethiopia is a hidden treasure that is just waiting to be found. I am so glad I had the chance to go and meet such extraordinary people.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you smell smoke, exhaust, spices, coffee, and animals all in the same breath.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you awake to the sound of dogs barking and fighting at 3 am and then the sound of the call to prayer mingled with the crow of roosters just as you are drifting back to sleep at 5 am.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you are greeted with a smile everywhere you go, and the sound of children laughing is a common thing.

You know you are in Ethiopian traffic when all you hear is the beep beep of the vans and cars letting each other know where they are and what their intentions are. Somehow the system works, I saw only one traffic accident in the seemingly craziness of the roads.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you see people with briefcases, people with goods to sell, and people with nothing who beg for a living, all on the streets side by side.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you see herds of goats and donkeys being driven by youngsters through the above crowds of people.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you see everyone walking, everywhere. Distance seems no obstacle. Most carry jugs of water or large bags of coal or feed.

You know you are in the Ethiopian country side when you see farm fields looking like a patch work blanket laid across the land. The crops have been harvested and the land waits for the rainy season. The means of this farming is now grazing on the land, oxen. Soon they will be hooked to wooden plows and will work the ground before the sowing by hand of the seed.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you are served injera at every meal. Delicious when combined with all the spicy meats and vegetables.

You know you are in Ethiopia when you are so overwhelmed by the graciousness of the people you think your heart can’t hold it all. These people are some of the friendliest most hospitable I have ever met. They truly are a reflection of God, generous, so kind, so tenderhearted.

You know you have been to Ethiopia when you can’t imagine not going back.

Sunday morning we attended the Sunday morning service at MMKC. The choir led the singing, which was incredible. There are many kids there and they were raising their hands and singing, jumping up-and–down. Many of our Compassion kids were there as well. Compassion requires that 80% of the sponsored kids be unbelievers, this way they hear the Gospel and usually become Christians. Rahel’s mother died a few years ago and her father works in a factory and does not come to Church much. Rahel does, however, and will hear about Christ and hopefully turn to Him.

Kara Lorenz sang a song and then the team choir in “Fill-up My Cup.” We don’t have the rhythm of the Ethiopians, but they helped us along by clapping with us. It was a “Sister-Act” moment!!

We had lunch with the Elders of the Church, then returned for the team to lead the Youth service in the afternoon. Tim & Kara Lorenz led and had a lot of fun with them.

Meanwhile, Dave Ulrichs & I met with the Elders to discuss the benefits of our Church partnership and ways we could improve our relationship in the future. We are blown away how most of the Elders of the Church were persecuted for started the church 20 years ago. They were thrown in jail and even had some of their families killed for their faith. Today the Church is over 1,000 in attendance and is so grateful for Harvest sending people to their Church to serve and love them. They don’t feel worthy, but are grateful. We don’t stand on the same ground with them in our commitment to Christ, but what a privilege to serve with them, saving lives of children and showing Christ’s love to our communities together.

They told us that they pray for Harvest Church every week. They have Vern’s family picture on the office wall and pray for him weekly. I hope each of you can come and meet your sponsored child some day and see how the love of Christ transforms this place.

The Addis Team joined the Modjo Team to meet our sister Church (Messerite Kristos Church). After a team reunion we went to the Church to lead a Children’s session. The sponsored kids from Compassion International all come together for biblical teaching and medical & educational time. Normally they have the 225 sponsored kids (of which Harvest sponsors 150) come to either an 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 session. The kids knew that we would be there so they all came to the 9:00.

Dawn Carter, our resident Kids expert, led the session with skits and using the kids to perform a Bible Story that the kids had to guess which one it was. After the session we met our sponsored kids, got pictures and just hung out together. My daughter, Rachael, had already met Rahel Ambese, our sponsored child, but we both got to spend time with her and give her some gifts from home. She is a sweet little girl with a little brother she brought with her.

The Modjo team took us to their project sites to see what they had been working on. They had three sites that you’ve read about on previous blogs. It was amazing to see the difference from the Korah homes and these home in Modjo. While there are poverty conditions in Modjo, the Compassion program keeps families together and out of the kinds of poverty we saw in Korah. I would love to see the Compassion program in Korah some day so we could be part of a poverty reduction in that area.

We spent the afternoon at one of Messerite Kristos’ newest Church plants. The Church has several, the denomination has started 600 Churches this past year! As we sat around the yard listening to their stories we had “an African moment.” There were chickens running around the yard, a couple of traditional grass huts with the ladies sitting around the fire preparing dinner and coffee for their guests.

We heard from the lady who donated the land for the Church and the story of her husband’s conversion, healing from cancer, then ultimately his death last year. The Church did a coffee ceremony with dinner. My daughter, who doesn’t eat bovines, ate the meal in gratitude, although we’re not real sure exactly what kind of meat we were eating.

As we drove from Modjo to Nazarete to check into our Lodge we stopped for pictures where a large herd of Camels were grazing. We continued down the road and saw several Baboons feeding near the road. Once in the Lodge there are monkeys in the trees throwing fruit from the trees down at us. Made us feel like we were really in Africa.

Thursday was a full day of work and then a little Ethiopian cuisine thrown in.

Jayne is feeling better and will travel with us today, thank you God!

The project is to tear down an old house that is inside the pole structure of the new, the reason for the exterior poles is to be able to attached corrugated roofing to the roof for shade.  It may only be 70 to 75 degrees, but the sun is hot and direct.  The building we are to tear down is approximately 24' x 12' x 10' high.  It has 4-5" diameter main poles maybe every 4' on center.   The wall girts are 2" diameter poles going up the side every 3' to 4'.  Holding all this together are branches intertwined and embedded in mud, manure, straw,and grass with some type of plaster on the inside and out.   The tools we used were prospector's picks and 4' bars made of 1" rebar.   With all in masks and gloves the work started, I noticed after  while the team concept came in to play.  Instead of just working on breaking out one side of the wall, members teamed up and worked with a one person on the inside and one person on the outside.  After 2 to 2 1/2 hours all the wall mixture was on the ground.

So, time for lunch.  Dirty, sweaty, stinky off to the church for lunch with the elders and staff.   We all got a little surprise to hear we were going to eat 2 goats, along with rice, injera, and bread.  The goat was basically the carcass less the hide broke up into the size between a golf ball and a tennis ball.  Sharp bone, vein ends, ball joints, ribs, and the spine nicely cooked and served.  In Ethiopia eating like the Ethiopians is surely being tested here.  The meat was grisly, stringy, tough, but when you were able to get a chunk it tasted like turkey gizzards or turkey neck.  Everyone was a trooper and tried.  Completing the meal was another story.  Then the best part, the coffee ceremony, I love coffee ceremonies.

Back to work, we were pretty much spent, but the wall mixture needed to be moved from the inside of the structure.  We started in a couple lines of 5 or 6 people and handed the bigger piece of the wall down the line to the end pile.  After the large pieces were gone, to the shovel and hand carts we went.   A lot of hard work, but the photographers, Leann and Wes just showed up, so fresh labor.

Around 4:00 back to the motel and listen to a few more great personal testimonies that the team is sharing.  Dinner at 6:00, then off to our room for sleep between 8:30 and 10:00.

God is good and I do feel richer in the area of God in my life and in others.

Today was our last service day in Korah.  On the project side of things, we were able to finish nearly everything we set out to do.  The walls were finished with some spot painting, the plastic flooring was laid in the last house, minor roof leaks were patched, and the beds were delivered.  On Monday we had ordered bunk beds for each house to help increase floor space.  These beds were custom made at a local weld shop.  They all wanted to get a picture with their new beds.  Our first photo op proved that 10 people on a bed was a bit much.  Let’s just say we had to order a new one. 

Today we purchased 4 live sheep (which seem more like our goats) and gave them to the Great Hope School as a blessing to the children and workers.  What a sight, 2 vans loaded with white Americans pull up to a goat/sheep market.  Our guides hop out, choose some good sheep, and negotiate a fair price.  Then, the live goats were tied to the roof rack of one van while all of us are snapping photos.  Then off we went through town to the school.  For the more squeamish, I’ll spare you the details, but we were able to be there as they slaughtered 2 of the sheep.  As a hunter myself, I just had to stand back and watch in awe how efficient they were at skinning and carving; it was an art form.  Those sheep fed all the children, the workers, the church staff, and I believe the women who make necklaces across the road.

Each house we worked on averaged 4 to 6 people.  Some had grandparents living there.  Most of the fathers had either passed away or were off begging or working.  The children were either at school or also begging.  For these reasons, we’ve only met and talked with the mothers or daughters. In one house we met a young lady who was going to have a baby any time.  When we went to her house today, we were excited to hear that she was off to the hospital to have her child.  Another woman was very stoic and mostly stayed away.  Today at the coffee ceremony she was very emotional and just kept saying “Thank you, thank you, thank you….”  At the next house we learned that the woman living there had come to know Jesus as her savior a year ago.  Her husband doesn’t like Jesus (yet) but when we were done he said, “May God bless you even more for this.”  The people we’ve met in Korah are down-trodden and lead hard lives, yet they are still happy.  Now that their houses have been completed, they’re positively glowing.

On the spiritual side of things, oh the work that God is doing!  When Great Hope church started in Korah, they were yelled at, chased, and even beaten up.  Now, many people come to them for help, prayer, and even attend the church.  In a place where Jesus wasn’t known, it’s been so amazing to hear of many people coming to Christ.  One man was a Muslim.  He was saved about 10 years ago and now his 3 sisters and brother are also believers.  Yet, as many people that have been saved, there are that many more yet to believe.  As I stood there looking around at all the poverty and hardship I entertained the thought (as many of us have) of WHY?  As I mulled it around, God led me to John 9:1-3 (please read).  Essentially God said, “It is for my glory.”  And wow, are we seeing it already!  And just like that, my perspective was changed to an eternal one.  I just kept thinking of Rev 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever.”  How alive that passage has become to me here.  I’m so excited for that day when we all can celebrate with them in Heaven!

As we originally arrived in Korah, our hearts were heavy and broken for these people and their living situations.  Today as we left, our hearts broke because we had to leave them; many of whom we now consider friends.  And yet, I believe all of us leave there not really saddened because we’ve seen the love and hope.  We’ve witnessed first hand what God is doing and we know it’s not the end, but only the beginning of a great work God will do as he continues to move in Korah!

This is a valentines day that will never be forgotten. This very special day had leaps and bounds of emotion. From being scared to death, to laughing so hard we were crying, and loving so much we are again crying and being loved so much we are crying once again.

The team had the most wonderful breakfast as we prepared for the adventure that was about to become one of the most memorable days of our trip. We climbed on the bus to head to Modjo to our very first project. While on the bus as a group we decided that we need God protection as well as His blessings. This is the day that Team Modjo began holding hands. Our compassion leader Marty asked us to "popcorn pray", This is were we say whatever we feel that God is leading us to pray. We must have prayed for at least 20 minutes. Wow 20 minutes of basking in the Lords presence as well as crying. 

We arrived at the project home of a single mother with her 2 children. A good friend and neighbor met us at the door with COFFEE. She had such a bright smile and she kept saying "I am so happy." She greeted us with lots of hugs and kisses (and coffee). The job for the day was to mix, carry and poor cement on top of broken rocks throughout the hallway, guest room and bedroom. If you wonder what a guest room is it is what we call our living room. As the team began to work, you could see the joy spread across their faces. They were happy to be able to help someone in need. 

Embedit was the name of my new sister from the other side of the world. She is the most unbelievable woman I have ever met. The love flows from her so freely and her smile is so engaging. She insisted that I sit and visit with her and we talk about life. She told me she was a teacher and her husband was a pastor. Everyone filtered through her home as if she was their mom. Coming and going as they pleased and she fed everyone (literally). In Ethiopia a sign of love is to feed one another.

The teamed worked incredibly well together and by noon we were saying our heartbreaking goodbyes. The women of the house met with us and hugged and kissed everyone. Her tears started with the first hug and by the last she was weeping. We prayed for her and her home and once again hugged her.   

One of the reasons I came to Africa, and especially Modjo, was to meet the four children that my husband and I sponsor through Compassion International. On Monday, I was presented with an incredible surprise, when I was told that not only was I going to meet one of them that afternoon, but I was also going to visit the house where he lives,  and meet his family. I was very excited about the opportunity, but also very nervous! As we walked down the dirt road, flanked by walls made of tin metal, my mind was racing with all kinds of thoughts. What do these people think of me? Will they accept me? Do they even want me to visit them and their son?

As we turned to walk down a narrow path, towards some small structures made out of mud and straw, a small group of kids was making their way towards us. I instantly recognized one of them as Mekias, my sponsored child. I went up to him and gave him a big hug. He was shy, but still had a big grin on his face! We were led around the corner, and ushered inside his modest home, where his mother, father, and older sister were waiting to greet us. I had never in my life thought that I would witness people in such impoverished conditions.

 The "home" we walked into was constructed out of mud and hay, tin metal made up the roof, the floor was dirt with a very old, torn piece of linoleum covering it, and it had no windows. The whole 10 X 12 structure consisted of two rooms, a living/kitchen room and one bedroom with one large mattress on the floor. We all squished ourselves onto very old and tattered furniture, that in the US, you would only find at the dump. It was very dark and smokey in there, and it took my eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness. They did have electricity, and his mother turned on a single light bulb hanging from the center of the room, so that we could see as we sat down, but once we were seated, she turned it off.

 We proceeded with introductions, and exchanged information about each other, while Mekias' mother and sister prepared a coffee ceremony for us. A coffee ceremony is something we've seen and done a lot of in Africa!!! It consists of brewing coffee in a clay pot, over a small bed of coals (hence the smoke in the house). Prior to serving the coffee, they also pop popcorn and serve that with the coffee. We were allowed about half and hour to visit, and before you knew it, it was time to go. We had a quick photo session and then it was time to leave. These people were so amazing!! They have absolutely nothing, but each other and the Lord, and yet they have have so much joy and peace. Both the mother and father were so grateful for all that I was doing for their son and family, and yet, I'm thinking to myself, I'm only providing $38.00 a month…..it's not even how much I pay for the cable on all the T.V.'s I own. This just isn't right…how can so many people be living like this?? It was very difficult to take in. Yet being around these people in all their poverty is also amazingly joyful! They are so filled with faith and the Holy Spirit..it's what they depend on to survive! In a lot of ways they are more fortunate than we, as Americans, are. To have such a deep and personal relationship with their Savior is so priceless!

This trip has been such a life changer and I feel like we have only scratched the surface. I wish everyone back home could experience what we are experiencing. It's something to really be here and smell the smells, hear the sounds, and see the sights in person….words and pictures just don't even begin to tell the story! 

When I think of describing the greatness of God, I have a hard time finding all the right words.  The same thing happens when I try to come up with a way to describe God’s creation here.  Nineteen from Harvest Church have been working in Korah since Monday and we have loved every minute of it.  The second I see one of these faces smile at me I am taken back by the glory of God radiating from the person. 

Today we got so much work done and it did not even really feel like work at all.  Split into two teams we were able to plaster and paint two houses and get plastic for the floors cut.  All we have left is a few finishing details (including new beds) thanks be to God.  Monday we were honestly wondering if we were taking on more than we could handle but it hasn’t been a problem at all.

For myself personally, yes, I see all of the dirt and grime and broken that comes with poverty, but this place is a breath of fresh air! I have never felt so welcome, especially when I don’t even know the language (which is really hard, by the way).  Twice today I had the opportunity to just hang out with some absolutely wonderful women.  One, whose hands were crippled by leprosy but a personality that could make your heart burst, sat behind me and started to play with my hair. I told her I liked it and immediately she called to her daughter because she knows how to braid. At this point the daughter had been helping us paint and had to wash pretty much from head to toe from a bucket to come do this but had absolutely no qualms.  When she finished I said “thank you” in Amharic and she replied in English, “No problem.”

The generosity, warmth, hospitality and way they care for each other here is overwhelming.  Can you imagine inviting someone you don’t know, who doesn’t speak your language and who is hanging out on your corner of the block, into your home to make them coffee and popcorn? Imagine it’s the last of your coffee beans and your popcorn kernels.  Would you ever do that? These women did that.  To top it off, I watched them roast the beans themselves over a couple coals, grind the beans by hand, and over the same tiny fire make their popcorn for us who they invited to sit with them. They did this simply because we were there.  I don’t think I would be able to find a person that would not see God’s glory here in Korah or be able to experience Jesus like you never imagined.

What does love make you do?

As we worshiped together with our whole group on Sunday Morning at Beza International Church, we sang these lyrics. “One thing I ask, that I would seek, and find you in the place your glory dwells” I thought to myself, where is the place your glory dwells God? Instantly an image came to mind.

Earlier that morning we visited Korah for the first time. I was so anxious to go. The instant we turned into the district I was overwhelmed. I saw things I have never seen and only imagined to have existed in primitive times. A line of dilapidated huts with shabby tin leaned against them for a “fence”. Children running around a dirt street littered with garbage and animal bones, some with dirty clothes, some with only a shirt. Everything in me wanted to not get out of the van. I thought to myself, “I can’t do this today, I’m staying in the van. I’ll get out tomorrow”

I did step out of the van and it was the biggest blessing of my day. Two young boys instantly came up to me and said Hi. One of them was named Vicardo. I introduced myself to him, he stuck out his hand and said “nice to meet you”. He had such great manners. He was so joyful and wanted to know everything about me. He asked me what I did for work. I explained that I organize classes that teach children about Jesus and the bible. He smiled at me and said, “You do good work”. I saw such a great leader in him as he ran around translating for other children who could not speak English.

The way the Ethiopian people care for each other is amazing. I laid my hand on Ricardo and prayed that he become a mighty leader of God. It was truly the biggest blessing I could imagine. Which is why the instant image I saw when I asked the question “Where does your glory dwell?” was the face of Vicardo and all the kids in Korah, who shined of Him on their faces. I thought we would be bringing God to Korah, but He is already there.

The team got in pretty late tonight, so the Blog is from me, Tim Weidlich (there are three Tim's on this trip!). We had an incredible Day where we discovered God’s heart for the poorest of the poor. The Modjo team wanted to see Korah before heading to Modjo tomorrow so before going to Church we went to Korah. There has been a lot of growth in Addis and the economy seems to be improving, but when you get to the Korah district you go from very nice paved roads with landscaped islands to bumpy dirt roads that you barely can navigate more than 5 miles an hour.

We stopped at Great Hope Church and met Pastor Attainnu who told us the history of the community and his heart for the community that caused him to plant the Church in that community. I can’t tell you the story here, but as he shared with the team the children of the area came up to our team and held their hands and got as close to them as possible. We took a quick tour of Project61 which is right across from Great Hope Church. The poverty and health conditions were extremely depressed, but the love of the kids and smiles on their faces didn’t seem to match their conditions. They were startled that we would come all the way from the United States to serve them and love on them doesn’t make sense to them when the people across the street from Korah never cross the street to see them.

We went to church at Beza International Church where we worshiped with a very young Church of a couple thousand people. Their enthusiasm and love of Christ was contagious. I’m meeting with the Director of Women’s Outreach on Monday to discover what they are doing for the widows in an HIV/AIDS community near them.

We had a lot of opportunities today to get to know the kids today, both in the Korah District and around the Guest Home where we are staying. They seem to love the fact that these white people love to talk to them and try to play soccer on their level.

Tonight we went to an Ethiopian Restaurant called Yod Abyssinia where we had our first traditional meal and watched dancers do several of the tribal dancers from the 80+ tribes in Ethiopia. The translators tried to get one of the ladies to come dance for Gabe Davis, but when he saw them talking to her and pointing at him he ran to the bathroom!!

Tomorrow morning the Modjo Team heads to Modjo early in the morning. It’s 30 miles, but takes them 1.5 hours. Pray for their safety and a great relationship with our sister Church down there. Dr Vernon Johnson and I will be meeting with Pastor Gary Threat tomorrow morning to strategize about Harvest teaming with Willowcreek to bring the Global Leadership Summit to Addisin November. Pray for great connections this week to bring a Medical Team and a Business Team in the next year.

Discovered today that the church around the world is very alive and passionate about what God is doing in their country and around the world. The Christ followers here love to share what is going on with us and eager to hear about Harvest Church and our love for Ethiopia.

Today both teams were together for a cultural day. We got to go to a really small version of a mall, to a mountain that overlooks Addis Ababa, ate at a café and went to the National Museum. The mall had a really neat shop in it that sold shoes that are made in Ethiopia. They have rubber soles made from tires and woven tops (their website: www.solerebelsfootwear.co).

Traveling around this city is absolutely wild. The lines on the road, when they exist, serve as a suggestion. Short quick honks are used instead of turn signals, headlight flashing, and break lights. It’s kind of a free for all atmosphere. They drive REALLY close to each other when they pass other cars and people. The cars definitely rule the road. Our driver would be stopped next to another driver and they would talk to each other and laugh. He did the same thing with the pedestrians too. After dinner tonight AB (one of our guides) told us that we are going to walk to the other Guesthouse a few blocks away. One of the guys said, “We are kind of scared to cross the street.” AB’s replied, “Okay, we will hold your hand then.” This seems to be a perfect example of the people: joking and laughing.

Today, many of us were struck by the level of poverty and the level of love, care and hope in the people of Ethiopia. As we drove through the city we saw many homeless and impoverished people. We saw one man trying to climb a hill whose foot was literally sideways and groups of homeless boys running about the city. There is a level of poverty here that is hard to explain. It is easy to see the difference between the haves and the have-nots: their clothes. I saw a rich man patting a homeless young boy on his back as he passed him. They did not know each other. I saw rich people in very nice clothing chitchatting with the homeless. Everyone has big smiles on their faces. You can see their laughter as you drive by them. I compare this to my experience at Riverstone Health while waiting to get my immunizations. There were so many people there that were hopeless. But even our poorest citizens are much richer than the average person here. This makes me wonder why? Why do people who make an average of $5 a month have more hope than our poor? I think it has to do with the love the people share with each other. When I came here I was scared I wasn’t going to see God here, but I see it in their loving relationships with each other.