Today was a tough day. The morning was wonderful because I got to see a somewhat of a solution to the poverty problem. We went to Selam which is a vocational school. They are teaching men and women a trade. The man who gave us the tour said with this training they can make up to 7 times more than the average Ethiopian income per month. How wonderful is that? They are opening so many doors for these people than they would normally have. This is helping them get out of poverty, but it is also helping their families who would have suffered in poverty if it hadn't been for a place like Selam.
It is just so nice to see a place that is looking at the problem and coming up with a solution. They aren't just putting a band-aide on a symptom of the problem. They are allowing these people to help themselves and better themselves. They aren't just throwing money at them that will feed them for a day; they are teaching them skills that will help feed them for a lifetime.
In the afternoon, we went back to the study center in Kechene. The kids were happy to see us and some of them remembered us from Friday. I was so tired from not sleeping well last night that I just didn't have the right attitude going in. We played for a little while in the year. The children were very active today which is a huge contrast from Friday.
We broke the children up into groups to play games. Jessica and I played Hot Potato with our group. The children loved the music! They love to dance! It was fun with the smaller group--not so overwhelming. we then brought the kids over to join the other groups All the kids wanted a balloon. They went crazy! They started getting really mad when I said we were all out. It turned into a mad house. It was borderline violent. One little boy, probably 10-12ish, grabbed my arm and would not let go. He started squeezing harder and harder. I had to really push him off of me. I felt bad, but I know it was going to be the only thing to get him off of me. At that moment, I was just so overwhelmed by the whole situation I wanted to leave. I was not having a good time and found myself becoming angry at the children. I hated that. I don't want to be mad at these kids. It was just a very difficult situation. It was definitely a learning experience though. I know what we shouldn't do next time. We definitely need to take a different approach when we go back tomorrow.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
July 7, 2008
Today was an amazing day. It started out very early. I ws up at 6am! We had to leave by 7:30am if we were to be on time for the day. Breakfast was toast and tea since we were in a hurry. After breakfast, we found out because of all the rain we would not be able to go to the lake like we had planned. The roads were bad enough to get there and with the rain it would just be too dangerous. Geoffrey said we would be going to the waterfall instead.
We went on a drive that I truly believed we would not make it out alive. The roads were really bad and I thought we were definitely be getting stuck. Since our bus driver was absolutely nuts, we almost hit a people and almost ran over some animals.
We went up to this overlook and the view was amazing. Ethiopia is gorgeous! I can't even begin to describe it. We went to the waterfall, but couldn't go in because they were going to overcharge us because we are forengies (foreigners).
We drove back to Addis. We picked up a couple of people who needed a ride. The cutest little boy was on the bus. He was just striking. He reached out for my hand and would not let go the entire time he was on the bus.
Once back in Addis, we went to Kids Care orphanage. I loved my time there. I grabbed a baby and just help him. It was wonderful. I probably held him for over an hour. There was a spot on the back of his head that was bald because you know he is laying down most of the day. I totally fell in love with that little boy. Even though the house mothers care for the babies, there just aren't enough hand to provide the kind of attention these children need. They just want to be held. They just need to be loved. They just deserve a family.
It was an amazing and wonderful day. I aw both sides of Ethiopia's beauty--the land and the babies. Everything about this country is gorgeous and I just love it so much.
We went on a drive that I truly believed we would not make it out alive. The roads were really bad and I thought we were definitely be getting stuck. Since our bus driver was absolutely nuts, we almost hit a people and almost ran over some animals.
We went up to this overlook and the view was amazing. Ethiopia is gorgeous! I can't even begin to describe it. We went to the waterfall, but couldn't go in because they were going to overcharge us because we are forengies (foreigners).
We drove back to Addis. We picked up a couple of people who needed a ride. The cutest little boy was on the bus. He was just striking. He reached out for my hand and would not let go the entire time he was on the bus.
Once back in Addis, we went to Kids Care orphanage. I loved my time there. I grabbed a baby and just help him. It was wonderful. I probably held him for over an hour. There was a spot on the back of his head that was bald because you know he is laying down most of the day. I totally fell in love with that little boy. Even though the house mothers care for the babies, there just aren't enough hand to provide the kind of attention these children need. They just want to be held. They just need to be loved. They just deserve a family.
It was an amazing and wonderful day. I aw both sides of Ethiopia's beauty--the land and the babies. Everything about this country is gorgeous and I just love it so much.
July 6, 2008
I had to take a cold shower this morning. I was shivering the whole time. In the midst of my complaining I realize it is a privilege to take a shower and I shouldn't be complaining. There are people right down the street who don't ever get to shower. At least I get to shower. The people living right down the street are living in shacks or even nothing at all and here I am complaining about a towel that is too thin. I really need to start thinking about how really privileged my life is and I really don't have any right to be complaining.
After breakfast, we went to church where we were playing with the children yesterday. It was amazing. The energy was crazy. These people really know how to worship. There was a little girl, probably around 6-8, just worshiping so amazingly. She was truly crying out to God. I will never forget that image. Once the service was over, the children gathered around and sang songs.
We then came back to the hotel to eat lunch. Lunch took forever and we were already running behind. We got in the bus and went to give lunch to the street kids. They were so happy. These boys have nothing--nothing at all and they still find enough joy in life to smile. They have no families, no place to sleep, no one to show them love, and they are still happy. It just amazes me.
After lunch, they all went to play soccer and this is when I started feeling sick. My stomach was cramping and it hurt so much. I really needed to find a bathroom. I was told there was a bathroom I could use. I grabbed some tissues and went to find it. I was told "they aren't good, but adequate". I was thinking the toilets must be dirty, but I could easily clean it off. I looked in the first once and there was nothing there. I thought maybe someone stole the toilet or something. I looking in the second one and realized that was it. A hole in the ground was the toilet. I had to go so badly I just had to do it. It was the most demeaning and humiliating thing I have ever done.
I knew I would need God to use something big to get my attention and have everything just click about Ethiopia, but I never thought that would be it. I was down at my lowest point and that is when I realized how bad things are here. These people have to squat over a hole every day of their life because they don't have plumbing. Geoffrey told me I shouldn't feel as bad as I do because they don't find it demeaning or humiliating because it's just life. But it shouldn't be that way. Everything they go through they shouldn't be ok with and just say it's life and to deal with it. Something should be done. No one deserves to live like this. No one should ever feel this is their lot in life and just deal with it.
I have to really pray for God's plan with all of this. I had this huge calling and feeling for being in Ethiopia for over a year, but as soon as I got here that seemed to go away. Even with everything I saw and experienced never brought that feeling back. But after my day today that feeling is back and I love it. I long to be here so much. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I want God to bring me out of my comfort zone, again, and show me something amazing. If that means bringing me as low as I was today and basically be hit over the head with it, then bring it on--I'm ready!! I'm excited to see what God has in store for me next.
After breakfast, we went to church where we were playing with the children yesterday. It was amazing. The energy was crazy. These people really know how to worship. There was a little girl, probably around 6-8, just worshiping so amazingly. She was truly crying out to God. I will never forget that image. Once the service was over, the children gathered around and sang songs.
We then came back to the hotel to eat lunch. Lunch took forever and we were already running behind. We got in the bus and went to give lunch to the street kids. They were so happy. These boys have nothing--nothing at all and they still find enough joy in life to smile. They have no families, no place to sleep, no one to show them love, and they are still happy. It just amazes me.
After lunch, they all went to play soccer and this is when I started feeling sick. My stomach was cramping and it hurt so much. I really needed to find a bathroom. I was told there was a bathroom I could use. I grabbed some tissues and went to find it. I was told "they aren't good, but adequate". I was thinking the toilets must be dirty, but I could easily clean it off. I looked in the first once and there was nothing there. I thought maybe someone stole the toilet or something. I looking in the second one and realized that was it. A hole in the ground was the toilet. I had to go so badly I just had to do it. It was the most demeaning and humiliating thing I have ever done.
I knew I would need God to use something big to get my attention and have everything just click about Ethiopia, but I never thought that would be it. I was down at my lowest point and that is when I realized how bad things are here. These people have to squat over a hole every day of their life because they don't have plumbing. Geoffrey told me I shouldn't feel as bad as I do because they don't find it demeaning or humiliating because it's just life. But it shouldn't be that way. Everything they go through they shouldn't be ok with and just say it's life and to deal with it. Something should be done. No one deserves to live like this. No one should ever feel this is their lot in life and just deal with it.
I have to really pray for God's plan with all of this. I had this huge calling and feeling for being in Ethiopia for over a year, but as soon as I got here that seemed to go away. Even with everything I saw and experienced never brought that feeling back. But after my day today that feeling is back and I love it. I long to be here so much. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I want God to bring me out of my comfort zone, again, and show me something amazing. If that means bringing me as low as I was today and basically be hit over the head with it, then bring it on--I'm ready!! I'm excited to see what God has in store for me next.
July 5, 2008
Today we drove to Ambo. After breakfast at the guest house, we had devotions. We discussed the first few verses of Mark where John the Baptist baptises Jesus, Jesus goes to the desert, adn he calls on His first deisciples. They went iwth Him immediately without hesitation. How difficult must that have been? Being called to Ethiopia I even questioned God to see if He was sure. Me? You want to send me? Are You sure? I couldn't imagine going immediately.
The drive to Ambo was pretty intense. I never realized the amount of people there would be. All the numbers from my research have now become people. It is starting to hit me, but I'm still waiting for the big hit. It was a long drive. Ethiopia is gorgeous. Green and beautiful. Greener than I thought it would be. Some of the things I saw on the drive I will never forget. The children just standing next to the shacks on the side of the road wearing just rags. Their clothes are so worn there is hardly anything left. Chidren gathering filthy water to drink made my stomach turn. I can just see them getting sick from a parasite or a disease and it breaks my heart, but what other choice do they have?
When we arrive in Ambo we checking into our hotel. It was really nice and for the 2nd time in 2 days I feel awful about it. We then drove to a Compassion International site. We were told the children were waiting all morning for us, but left before we got there. These plans were not set in stone so there was some miscommunication. While there we heard people singing and were invited to listen to them. There were about 10 teenagers practicing for Sunday worship. You would have thought the room was full because they were singing so loudly. It was amazing. I had no idea what they were singing, but it was beautiful! It may sound different thanmine, but both are worship to an amazing loving God!
Once we left there we went to a church/school. The children rand to the bus! They were so excited. As soon as I got off the bus, a little boy named Ganalah took my hand and would not let go of it all day. At one point I couldn't even walk around because he put my arm around him, held my hand, and wrapped his other arm around my leg and just laid his little face on my stomach. It was awesome!
We did our skit for the children which went very well. We did some singing and dancing and just had a great time. We did craft stations with them. By the third group I was shot. I'm actually glad it started raining because I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so drained physically and it was affecting my attitude.
The drive to Ambo was pretty intense. I never realized the amount of people there would be. All the numbers from my research have now become people. It is starting to hit me, but I'm still waiting for the big hit. It was a long drive. Ethiopia is gorgeous. Green and beautiful. Greener than I thought it would be. Some of the things I saw on the drive I will never forget. The children just standing next to the shacks on the side of the road wearing just rags. Their clothes are so worn there is hardly anything left. Chidren gathering filthy water to drink made my stomach turn. I can just see them getting sick from a parasite or a disease and it breaks my heart, but what other choice do they have?
When we arrive in Ambo we checking into our hotel. It was really nice and for the 2nd time in 2 days I feel awful about it. We then drove to a Compassion International site. We were told the children were waiting all morning for us, but left before we got there. These plans were not set in stone so there was some miscommunication. While there we heard people singing and were invited to listen to them. There were about 10 teenagers practicing for Sunday worship. You would have thought the room was full because they were singing so loudly. It was amazing. I had no idea what they were singing, but it was beautiful! It may sound different thanmine, but both are worship to an amazing loving God!
Once we left there we went to a church/school. The children rand to the bus! They were so excited. As soon as I got off the bus, a little boy named Ganalah took my hand and would not let go of it all day. At one point I couldn't even walk around because he put my arm around him, held my hand, and wrapped his other arm around my leg and just laid his little face on my stomach. It was awesome!
We did our skit for the children which went very well. We did some singing and dancing and just had a great time. We did craft stations with them. By the third group I was shot. I'm actually glad it started raining because I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so drained physically and it was affecting my attitude.
July 4, 2008
At 3:15am we finally land. I am in Ethiopia, Africa!! We wait in a line to get our visas. After everyone has gotten through, we go get our bags. Thank God all of the bags made it. Geoffrey picks us up from the airport. Waiting for our luggage to be loaded on to the van we have our first experience with a beggar. I just ignor her because if I don't respond she will probably walk away.
We arrive at the guest house at 5:30am. We only have a few hours to sleep before we need to get up. Those hours passed very quickly. We are up and getting ready before you could even feel rested. For lunch it is peanut butter and jelly crustless and toasted with french fries.
Barrett and his wife Rachel come to have lunch with us. Afterward, we talk about how we all found out about the trip. Then they both told us about the work they do. Barrett then told us some info to know about Ethiopia.
Then we went to The Light and Life Study Center in Kechene. It's a study center for youth in the community. On our way there we got our first real look at Africa. The poverty was unbelievable and we were told this was the richer part of town. I tried to block out most of what I was seeing cause I was not prepared to have a breakdown my first day. The scary part was I didn't have to try that hard---this stuff was just not affecting me. I feel like I'm such a horrible person, but Geoffrey assure me it will come. The overwhelming feeling of sadness for these people will hit me eventually.
At the study center, I was really nervous at first. I started playing with the children. They wanted all of us to play with them and they were so eager for us to participate. Their favorite game seemed to be pick-up-sticks, but I soon realized that is most likely because they really didn't have any other toys. They had about a half container of Play Dough and very worn cards that had to be years old.
I was playing cards with one little girl and it was the best part of my day. I taught her how to play memory and she was getting good at it. She even learned some of the numbers in English. We played a group drawing game then left because the children had to go home.
We then went to an internet cafe to email family to let them know we were safe. We then walked to dinner. On our walk a little boy came up to Geoffrey looking for money. He had a shirt and a scarf on only. There were some type of rashes on his legs and face. And still I felt nothing--there has to be something wrong with me!
We are off to Ambo tomorrow for a couple of days to work in a school and bring lunch to street kids. I still cannot believe I'm in Africa. I want to be blown away on this trip and am very much looking forward to it happening. I'm so humbled that God chose me to come to Ethiopia. This last year and a few months of falling in love with this country through reading I hope transforms into a love through seeing.
We arrive at the guest house at 5:30am. We only have a few hours to sleep before we need to get up. Those hours passed very quickly. We are up and getting ready before you could even feel rested. For lunch it is peanut butter and jelly crustless and toasted with french fries.
Barrett and his wife Rachel come to have lunch with us. Afterward, we talk about how we all found out about the trip. Then they both told us about the work they do. Barrett then told us some info to know about Ethiopia.
Then we went to The Light and Life Study Center in Kechene. It's a study center for youth in the community. On our way there we got our first real look at Africa. The poverty was unbelievable and we were told this was the richer part of town. I tried to block out most of what I was seeing cause I was not prepared to have a breakdown my first day. The scary part was I didn't have to try that hard---this stuff was just not affecting me. I feel like I'm such a horrible person, but Geoffrey assure me it will come. The overwhelming feeling of sadness for these people will hit me eventually.
At the study center, I was really nervous at first. I started playing with the children. They wanted all of us to play with them and they were so eager for us to participate. Their favorite game seemed to be pick-up-sticks, but I soon realized that is most likely because they really didn't have any other toys. They had about a half container of Play Dough and very worn cards that had to be years old.
I was playing cards with one little girl and it was the best part of my day. I taught her how to play memory and she was getting good at it. She even learned some of the numbers in English. We played a group drawing game then left because the children had to go home.
We then went to an internet cafe to email family to let them know we were safe. We then walked to dinner. On our walk a little boy came up to Geoffrey looking for money. He had a shirt and a scarf on only. There were some type of rashes on his legs and face. And still I felt nothing--there has to be something wrong with me!
We are off to Ambo tomorrow for a couple of days to work in a school and bring lunch to street kids. I still cannot believe I'm in Africa. I want to be blown away on this trip and am very much looking forward to it happening. I'm so humbled that God chose me to come to Ethiopia. This last year and a few months of falling in love with this country through reading I hope transforms into a love through seeing.
July 3, 2008
We arrive in London at 10:30am. We flew thorugh the whole night foing through many time zones. I almost got sick during the night because the turbulance was so bad. The flight attendants were very helpful to me. I tried to sleep as much as I could.
After getting to our new terminal there is a ticket problem for some in the group. Apparently there was a computer problem in Dallas and they figured it would just be dealt with in London. We have a few hour lay over so it's not a problem. We wait and try to sleep, but that is difficult to do. Finally, about 1:30pm we have a gate number. We make our way over and wait another 20 minutes or so then start boarding. We leave at 2:35pm. Our first stop is Amman, Jordan. It was cool to be in Jordan even if it was just sitting in a plane at the airport.
We take off again and are on our way to Addis Ababa. It is just about midnight and we have 2 1/2 hours more to fly before we reach our destination.
After getting to our new terminal there is a ticket problem for some in the group. Apparently there was a computer problem in Dallas and they figured it would just be dealt with in London. We have a few hour lay over so it's not a problem. We wait and try to sleep, but that is difficult to do. Finally, about 1:30pm we have a gate number. We make our way over and wait another 20 minutes or so then start boarding. We leave at 2:35pm. Our first stop is Amman, Jordan. It was cool to be in Jordan even if it was just sitting in a plane at the airport.
We take off again and are on our way to Addis Ababa. It is just about midnight and we have 2 1/2 hours more to fly before we reach our destination.
July 2, 2008
I wake up in a lot of pain after a horrible nights rest. My whole bady hurts, but especially my back. I take some pain killers and head to breakfast. They had waffles in the shape of Texas! I guess Texas is a very proud state.
We meet again to discuss out holiday day and our skit for the Prodigal Son. I think the skit will be very enjoyable for the children. If I can just learn to loosen up and have fun I will have a great time with the skit. God, a little help with that please? After we work on the skit we do final packing and head to the airport. Our flight is at 5:30pm so we have a few hours to chill. I find sugar free candy which I am very excited about. We fly throughout the night. It is about an 8-9 hour flight. I think I am getting better with this whole flying thing.
We meet again to discuss out holiday day and our skit for the Prodigal Son. I think the skit will be very enjoyable for the children. If I can just learn to loosen up and have fun I will have a great time with the skit. God, a little help with that please? After we work on the skit we do final packing and head to the airport. Our flight is at 5:30pm so we have a few hours to chill. I find sugar free candy which I am very excited about. We fly throughout the night. It is about an 8-9 hour flight. I think I am getting better with this whole flying thing.
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