I’ve been in Addis since the group left so that i could attend a workshop on Orphaned and Vulnerable Children. I’ve been staying at my 2nd home in Ethiopia, with Aynalem and Dereje who are my family here. The other day Dereje told me some shocking news. The part of Addis that we live in has a church and a mosque right next to eachother. They even share a fenceline. Well Dereje was leaving the church following some meetings that he had there. He said that at that moment a service at the mosque must have just finished because a flood of people came out and started throwing rocks at the church. They smashed in windows and apparently a student (who attends the church’s school) was also injured. The poliece were called and the mosque leaders said they were sorry and that they would pay for the damages. No one was arrested.
Nothing of this magnatude has ever taken place in this neighborhood before. Please pray for the rising religious tensions in this country. There are rumours of other anti protostant activities occuring in other parts of the country.
A little over a week ago I met the Heartland team at the airport & just last night I said goodbye to them. It’s incredible how fast their visit went by. I had been eagerly waiting this visit from my friends (and project supporters) and now they’re already gone. I love groups. Each one is different, special and I never know what to expect. This particular team in particular holds a special place in my heart. There is a deeper relationship here that is unlike most groups. This team is comprised of members around my age, last year there were some special bonding and relationships built. When I was stuck in the US last summer I received a surprise phone call inviting me to visit the Heartland Church in Kansas City. I gladly took them up on the offer and spent a week with people I now gladly call my friends. Needless to say, I know I (and the project) have a special bond with this great group of people.
The Heartland team with some of the Zeway staff
Now to the point of this post- I need to fill you in on what we did and experienced. I came into Addis the day before the group arrived. I survived a 6 1/2 hour stay on the bus (now this bus ride is normal about 3 1/2 hours)- We had a flat tire and had college students who didn’t want to pay the normal bus fare. Let me just say I was relieved to finally reach Addis.
This year we received 18 guests from Heartland Church. 8 people went out to Belo which is a 13 hour drive from Addis and the remaining 10 went with me back to Zeway. We did so many things, saw the hippos, had presentations about the project, visited schools, met with government leaders, ate dinner at my house and did at least 26 house visits. Now, not every person did 26 house visits, but each person did about half that many. These house visits are the focal point of visits, as they allow sponsors to meet their sponsored children and see how they live and interact a bit with their families. We were given endless coffee ceremonies with graciousness as if we were kings and queens. I am always incredibly humbled at the hospitality that I/we are shown every time we enter a house- people scrambling to find seats and listening to murmurs of well wishes and feel at home. Most of the time there is love and hope but sometimes we are met with shame, sadness and despair. Those are the times when it is the hardest because you struggle to find the right words and pray that God will fill you with His words during prayer.
Home Visit: Amy & Nejmudin
As I write this I realize it’s not much of a summary of the past week, but rather a brief reflection. I hope you enjoy it anyway. Now I’m tired, and thankful for a little bit of rest before beginning a week of meetings about orphaned and vulnerable children. I’m tired from the questions and the stress of responsibility. But refreshed from the prayer and heart led ministry of the Heartland team. Thanks Guys!!
Me preparing strawberries for strawberry shortcake at my house the night I had the team over for dinner.
Jerry & Jim from EVBC Church came and visited the project at the end of February/beginning of March. They did a number of home visits but also spent teaching a study on the Beattitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). It was a great time to hear some good Bible teaching and wonderful to have guests at the project.
I celebrated yet another birthday on February 20th!!! I baked cookies, cupcakes & a cake to celebrate. My favorite part was playing musical chairs with my co workers. Also I received more bars of chocolate for this birthday then I ever had— should I be worried?
The children who are receiving food as a part of our Developmental Support Program are periodically weighed. Previously in my blog, I’ve show pictures of a food distribution where wheat, peas and oil are given out.
Mimo came out to visit me. It was nice to have her for the week. She hung out with me at work and also cooked me some great food! I don’t know if you can see the dark blob in the background but that’s one of the hippos who live in Lake Zeway
The end of January brought me my first training. We spent the day talking about social work and listening skills. It was a great success and I look forward to teaching more.
If you’re looking at this site, you now know that I’ve switched my Blog Host. I haven’t been able to access blogspot in a few months… so I’ve turned a new page and am giving Word Press a whirl. I think that you’ll find that it’s practically the same as my other blog. So keep up the reading… I love having you as a part of this journey with me!!
