Feb.26th 2009 - FINAL DAY

By morning I was starting to feel a little better.  M’s mother told me she had the same thing while in Soddo but did not want others to know….. 

Wonder if it was something we ate??????

We had to go and verify our flights, M had a few meetings and then had to get an email off but other than that it was a recovery day and I longed to be home with my family.  Our flight was a 10 pm.  It was sad to me that I wanted to be home so much but yet hated to leave at the same time.   I know I just needed time to process a bit, and I pray, if God willing, this would not be our last time in Ethiopia.

FEB. 25th 2009

During that night I felt it coming on. The nausea and stomach cramps were no fun. We had leave at 5 am to head back to Addis Ababa, not because we were in a hurry to get there but we had to leave that early to beat when the cattle crossed the roads. I could totally see how that would be a problem and slow the drive up tremendously. I packed everything up before going to bed and I really did not sleep so I was ready to go when it was time. They let me sit in front. I dared not say anything or move to much the entire drive for I knew I was right on the edge of losing it. I am still amazed I was able to make it the whole way with how crazy the driving is. When we got to the hotel in Addis I checked in and then went right to the room. The maids were just leaving the room as I got there I tried to smile but I just went in and collapsed on the bed. Not even taking time to close the door behind me. I knew if it started to come it would probably not end for awhile. The sweet maids were so concerned for me and trying to help. They eventually went and got a manager who ordered me a sprite and brought me a bucket. As hard as I tried there was no holding back. I seriously hardly remember the next 24 hours. I knew the room had internet access and I wanted to reach Mike so badly but I hardly had enough strength to hold up my head.

A day at Achura Village

FEB 24th, 2009

Even though the entire trip is not what I had originally expected or would of planned I can still say that I can not think of a better place to spend my 40th BIRTHDAY!!! Yes, thats right .. I am 40. It is so hard for me to believe. I really do not feel that old at all. Actually, I do not mind being 40. I have been so blessed throughout my life. When I think of all I would want to accomplish or do I remind myself ... MY LIFE IS NOT MY OWN!!! It really is not about me. I pray that God uses me as much as he wants and when He is done I am excited to spend the rest of eternity with Him. Anyways ... age is in the eye of the beholder and my eye beholds at least a 29 year old!!!

Today we headed out to another village. This one was very special to M due to it was where one of her sons were from. It was also one of the main reasons that her mother came on this trip . A visit to Achura was on her “bucket list” of things to do before she dies.

It was an amazing experience to be able to walk through the village and amongst the people. To really see how they live and be right there in the midst of them. It was a bumpy drive getting back to the village, which included a few U turns along the way as figured how just how to get there. And then came the walking... walking.... and more walking. Ms mother was not feeling well, but nothing was going to stop her from going. There were times that we left her sitting for awhile and in the end she turned around and met us back at the bus, but she did it. Check that one off the list for her!!!

M was busy visiting previous relatives that she knew of who previously placed children up for adoption or knew of the children placed. They were all over-joyed to receive updates and pictures. I was not really sure all that she was doing but I followed behind... sometimes just a bit too far behind.

The children were amazing and they multiplied every few feet. There were a few that knew some broken English.I tried to communicate with them a little. They would repeat what I would say, just like little parrots. They seemed so hungry to learn and so so so joyful. We started out with simple “HELLO… HOW ARE YOU? I AM FINE, THANK YOU! “ in which I sang and they repeated. But then this turned into "Jesus loves me." … Ending in... “For He is strong.” with a powerful grunt as we showed our muscles…. The kids would all burst out in laughter and cheers and say “Again, again.”

Walking in the heat…. Getting lost…. All while singing Jesus loves me over and over and over again … was really an amazing experience. I made sure I found B so he could tell the kids exactly what we were singing and how much joy they brought to me. At one point they tried to teach me a song. I really tried hard to repeat what they were saying. I so badly want to be able to learn their language and communicate with them but every time I tried they laughed AT ME … so hard. I really was trying too.

As I saw the bus at the end of the road I realized just how exhausted I was, I felt chills and new I needed to get some shade and something to drink quickly. The kids did not want to leave either. One last song and on the bus I went. As I drove away my heart was full but then I was saddened. I did not come here for my heart to be filled … I wish I could do more for them. I wish I was making a bigger difference in others lives.

That evening B asked me if I saw the difference between the two villages I was at. I tried hard to really think of what I saw at both. I guess, at Achura there were times we were walking thru their farms. I noticed that even though they did not seem finished it seemed someone had been working on waterways for them. There were little streams that I saw from time to time with what appeared like cement walls or sides. B said water was one of the main factors. He said that the first village that I had gone to, the one with the 2 children, was a very poor village and water was more difficult to get to.

I had to think about that for awhile though. A poor village? I think that it is just so easy to be overwhelmed at all that you are seeing. Although it is hard to compare the wealth when the variables are so close, they are such valuable variables that are so consequential to their very lives.

It was getting late and we did not have time to make it to the other village we wanted to get to. Instead we headed back to the orphanage to say our good-byes. It was fun to arrive there and see all the kids ready for bed in the pajamas we brought for them.

It was obvious it was a hard goodbye for M. She too wanted to accomplish more on this trip than what was done. As we said goodbye, G brought to my attention one of the boy’s eye and how red it was. It was not only read but goopy. I asked if it itched and the boy said yes. It was a obvious case of pink eye. I had just given the rest of my medical supplies to Dr. Mary, who was very thankful. In that supply I knew I brought some Gentamicin drops. As we looked around the boy sitting right next to him who was also his bunk-buddy also had a red itchy eye. By the end there were at least 3 or 4 of the children that were being affected by this. We drove to a few different pharmacies trying to find the right medication needed and finally B brought us too the Soddo Christian Hospitals pharmacy. He knew who was working there and they just let us in to look through their supply and find what we needed. It was so inexpensive so we bought quiet a few of them and gave instruction as to how to administer and prevent spreading. I would like to say.. I used my intensive nursing skills here but instead it was just my mothering experience with pink I that enabled me to be able to help them out.

FEB 23rd, 2010

We finally got to spend sometime at the orphanage, which I was so excited about, but I still wish there would have been more.  How can you meet any real needs, whether physical or emotional in just one day?   I was only able to get a little insight into some of the needs that the individuals at that orphanage had.  I again found myself drawn to the needs the workers had there just as much as any of the children.  I spent a bit of time with the teacher D.  Oh, she is such a sweetie.  

She loves the children and it was obvious she was there out of God’s calling and as a ministry above anything else.  She was originally located in the city of Addis and when they moved all the children to Soddo they asked if she would come with.  This was a great sacrifice and change for her but she said she has learned and grown a lot.   The Lord is good!  She shared a lot of her heart with me that day.  We stole whatever moment we had to pray together and read scripture to each other.  They loved hearing me read in English the scripture they chose for me.  At one point, Desta wanted to show me where she lived so we walked to her house.  It was just a little bit down from the orphanage and where she was able to rent from a Christian woman.  I pray the little time I had with her I was able to encourage her as much as she thanked and encouraged me for being there.

I was able to present the felt stories that I made for them in which all the children and adults seemed very enthralled and I also brought out the parachute that the Junior High Students and Leaders at our church raised money to purchase and send them.  They children seemed to love it and it was so fun to see them laugh and play as they did.  The balls were also a great hit.  I noticed the nannies playing with the balls them self so I decided to start a volleyball game.  It was so much fun to see the nannies laugh and enjoy themselves.  I know I am repeating myself but again, they seemed like they were starving for love and attention just as much as the children are.  How can they give what they need to the children if they themselves are feeling empty and in need?  I did not leave all the medical supplies at the orphanage because I was not sure about how much they knew or understood how to use it. What I did leave I spent time with some of the Nannies instructing them on the proper use of them (all with Desta’s help in interpreting for me).

I don't know why I was surprised that the orphanage did not have running water.  Here are the donkeys that they use to bring water to the orphanage

I loved having fun, making them laugh and enjoying each others company.

 

I wanted to remember this when I ever complain about all the laundry I have to do...

I hated that we had to leave when we did but I also was excited for the next stop. M wanted to go visit a Missionary Doctor who lived there.  It was so amazing to visit and talk to Dr. Mary.  She and her husband have lived there for 15 years.  I guess if I visualized in my mind what a true medical missionary might live like and look like these two fit it perfectly. 

Dr. Mary wanted to introduce M to an orphan boy they she was caring for.  We followed her out the back door of her house and through her backyard and gardens and then through a locked fence covered in evergreen… something like you would imagine in the movie The Secret Garden.  I felt like we were stepping in another world as we walked out of her garden to the backyard of the village.  Right away the little boy appeared.  Sweetest thing.  M said it is quite hard to get the approval of Dr. Mary so all the kind words she had to say about him meant a lot.  

Feb 22nd CONT.

On the way back from seeing the kids the guys wanted to stop and talk to me a bit.  We stopped at a café for something to drink.  OH HOW I MISS ICE !!!!!  Something Ice cold and refreshing would be so nice.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to appreciate all we have at home.  Back at home, our ice maker has been broken for a long time, but you know what, we not only can make ice in sweet little ice trays we get to stop at a store or gas station and buy a huge bag of ice cubes whenever we want.  What a privilege that is!!!

B then took me for a walk through town.  Again, he was stopped by many, in which they would greet with not only a handshake but also multiple hugs.  I am not sure if they all wanted to stop and greet him like this just because he was with a Ferengie.  I really think that is just their custom and that is how they greet all the time.

We went to the hospital and met with the Dentist friend of B’s.  It was nice to talk to him about his work there and the needs that he might have.  I again was very impressed with all the equipment they had.  The hospital is such a nice set up and opportunity for the community to not only receive proper care but also a place for education and employment for many.  

I have wanted to stop at a place with Internet for a while but when we finally got there things were so slow it was hard to send anything.  I looked at some of my emails and sent one message to Mike but this in itself took forever. (HE NEVER RECEIVED THIS EMAIL).

When we arrived back at the hotel M had returned.  The meeting did not go as planned but she seemed positive that they would meet again before she was to leave and get the info she has been waiting for.

M has the thought that when you are in a foreign country as a visitor you should live as the people there do, and eat like they do.   I totally under where she is coming from in the sense of wanting to really be able to empathize with them or understand them, but I don’t think I agree with the whole concept.  No matter how much we even attempted this we will never know and understand everything from just a short-term missions trip. Plus, we need to keep ourselves healthy in order to be able to help them by serving and meeting their needs, not to mention that our stomach flora is just different then theirs and we need to be very careful as to what we eat and how it would effect our stomachs.

I tried to explain this to M and her Mother but they both disagreed with me and it was not a battle that I needed to have.  M was excited to take us out for authentic Ethiopian food.  I tried to stay positive.  I really did not have any other choice.  Injera is what they eat there for almost every meal.  It is sponge-like, grey-greenish, pancake-like, SOUR bread.  If you said “sour bread” to me at home I would think it meant soft white bread.  When I say sour in regards to Injera … I mean SOUR. 

When serving it there is one piece layed our flat and then other pieces rolled up along the sides.  Those are kind of your utensils.  They then bring out different sauces, meats, or stew like dishes and dump them on various parts of the Injera.  Everyone pretty much shares the dish and you eat with your fingers breaking off pieces of the rolled up injera and using that to scoop up the other sauces and meats with.  I feel like I was a good sport and tried everything that was placed before me but I would not say that I found any love for the food.  

FEB. 22nd, 2010

I cannot even describe the kind of day I had today.   Oh how I long to know how everything will turn out.  I want to know God’s plan but I think that is what is one thing He is really trying to teach me.  SUBMIT…  TRUST…  KNOW… that HIS PLAN (whatever that may be) is PERFECT.  And not just the plan for our future, but His plan for today, this second, RIGHT NOW!!!  If we can just give up the control someday and submit to that what amazing PEACE it would bring.  Easy to say, not so easy to do sometimes!

              I woke up this morning with a knock on my door.  M’s mother and I had a pact to sleep as long as we could so I was confused who was at my door so early.  It was B.  He said he had thought about it and talked to others and decided it was best if I went with him to the village to see the children.   The only thing was there was construction going on the road their and vehicles could not get through so we would have to go by motorbike.  He said he would be back in 20 min. to get me.

OKAAYYY!!!!!  My heart racing…  I think I probably should have been more nervous.  Was this safe? I am heading out of town on the back of a motorbike to I an area I have no clue where, in a foreign country, with no cell phone or communication to let anyone know what I was doing or where I was.  I know I should have been concerned but for one there was no time to really think, and two there was this strange PEACE that it was all ok.

            B pulled up with 2 motorbikes and drivers.  I got on the back of the one as I asked the driver if he was the best out of the two.  He nodded … but I am not really sure how much English he even spoke.  As we took off and raced through town I was thinking, If my father could see me now he probably would kill me for not wearing a helmet but as I kept riding had time to think a little more about what I was doing and where I was at I realized the helmet was merely just part of the things I should be concerned of.  Driving out of town and through the bumpy road where the construction was going on It was obvious that any larger of a vehicle would not be getting through at this time.  It was funny to pass people and see them do a double take when I passed.  It was obvious this too was a very unusual site.  After what was at least a 40 min ride we pulled up to a set of buildings.  At first I was completely unaware of what we were doing.  I was directed in and asked to sit in a rather dark room.  Looking around I realized that this was actually a home, of a fragile elderly looking man.  He was sitting in front of me on what was actually his bed.  He had nothing but a t-shirt on and a blanket wrapped around himself.  It was obvious his health was not good.  I really was not sure our purpose of being there at first. People were scurrying around and everyone chatting to each other with me the only one who was clueless what was being said or going on BUT THEN… I noticed

The sweetest little guy they were directing my way.  “THIS IS I.”  My heart dropped.  It was so surreal that here I am actually seeing and touching the little one we had seen in pictures and prayed over as a family.  He really did not want much to do with me and I was fine with that.  I insisted that they not push or even continue to encourage him to come to me.  I wanted them to know that we had come there just to check on the well-being of the children.  It took sometime for D to get there but she eventually appeared through the crowded doorway.  She looked so different from all the pictures we had previously seen.  In fact they both did.  The grandmother that was seen in earlier pictures had since passed away.  I found out the elderly man before me was their Uncle.  I had the opportunity visit and ask many questions.  It was just an incredible opportunity and experience to be there.  All the details and emotions I experienced today I can not even begin to explain or express but will treasure in my heart forever.  When it was time to leave I was not even close to being ready.  Only the hope and prayer that things would be working out at the orphanage soon and they would be able to return and be cared for and fed, as anyone deserves gave me the strength to leave them behind.  Even more than that though, the vision, hope and prayer that these two would someday be able to find and placed in a family of their own, a place to belong, to love and to be loved unconditionally and forever gave a little peace with the situation... for NOW!