Today was our final day in Africa. We leave Ethiopia and begin our 30+ hours journey back home. Since our flight is late this evening, we had an opportunity to visit a few other places and get the last bit of shopping in.
Our first stop was to ALERT Hospital. This hospital serves all of Africa's Leprosy and Tuberculosis patients. It is a rehab, research, and training center for HIV/TB as well. Since it is Ethiopian Christmas, not many people were around. We were told that they had traveled home for the holiday. We were able to see some women who were weaving and sewing all sorts of beautiful items. several of us tried our hands at using the hand held spindle to make thread... It wasn't as easy as the women there made it look, nor were we as quick, but we got it. It was so cool! You could see the joy in the women's eyes as they shared this opportunity with us. Our guide told us that the women make these items to sell them to help pay for their treatments. We were even taken to the gift shop to purchase these handmade items. Yes, more shopping to be done for James. He had a table full of items. lol. Love you Honey!
Our second stop was to the Fistula hospital. The grounds were beautiful, however, we were unable to take a tour being Christmas Eve. We were told that there is a documentary called, "Walk to beautiful" which gives more information on the hospital. (Thank you Wendy, I couldn't remember the name.)
Our last stop was at a coffee house to purchase bags of coffee/beans. James and I opted for a cup of coffee. While Chris and Cameron walked to the street vendors to purchase gifts for friends.
Let me tell you about our experience with coffee in Ethiopia. Well, in Ethiopia, a cup of coffee is more like an espresso ON STEROIDS!!!! You know James and I like our coffee, but I could not drink it. Whoa! way to strong for us. I thought I'd look like Hammy from Over the Hedge if I had 2 sips. After failed attempts to hand it off to others on the team, who sipped it, then passed it.. It went to James. So... James took two for the team. lol! he finished mine and his.
I'm quite fond of African Tea though! Okay, I thought the guy in Rwanda told me it was "white coffee" so that's now the joke at home. If I pour a glass of milk... "Hey mom, you drinking white coffee" hahaha. Maybe the guy did tell me it was white coffee, cause this white girl couldn't handle the African coffee. lol.
We are headed back to shower, change, and finish packing and have dinner.
It's tough to leave, but I know that God brought our family here for a greater purpose than "just going". I pray that we will continue to use this experience to continue to grow us into making life changing choices that honor God, fulfill His will for our lives, and push us further to step out of our own comforts to follow Him.
There is so much to process, there is so much to be thankful for.
"Lord, I pray for the courage to say YES when others say NO. Mighty Counselor, give me wisdom and strength to step out of my own comforts to see others and to love others the way you do. Great Healer, I pray for healing of broken hearts, I pray for healing for the sick and lonely children you have placed in our paths. Lord, may you continue to use me for the cause of the orphan. In and by the power of Jesus' name, Amen."
Here are some random pictures...
Electrical Supply Company.
We had plenty of Coca!
We blend beautifully.... LOVE Rachel.
Yep, another electrical supply co.
Lunch before leaving. I'm NOT sick... I'm praying.
Our team and new friends at lunch.
It's been a wonderful experience. I would recommend ALL families take your children to love on orphans. http://www.visitingorphans.org/ has many wonderful trips throughout the year.
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