To the Ends of the Earth (Sodo - Part 2)

These are typical round, sod, thatched huts. They fill the landscape of the Wolayta region in southern Ethiopia. Some are painted. The floors are hard dirt inside. The children sleep on the floor.

Typical landscape near the mountains.

These people still grow their grain and thresh it the way it's been done for centuries.

The entrance to Kingdom Vision International. This is the orphanage where Mihret was brought by her mother.

The inside of KVI. The nannies(in blue scrubs) seemed very loving.

Holding baby Cocoa. She was bringht eyed and responsive.

Day 4: The L-O-N-G Road to Sodo (Part 1 - The Morning)

We departed our guest house at 7am. About 45 minutes into the drive we pulled over at a gas station with a tire problem. Although the station was very busy, there was no waiting to have it fixed and we were back on the road in about 20 minutes.

The drivers swerved around herds of cows, donkeys and goats the during the entire five hour drive. Many people walked along the 2-lane road and were even IN the road. There is some kind of intuitive communication between pedestrians and drivers. Although it was chaotic according to American standards, we saw no wrecks and had no problems. It was a fascinating, yet somewhat unnerving, experience.

It was, indeed, like going back in time. Daily living is primitive.

We stopped in Butajira for lunch. Notice the soccer game on the television. "It's the world sport!" Steve says proudly.

The cut lamb pieces were serve in a pot that had a burning coal underneath to keep it hot. It was a spicy dish. The rolled bread was "injera", the national bread of choice. The other pieces were similar to a tasy sourdough. Even though this was good, we still ate sparingly and cautiously. With each meal I enjoyed a bottle of Ambo, which is similar to Perrier (sparkling water).

We enjoyed an Ethiopian (not Starbucks) style Machiatto. STRONG!

Tracie arrived safely only 14 hours before (Friday evening).  She's having a GREAT time and helps us keep a jovial attitude:).

Day 3: January 15

 

 In the morning the boys visited the Abyssinian Lion Zoo while I stayed at the guest house and prepared for our meeting with Mihret's mom the next day.

 The also visited the Addis Ababa History museum where the famed bones of "Lucy" are kept. Steve says, "The evidence still points to a Creator... Christ".

Local fare with Benjamin, one of our drivers. Few people here own cars, They walk and rely on public or private transportation.

This scaffolding is made of wood sticks tied together! There is much building going on here and even on a ten story building, this is what they use. You couldn't pay me enough to get on one of there! See the men?

After a visit to meet Andy Warren of Mission to the World who runs "the largest and most effective HIV/AIDS treatment program on the continent of Africa", Steve and Stirling played soccer with some street children via a ministry we read about on Tom Davis' blog. Stirling had SO much fun!

Wednesday & Thursday in MD

Update from the home front....the Bakers stayed with us on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Mrs. Dittmar came and picked us up on Wednesday morning at about 7:30a. We spent the day doing school (I did school with GA and Faith and Steven had online classes), playing with the Dittmar kids, and we watched the movie, Pendragon, during Shepherd's nap time. For dinner, we had manicotti, broccoli, bread, and salad. Then, we returned home, had marshmallows over the fire, and then GraceAnn, Faith, and Shepherd went down for bed.  Steven and I stayed up with the Bakers, chatting and having a little down time without the little kiddos.

Thursday, I had two classes, then took my Veritas Press Omnibus final exam. Glad that's done. Grace and Faith went over to the Smith's (friends from church) house for the day. So, Steven and I were able to get some school done. Shepherd was a peach, as usual. Mrs. Baker had to run to KCA (the school at which she works) for a few hours...her oldest, Jocey (15), was inducted into the National Honor Society. That evening, we ate a delicious meal of chicken salad casserole (yum!), rolls, salad, and salad from Karen Swanson, and the little ones watched a Little House on the Prairie then went to bed. Jocey and Nate Baker, Steven, and I stayed up and made cookie dough ice cream. :) We ate it while playing The Green Game. We finally got to bed around 11:40p. Jocey, Mrs. Baker, and I sat up in the master bedroom and talked for about half an hour...mostly about Elisabeth Elliot's book, Passion and Purity, and items along those lines. Good chat.

That's been our life for the past few days...this morning, we're at the Dittmars again for the day. We'll be spending the night as well.

Shepherd taking a bath in the kitchen sink after little Lilly Baker (8mts).

Marshmallows on Wednesday night.

Shepherd proposing to 2 year old Charis Dittmar at their house on Wednesday. :) It's a signed contract now... doesn't she look thrilled?

Opening gifts from Mom...a First Words board book (we looked at it this morning while Shepherd was drinking his milk!) and a Bible story book. Thank you Mom! :)

Playing The Green Game. I was having eye problems... ;) Jocey was the first to reduce her carbon footprint.

Nate with our new bunny. We named it Sodo, after Mihret's village in Ethiopia.

Day 2: January 14

We started the day with a nice hot breakfast. The omlette was good, just rich!

The plate in the center contains their version of pancakes.

A view out of the guest house window. First she washed clothes, then was snapping beans.

Then we spent the day with Peter of Children's Hope Chest (http://www.cthomasdavis.com/). He was wonderful!

Peter took us to Hannah's House. She runs 22 (?) houses for orphans in various parts of the city with children ages 4-20. We were there for at least an hour. I have many pictures of this visit to show our church. One of the greatest things I remember her saying was, "One of the greatest needs we have is more nutritional food for the children. They eat a lot of injera, but we can't afford eggs, fruit and meat." We suggested a chicken operation, but that won't work because all locations are in the city and they rent all of their properties. This was an eye opening visit!

One of Hannah's school rooms.

Peter also took us to this school in a very poor part of the city. One lady started it in her home and they are very pleased with how it's grown to over 100 children. They teach K-2 grade. All of the teachers were men (shown here). They are in need of help for feeding the children and are available for sponsorship through Children's Hope Chest.

When we walked in the gate the children were all over us, hugging and kissing us.

This is from Stirling's journal:
"They were all like, 'Peter,Peter'! (they were glad to see him). They came and wanted to shake our hands and kiss our arms:). They were so fond of us all. They wanted me to sit with them. We tickled each other for about 20 minutes...it was so beautiful. There were about five little girls and three boys that I didn't want to leave. I will miss them so much."

Day 1: Jan 12-13, 2010

Many thanks to the Warmkas for getting us to the airport!

German beer for breakfast?

Walking down the stairs from the 777 at the Frankfurt airport to catch the shuttle to the terminal.

 

The Yebsabi Guest house bedroom. We have a family suite that includes a small kitchen.

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After about 48 (preparation to leave on Tuesday and actual travel to Addis) we were ready for bed! Steve had the presence of mind to throw in a can of spaghetti sauce and a box of pasta before we left home. As soon as we arrived, Stirling was in the kitchen getting it ready to eat. That was the best hot meal we've had in a long time! Then we had an uninterrupted night of sleep that felt so good!

From Stirling....

This is Stirling here and I really had a great flight....all 15 hours in the plane we flew fom D.C to Frankfurt ... that was a seven and a half hour flight then, to Addis that was seven hours away . I'll up date you tommorow!! we are safe in Addis YAY, HURRAY.

We're here....safe and grateful!

We made it....we are in our hotel and connected. We've each slept about 4 hours since we left D.C., but thanks be to God, we're here.

On the plan from Frankfort, there was a family behind us who will be here 5 months teaching. THEN, he goes to work for......Dr. John Piper in Minneapolis. That was a BEAUTIFUL act of Providence.

We're SO tired. We cooking the pasta Daddy thought to bring then going to bed. Pictures to come tomorrow.

And they're off!

Mom and Dad just left the house about 20 minutes ago. Mrs. Baker is here with all of us and we're about to eat lunch. Thank you so much for your prayers on this journey...

"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." ~Isaiah 43:1-3

And for Mom, who will read this after they arrive in Addis Ababa: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:6-7

Resting in His promises,
Rachel =)

Late night thoughts...

This wicked cough has awakened me, perhaps, in order to record the words from this song by recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman:

“ My heart is racing and my knees are weak as I walk to the edge (literally!).

I know there is no turning back once my feet have left the ledge.
And in the rush I hear a voice, it's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith....So here I go”

Then,

"But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God

Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go"

The Bible says, " ...but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:39)

Packing....Packing....Packing...

Whew! Days of packing and planning for all of the children we're leaving at home. It's been exhausting! Then, last night at 2:20am I heard, "Mama...Mama". Our almost two year old has learned how to crawl out of the crib, walk across the house, climb our stairs (all while it's dark!) and innocently say, "Mama". Two days before we travel! SO, I was awake much of the night trying to develop a plan for containment while we're gone.

Many thanks to the Perrin family for allowing a few of their crew to travel with us this week. They made this journey to China a year ago to bring home LilyKate. And many thanks to all of you who are supporting this effort. We have meals lined up for about 12 days, friends transporting our children from here to there, many offers for prayer and verbal support. It's a beautiful thing!

Next post from Ethiopia (hopefully:).

Our Itinerary

Tuesday, Jan 12:  Depart Dulles on Lufthansa Airline around 5:00pm

Wednesday, Jan 13: Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia around 7:00pm. Go to guest house.

Thursday, Jan 14: Tour Children's Hope Chest ministries in the city (http://www.cthomasdavis.com/)

Friday, Jan 15: Rest and welcome Perrin Family, joining us from our church to gather information for our H2O Orphan Care Team and be our personal photographers! :) Maybe a safari :)!

Saturday, Jan 16: Drive to Soddo (5 hours southwest) to visit Mihret's village and meet her birth family

Sunday, Jan 17: Return to Addis

Monday, Jan 18: We meet Mihret at America World's transition home

Tuesday, Jan 19: We pick Mihret up from the transition home and she is ours henceforth...much prayer need for this transition! The Perrins spend the day with Children's Hope Chest participating in their street children soccer ministry.

Wednesday, Jan 20: Embassy appt. to get her passport/visa; Steve & Stirling depart for States (late!)

Thursday, Jan 21: Visit two orphanages

Friday, Jan 22: Visit Levi Benkert with http://www.drawnfromwater.org/

Saturday, Jan 23: Shopping and departures

Sunday, Jan 24: Arrive back in the USA!!! YEA!

Look at this sweet face! Here we come!

A Time of Prayer

Many thanks to our friends the Bakers who are assisting us with the home front for the first three days of our journey. Today they came over and we spent time together in sweet prayer before the throne of God.

Rachel's Gift

A few days ago Rachel decided it was time to cut twelve inches off of her beautiful hair.  Look how cute it is now! She donated her curls to Locks of Love, an organization who makes wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair during treatment. She did this in honor of an 11-year old friend of ours who went through this some years ago. What a beautiful gift...from a beautiful girl! (see the Christmas picture for a comparison)

White as snow...

We woke up this morning to snow. It reminded us of the Gospel of Christ....how we are washed as white as snow from our sin that is as red as scarlet. The truth of the Bible and the wonder and mystery of His words are breathtaking as we see models of truth, such as snow.

The past 24 hours have been spent wrestling with the knowledge that our travel agent routed us through Germany, which requires a "transit visa". We will not have time to obtain it before our flight departs on Saturday. Evidentally it hasn't been required for the past six months, yet the situation is changing. Therefore, we could be stuck in Addis for a few additional days.

Thank you Mrs. McLaren and Mrs. Reed for making these lovely flannel "minkies" to take to the orphanages. It will be such a joy to hand these to the children. (I could have spent ten plus minutes trying to turn this picture, but I coulnd't figure it out.... so here's to not succumbing to perfectionism!).

We depart on Tuesday, January 12 and will arrive in Addis on Wednesday evening. While there we will visit Children's Hopechest (http://www.cthomasdavis.com/), Drawn from Water (http://www.drawnfromwater.org/ - they rescue children who are to be thrown into the river because of tribal superstition...their website video is engaging) and our denominational sending agency Mission to the World (http://www.mtwact.org/ ) who minister to AIDS victims, in addition to driving to our child's village in Sodo. If we have any time to fill, we hope to see a fresh water well being dug by a ministry such as Living Water or Samaritan's Purse. Several families have expressed interested in combining financial resources to bring fresh water to a 500 person village (a cost of $10-15K). SO, it promises to be a full time of learning and being challenged to do what Christ commands.

On Old Hymn from 1641

This original German hymn was translated in 1863 by Catherine Winkworth and published in the Chorale book of England. Pondering the words and meaning of them is very hepful. The original translation:

If thou but suffer God to guide thee and hope in Him through all thy ways,

He’ll give thee strength, whate’er betide thee and bear thee through the evil days.

Who trust in God’s unchanging love builds on the rock that naught can move.



What can these anxious cares avail thee; these never ceasing moans and sighs?

What can it help if thou bewail thee o’er each dark moment as it flies?

Our cross and trials do but press the heavier for our bitterness.



Be patient and await His leisure in cheerful hope, with heart content

To take whatever thy Father’s pleasure and His discerning love hath sent;

Nor doubt our inmost wants are known to Him who chose us for His own.



God knows full well when time of gladness shall be the needful thing for thee.

When He has tried thy soul with sadness and from all guile has found thee free,

He comes to thee all unaware and makes thee own His loving care.



Nor think amid the fiery trial that God hath cast thee off unheard,

That He whose hopes meet no denial must surely be of God preferred.

Time passes and much change doth bring and set a bound to everything.



All are alike before the Highest: 'tis easy for our God, we know,

To raise thee up, though low thou liest; to make the rich man poor and low.

True wonders still by Him are wrought Who setteth up and brings to naught.



Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving, perform thy duties faithfully,

And trust His Word: though undeserving, thou yet shalt find it true for thee.

God never yet forsook in need the soul that trusted Him indeed.

Trust Me

God is it true that You’re thinking of me at this moment?

God is it true that You hear every prayer that I pray?

God is it true every time my heart beats that You know it?

Well if its all true, then that must be You I hear saying, "Trust Me."

God is it true out of all things You’re doing on this planet...

Could it really be true that You’ve counted the hairs on my head?

God is it true, very day of my life You have planned it?

Well if its all true, that must be You I hear saying, "Trust me."

"I’ll never leave you...I’ll never forsake you...Just trust Me."

God is it true that Your love for us is never ending?

Could it really be true that You died for letting us go?

God is it true that not even death can separate us?

Well if its all true, then what can I do but put all my hope, and all my trust in You?

Well I know its true and I know its You I hear saying, "Trust Me."

Where in the world are we going???!!

Mihret is from Sodo, Africa. Find Addis Ababa and go southwest. My technologically advanced daughter put a rectangle around the name.

Do you see it? :)

Now you can see Ethiopia in relation to this vast continent.

...all for this little one. (see Matthew 25)