January 12

I'm home!! We left at 11:00pm Sunday night and got home at
4:00pm Monday afternoon...which actually took about 26 hours.
My body is really confused...it's 3:00am, but I'm operating
like it's 12:00 in the afternoon since we were 9 hours ahead.
Thank you everyone for all your prayers! It definitely
sustained me. There is no other explanation for why I'm not
sick. Thank you for reading. I tried to keep the focus
on the needs so to that end, I hope you feel called to do
something...pray for orphans, visit orphans, adopt or financially
support orphans. Thanks especially to Madison who posted all
my emails. The internet was slow and unreliable so none
of us could post (except for Saturday night in Uganda with
the borrowed internet stick) or get any websites other than
basic email sites. I was able to get on Facebook once, but
that was it. So this is the first time that I've been able
to look at my blog, read comments and notice all the misspelled
words:) Thanks for putting up with the poor English...but hey,
I was usually writing at midnight after a long day. Speaking
of long days, I think I will try to go back to bed. I will try
to add some pictures to my blog tomorrow. Yea, Home!
Good night:)

January 10

"And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy art Thou to
take the book, and to break its seals; for Thous wast slain,
and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every
tribe and tongue and people and nation. And Thou hast made
them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will
reign upon the earth." Revelation 5:9

I get to leave in a little while to come home! What
a blessing this trip has been but I am so ready to get
home...to see my family, take a shower that doesn't run
out of hot water, eat American food, drink American
coffee, flush my toilet paper (just keeping it real),
sleep in my own bed where it's peaceful (no chanting all
night by the Orthodox Christians and Muslims) and of
course get back to our radical church and hear our awesome
pastor. We had attended Joseph's church this morning,
"The Army Bible Church"in downtown Addis Ababa. The service
was similar to ours at home, but no English. Lots of praying,
then a worship leader led the singing, a lady welcomed us in
English, then read from the Bible in their language and of
course, there was a sermon. It was cool to see believers on this
side of the world who worship, too. It was definitely a
reminder that God calls ALL people into his Kingdom from
every nation, tribe and tongue. Can't wait to see you
all! I leave at 10:00 tonight....be home in 24 hours:)

January 9

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” ---Helen Keller

Last night, half of our team went back home. Sandra, Royce and Mandy left for Kenya to visit their Compassion child. So we are all a little sad today because we’ve grown so close. That’s been the great side benefit of this trip..meeting so many wonderful, gifted people. I will start encouraging everyone to go on a mission trip after having such an awesome experience. It’s been really humbling to see how God put together such an incredible team, all working together out of their individual giftedness. Truly, the body of Christ at work…we had teachers, administrators, organizers, musicians, athletes, teens, college students, young professionals, and medical folks…all filled with love, mercy and compassion. So now our team is a lot smaller, but still serving. We drove into town this morning and picked up about 12 of Joseph’s street kids and took them to get ice cream. They were so excited to hop on our bus. It must have felt like getting on the monorail at Disney World for them. Before long, they were covered in stickers and eating smarties and tootsie rolls. I will never look at a tootsie roll the same. Back home, tootsie rolls are pretty low on the desired candy list, but these kids love them. They’ll ask, “Chocolate, Mother?” They loved the ice cream which was actually delicious (you never know about the food over here.) 14-year-old Wendmagegn ate all of his and most of mine, too. But what was really amazing is that these boys, who have nothing, gave most of us little gifts….plastic necklaces and bracelets. Of course, the young, pretty girls got more than the moms, but I guess that’s understandable So I have a lovely blue metal crucifix from Wendmagegn to add to my jewelry collection, and I will treasure it.

January 8

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I needed today. Today I got to hold, rock and sing to beautiful little babies…clean, sweet-smelling, happy babies. America World Transition Home is a wonderful place where most of the children have been placed for adoption and are just waiting for their “gotcha day”; the day their forever families come pick them up. And speaking of forever families, we got to see Paul and Andrea Brown from our church with their new baby, Elijah. How awesome is that we would be here, half way around the world, the same day that they got to pick up their handsome new son? Ethiopian children are so beautiful…I think Tammy contemplated smuggling out a baby…me too If you are even thinking about adoption, you would love these precious kids. Ben and Jen got to see their two children today, a two-year old boy and a baby girl. It was so exciting for all of us to be a part of that and get to meet their future family. They officially belong to them, but now they wait for a court date to process all the paperwork and bring them home. It was heart-breaking for us (all the moms on the trip) to see Ben and Jen have to leave without their kids. It was more heart-breaking for them. Please pray for this Godly couple that they will get a court day ASAP. After a long lunch break at the Guest House, we drove out to the heart of Addis Ababa to hang out with the street children. These children are Joseph’s passion and the focus of his ministry because he too was a street kid. He was orphan #485 to a Christian food ministry that fed and loved on him…that showed him the love of Christ. Now he and his wife work with these kids, giving them food, clothes and eventually, a new home. Joseph has submitted the paper work to start a boys’ home so pray for him that it will be accomplished quickly. Our group of guys (and beautiful, blond Hannah…that got some attention) played soccer with the kids on this large, concrete park right next to a very busy road. It was a little uncomfortable for us women, standing around watching because these savvy, street-wise boys surrounded us and kept asking us for money, candy, and our shoes. (But Sammy, Akee and Joseph were good body guards so we were fine) Several of our team gave their shoes away and walked around barefooted the rest of the afternoon. I must confess, I didn’t give away my shoes but I was so proud of the ones who did. Our team also gave out a bunch of soccer jerseys that were donated from people back home. The boys were really excited about this. Joseph is doing a great work here. It was ironic to see a huge billboard near the park, in the heart of this huge city with an advertisement from World Vision. It depicted children at the starting line of a race with the caption, “Care for the Orphans, Support Ethiopia’s Future.” I pray more locals like Joseph will rise up and do this.

January 7

“I personally believe that when we respond as Christians to tragedies with food, medicine and clothing, we earn a hearing for Christ. When people are down and out—whatever their circumstances—and we stop and help, they will listen to what we have to say.” Franklin Graham – Samaritan’s Purse

Merry Christmas from Gahenna….That’s the Bible word for garbage dump…hell, “where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:43,44). This appropriately describes what I saw today as we celebrated Ethiopian Christmas this morning with about 60 to 70 kids that live in the dump. One of our Ethiopian guides, Sammy, grew up in this dump and now goes back regularly to share Christ’s love with these orphans. Fires smoldered everywhere, scavenger birds flew all around us, and the stench was revolting. I’ve heard friends describe going to the dump in Venazuala, so I knew it would be bad, but I could hardly stand it. We loved on the children, which I must admit, was very difficult. They were filthy and stinky…worse to me than the Karamajong in Uganda. I can’t believe people live here. Our team purchased two goats and paid men to deliver them, slaughter and prepare them for a feast. Well, they delivered them, but when they saw where we were, they refused to climb up to the dump and finish the job. No one comes here. These people are total outcasts. So a few guys with us killed them, (Daniel grew up on a farm) and some women that were there scavenging cut up the meat. While they were getting things ready, Mandy led us in singing Silent Night…can you imagine? After that, I set up my felt board and with Joseph and Akee (our other wonderful guides) interpreting for me, I told a few Bible stories. I told the story about Jesus healing the rich man’s son and loving and blessing the children when the disciples tried to send them away. I told about Jesus on the road to Emeus appearing to the two men and later, appearing to his disciples in the upper room, appearing to over 500 people. I told them Jesus is alive…still alive….the only religion that claims to have a risen Savior. The younger ones seemed to be interested, maybe a few older ones, but many seemed hard….checked out. It was so difficult. Honestly, the only thing that kept me engaged was thinking about Sammy’s testimony the day before. Christians from Young Life were playing street games near the dump and showered love on him (he was 12 years old) and told stories about Jesus healing the leper…touching the leper. He said that day, when someone played with him and showed him love, was a memory he’ll never forget. Our guys cooked the meat and some peppersover two fires and we served it to the kids. After that, we gave out clothes, food and candy that we brought from the US. They were very appreciative. I hope we conveyed the love of Christ to them today. I’ve thought a lot about our pastor’s first sermon as our new pastor a few years ago. I think it was titled, “Outside the Camp” meaning, that’s where all the garbage was dumped, that’s where people were banished for certain sins…that’s where Jesus was crucified…outside the camp. But that’s also where Jesus ministered and loved people, so that’s where we should go too. That thought kept me going today.

January 6

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

God did an amazing work in my life today. We pulled up to the Mother Teresa Aids Orphanage today where every single child (over 300) has HIV or full blown AIDS. Their parents died of AIDS or they were abandoned because of their “curse”. What we didn’t realize was that today is Christmas Eve in Ethiopia, the 28th day of the fourth month, and they had some major festivities planned. The kids were so excited. We brought soccer balls, play dough, crafts and face paint which added to their enthusiasm. The director gave us a tour around the surprisingly nice facilities which are situated on a hillside. The little boys sang songs for us, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” in their language, which was really quite funny since there will be no “dashing through the snow” here. When they finished, we sang some worship songs for them and gave out lots of hugs. Next, we saw the weaving room where there were 12 loom frames and several boys weaving. They make the most beautiful silk scarves that they sell for “75 Burr” which is about $7…as you might guess, I was a buyer. We were getting ready to walk up the hill to the children’s Christmas program when one of the nuns asked if some strong men could help carry food bags up the hill. Every Christmas, the nuns give out food supplies to the women who live in the slum surrounding the orphanage. So several of us headed that way. Dozens of women and small children were near the bottom of the hill and the nuns were giving them HUGE burlap sacks. We found out later they were filled with 110 pounds of bulgur, teff grain, fa-fa (corn), oil, sweets, biscuits and children’s clothes. There were NO men or boys around to help and these women, young and old, were expected to drag these sacks about 100 yards up this steep hill, through the gate, down the road to their homes and many had little babies on their backs. So Ben (Army commander and helicopter pilot who served in Iraq), Amy and I (average moms) were told to help this one old woman carry her stuff. The nun pulled two bags out of the big sack, handed them to me and Amy and Ben got the rest. We made the trek up the hill, with that smiling old woman and were told to leave the bags by the road and she would get it home. The nun’s comment was, “This is Africa. They will find a way.” I received a big hug and several kisses before heading back down the hill to help someone else. By the time I got back, Jesse (tall, big-hearted dad), Daniel (construction worker), Josh (triathlete and chiroprachter), Sheri (computer genius with strong arms), Jen (also a helicopter pilot from Irag and Ben’s wife) and several others were lugging bags up the hill. After the 5th trip carrying a 30 or 40 pound bag (there were separate bags inside the big bag), I was getting really tired but the Lord brought to my mind, Isaiah 40:31 so I just kept praying that over and over. And every time I would make it to the top, I would get big, grateful hugs and kisses…awesome. I quit counting after the 7th trip, but we did this for well over an hour. The guys estimated that the 12 of us (everyone else was still working with the kids) carried 10 tons of food. I detail all this only so you’ll understand what a work of the Lord this was for me. I am physically not fit enough to do what I did today. I have asthma, am at an elevation of 7500 feet, have a sore shoulder and have been breathing smoke and diesel fumes each day. I went to my respiratory doctor for a check-up two days before we left for this trip, failed my first breathing test, and left with a bunch of prescriptions just in case. Many on our team are sick with coughing and congestion, yet I have stayed remarkably healthy. I haven’t used my inhaler in days. How awesome is our God? That He would put together such a remarkable team of big strong guys, several tough girls and me. It was the most incredible blessing….to truly help orphans and widows in their DISTRESS. When we finished, we got to catch a few minutes of the children’s program which was adorable in an “I Dream of Genie” sort of way. ..children in lines performing ethnic dancing and singing. It was beautiful, yet as I looked around the room of hundreds of smiling children, it struck me that they ALL had a deadly disease. As we left, I heard strains of Paul McCartney’s Christmas song over their outside speakers ….“We wish you a Merry Christmas….and a happy new year…..I hope it’s a good one…..without any tears….”……I pray that is true for these people.

January 5

“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” --- Helen Keller

Today was a travel day and we left beautiful Jinga to head back to Addis Ababa. Before we pulled out, I walked up to Katie’s house to say goodbye to Margaret, her 11 year old daughter. She and I bonded on Saturday because she helped me all day with my felt board and story telling and I let her take pictures with my camera. It was very sad. I can’t wait to get better internet service so I can go back and read about her “rescue” story. What a precious child…what if she hadn’t been saved?? Your perspective about “those poor starving children in Africa” is so different when you actually meet them, touch them, and look into their big brown eyes. And when they write you notes telling you how much they love you in the Lord and how good God is to send you to them….well, it just changes you.
The flight back to Addis was MUCH better this time…no terrifying moments. I will say I had a long interesting conversation with my seat mate, an Arab businessman. Very quickly, the conversation turned to God and he began explaining about Allah’s protection and how I shouldn’t fear take-off. (I was a little nervous Of course, I couldn’t let that slide, so I just asked the HS to give me wisdom and I began sharing what I believed. He was very kind and interested, not at all what I expected. I thought it was ironic that his name, his wife’s name, and his children’s names all mean “peace”, “joy”, or “love”. He believes the Koran is all about love. I must admit I wasn’t as bold or assertive on major points as I could have been. But I listened a lot and gave him a little John Piper book/track, For Your Joy. He seemed appreciative and actually gave me a gift in return….his pen So pray for “Said” and his wife, “Salem”. And pray for the Ethiopian man that I sat by from D.C. to Ethiopia, “Aragay”. He is a retired Agriculture professor who lives in the U.S. We also had lengthy conversations about politics, religion and history. He is an orthodox Christian…very similar to Catholic.
We are back at the Ethiopian Guest House tonight and will head out in the morning to the Mother Teresa Aids Orphanage.

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