Thoughts

I never dreamed of going to Africa, let alone seven times and being in seven countries.  Every time I get home I say, " I am not going to do this again."  Once Africa gets into your blood it is hard not to want to return.

The time in Uganda was special. God put together the perfect " B" team to hold the " fort" while the permanent missionaries were  on furlough and Enrichment.  We all got along well and bonded quickly.  We all were happy that each of our abilities, talents or whatever filled a need.  We are thankful that God watched over us, the children and the village.  Believe me, there were daily and multiple prayers being sent heavenward.  Our prayers were answered, no mishaps.  That is pretty amazing when you have 105 children, plus mamas, kitchen help, guards and ground keepers.  There are pesky monkeys and you have to be careful along the parameter for black mambas.

I always enjoy my time in Ethiopia.  I have a special attachment because I was here before they had taken in any children.  The little boy who we saw  that first visit is happy and thriving.  These are the most warm and love able children.  They know us and every year they sing for us and present us with a drawing from there cottages.  Yesterday, a couple of the  little girls who presented the drawing gave big hugs and a  " I love you,". One little girl said she is praying for us.
They sang " The LORD is my Shepherd" for us and then several came forward and prayed for us.
The sweet women who heads the kitchen staff did the coffee ceremony for us.  They serve popcorn during the ceremony.  It is a special tribute to us.

It is no wonder that after I am rested I long to return.  In all of this I was touched by a young boy, in Uganda, who shyly handed me a folded up piece of paper.  It was at tracing he had done.

It is the rainy season in Ethiopia.  It is cooler, but nice in the daytime.  We had an unusual bad storm on Monday night.  Water was coming into the duplex we were staying in.  There had been flash flooding and some deaths in Mojo.  Tuesday night was another heavy rain.  It has rained every night since we got here.  It is very muddy along the highway, I saw children sitting in the mud.  The market places are muddy and crowded.  He people seem very lightly dressed.  I must admit it was warmer outdoors than in our duplex.

I have determined that the traffic here in Ethiopia is much worse than Uganda.  I seems every year it gets worse.   The road we travel is a  two lane highway from Dubai to Addis Ababa, truck after truck after truck.   It is a 2 hour plus trip.  They are building a four lane highway.  When it will open I do not know.  You have to admire those who drive here in Ethiopia.  They have to be very watchful not only for cars pulling into traffic but the people walking along the road.  That includes cattle and donkeys.

Tomorrow we head for home.  I  am ready for home.