As for me, I know of nothing else but miracles. - Walt Whitman

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Our Trip to Ethiopia, Days 9 and 10

 Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, 2024

Our last day in Ethiopia and a travel day. Some things are just too hard and personal to share online, but let’s just say that spiritual warfare on a mission trip is a real thing and Satan will stop at nothing to discourage people from going back again. That is why prayer warriors at home are SO important. I usually recognize his tactics right away because he’s not very subtle. Something happens every time we go to Ethiopia, and this was my 13th trip. It took me longer to realize it this time, though, and the last day of this trip had me completely undone. So…please pray for long-term and short-term missionaries. They need your prayers. Back to the good things, though… 

My girls, Tarikua, Hiwet, Muna, and Genet came in the morning to spend the day with us. Then we headed back to Korah to do activities with about 100 kids. We brought coloring pages and crayons, balls, jump ropes, bean bags, a parachute, beads to make bracelets, etc. The kids had a blast, and couldn’t get enough of the candy we brought. In the afternoon, we visited some friends’ homes in Korah and enjoyed several coffee ceremonies. Some of the lifestyles and stories are absolutely heart-wrenching, but the people are so loving and giving. Afterward, we went back to the guest house to pack up, shower, change, and say our goodbyes. It’s always a sad time, and some of our friends just sobbed. 😞 We had dinner at Peace Tower on the way to the airport, then went through the normal multiple-security process and checked in for our flight. 

























The flight was fairly uneventful. Malia, Lexie, and I were very tired and slap-happy, and kept giggling about the dumbest things. We finally made it back to Chicago, and thankfully made it through customs and baggage claim rather quickly. We caught a shuttle back to the hotel, picked up the van, and headed home. Now to get over the jet-lag! 







Monday, December 9, 2024

Our Trip to Ethiopia, Day 8

 Friday, November 29, 2024

The day started off with a coffee ceremony at our amazing guest house. Then we went to Tomoca to buy coffee to bring home, did a bit of shopping, and had lunch at Sishu before heading back to Korah. We heard some heartbreaking stories of people who live in the trash dump and distributed a bit more rent money. Afterward, we played kickball for awhile before handing out coloring pages, crayons, and candy to 100 kids. They listened to the story of David and Goliath and then got so excited to answer questions from the story. If only our Sunday school kids in the U.S. got such a thrill out of Bible stories.

Back at the guest house, our hosts had prepared an amazing Thanksgiving feast for us off the back patio. It was delicious, and the view was gorgeous! Then we spent the evening with lots of friends. Linda and her girls headed back to the airport to fly home. The rest of us have one more day.












Shiloh LOVED this orange ball! 






























Lexie, Malia, and the boys made beaded bracelets tonight. Little Tesfaye made me one that said “Que❤️wn” and Lexie received one that said “God is Holly.” 😊