Ethiopia

It’s been an amazing, crazy week in Ethiopia. Our second day here, we went to the village of Korah, which is very dear to our leader Kari, because that’s where her daughter was born. Korah is a large community located on and around the city dump in Addis Ababa, that was originally where Lepers were taken to keep them away from the rest of the city. Now it has grown into a full community, with thousands of people. During our day in Korah we had the opportunity to visit the Leper hospital, paint a building for some of the women who make jewelry, and walk around with the children. The people spoke very little English, and the kids knew only a few words; but there’s still a special bond and communication just through holding hands, kisses, and smiling. The number of flies in the village was incredible; it was a constant battle to try to keep them off. Most of the kids were covered in them, but had adjusted to them and found it easier just to let them be. One little boy stood out in particular to me. He was probably 2 or 3 years old, and he was covered in more flies than any of the other children I’d seen. Blood, probably from a little fall, was all over and around his nose, most of it already dried in place. The flies lined his face even more so from the blood. One of our team member’s had Neosporin, which we put on and we kept him with us everywhere we went for the day. He didn’t smile the whole time, but when it was time to go, he gave us big hugs and energetically waved to us with the biggest smile as our bus pulled out. It was so cool to see that even in some of the “poorest” conditions, so many of the people still loved Jesus.

The following day we drove 4 hours in a more rural part of Ethiopia to get to the town of Awassa. We visited a nearby boarding school, called Shashamane, where some of the kids from Korah are given the opportunity to get a good education amongst some of the wealthier kids. All of the girls and women on our team had a talk with the 120 girls from Korah. The theme was “Gold,” explaining to them they’re valuable to God and to us. We did different activities and got to hear more about them. One of the main things that stuck out was the girls’ generosity. I got to hang out with a 14-year-old girl named Hayat the entire time, and she showed me so much about selflessness in just one afternoon. She was always thinking of me above herself, helping me carry things and giving me sweet notes and gifts. It was humbling and a great reminder of how Jesus lived serving others.

We spent the next day at Chuko, the village where Julie Neal and the Pirates Dig a Well are funding their water projects. One of Julie’s sons is adopted from Chuko, and seeing her get to interact with his birth grandparents and the rest of the village was such a blessing. We visited the different well sites they’re putting in and their current water source. It is amazing the difference that the project is going to make in the lives of those people!

For our last day in Ethiopia, we headed back to Addis Ababa. The drive was 5 and a half hours across the beautiful country. After arriving, we went back to Korah and got the opportunity to go back to the little building we painted on our second day. The women who were making necklaces in it were sweet and showed us how they make everything. We all took turns praying for them, and at the end they prayed for us. They prayed so passionately and sincerely; it was really moving seeing their deep love for God and the team. God is way bigger than any city or village, the same God in Branson is the same God caring for the people of Korah, and everywhere else. There is nothing like being welcomed by brothers and sisters in Christ from across the world. I’m humbled and in awe of the God of the universe. For the rest of the evening we went to a cultural Ethiopian restaurant, where we got to try authentic foods while watching tribal songs and dances.

Today we said goodbye to all of our friends in Ethiopia and flew 2 hours to Uganda. It feels so good to be back! I love all of the red dirt and welcoming hugs. I can’t wait to see all of the things God has planned for this week in Uganda!

1 John 1:9 “This is my command- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”