Fifty5five in Ethiopia 15 day wrap up

Day 1- Can you say crazy?  After dealing with several agents at the airlines debating luggage fees it was finally realized by the United staff that our tickets with Ethiopian Air were revoked.  A United manager worked very hard to straighten it out with no resolve as the other airline didn't answer (it was the wee hours of the night at their main hub).  We decided to go on blind faith to DC and see if we could sort it out.  We felt if the Lord closed the doors in DC we'd be at peace with that.  But if it was the enemy's attempt to stop us we didn't want this deterrent to keep us from God's plan. 

Day 2- We arrived in DC and raced through the airport (like the Amazing Race).  We had to collect all of our luggage and hurry to find Ethiopian Airlines.   What we discovered was that although we ordered our tickets online in November and the funds were paid long before, they placed a hold on our tickets till they could verify our credit card.  The next snag was our carry on bags...they were too heavy; the story of our ministry.   The agent allowed us to pack the overage into our luggage.   Linda can stuff a bag like no other.  Becky thought we might get 1st class for our troubles but instead our agent gave us free seat next to us so we could stretch out.  Stepping out in blind faith was character building.   We ended up being so encouraged.

Day 3- We arrived in Addis Ababa.   We gathered our bags.  We were detained a bit while we tried to explain our crafts.  We were once again praying as the woman in front of us had lots of bubble gum confiscated. We were passed through with lots of smiles.  We met our hosts and piled into a van with our 28 bags and numerous people.   It always creates a lot of reminiscing of past trips and luggage transportation.    It's ranged from boat to separate flights.  It was with delightful that this trip we arrived with all of our luggage.
Woo hoo!

Day 4- After some van swaps,  luggage loading, meeting others, and eating we departed for Archeber.  After getting to a remote area we encountered transmission issues and we were climbing mountain dirt/rock roads.  We got out and hiked uphill 2-3 miles before the van could be babied up the hill to us.  We reached the hut at dusk.  We had to kind of laugh at the challenges knowing God must have a mighty plan ahead of us.  The hut was very beautiful.   It was about 20 feet in radius. We piled in with our sleeping bags and luggage and hunkered down for the night.

Day 5- Can you believe it's been cold in Ethiopia?   It's been very cold in the evenings in the mountains.  We've always been hot.  It was an interesting contrast.
We had a day to prepare as it was market day for the locals.  Some of us  traveled to the market.   It was INTENSE!  We kept it brief getting some beans (ended up being coffee beans) and then headed out for a walk.  The team we partnered with were checking on some projects they had done previously.  They build a couple of Christian Kindergartens and given micro loans to some of the most needy in the community.   It was a privilege to see the work that was carrying on.  Additionally,  the fact that we were journeying by foot through the plains of Ethiopia was brilliant.   I should mention the van left back to the city for repair.

Day 5 & 6- We began Teacher Training.   We expected 10 in this small community but it was doubled and represented 5 churches.  They were full of interest, participation,  and laughter.  Such a beautiful people.  The owner of the hut we stayed at attended out of curiosity.  After watching the prodigal story with props and actions in kid format, he spoke to a pastor about returning to the Lord.

Day 7- VBS!  This was probably the highest % of teachers who joined us for VBS.  We expected 50 kids and there were about 130.  We condensed a 5 day VBS into 1 full day.  Many children came forward at the altar call.
At the end of the day we prayed over the teachers and pastors and in return they prayed over us.  I'm here to tell you the Spirit was present.  
Are you curious about food ?  It was delicious. We also got to have a traditional coffee ceremony.   It began with roasting the beans and  grinding them by mortal and pestal. It was brewed in a traditional pot over the fire and served in espresso sized cups.  Delightful.   A coffee lovers dream.
The time at the hut was both challenging and amazing all at the same time.  How many can say they slept in a mud hut in Ethiopia?   I would not trade the experience.

Day 8- We were ripe!  We had no indoor plumbing and used latrines during our stay (they were about 3 football fields away).    Our ride back to the city did not go without excitement.   Our 3 hour ride took 5 due to the traffic for the Orthodox holiday Epiphany.   We also got stopped at 2 check point and we're frisked at one.  After determining we weren't terrorist they sent us on our way.  We arrived back at the guest house and we're so grateful for showers and porcelain toilets. It's the little things;-)

Day 9- Church in the city.  It was in their native tongue and we got only a little bit of interpretation so we basically prayed and did personal bible reading.  It was great worshiping together.

Day 10- Teacher Training at our second site began today.  It was held in a training center where the bring Muslim converts to train and provide protection as some are in danger of their lives. 
Teachers traveled from near and far.  They laughed and took studious notes.  One of the teachers worked for compassion international and 2 adults who were raised in their orphanage.
What is comical is when we returned tonight there was no running water but buckets of water by our door.  Dang, sure wish I'd washed my hair today.  We have had so many things go sideways but we are so use to being flexible we just roll with the punches.  Odd things happen and plans change constantly.   It's kind of the name of the game.  For those of us that are planners it could totally derail us.  I believe God has trained us on the mission field well.

Day 11-12. Teacher training continued.  There were about 28 teachers and 25 Muslim converts.  Training went very well.  Watching the interaction and tedious note taking was encouraging.   The teachers received their certification from Fifty5five and gifts to use in the classrooms to aid in storytelling time.    Many also gave testimony of what value they've learned children have and they will invest in them with their new found skills.
We were treated to a traditional Ethiopian dinner tonight at a restaurant that provided cultural dance.  It was very cool.  Our hosts were part of the Board of Directors of our host church.  We often refer to breaking bread together.   But in Ethiopian culture you literally share from the same plate using your fingers to scoop food with their version of flat bread called njera. 

Day 13- The VBS was not coordinated. School is in session and all the different methods they tried to coordinate did not work.  We tried to take in some historical culture but that didn't happen either.  Transportation has been a huge challenge on this trip.  We are ready for the tastes, smells,  and hugs from home.

Day 14-15 Travel home.  The good news is our tickets were good! 

Recap :  We trusted God and His plans by walking in faith not by site. We practiced great flexibility and unity.  Biggest blessings were being prayed over in Archeber and those who shared that they caught the vision of the value of children.   The mud hut experience...challenging but wouldn't trade it.