Feet on the ground

Monday – a Day at Ajujua Orphanage

Before I tell you about our day at Ajujua, it’s important to understand what makes this orphanage in Awassa so very special.  It begins with a man named Wakeyo.  He is the former President of the Sidama region of Ethiopia and now the director of the orphanage.  He was described to me prior to our trip as a humble, quiet, godly man.  I’m not so sure about the quiet part, but godly – oh yes.  Wakeyo is one of those people you meet in life that leaves a lasting imprint on your heart.  Everything about him and every memory of the time I spent with him makes me smile.  From kneeling down with the children sitting on their port-a-potties to help get that perfect picture of them (sorry can’t share photos of the children in the orphanage on the internet – but it was cuter than words can say), to playing soccer (and playing pretty well I might add) with the older children, to commanding the respect of every person we passed and every child he chased away (with a smile) at market to the breaking out in song and praise multiple times on our long van rides - the love of God just flows out of this man.  He was described as Godly; I think he is truly a gift from God. It warms my heart to know that he is presiding over the orphanage, its children, and its community.  It reaches far, far beyond its walls and he is an integral part of each and every part of it. I miss getting in a vehicle now and not hearing “Praise God, God is Good” coming from the back seat.  It didn’t matter where we were or what we were doing, Wakeyo reminded us at every turn that we were to praise God always and his reminders were infectious.

Monday was a very busy day.  It began with a celebration upon our arrival.  This was the first on many times this week where I was taken aback by our celebrity welcome, but the superstars were waiting for us inside of those walls.  We entered to music and balloons, and streamers, and we were handed roses by the children.  There was singing and dancing and celebration.  It was such a happy place we had entered into and they were so thankful for our journey.

After some music and prayer (and let me tell you these young adults can sing!) we opened up the suitcases of care packages that were sent over from the children’s sponsor.  They come from far and wide for this day so thankful for the gifts they are being given. It’s a bit like Christmas and we have the honor of playing Santa Claus on behalf of all of the sponsors.

Some of the children there did not have sponsors, but were joining the FIG program in hopes of being sponsored.  We gave them packages as well and rifled through suitcases to see what else we might be able to send home with them.  We passed out dresses, shirts, shoes, etc.  These mothers were so thankful.

After we had given away all that we could I was able to look around the orphanage just a bit.  There is not much I can show because we can’t post photos of the children, but here are a few shots.

After lunch we gave out some gifts we had brought for the nannies and staff.  These people care so deeply for these children and it is obvious that they are loved.  Each one of them is truly a blessing to this organization. It felt right to spend some time valuing them and honoring them as they had done for us upon our arrival.

We brought in the extra clothing, bottles, formula, and items gathered from all of you at home.  THANK YOU!  You brought smiles to the staff and much needed items to the babies.

The afternoon’s festivities ended in a soccer game. Two things made this game much different from that of one being played in the states. First, there was no frustration, no anger, no cross words – just fun.  Good kids playing a clean game.  That is just how Ethiopians are.  They are kind, and gentle, they lack frustration in their actions.  What a breath of fresh air!  We could learn so much from how they treat each other.  It is truly remarkable.  The second thing that made this game different…a cow doesn't join in while taking a stroll down the street. MOO!

At the end of the day we joined in celebration of what we had done that day and our team was given authentic Ethiopian dress to bring home as gifts.  It was a good day spent with new good friends!

Tuesday – Ten Cow Tuesday – what a day!

Tuesday morning we loaded up in the van and headed out to the Spring Water Project.  Along with us were Askale and Teshome.  Both work for the orphanage and are equally involved in the community as well.  Again the work of Ajujua spreads far beyond the orphanage walls. Askale doesn’t speak English, but she is a joy and comfort to have around in unfamiliar territory.  A sweet custom in Ethiopia is hand holding.  Everyone holds hands.  It appeared to be a simple sign of friendship.  Throughout the day she would take my hand to guide me in direction and friendship.  This was a crazy day so I very much appreciated both aspects and gladly took her hand. Askale is one enthusiastic woman.  The life of the party would describe her well.

Our day began with a hike down a hill to view the spring water project at a place called Aleta Wondo Woredas (Woredas are composed of a number of wards, or neighborhood associations, which are the smallest unit of local government in Ethiopia.)  Following the adoption of a child from this region, her newly adopted Uncle from Texas wanted to give back to the community where she came from.  The biggest challenge of this community is fresh water and he funded a good part of this project to make clean water more accessible to them through this project.  This community will benefit from and together maintain the fresh water system once the project is completed.  They are in need of about $500 to complete this project. 

(You can donate via this link:  https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift2/?giftid=ACB8F86A0C2A4B9 )

It’s a life changing addition for the people in this area.  No longer will they fight over the water which can occur during drought conditions, struggle to keep the water clean (currently people and animals contaminate the water), or have to travel as far to get it (with or without a donkey’s help this is very difficult).  Water is something we so take for granted.  For them this will be a treasure. 

As we got out of the car we began walking down a road of clay.  Quickly we began descending down a narrow steep embankment that would lead to the water.  I had my head down a bit because I’m not the most coordinated of humans and just knew I would be the one to go down. Head down I walked paying attention only to where my next step would take me.  After a few moments I looked up to find that we were no longer our small little group, but were now a much larger group of people on this steep hike together.  I was amazed again and again at how people would just appear from what felt like out of nowhere and join us wherever we were going.  As Ethiopians do, a man took my hand on the steepest part of the walk and guided me down to the bottom.  He had no idea who I was or what my role would be, but he probably could tell by my face that without assistance I’d fall flat on my butt.  His gracious assistance was so sweet and, well, necessary. At the bottom of the hill were the very people the Spring Water project was to benefit there working on it.  They are invested and excited.  Children were there with the containers that we would see everywhere on our travels…filling them up with water and then carrying them home.  How great will it be for this to become a better and easier process for them.

From there we loaded back up in our van again and headed to Dale (Dah Lay).  This was where we went to meet the ten families about to get their cows.  This was huge for me.  Everyone that contributed to my travels and supported my journey – right here, right now, was changing lives right along side of me.  I am so grateful and more than that – honored that I was able to physically be a part of this.  Thank you!

Before heading to market we met with the families, gave the children their care packages, gave the families a bible, and gave and got lots of hugs.  How difficult I’m sure to be so vulnerable and in need.  These are such gracious, humble, proud people.  They were reserved and quiet when we met with them, but so grateful (a common theme).  One man stood out to me.  He and his son were one of the families there to receive their cow.  His eyes were somewhat disfigured and I’m sure if he had any sight it was very minimal.  His young son led him with his small hand.  I asked how he would care for the cow.  I was told the young boy would help along with assistance from the community.  These children have to grow up so fast.  That young boy was his father’s sight and he was fully capable of meeting that responsibility in that small little body of his… Another family brought with them their son who had been born without arms.  How easy would it have been for them not to raise this child, but they made a beautiful choice to love and raise their son with all of the challenges it would bring in a world already so full of hardship.  Beautiful people. 

The gift of a cow will change their lives.  Livestock can supply a family with milk each day providing nutrition to undernourished children; the manure can fertilize gardens; and extra milk and offspring from the cows can be sold providing the family with income.

So speaking of cows – off to market we went. 

I’ve already told you about Wakeyo and Askale, but someone I have yet to talk about was Teshome.  Teshome is a social worker that traveled with us throughout the week.  He works with the children in the orphanage, the sponsored children outside of the orphanage, the community benefitting from the water project, the families receiving their cows and I’m sure so much more than I can even begin to understand.  His connection to everywhere we went and everyone we met seemed to have no limits.  He is obviously a loved and extremely respected man.  This is the guy that today would negotiate the purchase of the ten cows at market and tomorrow know the exact shoe size and grocery needs of the young lady I sponsor and will translate to her as we deliver the shoes.  He has his fingers on the pulse of Awassa in so many ways.  His smile, laugh, and personality are infectious and his ability to understand the needs of so many, truly impressive.  God carefully placed him in the lives of so many knowing they would be in tremendous hands.  He is the hands and feet of God in this place.

Love this guy!

Fekadu (because he is awesome) drove us as far towards the market as he could.  The skies were questionable and if the African rains began we would surely be stuck. Pretty sure Fekadu doesn’t have Triple AAA so we eventually got out and began our long walk to market down a long road of clay that appeared to go to nowhere. 

When we arrived there (wherever that was) there was not much of a market in place.  We went to a sheltered small patio type area and sat. The market (like the construction of a flea market) began to unfold in front of us, but we were staying somewhat sequestered.  Can’t imagine why, but the bright smiling faces of six white people makes the price of cattle shoot up. Teshome left us to go into what looked like a large corral where the cattle and their owners were.  He took a pen and a small piece of scrap paper and off our fearless negotiator went.  He was gone for what seemed like a very long time.  It seemed similar to the purchase of a car in the United States.  Lots of negotiating, leaving, coming back, negotiating some more, pondering some more, dealing some more… checking out the competition. 

Meanwhile, Wakeyo took us a few at a time for a walk around the market.  This was another opportunity for me to witness how much respect Wakeyo receives in this community. You can just feel it when you are in his presence.  He’s not a large man, a loud man, a mean man – but he is a special man and they all seemed to know it, especially the children.  As we walked through market and he explained what we were seeing, HUGE crowds of children would gather around us.  I mean around as in surrounding us.  Another one of those “I feel like a rock star and I have no idea why” moments.  There was no fear in these moments, but it was an odd feeling.  As soon as the crowds would get too big, Wakeyo would scatter them with the waving of a stick or flailing of his hands and off they’d go.  Like a silent body guard with a sweet smile.

Eventually our tours were over and the negotiating was done.  Each family came to us one-by-one to receive the money for their cows.  Teshome had made the negotiations and they would make the purchase. There was no fear of the price changing, no fear that the blind man would not receive the correct change – these are honest people.  It would be dishonorable to change the price or rip off the blind man.  Ethiopians don’t do dishonorable and I love that!

"Jimmy" - Thanks Brawley Middle School

As the families were gathering their cows and we were taking pictures I was secretly naming a cow.  Animals don’t get names in Ethiopia I’m told, but secretly one cow now had a name. Brawley Middle School now had a cow and his name was Jimmy and Jimmy was about to do great things for some very sweet people.  (Jimmy was going to be secretly incredible #LoveDoes.) 

With that we began the long walk back to Fekadu and back to the hotel.  
What a great day!

Let's do this...

Why not just raise funds and send a check: Their needs are many and they require money.  Why will my journey to bring supplies to the orphanage, hand gifts to the child I sponsor, and purchase cows for families benefit from little old me flying half way across the planet?  Couldn't I do that and more if I wasn't purchasing an airline ticket, staying in a hotel, needing a translator and driver?  Couldn't I purchase more formula for the babies if I sent money for them instead of spending it on my trip?  Why not just send a check?  Because valuing people, bringing a smile to a child without a family, hugging a nanny, putting a story to the face of one of God’s children and sending that story out into his Kingdom is priceless.  No check can buy that. No check can accomplish what that will accomplish.  So off I go, off we go!

Departure Day:  Remember when I said my biggest fear (besides getting sick from the water) was the time between laying my head down Thursday night and meeting the team at Dulles on Friday?  “Called It!”  Slept, not really. Got up a little early, got ready, got to the airport on time.  Gave my goodbye kisses, took the overloaded-with-luggage photos and headed into the airport.  

The nice lady escorted me to the Kiosk to check in. One sentence changed my entire morning.  “Your flight has been cancelled.  No other flights out until after your connection leaves.”  My heart sank and raced at the same time.  You can do this – do not cry.  I was escorted to USAir where they had a flight to Regan leaving pretty much now.  That’s all well and good, but I’m flying out of Dulles.  This can’t be good.  I spotted a group also being rerouted to Regan and in the group was a woman I thankfully thought I recognized.  Well she was not who I thought she was, but she was with a group from a church in Greenville, NC heading to another orphanage in Ethiopia.  They had to get on the plane leaving now, get the bus from the plane to the luggage, get the luggage, get a shuttle, get to Dulles, get through security and customs, and get to that plane headed across the ocean just like me.  I was no longer alone and panicked, but now confidently a part of a wonderfully gracious group of people that promised me that I was now a part of their group until I reached mine.  My new best friends. 

I will always be so grateful for them.  They honestly have no idea.  These wonderful people even paid for the shuttle and told the driver they’d put someone on another’s lap to fit me in because they weren’t leaving me behind.  Insert the Facebook “blessed” icon here.   Between them and me and the insane amount of luggage the shuttle became lovingly referred to as the clown bus.  When the back was filled to the roof with luggage we all piled in the back two seats and filled the rest of the van in with luggage.  Filled to the brim with suitcases overflowing with love for the children we were on our way to see. My gang was checking in at Dulles as the clown car arrived. I thanked my new best friends (not nearly enough) and joined my intended travel companions and we were off. 

Saturday morning – on the ground. 

After almost thirteen hours the flight descended upon Ethiopia to the most beautiful sunrise.  It was as if God painted a beautiful picture to welcome us.  Finally we were there. 

We departed the plane and took the escalator downstairs to a long line that ended at the desk where we purchased our visas.  There were four people sitting behind a long glass window at a counter.  There was not a computer to be seen.  Each of the four had a pad, a piece of carbon paper, and a pen. They filled out the small form for our visa, took our crisp new twenty dollar bill (we were told no old torn up bills), and turned the corner to get in the line for customs.  This line seemed to move faster. At the end of the line was a series of booths.  As our turn came we each went to the booth, handed them our papers, and they took our fingerprints electronically.   We then were able to claim our luggage and leave the airport.  Waiting outside was Fekadu and Allison.  I was so excited to see Allison.  For someone I have only met twice, you’d think I had known her forever as happy as I was to be with her.  Meeting Fekadu was amazing.  As cool a guy as his Facebook page had led me to believe he’d be! 

We left the airport and headed in Addis Ababa to get a drink and exchange currency before heading to Awassa.

Addis Ababa is a higher altitude (Addis Ababa's 7,700 foot elevation qualifies it as the world's sixth-highest capital city).  Let the record show that upon arrival at the hotel where we were getting the drink and exchanging the currency – it was NOT a good idea to test one’s endurance at running up the five flights of stairs in a higher altitude on no sleep.  The smog and dirt in the air was unbelievable (they told me this was a worse day than normal) and between the altitude, the sleep deprivation, and the air quality I almost immediately began feeling sick.  That feeling didn’t go away. It was a bit unsettling to say the least. 

We all loaded back up in Fekadu’s van.  He will be our driver and go to guy for the next week.  Off to Awassa.  It was a four hour or so drive.  Words can’t explain the drive and what we saw and sadly I was too out of it at this point to take too many photos or really take it all in.  Suffice it to say that if you took a Nascar track, added some goats, cows, sheep, small taxi/scooter like vehicles, large dump truck like vehicles, donkey pulled carts and added lots of exhaust and dirt into the air and then played chicken with the oncoming vehicles in the most politely done fashion I have ever seen in my life all at about 60 miles an hour – you’d get a pretty good picture of the drive.  Now add some sleep deprivation and an upset stomach into the mix and you’ve got it.  I’m not sure why but in the midst of all of that I had 100% confidence in Fekadu and his complete ability to get us safely to Awassa. 

We made it to the hotel about 4pm Awassa time Saturday after leaving the house at 4 am Friday.  Ethiopia is 7 hours ahead.  That would be a total travel time door-to-door of 29 hours.  The journey left me beyond exhausted.  I found myself taking it one minute at a time almost light headed and disoriented at this point.  I’m not going to lie.  I wanted to cry.  What in the world was I doing? 

We arrived at the hotel, got situated and headed down to the lobby to gather for dinner.  Joining us was Zewdu our representative to the Ajuuja Orphanage and Wakeyo, Ajuuja’s Director.  These men are obviously two very special people.  (Zewdu’s wife has gone to Addis Abba.  She is due with their first child soon and has gone home to her mother to deliver in the home.)  You will hear more on them as the week continues.  They are truly incredible people!

Roll your eyes here - I had pizza for dinner at a very beautiful restaurant on Lake Awassa.  The way I was feeling I was pretty much taking one moment at a time.  This was not the time to dive into the Ethiopian cuisine.  I was just thankful for something I felt safe eating.   It was a nice resort where families often stay that are there to adopt.  It helped me to understand that Awassa is a city with some life to it amongst the despair.  There is an economy here which is something I didn't include in the equation back home when thinking of educating the children and empowering women with businesses.  The power went out during dinner.  Not a problem in Awassa, just a way of life.  We were eating outside and nobody blinked an eye.  We returned to our car in the dark and returned to the hotel where it briefly went off a couple of more times before we turned in for the night. 

Sunday- 

I slept like a baby!  Laid my head down at 7:30 Awassa time and woke up briefly a couple of times, but when I got out of bed at 6am, got a shower, brushed my teeth (both being extra careful to not let the tap water touch my mouth) I was back in “Let’s do this mode”.  Completely rejuvenated – thank God!

We set out first thing Sunday morning for the Fish Market.  We paid an entrance fee into the market where the locals fish and then sell their catch.  There were children just wandering, maybe three years old at best.  Not sure if their parents were there working or exactly what their situations were.  They are too young to work or be begging for money.  They seemed to want nothing more that human touch and followed us around holding our hands.  Precious babies.  We would hold their hands.

There were also older children there more like seven, eight, nine years old I’d guess.  Some were selling food that you could feed the monkeys. Some just follow you in hopes you take their picture.  They pose for pictures with the expectation of a tip. Finally, the fish market is home to a lot of orphans in the area that work here in teams to fish and to clean the fish hoping to earn some money. Orphans - children.

Just a boy. I wanted to know his story.

Hello Mr. Monkey

From there we went to visit some families of children in the FIG (Family in the Gap) program.  Our first stop was Emebett’s home.  

The entrance to Emebett's house

Emebett's home

She lives with her husband, daughter, and 15 year old sister.  They have a small one room home. there wasn't a kitchen, there wasn't a bedroom, there wasn't a bathroom.  There was one bed.  It felt dark and damp, but their smiles almost erased that as our stay went on.  If Emebett sounds familiar, you might have seen Facebook posts regarding an auction that recently took place raising funds for a future surgery and medical needs for her.  Emebett is I think in her 30’s.  She received burns in a fire and has already been through surgery, but needs additional surgery and treatment.  She is beautiful and gracious and just so sweet.  Her daughter Eyureselem is a sponsored child through Project Hopeful which is how Emebett's needs came to light.  

Emebett and her daughter

A necklace was made to raise funds for her surgery along with the auction and we gave her one of the necklaces and made her aware that the funds were in place to meet her medical needs.  She is obviously in such discomfort, but words couldn't describe her gratitude.  

                          

                             Emebett wearing the necklace made in her honor.

While we sat on the chairs and visited with Emebett who sat up on the side of her bed, her sister knelt on the floor preparing coffee and a snack of dried chick peas for us.  Next to me was a biology book for 11^th grade.  I questioned her age and learned that she was also studying physics, was very bright, and hopes to go to University next year.  She was incredibly sweet and polite and obviously caring of her older sister. She is the future in this picture.  Education will mean everything. 

Emebett's sister

Allison from our team has training in massage therapy and gave Emebett a massage of her scars and gave her younger sister instruction on how to do this going forward for Emebett.  Hopefully this will provide some relief for her pain.  This was just the first time that I was in awe of the skills on my team and how far reaching the effects of Project Hopeful were.  We left Emebett with beads and gave her instruction on how to make necklaces.  We would return later in the week to pick up what she had made, purchase them from her, and sell them in the States as a way for her to make some extra money.  The sponsoring of one child was creating life changing events for this entire family.  

We left Emebett's home to visit another sponsored child, Tamrat. 

Sharbatu's home with her five children

Tamrat holds a special place in the hearts of the team as well. On the last visit he did not show up to pick up the care package because his father had passed away that very day unexpectedly.   His father's passing left his mother, Sharbatu, with five children to raise.  When we arrived we were taken into the home that consisted of a small narrow room that was completely barren. The chairs were brought in from outside upon our arrival. Just a dirt floor, a mother, and her children.  There was a smaller room off of the one we were in with nothing more than a blanket in it.  Having "nothing" has a whole new definition to me now. 

Although Sharbatu and her children live in a "compound" with her late husband's family, she is not treated well and you can see the struggle, sadness, and despair on her face. Her children wear dirty and torn clothes with not even a bed to sleep in.

Tamrat - love this boy!

We provided her with beads and instruction on making necklaces as well. As the team gave her instruction on how to knot the necklaces when she was done, she simply took one and did it with less hesitation that it took us to try to show her. The misconception is that she is not smart because she is poor.  I don't believe this is true.  She was able to pick up on the instruction immediately and was ready to begin the task at hand. We would also return to her later in the week to pick up the completed necklaces and purchase them from her to sell on her behalf in the States.  This orphanage reaches far beyond it's walls in saving the lives of children and families throughout Awassa. This family is on the radar of the social workers at Ajujua. Sharbatu is going to be getting some one-on-on assistance to create a small business to help her support her children and find a better living situation.  I was glad to know this as we left her.  She will forever be on my mind. I will pray for her hard!  

After the visits it was time for church.  We arrived to a large church that seats about 2,000.  I can't really say if it was an outdoor church or an indoor church - it was a little of both.  
  

We were escorted right up to the front row upon our arrival.  Another one of our amazing team members "Pastor Rob" provided the sermon as Fekadu translated.  

To say this service was foot stomping would be an understatement.  The energy in which these people worship is unlike anything I have ever been a part of before.  There is joy beyond words in the hearts of each and every one of them.  To say they love the Lord would be the understatement of the century.

 Great job guys!

You can see in this picture how the church is expanding.  So many come out to worship that during the service this outside area was full of worshipers as well.  

Now to be honest, the service made me a little uncomfortable.  I don't think I had really gotten my feet on the ground yet and this kind of worship (in another language no less) was completely out of my comfort zone.  I appreciated it and I loved it, but I was uncomfortable.  As I write this though, I'm realizing that really this was just foreshadowing of the week ahead.  Song and dance are a huge part of everything they do in this culture.  They burst out in dance, song, and praise at all times and in all places and I loved that.  It might just have been the front row, the newness of it all, and so many people behind me that I couldn't turn around and see without feeling like the very white girl in the front row starring at everyone.  It's quite possible that if church had been later in the week and I hadn't been in the front row it would have been a whole different experience for me.  Just another thought to process in the weeks ahead.

Following the service we went out to eat with the Pastor. He wanted to thank us and was treating us to dinner.  This was also a very nice restaurant in a hotel that appeared very American.  As a result, we had to go through a metal detector to go inside.  I'm not sure which part of that was unnerving - the eating at a nice restaurant with the visits we had made early in the day fresh in my mind or the fact that the establishment I was in could be a possible target because it was a place Americans would be more likely to frequent.  

This had been a long day, we had seen a lot, I had met some wonderful people, I now have faces and lives in my heart already that I will carry with me forever.  Tomorrow, Monday, would be our first visit to Ajujua (the orphanage), but for now it was time to rest.