Addis...

As I descended into Ethiopia this past Friday morning, I couldn't help but gawk at the amazing view from my plane window. Every shade of green seemed represented and it was breathtaking. Seeing the mountains and fields reminded me of God's incredible provision to get me here for this season and I felt a huge amount of gratitude for the time that lies ahead. A fresh start, a new chapter of some kind is definitely underway, and this is God's story to continue to write. 

 

My twin sister, Noel, was waiting for me in baggage claim. And my reunion time with her has been sweet. My sister has been a missionary in the Czech Republic for the past five years. During those years, our times together have often been short and over a holiday of some kind. It has been years since we've served together in the same place, so we have felt amazed that God has granted us this time. 

 (Holly on the left, Noel on the right)

It's truly hilarious to see someone who looks and sounds just like you. And to see people's reaction to that is equally funny. We're very similar, yet very different- having worked in different parts of the world for a long time. So we've loved debriefing over the past few days already- on what we've learned and experienced.

We've had tons of rain, and surprisingly some sun as well. (rainy season ends soon, but it's still here). We've had tons of walks, more than one macchiato, and have enjoyed observing the sights, sounds and pulse of Addis Ababa and its surrounding communities. This capital city of Ethiopia is our home base.

This coming week we will be meeting with the staff of Hope in View, the organization we're serving with, to go over our schedule. We've already discussed visiting families; meeting volunteers and helping facilitate trainings, I'm excited to research church-based small groups and empowerment strategies being implemented by various organizations and NGOs. We both pray God uses us in whatever way He deems most needed for our time here.

We are living in a two-story guesthouse in the south part of Addis. It's just Noel and I here now and we have wonderful views from our roof of our community and the surrounding area. You can hear birds chirping; donkeys braying; children playing; neighbors talking; Amharic music pulsing; and calls to worship sounding at almost any time during the day. We also hear frequent knocks on gates and it's hard to tell if someone is knocking on your own gate or the neighbor's gate. You can also smell in the air-a hint of flowers and grass mixed with what smells like incense and spices. It's pleasant and definitely unique. Cattle roam the streets everywhere, which I'm used to seeing here. Goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, and huge cows. We don't the see the owners around, but we're told they're there and if you mess with any of the cattle, you'll meet the owner soon enough. In our neighborhood, you can actually get a horse and cart ride to the main road. I've seen these in other parts of Ethiopia, but not here in Addis- so it's fun to use that as an option if your legs get tired. 

our guesthouse- on the left

view from our roof

And of course, the beautiful people of Ethiopia, their warmth and hospitality make you feel right at home.

Hope this gives you a small picture of life here.  I'm excited to keep you posted in the days ahead.

Here are prayer requests for this coming week:

• A good schedule to be put together on Monday for the coming months 
• That we stay healthy. Noel is getting over a cold
• That a meeting with volunteers goes well.
• That God will give good connections and favor with everyone we meet.

Thanks for following these updates.

More soon...

Much love from Addis- Holly (with Noel)