Exploring The North

As Noel, Krystina, Dawit and I boarded the bus at 6am this past Monday, we truly had no idea what the coming five days of exploring the northern part of Ethiopia would hold. The plan was to hit three of the major historical cities in five days: Bahir Dar, Gondar, and Lalibela. We knew it would be many hours on the road; about ten hours to the north, then on average between four to eight hours between cities.

My travel companions were ready.

traveled on "sky bus" for the big trek north, Addis to Bahir Dar

My travel mates: Noel, Dawit and Kristyna

We were immediately blown away by mile after mile of some of the prettiest countryside in the world. Three years ago, I had traveled to Bahir Dar and it had been the same. But it was still equally amazing to witness. Fields of every kind of green along with breathtaking mountains. Beautiful rivers and small villages. Fields of corn, wheat, tef, barley. Also- some interesting rock formations. So amazing!

In our first city- Bahir Dar- we would travel to Lake Tana.

Bahir Dar is about 578 km northwest of Addis. The city is distinctively known for it's wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia, 84 km long, 66 km wide. There are said to be 21 islands on the lake, 8 of which have monasteries on them. Remains of ancient Ethiopian emperors and treasures of the Ethiopian church are kept at the monasteries.

We took a boat ride on Lake Tana to visit one of the monasteries. An old priest took us around and he made us smile. We also saw the source of the Blue Nile River. The Blue Nile is one of the two major tributaries of the Nile River. The upper part of the river is considered to be holy and is believed by many to be the River Gihon mentioned as flowing out of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2. It's length is 900 miles long (500 of which is inside of Ethiopia). Sources say that 59% of the water that reaches Egypt originates from the Blue Nile River.

As we looked at the source of this and boated on the water, we were pretty quiet, almost reverent. It was a beautiful ride and I loved Dawit's expression of the view of the lake best and how it was affecting him: he said- “it swallows me.” Yep, it had that overwhelming awe effect- one that leaves you speechless.

On Lake Tana

Noel and Kristyna enjoying the boat ride

Something else later just outside of Bahir Dar would cause the same feeling- the Blue Nile Falls. We hiked to see these and it reminded me of what the Garden of Eden must have looked like. It “swallowed me.” What a sight! These falls consists of four streams and is 37 to 45 meters high. It's known as the “smoking water.” Truly magnificent!

hiking to the falls

Then it was on to Gondar. Gondar or Gonder is nicknamed the “Camelot of Africa” because of the presence of royal castles. Here we visited the most famous set known as the “royal enclosure.” This was a group of six castles behind one big wall. It felt like we were in medieval times. The main emperor (Emperor Fasilides) who had built the biggest castle seemed very impressive. He had thought of everything: a library, a sauna, lion cages, and even another big castle down the road that had a huge swimming area (in what looked like where the moat should be). He even had a house for his horse too, lol. This horse was a big deal I guess. Reminded me of the verse in Psalm 20:7- “some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” I never really understood why someone would trust in a horse enough for it to be noted, but I guess some did that much. :-)

After Gondar, it was on to Lalibela. On the road there, God made me smile big. I had been reflecting in my journal as we traveled along- from my morning quiet time, that talked about love and how we are to love others like God loves us. And I wrote down- “Father, what does real love, your love look like?” And just then, we came over a bend in the road and saw this:

I heard Him say, I AM love. And it looks like this: covenant. I smiled HUGE.

Wow- that a quick response. He's so great! :-)

We later arrived in Lalibela, the most famous historical city of the three on our route. This seemed confirmed by the large amount of tourist buses full of “forengies” (foreigners). That was great shocking. Most looked to be from Europe. We would learn that Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities and is the center of pilgrimage for most of the country. It is considered by many to be a symbolic representation of Jerusalem and was the capital of Ethiopia in the 12^th and 13^th centuries. The city is globally famous for many “rock-hewn” churches. And to be honest, I wasn't exactly sure what “rock-hewn” meant, lol. So I was curious. But I learned that “rock-hewn” simply meant something that was made from a single block of stone or rock. SO amazing the skill it took to carve these ancient churches from rock. Some were free standing, others were part of a main rock still. There are 13 churches, assembled in four groups. Stunning really.

We climbed through crevices in Lalibela and and through rocks. It felt like we were in the Holy Land. Yep. A highlight for us was passing through a completely dark passage-way that led from one church to another. We held onto each other and our guide led us through. He told us the passage-way symbolized what hell was supposed to feel like- dark and without light. We were thankful to come out the other side. :-)

Kristyna about to pass through one of the "crevices"

Dawit coming out of the "hell" passage :-)

Another long ride awaited us back to Bahir Dar. I believe it took about seven hours. We were all growing travel weary at this point.

Noel caught napping

Dawit too :-)

But we made it back to Bahir Dar on Thursday evening, in time for our 6am departure from there back to Addis on Friday morning.

On the road back to Addis, we mainly slept. But right before lunch, we ran into a road block that brought back memories from Haiti. An oil tanker had fallen over and traffic was backed up for miles in both directions. We were there about 3 ½ hours. It was interesting to see shepherds become sellers of small snacks- and I think the locals were blessed by all the visitors around. Maybe. Whew.

Finally, we were back on the road, and pulled into Addis around 6:30pm, twelve hours after we had started.

Our road trip of exploration, had been a success :-)

I believe God showed me several things on this trip. One, about the teammates who went with me. They are top notch. I'm so thankful God gives us global family! I believe God also blessed us with the opportunity to see the beauty of Ethiopia. It's truly a remarkable place full of untapped beauty and amazing history. God also showed me Himself, in big ways on the trip. I was reminded of His creativity, His bigness, His skill. What an artist! He made me chuckle too. What a truly big, wonderful God we serve!

Thank you so much for praying for us!

The next few days are busy as Kristyna finishes her month here and leaves Monday to go back to the Czech We will miss her!

Our -praises/prayers for the week ahead:

Praises:

-we give thanks for a safe trip north, also for good health- we are all great!

Prayers:

-for Kristyna- a good final few days for her and a safe trip home

-for Noel and I- as we gear up for another month- that God will lead on how we can best serve

-for Noel- as she works with the Czech (Exodus) – Hope in View partnership

-for me- for planning and interviewing different missionaries, ministries, NGOs on empowerment strategies, that those will be wrapped in wisdom, favor and divine connections

Thank you again so much for praying with us!!!

Hope you had a blessed week and weekend.

And may God continue to use each of us in our fields of service. And may we praise Him. For He truly is good.

Blessings and Love from Addis,

Holly with Noel, Kristyna

A New Year Begins...

This past week felt full as the Ethiopian New Year 2004 kicked off on Sunday-Monday. We noticed on the days leading up to Sunday- lots of sheep being bought and carried on peoples' backs, and on cars and buses through the city- and we knew they would be NO more soon. Yep.  Roasted meat served as tibs (like sirlon tips) would be served with injera- the large fermented traditional flat bread. Also different kinds of “wat”-stew. There was a barley drink we were served this past week too. And large pieces of grass to decorate homes were also being sold everywhere. So interesting to observe it all.

Happy 2-0-0-4 :-)

many sheep around BEFORE New Years

Most people on New Years Eve- seemed to be involved in a prayer service of some kind. Many churches had all night prayer services. On Monday, New Years Day, many kids were all dressed up in traditional Ethiopian clothes. Groups of kids could be seen roaming from gate to gate singing songs. Very cute. Friends and families visit each others' homes. This even extended into Tuesday for many people. We enjoyed visiting homes and taking it all in. 

one beautiful little girl showing off her dress

On Wednesday through Friday, we largely tried to rest and get some reports turned in. We also all got hit with colds and stomach issues. Mosquitoes invaded our room as well. Oh the joy. :-) But the rains have been less frequent and the sun shining more and we believe that this change in weather will help with our health.

We did experience some great home visits and celebration times, besides the New Years related ones this past week too. Favorites for me...one was the 17^th birthday celebration- that included a huge cake, followed by cookies, popcorn, candy, orange slices and of course bunna (coffee). Life is meant to be celebrated and we enjoyed hearing her share 17 memories she had from her life, things God had taught her, on the journey thus far.

some of the birthday party celebrators :-)

big cake and lots of popcorn :-)

Another visit we had- blessed us so much too. The young people in one family invited us to dinner in their home. They are living on their own in Addis- (ages 22, 20, 17) while their parents live away from them- still ministering in their home rural area. They talked about persecutions endured and what God had taught them. Over injera and bunna- we heard this family of five share- and we were deeply touched by their passion and their sacrifice.  Wow!

For me personally over this past month here in Ethiopia, I've seen the great need to find those quiet moments with God. For me- the best time is in the early morning on one of our guesthouse balconies. If I don't connect with Him...you can tell that later in my day. I need His perspective, His peace, His strength, His wisdom to be anything effective or meaningful to anyone. 

One of my favorite quiet time places

And as with most “mission trip experiences” - and living in a place where you're not comfortable and things can't be controlled by yourself easily- I've felt my weaknesses and my “gaps” yet again. I've remembered I need to lean hard on God's "strength made perfect in weakness.” I'm grateful for that mercy and comfort and that He fills our gaps and actually can be BIG in our SMALLNESS. 

Also- I've remembered that God calls us into times or seasons of stretching sometimes - to help refine us and define us or realign us with Himself, usually preceding a NEXT POST OR NEW FIELD ASSIGNMENT. So, I'm grateful for this time so so so much. And expectant of something big next ahead, but not sure what that is yet. :-)

So the Ethiopian year 2004, and this 2011-2012 time, for me personally- is one needing prayer. My prayer for the coming months here- is that God will do all the pruning of me He needs to and that even in that refining time, He will use me for His intended purpose to make a difference for Him. And for what's beyond, may He make His perfect way clear.

beautiful mornings here remind me of God's promises

This coming week, we are taking a trip to the northern part of Ethiopia- a sort of sabbatical time. Noel, Kristyna, an Ethiopian friend and I will travel to at least three of the biggest historical places and we're excited for the time out of Addis for this. This coming week will also be Kristyna's last full week here. She will go back to the Czech Republic on Monday. It's been a blessing to have her here and to see her love for the people of Ethiopia and Africa overall. I know God has big plans for her.

it's been fun to see these two "czech" mates together :-)

Prayer Requests for this Week

-For good health for us all

-For a safe trip north for the four of us traveling

-For the staff here remaining here in Addis- that they will be able to have some rest this coming week

-and For the E year-2004- that it will be our best year yet in honor of our God

Hope you enjoy the fall weather and college football; also schools-colleges kicking off globally-ENJOY

Each day is a gift. Take those quiet moments to enjoy God, allowing Him to use you in His work as well. I plan to do that here as well- enjoying walks and seeing kids play and listening for God and being about His work.

Thanks for following our journey!!! We will post again next weekend after our trip north.

Love and Blessings from Addis-

Holly, with Noel and Kristyna

When Kids Play...

We had the privilege of attending two “retreats” this past week, both for kids. The first was a three-day retreat to Awasa, a town on a big lake about 5 hours south of Addis. This “teen retreat” felt more like a younger middle school camp to me, most of the kids between the ages of 11 and 14. (about 30 kids total)

I had several favorite memories from this “retreat.” Seeing them enjoy the natural hot water springs; their own beds; and a boat ride. Seeing these teens love on little kids from a local orphanage was a memory. 

And for me personally, getting to do two teachings was a highlight...one teaching was on the gift of life we've been given and how to take care of our bodies to best honor God. Then a final teaching was on the amazing free gift God offers us. I used one of my favorite dramas from youth ministry for this. :-) What a blessing to see young people excited about life, the new school year ahead and thinking about the deeper things of God.

The second retreat was just a one day trip on Friday for a BUNCH of the cutest kids I've ever seen. (about 60 kids- around 3 to 10 years old). 

Now, most people know “little people” aren't my specialty area, so I felt a bit at a loss. But from the early morning to the late afternoon- I watched in amazement kids at play and noted several things I had forgotten about these little wonders:

When Kids PLAY, they...

-run with abandon

-laugh without a real known reason

-stare in wonder at new sights

-like to dance

-like to sing

-like to play with your hair

-are creative

-don't mind falling

-are easily entertained

-talk in long spurts without taking a breath

-can eat a ton!

-can throw up easily

-can use the bathroom on you, and I think they just do so for fun too :-)

-like to play with water

-like to put things in their mouths

-like to hit each other

-love adventure

-like to climb on things

-really don't know if something is dangerous or not

-can cry easily, but then stop- and laugh (what?) :-)

-like treats

-can drink big cups of tea/bunna/chai- AMAZING

-like hand clapping games

-like bubbles, balls, games, swings, slides, animals and trees/flowers

-will mess with animals bigger than them :-)

-run when animals make big noises

-are resilient

-make you smile

-make you tired

-fall asleep in funny positions

May we all become like little children before our God...In trust, In humility. In wonder, in worship.

With pure hearts and courage to do what's bigger than us. Amen!

I learned a ton from watching these little kids at play.

To say we're tired this weekend now though- is an understatement. :-)

Noel and Kristyna had a full Saturday today amazingly- doing several home visits with kids/families they partner to empower. For me, I just rested and reflected and took a big walk. I was grateful for a breather. WHEW.

As I looked at “news” from “home”- I remembered the 9-11 tragedy from ten years ago- and as our country commemorates that this weekend- I will take take to remember as well- where I was, how I felt, and the days that followed and what God taught me.

Also, this weekend is actually a holiday weekend here in Ethiopia. Their calendar year (2003) ends Sunday. And a new year (2004) begins Monday. I'm excited to be here to be part of that celebration. It already feels festive in the air. Churches have been holding prayer meetings all week; people have been purchasing extra sheep, chickens, goats- and charcoal, etc, for big festive meat roasts. Extra injera, bunna (coffee), popcorn, etc is being readied. 

I will also be reflecting on my last E year (Sept to Sept)- what God did and what might be ahead as He leads. Amazing where He leads if you let Him!

May we enjoy the year's end and a new year beginning with our Ethiopian brothers and sisters here, Glad Noel and Kristyna are here too. :-)

Thank you for praying for us so much!!!

Our prayers for the rest of the weekend and this coming week:

-for a wonderful New Years Eve and New Years Day (Sunday and Monday)- that the coming year in Ethiopia will be one of God's provision, protection and blessing.

-a time of rest this weekend and the first part of the week after a busy retreat week

-for Noel and Kristyna as they continue with home visits this coming week and work with the families they're helping to empower in partnership with churches and families in the Czech Republic

-for my research and story collecting continuing this week with NGOs and other organizations/ministries.

Will continue to keep you posted from here.

HAPPY ETHIOPIA NEW YEAR-2004!

Blessings Always,

Holly- with Noel and Kristyna

Merkato, True Community, and Time in the West...Week Two...

I was trying to think of words to sum up this past week and too many came to mind. Also- I've had a hard time trying to pick just a few stories to share because there were so many. But here are a few...

On Sunday, Noel and I visited a “small group” of people who meet together twice a month for prayer, accountability, encouragement, etc. Most of the 12-15 in attendance were HIV positive. As we observed the love they had for each other, I was deeply moved. And deeply convicted. How many times in years past, had I made ridiculous excuses for not being in a small group. Or for missing a cell group meeting time. These group members had far better excuses they could make to miss- illness, rain storms, etc. But they wanted to be together, they were committed, and thus God was blessing them with true community. They even took up a collection for one of the lady's sons- so he could have school materials. They were truly sharing what they had. What an example they were to me. I spent several hours in prayer and repentance on Monday- grateful for God's big grace in my own life.

On Tuesday, we were blessed by the arrival of Noel's Czech teammate- Kristyna. This university student (who has been key in connecting their Czech denomination with the work here in Ethiopia) had just spent time in Uganda and South Sudan prior to her arrival here. So, she was very ready for some injera and bunna and it was great to hear her stories. It was also a VERY busy first week for her. 

Noel reunited with Kristyna

On Wednesday, her first full day, we went shopping in Merkato for a distribution to families that would happen later in the day. We spent hours meandering with the staff here through the crowded open-air market- said to be the largest in Africa. If you're claustrophobic at all, then I wouldn't recommend Merkato. It's very crowded with all kinds of sights, sounds and smells that feels like it could pull you under its rhythmic pulse at any given moment. People sell every thing imaginable there and there are many street kids begging. Goats, cattle, dogs, chickens, and donkeys also add to the mix and people are yelling their prices and bargains while bumping into you while you pass by. We came out of there exhausted to say the least. The distribution later that day though was well worth the bartering done in Merkato. Many families were blessed with the food staples given and it was wonderful to see the smiles. 

Merkato

Family distribution

 We left Thursday morning and just got back this afternoon from time in the western part of Ethiopia. Getting out of Addis was so nice. Not far from the city, it soon felt like we were driving through the Garden of Eden- as large expanses of open spaces led to mountains and small villages with more cattle roaming the streets and tiny shepherds keeping watch over their flocks. Amazing.

The area we went to was called Gedo- about 2-3 hours west of Addis. It is a largely rural-farming community on a high plateau. As we made our way there, the temperature began to drop. Brrrrr. We then made our way off the paved roads and deep into the countryside, then walked through some fields to a rural church. There we were blessed to spend time in training and prayer with a group of leaders (around 50-60) from ten churches who were seeking to go deeper in discipleship and evangelism. We were so touched by their testimonies and commitment to their churches. Noel, Kristyna and I also were honored to teach some different sessions as well. 

During one of the training afternoons, I had an interesting physical reaction to the cold. I started to get so cold that I began to shake and almost felt like I would pass out. I made my way to a small hut next door where ladies were inside cooking and they welcomed me in- put blankets around me- and literally pulled fire out from under the pot they were cooking on and made one at my feet to warm me. I spent hours in that smoke filled hut- being loved and cared for by these women. Their incredible care for me touched me to my core. I was so grateful.

Coming back to Addis today- we were blessed by hot showers and brewed coffee. And many stories and praises as we reflected on our time in the west. God is indeed doing much in that part of this country and I'm sure I'll blog more in the time ahead about the west.

Thank you for praying us through!

We need more prayers for this week, it's another busy one.

Tomorrow morning we leave early for a town about five hours to the south called Awasa.

We are taking about 30 teens (between the ages of 11-18) on a “retreat.” Here we will enjoy the time out of the city through Wednesday and talk about things like the importance of purity. I will post again after this retreat time with more end of the week prayer requests.

We are doing wonderfully here and are enjoying the goodness of God.

Thank you again so much for your prayers and for helping us be here! We're grateful for each of you.

More later this week.

From Addis,

Holly with Noel/Kristyna