January 10, 2014

Yesterday feels like a dream.  I hardly slept, thinking of everything that has happened in the last 24 hours.  We jumped fully into things here, and it really is amazing.  I cannot get away from the thought of all the needs, here, and have so many ideas drifting through my head.  I would love to help all of these families, but obvious priorities are jumping out to me.  I thought so often throughout the night of Mesilu and her family on the floor in their hut.  They need a bed and I know how to get them one.

We got ready in the dark with no mirrors to help us, but we didn't care much about our looks anyway.  We ate granola bars in the sunny courtyard, passing Beruket around for last hugs, kisses, and tickles.  I think anyone of us would have taken him home if we could have.  The thought of him growing up here without a family is too much for my heart. 

As we drove away, waving, the streets were so quiet.  No evidence of last night's parade showed itself.  The neighborhood was just rousing for the day.  As we drove, the early risers were heading for market and some older children to school, more and more as the minutes and miles passed.  Their faces and struggles hold more meaning than they did the day before.  Today we see them with new eyes.  Though I will never fully know them - I can better see them in today's new light.

Camels along the road

 Many of the same sights greet us and we are not less interested in seeing what the country side holds, but we talk more - unable to hold in our memories of last night.  There is so much to remember.  It is 2 hours until we reach our destination - the resort that will provide us with breakfast in Awasa.  We have driven through Sheshamane and it's rainbow of store-fronts and donkey carts at a busy time and this resort seems peaceful and relaxed in comparison. 

 

 

 

 

 
Beautiful mosaics and statues adorn our walk toward the lake shore where we will sit and eat.  Monkeys play on the rooftops as we pass. We are anxious to see them for the first time.  One grabs a banana from the nearby table and scurries up a tree in the midst of the excitement he has created.  We snap photos of him high up in the branches.  He shows no remorse for his thievery, or interest in us on the ground.

 

 

Our breakfast is eggs and fruit and french toast.  The mango juice is thick and orange in a tall glass.  Heaven in each sip.  My view is the water and I enjoy each bite as the bees buzz around our plates.  We order omlets and coffee.  David helps me order "special macchiato" and I savor it when it arrives. 

We could sit all day, but the boat is waiting.  We are going to see the hippos!

The pontoon is not a new one and has seen many trips across the lake.  Other boats are out as well.  One is flying the Ethiopian flag, which waves in the wind.  The lake is large and we move slowly.  It feels like Minnesota in June.  Perfect weather for me. 

Finally, we come to the spot where the hippos congregate.  Their eyes peek out of the water and quickly disappear.  Many come up and go down again, but two arise and we creep closer.  One has a baby on her back that watches us closely.  It is so small compared to it's mama.  We watch for 20 minutes and then must move on.  Our tour is over.  The hole in the canopy is placed perfectly for me to be in the sun.  I close my eyes, breath deeply, and feel it warm my skin.  I miss summer and wish I could float here all day.

 

 

 

When our tour is over we load back into the car and are off.

It is a long way home, but we have one more stop at a church plant in Awasa.  Down a bumpy, dusty road we drive and stop at a gate.  We are let in by two men - one is the pastor of this new mission.  He invites us in to learn about their work.  Krysta points to a drum hanging from a nail.  They say they don't play, but they can find someone who can.  He is nearby.  It only takes a few minutes to find him - a tall man in a green shirt appears from somewhere.  He is embarrassed to be put in the spotlight, but he plays and sings.  Tez and the other two men sing along.  They sound of the voices and the beat of the drum fill the air.  They cannot help but rise to their feet as they sing their praises.  when their song is over they ask us if we want to sing.  Our songs are not as easy to drum to, but we sing Amazing Grace and try to think of some that he can play along with I Will Call Upon the Lord is as close as we can come.  We end with prayer and get ready to leave again.  Their little church is a good place for worship.

 

 

It takes us many hours to get home again.  we stop once of Mirinda and potty break at the same resort as yesterday.  The car is so hot and dusty we need the break.

We don't get home until 8:00.  Twelve hours of travel, but many amazing memories.

Tsige has made us dinner - rice and lentils, green beans and carrots, and delicious rolls.  It is just what we need.  A hot shower is also welcome - the water runs brown from all the dust.  It is the little things that are so easy to take for granted.  I will sleep well tonight.