First Week in Ethiopia

Praise God! All of our luggage arrived with only one item removed (how did a lighter get in our luggage?) and one item broken (French Press, this is very sad indeed!). We were shown incredible favor on our flights, with seats being moved into one row from Chicago to Germany. We did not even ask the airline for this, we asked God! We are staying at a guest house in Addis Ababa in a section called Lafto. It is primarily an adoption guest house, so every few days there are new families and new babies and children. It is amazing to see God’s hand in these children’s and families lives. We are vicariously living these adoptions with these families and they are gracious to share baby love with us! Yippee! Holding babies is a great way to soften the loneliness and sadness of leaving home. Besides getting our body clocks in order we have accomplished the following:

-Looked at 6 homes in the Lafto area
-Had dinner at the Letourneaus home. These incredible missionaries have been here for a year and a half.
-Registered at the US Embassy
-Found a store with an adequate supply of Coke Light
-Had a welcome lunch with the entire staff of Ammanuel Light and Life and ICCM Ethiopia.
-Took a public minivan taxi (with Hibret, not by ourselves)
-Had a campfire celebration at the guest house; ate goat and dulet (goat intestines).
-Purchased an iron for all of our wrinkled vacuum packed clothing
-Attended International Evangelical Church (Pastor’s name is Gary, ironic?)
-Attempted without success to purchase a broadband internet card and system. They did not have one in stock. They said maybe in 15 days, maybe tomorrow. Welcome to Ethiopia!

Setting out to do 10 things in a day is unrealistic. Small accomplishments become momentous. God is clearly in Ethiopia, we sense His presence constantly.
The children are starting school today. Bible and Language Arts only; we call that a soft start. Take into account the Amharic, cultural changes, new people, places sounds and tastes, the children are learning much! So are we!
We have great pictures, but cannot load them at this time. Soon and very soon. Until I write again, blessings to you and we thank God for you daily.