Eden Reforestation Projects recreates healthy forest systems that restore hope, alleviate suffering, empower people, and build local economies in impoverished communities. The Trier Family had the opportunity to visit the Udo Escarpment and the Gallo Argessa nursery near Awassa, Ethiopia. Here we witnessed first hand, the devastation that deforestation/erosion brings, the reforestation that this project promises, and the restoration that Eden brings to the land, individuals and communities!
This is the deep erosion that takes place when it rains heavily and there are no
This is the deep erosion that takes place when it rains heavily and there are no trees or plants to hold the top soil in place. 
In the foreground the hope of new trees on the Udo Escarpment,
In the foreground the hope of new trees on the Udo Escarpment, and behind the obvious need to PLANT more trees.
In broad daylight, we saw this hyena runing through the Eden trees...everything lives where trees live. One must assume that if there are hyena's ...there is prey. 
This is a community that lies just below the planting area, an example of a community that has been restored physically and spiritually, through Eden Reforestation Projects. 
On top of the Udo Escarpment with Dawit and Tesfaye, leaders with ERP. 
Always looking for that Christmas Card photo....but this isn't it!
Tesfaye walks Juliette down the tricky slope. Tesfaye has daughters of his own,
In broad daylight, we saw this hyena runing through the Eden trees...everything lives where trees live. One must assume that if there are hyena's ...there is prey. This is a community that lies just below the planting area, an example of a community that has been restored physically and spiritually, through Eden Reforestation Projects. On top of the Udo Escarpment with Dawit and Tesfaye, leaders with ERP. Always looking for that Christmas Card photo....but this isn't it!Tesfaye walks Juliette down the tricky slope. Tesfaye has daughters of his own, and it showed. He is a very sweet and gentle man!
At the nursery in Gallo Argessa we stood among 1 million tree seedings...I counted!
And more wildlife...Timmy thought it was a bald eagle, but my really smart friend and ornithologist, Adele, told me it is an African Fish Eagle.
At the nursery in Gallo Argessa we stood among 1 million tree seedings...I counted!And more wildlife...Timmy thought it was a bald eagle, but my really smart friend and ornithologist, Adele, told me it is an African Fish Eagle. Looking forward to hearing its call when we go back!
Dawit and Tesfaye. 
This was the crowd of kids that gathered just outside the nursery.
Dawit and Tesfaye. This was the crowd of kids that gathered just outside the nursery. Precious and beautiful in His sight
This little guy actually climbed throught the fence and very carefully made his way over to us. But he was still very shy and cautious.
This little guy actually climbed throught the fence and very carefully made his way over to us. But he was still very shy and cautious.For more information on Eden Projects Reforestation visit:
From the park there is a beautiful view of these falls. I do not know the name of them, but next time we are there we will surely try to hike much closer. They were stunning even from a distance. 
This is Linda Adams (ICCM Director) standing near one of the (Sidamic?) huts that was built as a historic monument for this park.
The inside of these huts is surprisingly large. Divided into three separate rooms, two for sleeping and one for hangin' out. This is the bed platform...I don't think a Sleepnumber goes on top of that! 
Jervaun and the kids in front of the hut. You can see how big it is. This hut was specifically designed as a meeting hut. It had a built up bench that encircled the entire ut and the center was for fire!
This is the Upper Elementary campus of Arbegona's School. They have a full size soccer field, a small computer lab, a library and even a rudimentary science lab. The teachers and students alike are very proud of their school and were so eager to show us the entire campus. 
One of the highlights of our trip was getting to meet and present a care package to a child that my dear friends, the Jackson family, are sponsoring. Kaleb was so sweet and handsome. It was so fun to give him a hug on my friends' behalf. Kaleb is in sixth grade and the Jackson's have been sponsoring him since he started school in Arbegona. I look forward to attending his graduation, God willing, in the near future!
Our campfire dinner awaits us! Sheep.
Look what I have created!
It's a giant outdoor wok!
"This is actually really good!"
Our greeting with roses and song by the children of Arbegona!
Scarves, too!
This little cutie was so shy!
Linda and I being blessed with beautiful flowers! The many students 
Here we are greeting and sharing with one of the classes (and passing out candy, too!)
We thought this young student looked like the Ethiopian brother to our nephew, Mason!
The kids really warmed up to us on the playgorund! If you look closely you can see one sweet boy about to plant a kiss on Big Tim! 
Did you know that there are NO gas stations with restrooms on the way to Arbegona??? 
This little guy was on his way to get water. I would love to see him in school instead. 
There is plenty of water and green on the road to Arbegona. 
Remarkable beasts of burden carry many times their weight. People, too are often beasts of burden, whether it be for firewood, water, or other life necessities. 
One mode of transport for people is a donkey drawn cart. We were supposed to take a ride in one of these, but never had the chance. Maybe that was a good thing. 
Another mode were these little blue guys; three wheeled taxis. You can actually get three passengers into these. Maybe someday...
Another familiar site, are people...women and children, old and crippled, sitting on the streets...waiting. 
A beautiful view of the lake from the main drag of Awassa! Awassa is known as the southern capital of Ethiopia. This is where we returned later to have a hippo encounter.
