Guess what Ray's been doing ... yep! He joined the youngies (brown and white) for a friendly game of soccer on the road outside the Guest House. I THINK he was enjoying himself ...
Actually, it was Ray who initiated it, and it was a lovely time of connection with the locals. They appreciated the new soccer shirts, and bubble blowers, and Abeba and Matilda had quite a skipping competition with a very friendly girl about their age. People are the same the world over, and communicating with these beautiful people, even without a common language is easy, if you can find a common interest.
Soon though, it was time to go ... off to do some souvenier shopping at Churchill Rd. Back home for lunch (fried rice), and then we fit and healthy ones were off to climb the mountain. Unfortunately Debbie and Andrea weren't feeling up to it, but the rest of us set out with much excitement, and a little trepidation. And I'm pleased to be able to announce that everybody made it!! I was quite sure a couple of times that I would have to stop and wait for them to pick me up on the way down, but with lots of encouragement and a few timely rest stops, I made it. It's unlike any mountain walk you will ever see in Australia. It's very rocky and uneven, with people living on either side of the track behind tin fences, and children playing ... mind boggling, really. The view from the top of the mountain, over Addis Ababa, is glorious, even with a bit of smog about! And the ancient monastery (built in the 400s out of the rock) was amazing.
All of us felt like an early night after that, I think, but as soon as we got back, it was a quick change or shower, and we were off to Yared's for tea (all 16 of us!!). What a delicious traditional meal Shibere put on for us ... we were very glad we went. The Ethiopian people are so generous and hospitable - even though they have so little, they are always willing to share. We love them to bits.
And THEN it was time for bed. We were anticipating a huge day on the morrow, as we headed out to the Compassion project for the first time, so wanted to be well rested for that. It did take a while though, for my mind to process all the day's events, and thank God for everything He had shown and taught us.
Love to you all, Barb
Actually, it was Ray who initiated it, and it was a lovely time of connection with the locals. They appreciated the new soccer shirts, and bubble blowers, and Abeba and Matilda had quite a skipping competition with a very friendly girl about their age. People are the same the world over, and communicating with these beautiful people, even without a common language is easy, if you can find a common interest.
Soon though, it was time to go ... off to do some souvenier shopping at Churchill Rd. Back home for lunch (fried rice), and then we fit and healthy ones were off to climb the mountain. Unfortunately Debbie and Andrea weren't feeling up to it, but the rest of us set out with much excitement, and a little trepidation. And I'm pleased to be able to announce that everybody made it!! I was quite sure a couple of times that I would have to stop and wait for them to pick me up on the way down, but with lots of encouragement and a few timely rest stops, I made it. It's unlike any mountain walk you will ever see in Australia. It's very rocky and uneven, with people living on either side of the track behind tin fences, and children playing ... mind boggling, really. The view from the top of the mountain, over Addis Ababa, is glorious, even with a bit of smog about! And the ancient monastery (built in the 400s out of the rock) was amazing.
All of us felt like an early night after that, I think, but as soon as we got back, it was a quick change or shower, and we were off to Yared's for tea (all 16 of us!!). What a delicious traditional meal Shibere put on for us ... we were very glad we went. The Ethiopian people are so generous and hospitable - even though they have so little, they are always willing to share. We love them to bits.
And THEN it was time for bed. We were anticipating a huge day on the morrow, as we headed out to the Compassion project for the first time, so wanted to be well rested for that. It did take a while though, for my mind to process all the day's events, and thank God for everything He had shown and taught us.
Love to you all, Barb
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