The anticipation for Ethiopia has come to an end because I am FINALLY here! Yes, I am writing this blog all the way from Africa! How crazy is that? I have been here for almost two days and so far the experience has been absolutely amazing. (sorry family, I may not come back.) I have certainly fallen in love with Ethiopia and the people here.
Since arriving, I have been able to see the city by bus, I was able to spend a few hours at Hannah's Hope Orphanage, and I was able to go to a church service where I worshiped with several hundred Ethiopians!
I knew that coming here, I was going to have a bit of a culture shock but when I actually got here, it was more of a culture shock than I prepared myself for. (But God never calls us to stay in our comfort zone!) I would be lying if I told you that I thought Ethiopia was beautiful. The streets are filthy, there are animals roaming around everywhere and there is this awful smell. I was shocked to see people freely and openly using the bathroom right on the side of the road. When walking down the street in Addis Ababa, you have to be aware of your surroundings. You might fall down a huge hole or step in something that you do not want near you! (Remember, I said people use the road as their bathroom.) There are many, many animals roaming the street. They're tons of goats! Also, I have learned that when you see a heard of goats on the side of the street, don't look at them! They are most likely being slaughtered and sheered right there on the side of the road. Cows like to stand in the middle of the road like they own the place. I tend to laugh every time I see one just standing there. There are stray dogs everywhere! I have had to do everything I can to keep myself from going up to them and petting them. (I don't think my family wants me to come home with rabies or something.)
Kids fill the streets trying to earn money. I have noticed that shoe shining is really popular for younger kids. I have seen kids anywhere from 6-18 doing what they can to earn money. Also, you see many kids playing soccer (football). Sometimes right in the middle of the highway (no joke.) One of the biggest things that I was not prepared for was the driving here! It is crazyyy! I made the mistake by sitting in the very front seat of the bus. Bad idea! I nearly hyperventilated from a panic attack! Our driver of the bus kept looking at me with a huge grin on his face saying, "it's okay" as he is about to hit a lady trying to cross the street. He also told me that in order to get a license here, you have to know how to break the rules. I have to say, he was a very comforting fellow. (insert sarcasm.) I have yet to sit in the front seat again. Also, I have had a hard time adjusting to the food. But on the bright side, I'll most likely come back to America several pounds lighter!
Besides the huge culture shock, I LOVE IT! Everyone that we have met or come in contact with are amazing. You can tell that they are genuinely happy that we are here. They are overly willing to help or assist us with anything. Before coming here, I was very worried about the language barrier but that has not been a problem. I am completely shocked by how many know english. They are all so welcoming.
Several hours after arriving in Ethiopia, we were able to go spend some time at Hannah's Hope! Although I had been up for nearly 48 hours at that point, I was still completely stocked! We got a tour of the orphanage and it was so nice. They don't have very many older kids at that particular orphanage. The oldest one was maybe 4. I was able to hold and play with the babies there. I immediately fell in love with their sweet faces and adorable personality. At one point, I did get a little emotional where I needed to step away from the children. It was most certainly not from their living conditions or lack of love that they are shown because they are provided for both physically and emotionally there. There are many house "mothers" that are there to bathe, feed, and love on them all day long. You can see that these wonderful ladies truly do love and care for these children. But knowing that the kids may grow up without having a forever home was really difficult for me. During my short time here, I hope to show these kids so much love. It's hard for me not to try and smuggle one home. (I'm joking. Kind of.) The whole experience for me at Hannah's Hope was a little overwhelming.
I was warned that my heart would be broken over and over again while on this trip, but I was not prepared for it to be completely shattered just within the first few hours of arriving. I do hope that my heart continues to break for these children and people in Ethiopia. God has certainly put orphans on my heart and has lead me to Ethiopia for a reason. I pray for me to continue to be humble about this whole experience. The reason I am here is to show these children God's amazing love and mercy. I can sometimes get caught up in the selfish side where I like the "feel good" part of helping someone or the "I'm doing such a good thing...look at me God!!" As hard as that is for me to admit, it is true. So my biggest prayer is to stay humble and remember that I am doing this solely for the glory of God and for His kingdom. God chose me to be HIS hands and feet in Ethiopia. What a huge honor. I can not express how grateful I am for this opportunity.
Since arriving, I have been able to see the city by bus, I was able to spend a few hours at Hannah's Hope Orphanage, and I was able to go to a church service where I worshiped with several hundred Ethiopians!
I knew that coming here, I was going to have a bit of a culture shock but when I actually got here, it was more of a culture shock than I prepared myself for. (But God never calls us to stay in our comfort zone!) I would be lying if I told you that I thought Ethiopia was beautiful. The streets are filthy, there are animals roaming around everywhere and there is this awful smell. I was shocked to see people freely and openly using the bathroom right on the side of the road. When walking down the street in Addis Ababa, you have to be aware of your surroundings. You might fall down a huge hole or step in something that you do not want near you! (Remember, I said people use the road as their bathroom.) There are many, many animals roaming the street. They're tons of goats! Also, I have learned that when you see a heard of goats on the side of the street, don't look at them! They are most likely being slaughtered and sheered right there on the side of the road. Cows like to stand in the middle of the road like they own the place. I tend to laugh every time I see one just standing there. There are stray dogs everywhere! I have had to do everything I can to keep myself from going up to them and petting them. (I don't think my family wants me to come home with rabies or something.)
Kids fill the streets trying to earn money. I have noticed that shoe shining is really popular for younger kids. I have seen kids anywhere from 6-18 doing what they can to earn money. Also, you see many kids playing soccer (football). Sometimes right in the middle of the highway (no joke.) One of the biggest things that I was not prepared for was the driving here! It is crazyyy! I made the mistake by sitting in the very front seat of the bus. Bad idea! I nearly hyperventilated from a panic attack! Our driver of the bus kept looking at me with a huge grin on his face saying, "it's okay" as he is about to hit a lady trying to cross the street. He also told me that in order to get a license here, you have to know how to break the rules. I have to say, he was a very comforting fellow. (insert sarcasm.) I have yet to sit in the front seat again. Also, I have had a hard time adjusting to the food. But on the bright side, I'll most likely come back to America several pounds lighter!
Besides the huge culture shock, I LOVE IT! Everyone that we have met or come in contact with are amazing. You can tell that they are genuinely happy that we are here. They are overly willing to help or assist us with anything. Before coming here, I was very worried about the language barrier but that has not been a problem. I am completely shocked by how many know english. They are all so welcoming.
Several hours after arriving in Ethiopia, we were able to go spend some time at Hannah's Hope! Although I had been up for nearly 48 hours at that point, I was still completely stocked! We got a tour of the orphanage and it was so nice. They don't have very many older kids at that particular orphanage. The oldest one was maybe 4. I was able to hold and play with the babies there. I immediately fell in love with their sweet faces and adorable personality. At one point, I did get a little emotional where I needed to step away from the children. It was most certainly not from their living conditions or lack of love that they are shown because they are provided for both physically and emotionally there. There are many house "mothers" that are there to bathe, feed, and love on them all day long. You can see that these wonderful ladies truly do love and care for these children. But knowing that the kids may grow up without having a forever home was really difficult for me. During my short time here, I hope to show these kids so much love. It's hard for me not to try and smuggle one home. (I'm joking. Kind of.) The whole experience for me at Hannah's Hope was a little overwhelming.
I was warned that my heart would be broken over and over again while on this trip, but I was not prepared for it to be completely shattered just within the first few hours of arriving. I do hope that my heart continues to break for these children and people in Ethiopia. God has certainly put orphans on my heart and has lead me to Ethiopia for a reason. I pray for me to continue to be humble about this whole experience. The reason I am here is to show these children God's amazing love and mercy. I can sometimes get caught up in the selfish side where I like the "feel good" part of helping someone or the "I'm doing such a good thing...look at me God!!" As hard as that is for me to admit, it is true. So my biggest prayer is to stay humble and remember that I am doing this solely for the glory of God and for His kingdom. God chose me to be HIS hands and feet in Ethiopia. What a huge honor. I can not express how grateful I am for this opportunity.
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