OK..so...back to the sites of the countryside outside Addis. Addis is located in a very mountainous region, so traveling to the countryside means going to the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows. Sometimes the van will go 5 miles an hour--sometimes 60. ALWAYS interesting!! Dusty, crowded streets gave way to green trees and wide, open landscapes and clean county air visited us and was welcomed by all!
Trees of Glory is located about two hours outside of Addis. We turned onto a little rocky road, and arrived at this school which houses 50+ children. The kids were patiently waiting for our group and broke into song “Welcome, Welcome, Welcome...It’s so nice to see you.” (I did tape this and will upload it when we arrive in the states--their little African voices lifted in song is priceless!)
This is an amazing school! It was so far advanced in many, many ways. Clean buildings; programs to teach the children life skills; farming and agricultural programs, and well trained children who were kind and polite. (For the history of Trees of Glory, check out www.hopechest.org)
Trees of Glory sits on beautiful countryside and our guide wanted us to walk the property so we could see different areas. We visited the site of their dry water well, where they asked us to pray for them as they hope to raise more than $40,000 to make the well operational again. Life is much harder without clean water nearby...
A lovely stream winds its way through the property, and our director mentioned “Don’t worry-there are no crocodiles here.” Good thing...as Taylor and Stephen were hopping from rock to rock in the middle of the creek. Come on back, boys...for a moment I forgot we had to think of such things! Love Africa.
After lunch and a wonderful traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, we handed out goodie bags to the kids (granola bars, crackers, cross necklace, beef jerky, notebook, pencil). Shortly thereafter, we handed out warm and cozy flannel homemade blankets by our friend Bev Walley--the kids squealed and started singing and circling their blankets in the air in excitement. Even the staff members asked if they could have a blanket (it gets chilly here at night after the sharp sun sets). **I also had blankets knitted by my friend Carol Gilpin--the staff members chose those as they were a little different and not every child would have received a knitted one--the staff loved their gift and there were enough of the knitted blankets to go around!!** Bev also made dresses and shorts, made from colorful and fun fabrics. Everyone immediately put the clothes on and were so proud of their new items! How fun it is to bless them this way...it’s such a gift for our team!
The afternoon consisted of play time...soccer time...plus Delora and Tammy got to meet their sponsored children for the first time! That’s always a sweet time and a moment to treasure. We were also told that a new child needed a sponsor, and Grace Dahlgren has been wanting to sponsor a child here for months! Fikre matched Grace with Meseret and it was love at first sight. It’s an honor to sponsor these children!! We ended our time with a blessing and Danny led the group in prayer for Trees of Glory. We will be back!
We head home tomorrow after a final whirlwind shopping trip and last stop by Layla House (Adoption Advocated International.) Our time here has flown, but we’re ready to head to the US. Please pray for safe travel and uneventful travel!! Thank you for being a part of our journey!
Pictures from Thursday: Trees of Glory school was visited by the crew, and goodies and blankets were handed out to the children.The boys crossed the river (don't worry- no crocodiles the guide said!). Grace Dahlgren and Delora met their sponsor children. Flat tire outside of Addis! Blankets were made by Bev Walley from Brookdale who lovingly prayed over each one as they were created. We can't believe tomorrow we are headed back to America!
No comments:
Post a Comment