Sunday, April 13, 2014

April 13: Sunday morning worship- Palm Sunday

From Mrs. Zuidema:  Ethiopians can teach Americans a thing or two about worshipping the Lord!
www.bezainternational.org







Saturday, April 12, 2014

Saturday, April 12

Travel Day 2:
As the sun peaked over the horizon this morning, we knew we were getting close to landing in Africa. At the early morning hour of 7:15am, we landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After 13 hours of flying on Friday, we were ready to step off the plane and into our adventure.  (side note: no sickies on the plane, hurray!) Not even nausea...however we did have a few frayed nerves when the power/tv screens went out in most of the plane, leaving us without movies/tvs/ or the ability to read books--so must of us tried to sleep, did laps up and down the aisles, and congregated in little groups near the restrooms to small talk with each other. Good times : )

After stamping passports with Visas, collecting our totes (4 short--those will join us tomorrow) we headed to the Lulu Guest House where we crashed (HARD) for a few hours then made our weary bodies get up and enjoy the sunshine. Our field trip for the afternoon included a trip to Entoto Mountain, home of the most fragrant smell--the eucalyptus tree forest. After the sometimes overwhelming smog and bustle of Addis (home to 3-4 million)--the forest is clean, crisp and offers a gorgeous view of the city.

We stopped at the top of the mountain, where we toured a 130 year old church, full of murals depicting the life of Christ. Next we headed to a 700 year old cave to see where Ethiopians believe the Ark of the Covenant once sat. Ethiopia is rich in biblical history and stepping on sacred ground around the church is an amazing experience.

The group was ready for bed after our tour, so after a quick stop at Fantu (think a teeny tiny Wal Mart) for pringles, cereal, snacks and cookies--we had a quick dinner at the Guest House (tibs & fruit)...and all headed to bed.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, where we will celebrate at Beza International Church. More later. Thank you for your prayers! It's been a nice day to ease into what looks to be a VERY busy work week!!





 





Arrival

We have arrived safely in Addis!  The flight went well and everyone is healthy.  Four of our totes did not arrive, but the Airline is delivering them tomorrow.

Everyone is settled in at the guesthouse.  Despite suffering from jet lag we are in good spirits!  We are headed to Entoto mountain to sightsee this afternoon Mount Entoto description  Addis Ababa description Mount Entoto.  The time difference in Ethiopia is eight hours ahead so we will probably have an early night to try and catch up on sleep.

We will post more soon!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Friday, April 11-- We are off!

Thank you for your prayers!  We arrived in D.C. last night, and checked in this morning for the 15 hour plane ride to Addis Ababa.  Off we go- we covet your prayers this week for safe travel.
Official Ethiopia 2014 Group Shot! Headed to Addis from DC

The whole crew KC to DC!!
Mollie Siemens, Joey and Sam- shuttle bright and early to the airport
Jacob Kimble guarding the totes!!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Ethiopia Packing Party!

28 totes packed so far, 4 more to go! We will be delivering care packages to the two schools we have visited for years--Kind Hearts and Trees of Glory. We are so thrilled to watch these children every year open their care packages from their sponsors! It's been amazing to watch them go from a "survive" phase to a THRIVE phase! Our theme verse this year is "COME and SEE what God has done, his awesome deed for mankind!" Psalm 66:5. That's exactly the way we feel, year after year--amazed at how the children are thriving at the care points.

We leave Thursday! Please pray for team health, safety, travel mercies, and above all, for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus for those we encounter! We are 16 strong this year!

.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Informational Meeting-Join Us!

ETHIOPIA 2014 TRIP MEETING! 

Sunday, October 13 at 4:30 pm in the St. Joseph Christian School library. 

Spread the word and join us! Parents and interested participants welcome. Please e-mail me at JoeyAustin70@gmail.com if you have any questions!


Friday, April 5, 2013

2014 Dates set

It looks like SJCS & SJSD have the same spring break...which means...the Ethiopia dates will be April 11-19, 2014! Join us?