Ethiopia

A new country, a new language, a new people. Ethiopia is proudly known as one of the only two un-colonized nations in Africa. From its discovery of coffee to its embracing hospitality, Ethiopia has left a lasting mark in the hearts of many, including me.

We were able to visit a few schools while there. I loved seeing the children line up to sing to us as we walked into the campus of a well-advanced school system on the top of a mountain in upcountry Ethiopia. I loved feeling like royalty as I participated in a coffee ceremony and was distinguished as a guest of honor by means of dawning a scarf and holding a rose. But some of my favorite moments came when the children who did not go to school, who were maybe not as well off as others, saw me and grabbed my heart.

"We traveled a long, uncomfortable way up to the peak of a mountain to a school in the ICCM system today. We did not go to teach, to serve, or to work. We simply went to see the school. And because we were visitors, we were treated like royalty. It was incredible.

"While feeling like the most important person in the world is nice from time to time, I have two favorite parts of the day that involved being humbled. While we were walking from one campus to another, we attracted a large group of street children. I gave out my last two candy bars and tried to communicate with them. As we walked, it was not long before a felt a little hand slip into mine. As soon as the other children saw that it was safe to touch the hand of this strange-looking person, my vacant hand was battled over. We walked hand-in-hand (-in-hand-in-hand-in-hand-in-hand-in-hand...) for quite a ways. They led me around muddy areas and through the smoothest parts in the road. It was beautiful to bond with these children, even though I will probably never see them again.

"My second experience of humbleness occurred several hours later. A group of boys gathered around our bus. As we were waiting to leave, I opened a window and spoke to them. I gave them all a piece of gum, a 3/4 empty water bottle, a package of nuts, or simply a handshake. I know they were hoping for money, but I'd rather give them something instead of money. One little boy hacked off a piece of sugarcane for me. While I did not eat it, I was grateful for his generosity. But there was another young man that really touched me. I had explained to some of the kids that I did not have any money on me, so I was unable to give them anything. This precious little special needs boy must have heard me say this, because he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bill worth 10 birr (about $.50) and tried to give it to me. I was so floored at this boy's generosity, even when he has none."

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As I earlier mentioned, I had the opportunity to spend the last ten days in Ethiopia with quite a wonderful mixture of people. The group I was with was composed of people from eleven different countries, eight from Africa and three from North America. These people are all leaders of International Childcare Ministries in their countries (Not sure what ICCM is? Check it out here!). It was such an honor to be able to attend this conference with these incredible people. However, I had a thought concerning these marvelous souls.

"I was thinking about our group today. Eleven different countries from two different continents composed our group. I don't even know how many languages could come from the lips of our group as a whole. There were times when the language played a role as a blockade in communication; yet there were also times when each of us lifted up the name of Jesus in our native tongues. Though we were all praising in our own languages, we were united through the bond and declaration of the greatness of our God. It's very possible that our group will not again be all together this side of heaven. But I'm already looking forward to that day of reunion, whether it be in this lifetime or our next perfect one.

"Either way, that day will be full of hugs, laughs, and another union in our sweet Savior."

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"I told myself as soon as I landed in Addis Ababa that one visit to Ethiopia in my lifetime was enough, that I would live in Kenya for the rest of my life, that I didn't even need to visit other parts of Africa because I knew exactly where I was going to be and what I was going to do. But maybe that's not true.

"Maybe there is more that I still need to see."

Blessings,
Bekah