What an adventure life is!

The feeling to return to Ethiopia has been on going since I returned to the States. I couldn't describe it. I knew it was crazy but real. Stepping off the plane and back into this country has felt so right. Even though my bags got left back in Amsterdam, the first couple days, I was beaming ear to ear to be back. I have to admit, the first two weeks was the time period I was most worried about. I thought, "I'm going to have to drag around a bunch of paranoid farengi's." But in actuality, it was a lot of fun. Seeing the country through new eyes and their reactions made me laugh. Here's some of the highlights...

We traveled down to Shashamane/ surrounding area- about 150 miles from the capital. All by public transportation, an adventure in itself. There we were able to spend time with the kiddo's family. They show such genuine and selfless love and are happy for the opportunity the kids were given. I feel so blessed to know them.

Mesafint's Father and myself

Mesafint's Dad brought photo's from when Mesafint was just a baby with his Mother. They are a beautiful family. For some reason I can't get them to rotate upright- sorry.

This is Mubarek, Damitu, Tofik, and Gutama's Brother and Sister.

They look so much like Mubarek and Damitu I think.

More family and friends.

Ronelle with cute kids. They either like to play with the farengi or are terrified of us.

We spent time at the Village of Hope- the orphanage the kids spent time in.

This is inside one of the domes Wes built for them.

Eating lots of Ethiopian food again!

Celese and Jim's first time having injera.

I was trying to buy mango's and ended up with this weird fruit instead. It was white and stringy on the inside with big pumpkin shaped seeds and tasted like pina colada. The best part was getting the limes, under my hand, for change.

Nati and me eating yummy tibs.

Behold, Ethiopian transportation...

Horse and donkey buggies

Mini Buses- Pack with people, stuff, and animals. If you look close you'll see the goats on top of the van on the left.
This is a Baja. I love riding in them.

And this is the crazy bus station. They have no schedule, organization, and the bus will only leave when it is completely full- which can take hours of waiting.

Me and Ronelle on a very bumpy ride. Even though public transportation is uncomfortable, a little scary, and extra long I kinda really love it.
Making friends and seeing the locals reaction to us on the buses makes it all worth it to me.

This Muslim man was so interesting to talk to. He even bought us corn.
On our travel we met up with Seid, a friend from the farm.

He brought Ronelle and I to his home to meet his family.

This is Seid and his father.
They fed us yummy porridge.

Going to homes and meeting families is one of my favorite things. I feel privleged to be invited to. They always treat us as royal guests and are honored that we care enough to visit them and their humble homes.

Seid's brother, me, Mother, Ronelle, and Sister.

Probably one of the most incredible and heartbreaking experiences of all was visiting the Prison and the man who attacked Wes. I was able to sit and talk with him, surrounded by all the other curious inmates. He is only 19 and still has 12 more years in jail. He was sincerely sorry for what he did, and expressed it several times. He had no intentions of hurting or killing Wes. He acted out of rage and that moment changed his and our lives forever. Sad really. He was grateful to hear Wes was okay and that he had forgiven him. It truly was an amazing experience.

Welcome to jail.

Back in Addis, we spent time with Jason and his boys. I'm lucky enough to spend my afternoons with them now. The boys are attempting to be my Amharic teachers. They are amazing kids with big hearts and dreams. It's humbling to see the selfless service Jason gives them.

I got to visit the Leprosy and TB hospital again! The victims of these disease are given the opportunity to sell their handy crafts in the hospitals gift shop for income. You can't help but walk away changed. They are all so happy despite their set backs and challenges. The next day we returned to bring them their photos we'd taken of them- loved seeing their faces light up at the surprise.

Weaving a rug.

Spinning cotton.

They can make some of the most beautiful things.

My Chaco tan line has increased by ten fold. Oh, and I have cool African men painted on my foot.

Enjoying delicious traditional food and dancing show.

We even got interview for Ethiopian TV. We're famous!... I tried to upload the video of me watching it here but the internet was too slow.

I took everyone to the Markato- the biggest market in Africa. I just love it there.

This women is selling in scents and spices.

I love being back in Ethiopia. I am now spending my days volunteering at a Mother Teresa Hospital in the morning and Yehiwot Raey (Meaning Vision of Life- Jason's boy program) in the afternoon. I'm moving in with a member from the branch here. She's about my age and extremely beautiful and kind. I'll have to blog more about that another time.

Love you all!

P.s Do you like the new name? I decided it was definitely time for a change.

My morning started early

I got up at 3:45 am, unfortunately, I went to bed after 1. I took a long hot shower, knowing it might be one of my last for the next 2 months. After getting bags in the car, I was off and running. A quick stop at Walmart to grab the last minute things I still needed (A new external hard drive, mints, bug spray, jump drive, and a notebook) then it was straight to the IF airport. Checking into a small airport is the best... no lines. My parents gave me lasting words of advice, snapped a picture, and gave big hugs. Then I took a deep breath, navigated through security, gave a final wave, and up the escalator to the gates I went. After a short 40 min flight I find myself in Salt lake. I will board my next flight to Detroit, then it's Amsterdam, Sudan, and finally Ethiopia. It's a good thing I love airports. They are exciting. There is so much movement. There is anticipation. There is exhaustion, lots and lots of exhaustion. And most importantly, there is a diverse group of people. I can't help but wonder where people are from, where and why they are going. I'm sure my speculations are way off from the truth. I wonder if anyone would guess I'm from a small town in Idaho heading to Ethiopia alone all because I fell in love with the people there. I kind of doubt it. I can't wait to start this grand adventure in Ethiopia again. I can only imagine what is in store for me this time around. In the meantime, I'm going to go find some breakfast...

Hope your Monday is as great as mine!

.... 30 something hours later I arrived in Ethiopia

Bag-less and happy.

Overwhelming Gratitude.

Tonight my body is exhausted and worn but my thoughts are far from sleep.

Lists and lists of to do's are racing through my mind.

worried and overwhelming thoughts are lingering.

and my excitement is bursting!

But leading the race is that of gratitude.

I feel so incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have to return to Ethiopia.

to be part of something bigger then just myself.

I'm thankful for the support, encouragement, and even the advice and caution I've received.

Tonight, at work, I was helping a 95 year old man get ready for bed.

We had this conversation:

Man: Can I talk to you like you're my daughter?

Me: Yeah, of course you can. Whats bothering you?

Man: I'm just worried.

Me: About what?

Man: You leaving the country. You know, men can't be trusted. You need to be really careful.

Me: (Speechless.)

The conversation went on for a time with him expressing his concern. I was stunned and touched. It made me step back and realize how much he and others care about me. It made me understand the endless questioning and apprehension I've received but simply endured and grumbled about from others. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.

The awe of the amazing people in my life didn't stop there. I stumbled out from work to my car, thinking how tired I was and blah blah about me. I plopped into my car, grabbed the keys sitting in the cup holder, went to put them in the ignition when a note caught my attention. Resting against the speedometer was an enveloped labeled Kate Hill. Thoughts of who and what it could be started spinning through my mind. As I flipped the envelop over it read: "For the kids of Ethiopia." Inside was $100 dollars. Tears replaced my selfish thoughts and wondering. I'm not sure who you are or if you even read my silly blog but I want to sincerely thank you. Thank-you for being so selfless. Thank-you for supporting my dreams in Ethiopia. I really appreciate it and those in Ethiopia will too. I'm planning to purchase tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, and other hygiene supplies with the money you donated.

A big thank-you to JoAnne Haws, her friends, and mother, for giving of there time to sew and donated items as well. You are making a difference to others.

Even though I have a million things to do... in only three days I'm going to enjoy them.

I am so blessed, thanks to all of you in my life.

seriously.

I miss you.

but not your roommates obnoxious clocks.