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.