Day Three–Visit to Local Village

After lunch at Trees of Glory, most of the team went back outside to interact with the children. A small group of those asked if it would possible to walk to the local village, to experience how the families of these children lived. We walked about 4-5 children home, up a rock-laden hill to the village closest to the school. The village was made up of small compounds of mud huts. A little girl who so reminded me of Maya held my hand until it was time for her to walk in a different direction to home.

We were about to experience a situation that would be repeated over and over again the rest of the week. The mother of one of the boys, Worku, invited us into her home. She first showed us the hut that made up the kitchen and stable for the livestock. While in this hut she grabbed a animal skin and shook it out and asked us to come with her. She led us into the main hut where there were stools and beds. She laid out the animal skin and invited us to sit.

She explained in her local language that she had not been expecting us thus was unprepared. She quickly grabbed some glasses and washed them and placed them in front of us. Grabbed a pitcher and filled these glasses until not another drop would fit in. She had offered us a glass of beer, homemade, local brew. As much as I wanted to taste the beer to show gratitude, I realized it would be a mistake as my body would likely not respond well. But the thought that this widowed mother, with what I viewed having little material belongings offered us willingly and openly what little she had. She probably drinks 1/4 of a glass of this beer at a special occasion, and here she was offering to me, a visitor and entire glass was very humbling.

On our walk back to the school, we examined an Acacia tree up close. The tree that defines Africa is really somewhat of a thorn bush. Beautiful from a distance it was surprising to see how crude this tree was up close. I am sure there is a metaphor there to be defined further.

.
Brad also had a close encounter with a bull

Lastly, we came across a two younger children, shepherds, watching over a herd. The little girl was so beautiful. There also was a little boy who was riding a donkey, and seeing us "farenjie" started showing off by making the donkey buck. The donkey eventually won and the boy went flying through the air. The pure innocent laugh of the little girl will be the one sound that stays with me from this trip.

Day Three–Trees of Glory

Today we traveled north to an school/carepoint sponsored by another of Hopechest's sponsor communities. Our team wanted to see a bit of rural Ethiopia beyond the city life of Addis. As we climbed up the mountainside, the smell of Eucalyptus was so strong combined with the smell of fresh rain. The city eventually faded and the signs of they countryside became apparent. There were shepherds watching over their herd and, harvests being transferred to be sold - some on the backs of donkeys and horses and some on the backs and shoulders of people.

The drive was about two hours, although it took a little longer as we stopped to purchase fruit for the children at the care point. Trees of Glory is a care point completely unlike that of Kolfe Boys Orphanage. Of the over 100 children at the school, only 13 are orphans who live at the compound. The others are all children from the surrounding villages. The children are provided education and nutrition each day. We were told of one little girl who when she first showed up at the school was thin as a rail and malnourished, but today is a plump and healthy child who is excelling in her studies

The property is a large compound given to the school from the government after the Japanese construction company abandoned the site after completing construction of the highway. It was made up of a number of barracks styled buildings. We had a tour that took us down the hill to where they were in the process of digging out the previous well as plans were under way to re-access that well and once again provide running water direct to the school, versus having to bring it on on donkey each day. They were so proud of this project and I am praying that they have success soon and can enjoy fresh water daily.

Further down the hill was a small creek that was also the schools property line. Being outside, walking the countryside down to the creek you noticed how quite it was, especially after leaving the bustle that is Addis Ababa. The view was out of a movie, slowing running and clear. We skipped a few rocks while exploring.

We then completed the tour by walking back of the hill to the buildings where we shown the progress and results that preceding teams had done at the compound. The toilets had been restored and much of the interior had been painted. Under construction was a covered walkway between the dining hall and kitchen.

Once the tour was done it was time to play! While getting the tour the children were so patiently waiting for our interaction. Finally it was time. We walked over to the playgournd and our team split up. Many of our team played volleyball and showed off some skills, it was the first time being introduced to the rule that you can kick the ball as well as use your arms when playing. This would come in handy later in the week while at Kolfe.

I picked up a soccer ball and started playing with the little kids, soon I had 10-15 kids surrounding me and trying to take the ball away. I love the constant energy that children have. After about 15 minutes we organized a game, with me and four others on one side and Fekra (Hopechest discipler) and four others on the other. The field was actually rocks but that didn't slow these children down. It was a close game (the goals are very small in Ethiopia) and neither team really dominated the other. The game ended when I twisted my ankle, luckily it was just a small sprain although it could have been avoided if I would have wore my ankle brace.

After playing we brought all of the children into the classroom and sang songs, many of them echo songs. It is such joy to see a child's face light up and watch them learn something new. So many of these children seemed to crave touch, they wanted to be held, hugged and provided attention. We didn't disappoint.

After lunch, we were provided our first coffee ceremony of the week. This is a very special part of Ethiopian culture and customary to provide guests with coffee. The coffee beans are roasted, the smell fills the room. I must admit, this was the best tasting coffee I have ever had.

Some photos of our time at Trees of Glory: