Ethiopia Adventure #2, Days 1-3

Day 1

After a frantic week of packing, cleaning, and making arrangements the day was finally here for the big adventure of bringing Miss “T” home!  We dropped off “M*”, “S”, and “K” at school.  A few last minute preparations and our friend picked us up to head to the airport.  We had a flight to Cleveland and then on to Washington DC. 

It amazes me the people we’ve met on our adventures.  At every point during this journey our path has crossed interesting people.  We arrived in DC.  While waiting for the shuttle to the hotel we ran into a physician that is doing a medical mission in Ethiopia.  He happened to be on the same flight with us on Saturday.  We talked about his work in Ethiopia and he shared useful information with us as well. 

After arriving at the hotel we grabbed a bite to eat and then attempted to catch a few hours of sleep.

Day 2

The alarm went off early this morning.  We were able to have some breakfast at the hotel and then head out to Dulles International Airport in DC.  While waiting to check in another fun conversation began with a group traveling to Ethiopia as well.  Their church was involved in a relational ministry with a group in Ethiopia.  For the past 14 years there were people traveling to be with and help this particular group of nomads in Southwest Ethiopia.  What an awesome testament it was to hear how they had developed friendships with that community.  It takes God’s work to a whole new level. Not only were they helping them, but they were engaging in their culture and really getting to know them.  Accompaniment at its best!

We boarded our plane.  A long 12 hour flight . . . but’s all worth it because Miss “T” is at the end of the journey!  Here’s to sleeping on a plane!

Day 3

Day 2 and Day 3 ran together as we continued our journey on the plane.  Kevin had great conversation with the Ethiopian man sitting next to him.  It was a very nice flight . . . long, but nice.  We arrived safely right as the sun was rising on the Ethiopian countryside.  We gathered our bags and headed out to meet the friend that was picking us up.  We walked out to a beautiful Sunday morning in Addis Ababa.

We arrived at the guest house and promptly unloaded and headed to the transition house to see Miss “T”.  Her nanny had her all dolled up . . . her hair done and all dressed up!  We spent some time with her and then decided to go to worship at a local church.

We worshipped with the Beza International Church.  It was a great service with great music.  The pastor talked about having God INSIDE you.  A wonderful preacher with a great message!  It was a pleasure witnessing the Body of Christ there!

We walked back to the guest house from worship and had lunch.  Miss “T” got to choose.  Of course . . . she doesn’t like veggies just yet so . . . meat and injera it is!!!  After lunch came the long awaited nap . . . well at least a little nap.

Right now we’re sitting in the Jupiter Hotel having dinner (and using Wi-Fi!)  It has been a wonderful trip so far!!!  Tomorrow we’ll have our embassy appointment and make plans for the rest of the week!