It was a big day today. We awoke very early to get
started on our big journey. We were
talking “M^” to see her hometown before heading to America in a few weeks. Our taxi driver, our dear friend Zebene,
Kevin, “M^” and I, left the guest house at 7 am. We took a taxi van to Woliso which is about a
2.5 hour drive. From there we were
taking “M^”s directions to her village.
We headed out on a dirt road. We
were warned about traveling so far out in the country on dirt roads during
rainy season. Little did I know! It was market day so we were swimming upstream
again donkeys heavy laden with goods to sell.
There were men and women carry sacks of vegetables and greens, firewood
and fruit. Many times the taxi had to
maneuver among the crowd.
The country side was beautiful. I knew there were many pretty places in the
world, but this place has stolen our heart for so many reasons. The rains have painted the landscape
green. It is lush with life and promise
of the harvest to come.
We slipped through the mud. Several times it was questionable whether we
would be able to continue. We slid
sideways across a bridge. In the low
spots the mud seemed to envelope the tires.
As we climbed the mountain area the road improved in places and we were
optimistic. Suddenly a hissing sound
came from the back of the taxi van. We
had a flat tire! A group quickly
assembled by the van and locals helped our taxi driver change the tire. People were very eager to help us.
We continued a little farther. The mud prevailed. It was time to walk. They kept telling us “tinnish” soon we will
be there. We had driven about 6
miles. We only had to walk for 1 mile to
get to Chittu. We were immediately
surrounded by local children. We talked
for a bit in town and then headed up the mountain to the area where “M^” grew
up. There was a nice road for about a
mile. Then we started going up. We decided it would be best to take a horse
and cart as far as we could up the mountain.
We then turned off the road and it became a trail into a
farming area and went another mile. The
trail we were following was extremely rocky.
The horses struggled against the incline and strained as they pulled us
upwards. I held on tightly worried the
cart would slip and slide down the muddy trail.
Slowly people bailed until I (the lonely asthmatic) was riding in a cart. The trail became a pasture and we left the horses and cart and continued up.
We reached a level area and were greeted by “M^”s
extended family. Many parts of this
section of the story we will keep private.
This is “M^”s story to tell and as she feels comfortable she can share
about her roots herself. The important
thing for others to know . . . this was an extremely moving day for all of
us. It was worth everything it took to
take her back here. In the future, if we
are able we will make this journey on future visits to Ethiopia. What a emotionally moving day.
This is the home that “M^” grew up in.
Here are fields that her extended family farms.
Kevin even received a plowing lesson from one of the
men. We promised to stay and work some
next time we are there.
Then came the journey back down the path. It was rocky and wet. We watched very careful that we did not slip
and fall. We met the carts and horses to
head back to the town of Chittu. I think
the journey down the narrow, rocky, muddy trail scared me more than the journey
up! Kevin swore the cart wouldn’t tip
over, but I didn’t loosen my grip on him or seat of the cart!
When we arrived back in the town we stopped for a photo
op at the gates of the school “M^” attended when she was very little. The journey we had taken . . . “M^” did each
day to go to school! Wow!
Our taxi van had found a way to meet us in the town. He was a welcome sight for us. He has been an amazing driver. Kevin and I are so incredibly thankful for
our driver and our dear friend that accompanied us on this journey and
translated for us. What a special friend
to take the day to be with us!
We traveled the muddy roads and bridges back to
Woliso. After some lunch at a local restaurant
we took the 2 hour drive back to Addis. “M^”
and I slept the whole way back.
We were blessed beyond measure by this experience. God is good!
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