A Long Drive, Change of Scenery, and Amazing Sambosa, July 23rd - Day 10 Ethiopia 2021

On Day 10 we drove out to Woliso and the area that M^ is from.  However, we first had to make it out of Addis Ababa.  The capital city sprawls between seven mountains and is growing by the day.  We had to drive from the Southeast side of the city to the Southwest side in order to take the correct road.  We were so thankful to have a new friend, Joseph, driving.  He is the spouse of the pastor that serves the church next door to the clinic.  This is also the church that has so graciously allowed us the use of their twelve-passenger van.  We are so thankful!

We rode through the city streets seeing so many new things along the way.  The efforts to plant more trees and shrubs have transformed portions of Addis.  Under the overpasses are tiny lush gardens.  Wooden fences surround grassy areas with saplings reaching to the sky above.  In these little bits of oasis were also makeshift homes.  Blue and white tarps were stretched out across wooden poles.  The length was just enough to cover a person lying down and just high enough to allow them to sit bent over.  The unraveling edges flutter as cars speed by.    

As we got closer to the Southwest side of the city we passed one of the major hospitals in Addis Ababa.  The red building stood in stark contrast to the ones around it.  People were bustling in and out.  I couldn't help but think about those inside.  For a larger hospital, what were the struggles it had to provide medical care for the surrounding area?  What kind of illness and disease did they treat in this hospital?  Are people of all income levels able to receive care here?  And then my mind would wander to Dr. Hiwot's vision.  What would it look like for the Fares Medium Clinic to one day become Fares Hospital?  I wonder.

As we reached the edge of the sprawling city the exhaust from the constantly moving traffic let up.  As we entered the countryside the smog cleared.  Opening the windows of the van, I could feel the crisp cool air blowing across my face.  The landscape of the countryside stood in abrupt contrast to that of the city.  Farmland filled the foreground.  Mountains rose up in the distance.  Clouds of the rainy season swelled with the promise of afternoon showers.  

We drove through rural Ethiopia for about two hours.  Homes dotted the landscape.  Some were round with thatched roofs.  Some were rectangular and topped with corrugated metal.  Piles of hay stood in the yards.  Little children played and laughed.  Women washed and hung up their family's clothing.  Girls helped care for their younger siblings.  Boys tended flocks of goats and sheep.  Men worked in the fields behind an ox and plow.  Some waved as we drove past.  Many starred with curiosity at the sight of foreigners.  

We drove through several very small towns before coming to Woliso, which is really just a slightly bigger town.  Tiny shops lined the streets.  Women sat with their offerings of coffee, roasted corn, and sambosa.  Piles of dirt wait on the side of the road.  Communities come together to create and fix the roads day by day.  Dogs curl up in little nooks for an afternoon nap.  Tailors have their black Singer sewing machines waiting for clothes to mend and hem.  

We first stopped by the Negash Resort where we were staying in Woliso.  Then, it was another 20 minutes up to Chitu, the village that M^ is from.  On the way, we stopped by a house selling sambosa.  The residents were frying them on their front porch.  The best we've ever had! 

Of all the stories we tell about our travel, it is important to us that certain portions are left for our daughters to choose when, how, and who they want to share their personal stories with.  We visited M^s village, family, and friends.  The stories from this portion of our trip are hers to tell if she chooses to.

Back at the Negash Resort that evening we explored the area.  The grounds were beautiful.  Lush foliage, blooming flowers, and mischievous monkeys.  The creek ran through the area and provided the relaxing background sound of gently running water.  We taught the kids to play pool while the rain dripped from the thatching.  

The Negash is a beautiful place to stay.  There is a back porch behind the restaurant to sit and watch the wildlife.  The restaurant has a wide variety of both Ethiopian and American food.  Everyone there is kind, helpful, and eager to make you comfortable.  

Each room had a television and some sketchy reception.  While some of the others played cards, T, M*, Kevin, and I watched the opening ceremony of the Olympics.  It was a somewhat surreal experience... sitting in rural Ethiopia watching the Olympics in Tokyo.  

Banana Gum, Games, and a Tour, July 22nd - Day 9 Ethiopia 2021

It was a day of fun with Zebene, Hiwot, and their family.  What a joy to be able to simply spend time with friends, enjoy good food, and dream about the future to come.

On the way to their house, we pass many small shops that carry a multitude of items.  I love how each storefront and street vendor have their fruit meticulously stacked.  It is beautiful.

It is interesting to see the difference seven years makes in visiting Ethiopia.  Years ago it was very challenging to find disposable diapers.  Now, while still expensive, they are much more accessible.

There are butcher shops on almost every block.  The fresh meat hangs from the racks behind the butcher.  They cut off whatever portion you're looking for and package it up.  Each shop is typically painted red and white.  They also are adorned by either a cross or a crescent.  Muslim butchers are sure to have the meat meet halal standards.

Driving down the street we pass multitudes of wheelbarrows filled with fruit and vegetables.  We are mostly careful with what we eat to avoid stomach bugs.  However, bananas are perfectly fine and the most delicious bananas I have ever eaten.

Hiwot prepared an amazing lunch for all of us.  When in Ethiopia watch out.  They just keep refilling your plate with food.  It is so good.  It is also very filling!

My daughters have been planning this moment with banana gum... I think for years.  Eight years ago Kevin and I were in Ethiopia finalizing T's adoption and working on M^'s.  During our time here we tried to see and do as much as we could.  On one outing M^ had a pack of banana-flavored gum.  Being the sweet, kind, and generous person that she is, she offered me a piece.  Here's where my problem came in.  I hate fake banana flavor.  Like truly despise it.  However, here was my new teenage daughter genuinely wanting to share something with me.  I did not want to refuse and risk hurting her feelings.  So, I accepted the piece of gum, thanked her, and chewed it as long as I possibly could.  All the while Kevin is giggling in the back seat of the van because he is the only one aware of my dilemma.  

Time passes.  We bring T to the US.  We bring M^ to the US.  One day M^ offers me some gum.  It was banana gum.  But this time she spoke some English.  She had been with us for a while.  So, I politely declined.  However, in the midst of this exchange, somehow the story of the gum back in Ethiopia came up.  It's now become one of those well-remembered, often referred to stories in our family.

Now we are in Ethiopia again.  M^ bought some gum at the neighborhood market.  She didn't offer it to me.  She was much more sneaky.  Hiwot and Zebene's five-year-old daughter, "B," was M^'s accomplice.  M^ knew that I wouldn't turn down that sweet little face.  So, I "enjoyed" my banana gum as much as I possibly could!

Indoor games were fun, but as soon as the rain cleared it was time for football (soccer) outside.  I love how all of the children, youth, and adults played together.  It was so much fun!

It was great to see our friend Begedu.  On our previous trips, he was our driver.  However, he has a wonderful new job.  We are so thankful for his continued friendship.

And now... a virtual tour of Fares Medium Clinic.  This is Zebene.  He is the clinic director.  Zebene is amazing at making sure the clinic runs smoothly so that people get the health care they need.  

This is Lewi, one of Dr. Hiwot and Zebene's sons, alongside Dr. Hiwot.  Lewi works as a lab technician for the clinic.  He has one month until he is finished with the first part of school.  He will continue his education by earning a degree in radiology.  Dr. Hiwot is a family physician that specializes in obstetrics.  In addition to the physical care that she offers patients, she also works to address mental, emotional, and spiritual needs as well.  If her patients are interested she often prays with them and talks about God as the great physician.  

The clinic is located in a neighborhood, not far from a taxi/bus stop.  The area has Christian and Muslim neighbors living peacefully together.  Many people pass by in order to visit one of the two neighborhood shops that are on the road.  There are also two churches on the same road and a mosque nearby.  It is a neighborhood with children and youth constantly playing soccer or walking together.  It was lovely to see a smile and "selam" exchanged so often.  

This is the amazing medical team at Fares Medium Clinic.  They are friendly and happy to help.

There is an indoor waiting area and outdoor seating for overflow.  The door is nearly always open.  Dr. Hiwot is on call day and night.  While it is convenient that the clinic is in the front half of their house, it also means that Dr. Hiwot works very hard for her patients.  She has developed trusted relationships with the neighbors and community.  

In the reception area, the receptionist and nurse greet patients and handle medical records.

Dr. Hiwot's office is often the first stop.  She does paperwork and also sees patients in this space.  

A view of the other side of Dr. Hiwot's office.  She can examine her patients and perform minor procedures in this space.  

This is labeled the injection room.  With an exam table, IV pole, chairs, and various instruments, many patients come to this room for treatment.  

The room farthest back is the laboratory.  They collect samples and analyze them here.

Notice the microscope on the left side.  Right now all analysis is done manually through a microscope.  The hematology machine will make a vast difference in their ability to treat patients at Fares Medical Clinic.  Now, if they need a CBC the patient has to go to an offsite laboratory and it is often expensive.  When the box is released from Ethiopian Customs, they will have the means to more fully analyze blood on site.  

This hallway connects the two sides of the clinic.  It also has a passthrough to the side of the building that Zebene, Dr. Hiwot, and their children's home

The clinic bathroom (because that is one question I always get asked!)  Ethiopia uses standard toilets as well as squat toilets in public.

The ultrasound room provides a space for obstetric checkups.  The ultrasound machine that they have is very old.  The new ultrasound machine will be a great upgrade for obstetric exams.  However, it will also be able to aid in examining the function of other internal organs as well.  We continue to pray that Ethiopian Customs will release this machine soon as well.

Some women choose to go to the hospital to deliver their babies.  However, many still choose to deliver in the clinic.  There is a room set up for monitoring labor, delivery, and recovery.  

Dr. Hiwot and Zebene have done such wonderful things with the Fares Medium Clinic.  We are humbled and honored to call them our friends.  We are also humbled and honored by other friends and churches so willing to support healthcare and ministry in this area.  Thank you.  Truly.