And just like that... we were back. Ethiopia/Germany 2023

We returned home on June 22nd.  Two days later I'm just now able to think somewhat clearly and not randomly drift into sleep.  The past 3+ weeks have been fun, heartbreaking, hope-filled, adventurous, full of learning, bonding moments, memory-making, Spirit-filled, and centered squarely on Holy Ground.  While it is tempting to look at the calendar and simply move on to the next thing, we simply can not.

Too many stories need to be told.  Too many pictures need to have others' eyes gaze upon them.  Too many moments have been put on our hearts and cry out to be heard and known.

In some ways, I am glad that the internet was sketchy during our trip.  Now that we've returned, I can't simply sit and think of the next item on the calendar.  I can't return to my lengthy to-do list.  This experience must be processed, shared, and allowed to shape how we move from this point into the future.  I am compelled to write the stories.  As I edit the pictures, the Spirit speaks through the eyes and smiles of people we encountered.  I relive moment after moment and struggle through what it means to share each one.

Over the coming days, I'll be posting about our experiences.  I pray you'll join us in sharing these moments, both joyful and heartbreaking.  You're invited to enter the story for yourself.  See where you might be called to go.  Ask questions.  Engage.  We're all on this journey together and we are certainly not alone.  

June 9th - Day 8 Ethiopia/Germany 2023... A Bumpy Ride Through the Countryside

The first night of sleep in Ethiopia was glorious.  Our rooms take up the majority of the 6th floor.  The view of Addis is wonderful.  I'm especially glad that it gives an opportunity for those on immersion to see the hustle and bustle from a different viewpoint.

The group ate breakfast at the hotel's café.  Everything from French toast to fir fir and mango juice to coffee.

Zebene, Eyosius, and Leviar met us at the hotel along with Meskerem's brother.  We loaded in the van and then set off for Woliso.  Depending on traffic it is a 2-3 hour drive southwest of Addis.

There are many changes over the course of this drive.  In the city, people are walking everywhere and the driver has to take care to not run over anyone.  Outside of the city, it is the cows, donkeys, and goats that crowd the roads.  The language changes from Amharic to Oromiffa.  The smog of the city breaks away for a cool fresh breeze and rain clouds.  Homes in Addis are crowded and squeeze a maximum number of people into a small area.  In the countryside, the homes are spread apart and have planting fields in between. 

We pass through small villages and modest towns.  Throughout the journey homes, livestock, and planting fields line the road.  On more than one occasion we stopped for livestock in the road.  These cows were not easily deterred from hanging out where they pleased.  

As we passed through small villages, there were women walking to and from their homes to the center of town.  Small roadside businesses offered water, produce, and other items for sale.  The partly cloudy sky left the air slightly cool while the sun still lit up all the vibrant colors of the towns.  

The bus was full.  It is a good thing we were all family and friends that love each other!  Thirteen of us along with luggage were packed into the vehicle.  As we approached Woliso the excitement built.  Waiting for us there would be family members that some had not seen in over ten years.  Long-awaited reunions!

We arrived at the Negash Resort in Woliso.  After a sigh of relief to be out of the bus, came the arms of loved ones wrapping each other tightly while tears streamed down many of our faces.  A beautiful reunion.

This woman is beyond amazing.  She is Meskerem's 1st mother, her birth mother.  She has allowed me the honor and privilege of being Meskerem's 2nd mother, her adoptive mother.  We have been able to be together several times over the years.  Words are completely inadequate to describe the love, care, compassion, and bond that we share.  Even though we do not speak the same languages, even though we live in this world in very different ways, there is the most beautiful communication and simple knowing that we share through tears, smiles, and long embraces.  The more time we spend together the more our families bond.  A shared joy in playing ball with the children.  Laughter ripples through all of us as we watch the antics of the wild monkeys.  Pure love and fierce protection over our one enormous blended family that grows closer each time we are together.  I am beyond thankful for this woman.

Everyone spent the afternoon playing games, sharing stories, and taking pictures.  Uno is definitely a game that crosses language barriers... and there was a LOT of Uno!

We all ate dinner together that night.  That evening was filled with good food, laughter, and quality family time.  You can tell it is a group that enjoys being together and is welcoming of all when the hotel staff are feeling like part of the family.  I am so thankful for these bonds that reach across the waters, across languages, and through the years that we have spent apart.  

Shiro and Injera... a thick spiced chickpea stew with sourdough bread 

Pineapple Fanta... a Burke girl favorite

June 8th - Day 7 Ethiopia/Germany 2023

The sunrise is always beautiful.  However, there is something extra special about watching the sun rise over Africa as the plane descends into Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

We had arrived!  The Bole Airport has been in a state of remodeling for the past few years.  They have made many improvements and it is now much easier to navigate.  Traveling with so many bags, it did take some time to find them among the various luggage carousels.  

We had landed, gone through immigration, found all 14 pieces of checked luggage, and now it was time to go through customs.  Each of us walked up to the conveyor belt to put the luggage through the scanner.  However, we were told to only put a couple of bags on the scanner.  Of all the bags we brought they only opened one.  After a quick glance, they zipped it back up and we were on our way.  Before heading out of the airport we gathered close to the door.

This strange feeling had come as a wave through my body.  All of a sudden I felt the muscles in my shoulders release.  My jaw was no longer tense.  My arms and legs felt like noodles as I stood wondering what was happening.  

And then I realized...

We just walked through customs.  No issues.  No two-hour interrogation about any medical equipment.  No desperate digging for documentation and paperwork.  No questions.  We just walked through customs.

Two years ago we had a much different experience with trying to bring a hematology and ultrasound machine with us to the clinic.  A Journey, But Not Alone: The Continued Saga of the Box - Day 3 Ethiopia 2021  This time there were no machines or significant medical equipment.  Yet, I had not realized how tense and anxious my mind and body had become just being in a similar situation.  

We were all tired but ready and happy to be in Addis.  It is always wonderful to walk out of the airport and see the smiling faces of our friends.  The hugs, the tears, the instantaneous connection right where we left off.  While we are just visiting, there is a sense of being welcomed home.    

I love the first ride in the taxi after we arrive in Ethiopia.  My eyes take in all of the cars going by and the children walking to school.  I hear the honking horns, bleating goats, and street markets.  The smell is a mix of exhaust from the traffic, Ethiopian spices, and an earthy tone that reaches back to the origins of humanity.

This initial taxi ride was new though.  Instead of looking at the surroundings through my own eyes, or the perception of our children, I had the honor of watching Iva take everything in.  This trip has a new element for us.  We are leading an immersion experience for the first time.  We are humbled and honored that Iva, and soon Bill and Martie, will allow us to guide them as they discover the beauty, community, and culture of Ethiopia.  Hopefully, this is just the first of many immersion experiences we will guide. 

After resting at the hotel and settling in we all went to Hiwot and Zebene's home for a welcome dinner.  I always feel very honored and humbled by the abundant hospitality their family practices.  Before dinner, our hands are washed.  They start with the most senior person in the room.  You receive a squirt of soap, cleanse your hands, and a pitcher of water is poured to rinse while a basin is held underneath.  Then the next most senior person in the room washes.  When it gets down to all the teenagers it is fun to watch the Zebene and Burke children go back and forth about who goes next.    

Dinner was plentiful.  Salad.  Injera.  Shiro.  Rice.  Green beans and carrots.  Doro wat with eggs.  Ethiopian food has a unique variety of flavors and spices.  Also, notice... no forks, spoons, or knives.  The injera (flat sourdough bread) is used to scoop up these delectables.  

For a treat after the meal, we are served fresh fruit.  The best bananas, mango, and papaya you could ever have!  After filling our bellies the games began.  Uno, Cards, More Uno, Soccer... did I mention Uno.  When this group of young people are together their Uno games get extremely competitive.   

As the rain came through we lost electricity for a while, not unusual.  It certainly didn't stop us from continuing with our evening.  Part of the fun is delivering all of the donations that were sent to the clinic.  Dr. Hiwot looked at and held every single item donated.  Words can't express the appreciation she has for all the support.  People from all over helped gather items that Fares Medium Clinic needed.  Every time we travel to Ethiopia I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people.  Thank you to all those that shared their love.  

Eventually, the electricity was restored.  We enjoyed traditional coffee, popcorn, and bread.  Conversations continued well into the evening.  However, the most prevalent aspect was the love that is shared among this group.  It had been two years since the Burke and Zebene families had been together.  Yet, all of these relationships have only grown in that time.  Now, with this immersion trip, there is the opportunity to develop and share those relationships with others.   

Darkness fell over the city as we rode back to the hotel in the taxi.  Plenty of cars were still on the road and plenty of people were still out and about.  The evening rain left the air misty and cool.  We had not been in Addis for more than 12 hours, yet my heart was so full with the hope and excitement of the weeks to come.  

 

June 7th - Day 6 Germany/Ethiopia 2023... Planes, Trains, and Pigeons.

Another German Guesthouse... another amazing breakfast.  We need to take notes friends.  This is a really great way to start the day!  The dining area of the guest house was quaint, cozy, and very welcoming.  Having a meal there set a wonderful tone for our day.

After we were fueled for the day we had the fabulous work of trekking back down the hill to the tram and then to the train station.  5 suitcases.  7 backpacks.  7 people.  Gravity worked in our favor this time.  It was so much easier walking the long stretch down the hill today.

Since we were a bit more relaxed and less harried we had the opportunity to talk with people more.  Siri had a lovely short conversation with an older woman at the tram platform.  She initially tried to speak in German with me and Iva.  All we could do was point to Siri!

https://www.rescue.org/

As the tram arrived at the Heidelberg Train Station we all unloaded being careful not to miss any of our luggage... or people.  The group started for the entrance, but Kåre and I were lagging behind a bit.  As we approached the entrance to the station a young woman rushes over to us speaking another language... not German and definitely not English.  Kåre and I look at each other.  That must have cued the woman to ask, "Would English be easier?"  We replied that yes it would.  Then she proceeds to tell us how happy she is that we're here, that we're safe, and that people are ready to help us with anything we need.

Kåre and I looked at each other again.  This time the woman asked, "You are refugees from Ukraine, right?"  We both giggled a bit out of the sheer predicament of what to say.  "No, we're from the US and traveling to Ethiopia," I replied.  The woman's face maintained a bright welcoming smile.  She proceeded to tell us all about the organization she volunteers with that helps refugees resettle in Germany and other parts of Europe.  Her group was in front of the train station that day asking for donations.  A lovely conversation ensued.  (Keep this moment in mind with other posts of our journey... we noticed a theme trending.)

We took the bus into the old town where the University of Heidelberg is located. Kevin, Iva, Marcella, and Siri headed toward the student center and international student offices. Kåre, Tarike, and I looked for shops and other interesting sites. In the middle of old town, an open area is set with tables, chairs, and umbrellas under a canopy of old trees.

Kåre and Tarike decided that it would be much better for me to sit with the backpacks and enjoy some coffee while they had a small adventure of their own. Honestly, I was glad for the opportunity to simply sit and absorb the atmosphere.

Half a world away Meskerem and her best friend from Ethiopia, also named Meskerem, were arriving at the airport to begin their journey to Ethiopia.  It was early in the morning for them.  However, the excitement kept them up all night.  What a joy to see these smiles as they began their adventure!

Back in Heidelberg, I sat.  I watched.  Pigeons pecked the ground searching for crumbs from the cafe's delicacies. The city buses came and went with tourists, students, and people of all ages. Tour guides had lines of visitors following them listening intently to the history of the area. The smell of coffee and the clink of cups and spoons floated on the gentle breeze blowing through the square. Lining the open space were bakeries, a Christmas shop, clothing boutiques, a student supply shop, a pizza restaurant, and a gift shop.

It is a fascinating combination of very old buildings, history, modern businesses, and people from all over.  Siri and Marcella had a wonderful visit to the university.  There is definitely some potential there.  

We all enjoyed lunch and a treat in the old city square.  The weather was beautiful, the food delicious, and the atmosphere a delight.  We had a wonderful experience exploring the old city, dreaming about future plans, and taking time to simply enjoy being present in that space.  

While we spent the afternoon in Heidelberg, Meskerem and Meskerem were headed to Washington DC.  This is the portion of their journey that gave them the most anxiety... changing planes in DC.  Cue Kevin's amazing network of people to the rescue!  We are so thankful for Rich, all he does as a volunteer at the Dulles airport, and his willingness to help out young adults that are flying internationally by themselves for the first time.  

Toward the end of the day, it was our last train to take in Germany.  Our minds were shifting gears to what awaited us in Ethiopia.  As we traveled back to Frankfurt and waited to board the overnight flight I looked back on our adventure in Germany.  It was a privilege to travel together with the girls, Kevin, and Iva.  The memories, university information, and opportunity to see Sven-Christian and Michelle will stick with all of us.  I am thankful!

At the same time, my mind raced ahead to all we looked forward to in Ethiopia.  Our dear friends, family, the clinic, giving donations, food, music, dancing, and so much more.  Even though this trip would be the fifth time Kevin and I have made this journey, there was something new.  This time we have the honor of hosting an immersion trip as part of our new non-profit, (W)HOLE in the Roof.  Kevin's mother, Iva, and our friends, Bill and Martie, will be experiencing Ethiopia for the first time.  We get to look with wonder and fresh eyes at the beauty, community, culture, and vibrancy of Ethiopia and her people.  What a joy!