Quick update from "Eden".

Hello again! We are in Nazaret, about 160 kilometers south of Addis, and we stopped at a nice hotel for dinner. There was a computer in the lobby, so thought we'd give you a quick update while we wait for our food. We have had a really nice and relaxing day. It was much needed after the past few days on the streets of Addis. What a refreshing break to get out to the countryside and see more of Africa and its people!! We visited a hot spring area, hiked to a waterfall, then visited a local church and orphanage. The scenery is beyond words!!

The church visit was amazing. We met the pastor, and then were able to sit in on a portion of the youth group service that was going on. We heard more about the church's ministry and community outreach. They continually reach out to the community to assist and serve the poor and sick, and care for the orphans. It is an incredible picture of what the church is designed to look like. We are learning so much. The Cedar Ridge youth leaders on our team, Dustin and Hannah Padget, spoke to the youth briefly, and then we shared in a time of worship. We sang a song for them, and then they sang and danced for us. Amber recorded their worship so that you will be able to see it first hand. It was unbelievable!! We were reminded that one day every tribe, tongue and nation will worship Him for eternity together in heaven. This was a small glimpse of what that will be like. Can't wait to go experience that again tomorrow morning at the Merkato Church!! So much joyful praise and worship - clapping, dancing....awesome!!!

Then we made an impromptu visit to a local orphanage. It was divinely arranged, I'm certain. The organization is called Kingdom Vision, and is a Christian orphanage. The way these kids are being cared for physically, emotionally AND spiritually is wonderful. Our heart still went out to these children, as they clearly need permanent homes. However, it drove home the desperate situation of the street children we have been serving who do not have warm beds, three meals a day, loving parents (sometimes), and a spiritual foundation. The need is so great. I wish you could have seen the smiles and hope on the faces of these precious children. We were unable to take photos since we do not have an established relationship with the orphanage, but we were thankful for the visit nonetheless.

We are off to enjoy our dinner, and then make the two hour drive back to Addis (we have emphasized to the bus drive that he drive extra cautiously since it is dark and we can't see the goats/horses/cows in the road =)). Looking forward to our day of worship with our Ethiopian brothers and sisters tomorrow morning, and seeing more of Addis tomorrow afternoon.

Much love from Africa,

The Africa Team