Salam from Africa!!

Hello dear friends and family!! We arrived safely and very smoothly into Addis last night around 8:45 p.m. Everyone was able to get their visa stamp without much waiting, and our luggage was already on the belt when we arrived. We were able to get all of our bags (including all of the donations, supplies, etc) through customs without having any bags taken. Our Life In Abundance friends were waiting for us with big smiles, and helped us load up and drive us to the guest house. Our accomdations are wonderful. When we arrived at the guest house, Getty had prepared an amazing chicken/vegetable stew that was hot and ready. We were all exhausted, and glad to stretch our legs, have home cooked food, and a comfy place to lay our heads!

We began our day today with a delicious breakfast by Getty at the guest house, then headed over to the LIA Ethiopia office to meet Dr. Yared (the country director) and other LIA staff. He shared first hand about the God-sized things that are going on through LIA here in Ethiopia, and beyond. It was helpful to hear and learn directly from someone on the front lines.

Following our de-brief with Dr. Yared, we enjoyed a caramel macchiato (the trick is to add LOTS of sugar!) and a little time to visit. Following our pick-me-up, we had about an hour long walk through Addis back to the guest house. The sights, sounds, and smells are incredible. Some heart-warming....some heart-wrenching. There is so much vivid color and beauty contrasted against deep poverty.

After yet another amaaazing lunch at the guest house, coutesy of Getty, we headed out to visit two local churchs and learn about the work they are doing. Both churchs are successfully implementing the Community Health Evangelism, and wholistic model that LIA promotes. The work they are doing is so inspiring. This is truly the church functioning as it was designed to. Both churches operate schools on the premises, so we were able to meet the precious children that are being taught there. We were able to share school supplies (donated by YOU!) with the children, listen to them sing, share hugs, and words of encouragment. It is hard to describe in a brief blog post. Hopefully the pictures will be able to communicate more of our experience (we are unable to post photos this evening....the internet connection is very ssssllloooowwww). We then were privileged to pray for the pastors of these churches, and the work that is going on there. One thing is certain: God's work is alive and active amidst the poverty. He is moving here. Changing lives. Bringing hope.

We were then able to visit a couple of homes, and here the stories of the women who lived there. Their stories of faith and hope are inspiring. Their faces, voices and homes will be forever burned in our hearts. We also were able to pray for these people, in their homes. Powerful.

Here is a brief rundown of what we will be doing in the next week...I share this not only so you know what we are doing, but also so you can pray specifically for our activities each day.

Thursday: Visit Merkato Street Children project and Peer house visits.
Friday: Home visit to families of at risk children. Work project activities like painting and home repair.
Saturday: Visit Nathreth/Sodore
Sunday: Back to Addis and Worship at Emmanuael Faith Baptist Church/rest.
Monday: Prayer time with staff. Home visit to families of at risk children.
Tuesday: Interview with some hard core children and families.
Wednesday: Medical screening for women and children at Merkato Project. Youth ministry (hard core and at risk children).
Thursday: Shopping, packing, and leaving Addis to head HOME!

We will try to update again soon...Thank you for your continued prayers and love. We feel them.

Peace....

The Africa Team

(by Allyson)