Addis, Injera and Economics (March 2)

We visited the Peace Center again this morning.  It is an Ethiopian holiday today honoring soldiers from the past, so many people had time off from work. It was interesting to see some old soldiers walking down one street in uniforms that still fit many years later.  Anyway, this holiday allowed Mike (pronounced Mickey) to join us for our taxi ride over to meet Addis and the boys.  Addis is an inspiring young worship leader, even though we don't understand his words when he speaks to the boys in Amharic.  His expressions and delivery tell a lot.  I've had the great good fortune to chat with him at some length, and this 27-year-old dedicated Christian who is finishing up studies in medical technology is on fire for the Lord.  He has great warmth of personality and a solid faith that shines through everything he does.

Later, when we returned to Moria'h House to share in a traditional Ethiopian meal consisting of Injera (the standard sponge-like pancake that is served with virtually all meals and used in place of utensils), different kinds of Wot (made of green beans and onions, cabbage and carrots, and potatoes for this meal), and Shiro (one of the most traditional of all Ethiopian foods).  These foods take a little getting used to for American palates, and all of us found the Shiro to be the most challenging in the taste category.  I enjoyed tasting everything, practicing my Ethiopian style of eating, and being served by the staff we've come to love very dearly.

Before the meal, we shared a time of singing with the younger boys. First, we sang them some songs we knew, and had them enjoy helping us clap hands, stomp feet and shout for one tune.  Then, they sang us many songs they have learned in Sunday School.  One boy, who it turns out has taken the most quickly to American football, sang a lovely solo.  And just about all of the boys joined in small groups to lead other songs.

Following the meal, we offered gifts to the five new children we met today for the first time.  They were from Moria'h's other house that is much farther away.  We may go to this smaller house on Saturday morning to see the facility and share more time with the children there.  After this was done, the children went outside to play, and we were provided with another coffee ceremony.  This provided the perfect time for us to deliver a donation of $230 American dollars, which is approximately 3800 Ethiopian birr.  This will cover an entire month's rent for both houses, and was received with great appreciation.  An additional donation of $60 American dollars was made by our Tennessee trip-mate, Jean.  This will be put toward food supplies which have been rapidly inflating in price.

Jerry kindly took us shopping late in the afternoon so that Jean and I could purchase some food supplies (rice, sugar and oil) for the families of our Compassion kids who we'll be meeting tomorrow and Friday.  Then, we went to her home where we met her husband, Teme, for the first time.  They are most gracious hosts and we were pleased to take them to dinner before we returned to our lodging for the night.

Our experiences so far are wonderful, informative, interesting, enjoyable, eye-opening, and many more adjectives we'll surely speak about in upcoming messages.