Today is another day of travel, but more importantly a day of reunions. Getting to see our fellow Ethiopian workers after a year is something I am growing to cherish. There are always many hugs and kisses given on my neck and head. The love from these brethren and the fellowship we share is an invaluable component of our work. We don’t just come teach and leave; we build real relationships that transcend cultural barriers because we believe in the gospel’s power to unite us as we follow Jesus.
Mesfin and Misgana arrived first to pick us up from the hotel. Mesfin works with the Sefera church in southern Addis and has been a key member of this work for many years. Misgana is a young professional who is developing into an excellent translator and leader of the next generation in this work. Both of them will be with us for the remainder of our trip. We strapped our bags on top, piled into the Land Cruiser, and off we went.
In the past this trip took nearly all day because the infrastructure is not good. Roads have not been developed, and everyone shares them, including animals and people. However, to my surprise, the way to Hosanna now includes a new nicely paved highway… at least part of the way. When we stopped for lunch, I asked Misgana if this paved road continued all way to Hosanna. He replied, “No. It is not very good”. Misgana is not one to overstate reality. The next part of our journey was more of what I’ve experienced in the past: Potholes and broken asphalt. Herds of donkeys, goats and sheep in the middle of the road. People on carts, walking, or just standing there. It is inconvenient to my western brain, but this is just part of life in the countryside.
We arrived in Hosanna, checked into the Victory Hotel, and took rest for a few hours. The hotel is new and is very nice by countryside standards. To my surprise the showers have good water pressure; however, the WiFi is not great. I’m having some issue accessing my blog site so for now I will continue to update only on here. If I miss some days posting an update, you can blame the WiFi. Even still, I anticipate it will be a good home base for the next few days.
We met for dinner in the restaurant downstairs and had many more reunions. Zerihun, Teshale, and Elias arrived one by one. Zerihun is another key man in this work. He works with the Kotebe church in Addis but also organizes most of the efforts we make into the countryside. Teshale works with the Durame church and will be translating for us. Elias is our driver and comedic entertainment. He has driven many people in this work, and he prides himself on keeping us safe. Aside from our Ethiopian workers, Jeff Asher and Randy Harshbarger also joined us. They have been in country since January 2 and will intersect with our work for a few days before heading out.
With our team together, we caught up, made plans, and headed off to bed. Tomorrow, we begin our work in the countryside. We are still a little travel weary, but our spirits are full and strong. I’ve already decided: it’s going to be a good day.
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