Traveling to a new country is always an adventure. If you have never been there before, you really do not know what to expect. You can do research, you can hear stories from other travelers who have been there, and even search images found online. But there is nothing like the experience you receive when you live-out something first-hand. Here is the beginning of my ten day adventure in a beautiful country that will always have part of my heart.
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| Airplane food. It is definitely an experience in itself. |
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| Airplane. So thankful I was next to my mum and a cute old man. |
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| Beautiful skies out the window at sunrise. Almost there! |
Prior to traveling to Ethiopia, I truly had no idea what to expect. I really did not have any precursors of even what the trip was going to entail, but I let that be my inspiration. Yes, yes, I knew what the mission was (we were doing a medical mission, holding several clinics around southern Ethiopia) but I wanted to truly experience this trip with an open heart. I let any stereotypes or stories fall from my mind, as I never like to have preceptors that can change the memories. I truly felt like I left the United States on a 13-hour flight there, anticipating what was to come... the unknown. Was Ethiopia as poor as Africa was stereotyped? What would people be like? Would everyone be miserable or happy? Did the children have shoes? Did every woman have 8 children? What the heck was true and what was just legend? Arriving in Ethiopia was a new experience, because my questions still did not have answers. Not that I was searching for them, but I really just did not know. First thing I can say is true, the people are beautiful. Not only are they stunning on the outside, with the perfect mix of chocolate and honey-drizzled skin, but they really do just have a physical beauty to them. Perhaps it's the beauty of their hearts and souls radiating through their skin and their smiles, I do not know. But I can honestly say that Ethiopians are easily the most beautiful people I have ever met, inside and out.
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| Stunning, and still only a child. |
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| Landed; happy, safe and sound (and curious!) |
We landed and had to go through security, immigration, and all that jazz. I have quite thankfully never had any problems here, so it made for a fairly easy and quick process. Leaving the airport, my eyes were like that of a curious cat... I was searching everywhere. I was truly so full of curiosity... If you don't already know this about me, I LOVE learning about other cultures. One of my favorite things to do is to truly dive in, and find out about things first hand. I want to travel the world, but not to sight-see the popular places... Not my cup of tea. I would rather visit the local villages, talk with people that actually live in the country. That's what I felt like in Ethiopia, though I was shy. I was so worried that I would accidentally offend someone, or I didn't know what to ask. Sometimes during the trip I felt very aware that I was a Caucasian (and practically glow-in-the-dark white at that), who lives in the top percentage of the worlds income (I found out in church yesterday morning that if you own a car, you are in the top percentage of the worlds income). Yup, us college kids at Tech are in the top percentage of the worlds income -- weird to think on an American level, however bluntly obvious in comparison to developing countries. Despite this fact, I never wanted to make anyone feel like I was "better" than them or that I pitied them. It was silly of me to think, because that is not how they are. Ethiopians are so genuine and pure and loving and real. It's funny cause in the United States, we worry about such frivolous things. I never realized how positively silly some of my habits were until I went to Ethiopia, habits I didn't even realize that I had. But it was such a good experience, and it opened my eyes to so many things... The adventures there changed my heart forever. I feel like I gained such an appreciation for life, and a permanent thankfulness in my heart for all that I have (which is way too much -- man do Americans have a lot of crap). But in all reality, my time in Ethiopia was difficult, trying at times, but God used the trip to truly change my heart. It's funny how you can go on a mission trip thinking how you will bless people with your time, gifts or talents, and yet you always end up being blessed. Not saying that mission trips are all selfish and nothing gets accomplished, but there is definitely an obvious blessing from God as two people interact and touch each others lives forever. How beautiful change can be.
Well, I think I shall stop there for now. I have so many stories to tell, that I could literally write on for ages... but for now I will go in sections, or in days, more so. Here is the precursor to my adventures, with many more stories (and pictures) to come. Thanks again for all those who prayed over me and my team, you all truly lifted us up as we were strong with the holy spirit guiding us along the way. In Christ's Love.
