Final flight

What a wonderful 2 weeks it has been: memories made and hearts changed! 

We just safely touched down in Indianapolis after about 35 hours of travel time. All I can think of now is this song:

Back home again in Indiana oh it seems Back home again in Indiana oh it seems that I can see

That gleaming candlelight still burning bright
Through the sycamores for me
That new mown hay sends all it's fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
Oh I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
Then I long for my Indiana home

Back home again in Indiana oh it seems that I can see
That gleaming candlelight still flickering bright
Through the sycamores for me
Lotsa mown hay sends all it's fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
And I long for my Indiana home

 I can see
That gleaming candlelight still burning bright
Through the sycamores for me
That new mown hay sends all it's fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
Oh I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
Then I long for my Indiana home

Back home again in Indiana oh it seems that I can see
That gleaming candlelight still flickering bright
Through the sycamores for me
Lotsa mown hay sends all it's fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
And I long for my Indiana home

What Can Brown Do For You?

I found an Ethiopian UPS truck on our last day.

Today I start the journey home to my UPS man!! 

Alert Hospital

ALERT is a medical facility on the edge of Addis Ababa, specializing in Hansen’s disease, also known as “leprosy”. It was originally the All Africa Leprosy Rehabilitation and Training Center (hence the acronym), but the official name is now expanded to include tuberculosis: All Africa Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Rehabilitation Training Center.

Men and women affected by tuberculosis raise money by sewing, making rugs, weaving, looming, and embroidery. We were able to watch them make their products which was so so amazing. What special people they are! We also were able to purchase some of their merchandise that they have made. What a great last trip before we head to the airport! 

It was such an honor to sit by this lady after she asked me if I wanted to try of myself! 

She will probably have to redo this once I leave!!

Such intricate work! 

 This man is making rugs. It was amazing to watch him! 

One Stich at a Time

This one is for you Louise!!!

While walking the streets of Ethiopia, we would occasionally come across men and women sewing. I loved watching them! Shoes or no shoes, they make their living sewing. 

Early Monday morning, Anna and I walked to a fabric store that we had passed a few days earlier. When we got there, we saw that it was closed, but the two older men were inside sewing. They saw us outside the window and allowed us in. It was beautiful inside with all of their different colors and types of fabric. Anna picked out what she wanted, and the guys had to get the lady from the back of the store since they did not speak English. We had a wonderful time visiting with them!! 

Roadside markets and shops

Instead of Wal-mart, Kroger, and Marsh stores every 30miles, there are small roadside stores almost on each street as well as market areas for produce. The small stores may carry anything from soda and candy to soap and playing cards. I enjoyed checking out these little stores just to see the different Ethiopian items! The store workers spoke just a little English so it was entertaining to try and point to what we needed! 

Van Ride Views

We have taken many van rides in Ethiopia to get to each of the different orphanages. Throughout our journeys, we have seen a lot of what daily life is like on the streets. The traffic here is crazy as well. There are very few stop lights, lines on the road are ignored, and it's common to be in a traffic jam of 6-8 cars trying to go different directions! We almost hit someone on their motorbike who crossed lanes in front of us - thank God he had no major injuries and got up with a smile. Here are some of the things we see as we drive: 

Meat stores look like this. There is a grinder sitting on the counter if needed, and the carcasses just hang until bought. 

Here is an ambulance. 

We have seen a few of these horse drawn "carriages" 

Children are adorable and wave at us all the time!! 

Goats, rams, and sheep are herded through the streets and frequently stop traffic.

Homes like this one are seen on about every street we turn on. It's hard to even imagine that someone lives there, sleep there, and calls this home. 

Donkeys walk the streets as they carry building materials, wood, food, and just about anything for their owner. 

Large, open areas are turned into futbol fields - some have goals made of sticks, some do not.

The use for eucalyptus tree logs is immeasurable - for building, scaffolding, cooking, as a incence, fuel for a fire, futbol goals, fences, and so much more. We have see many businesses selling the logs. 

Vehicles with flowers on the front symbolize a wedding. We saw a lot of these wedding parties drive through town on Saturday and Sunday. The bride and groom are usually in the front car with the party behind is other vehicles. Sometime the wedding party sit on the outside of the car and they honk all the way through town. 

Cobblestone roads are very popular throughout the city.

There was a huge line of people along a sidewalk. When we finally turned, I saw that they were in line for the theater!! 

Vegetables, fruit, and other produce are frequently transportd in wheelbarrows. 

Meals in Ethiopia

Okay........for all of those who have worried about what we are eating, here you go! We have had almost all of our meals prepared at the Ethiopian Guest House, and they have been delicious! Our cook had done a fabulous job In trying to make as many American-like meals as possible! It has been fun listening to how they pronounce our American dishes! It was hard for them to say fajita, spaghetti, lasagna, and macaroni!!! 

Our dinner table, our cook, omelets for breakfast one morning, and French fries with a rice dish

French toast with scrambled eggs, pasta dish, pizza with fries, and lasagna with salad

Chicken fajitas (and yes, these would be easy to eat on the road!), Ethiopian pancakes, and the awesome popcorn that we had on our traditional night.

Needless to say, they have fed us very well and there usually isn't anything left on the table when we are done!