Sunday, March 19, 2017

Happy Sunday!! Before hopping on the plane, I figured that I was coming to Ethiopia to help others and change their lives, but as clique as this sounds Ethiopia and all the people I have met so far have changed my life. We started off our morning with breakfast and the always needed cup of coffee. We then packed up the van and headed to Church. Walking into the International Evangelical Church, we were surrounded by people from all different backgrounds. We were first greeted with a sincere handshake and word of welcome, followed by several moving praise hymns. At the peace, the church-goers surrounding us asked about our background and what we were doing in Ethiopia. It is amazing to see people with from all walks of life come together for worship.

Following Church, we did what Saint Mary’s girls do best…. Eat. We experienced our first taste of traditional Ethiopian food, also known as Habisha food, at Kategna. The food was prepared on one large dish. Some of the food included, peppers, potatoes, lentil, cabbage, greens, beef, and whole fish. Instead of silverware, we used injera (a spongy bread) to eat. Overall it was a great meal.

Again, we loaded up the van for another great experience at the Hope House. The Hope House opened 12 years ago for kids who are living on the street. They house teen boys, and provide a hangout for the younger kids during the day. The older boys get back in school and find a job through this program. During the day, the younger neighborhood kids are provided with a meal. As soon as we got out of the van, we were welcomed by the younger kids. They immediately gave us hugs and held our hands. We learned about the Hope House, prayed, and sang a song with them. We didn’t really sing, because we didn’t know the words, but we tried our best to clap along. Before we parted ways with the kids, they taught us a handshake and took pictures on our phone. We didn’t have to say Ciao to everyone at the Hope House, because we headed down the street to play futbol with the older boys. In the middle of the game, we gained a few more teammates as a herd of cows walked across the field. Although we were covered in dust and might have inhaled a little too much of it, we had a great time. Anna and I really became close with our team… we were more of a squad, though. We had to end our futbol match when the rain started and we said Ciao to our new friends. On the way back to the house, we had a session of Carpool Karaoke, Addis addition.

We ended the night with another great meal. After dinner, Lauryn and I taught Dagim how to Juju on that Beat. We might have heard the voice of an angel as Anna sang us most of the words to “Cowboy Take Me Away” by the Dixie Chicks. A few rounds of “Heads Up” got us all heated and educated on Blockbuster Movies, songs, and famous stars. As we wind down the night hanging out in the living room, I can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us.

Over and out!

-Mary Ashburn Mann, ‘17