Day 4 and our first stop today will be Mother Theresa Orphanage. Before we head out this morning, I found myself enjoying the warm sunshine and gentle breeze on the back balcony on the third floor of our guest home. Just me and my camera enjoying the morning and trying to capture memories. A couple cats roaming around the area. People walking down the alleyway. The guest home maids taking our sheets and towels out the back to wash them. After a while I had this thought, “They know I’m out here, right? They wouldn’t leave without me?”. Overly confident in thinking they would know I was up there, I kept enjoying the view. After a bit longer I went back into the room. Empty. As I went down the stairs it was awfully quiet. They did leave! ha! Even though I knew I was safe and they would come back, you still get this sort of mild panicky feeling. The sweet girl downstairs assured me that they had just left a few minutes ago and she called Aki on his cell phone. It was understandable that they missed me because we get into 2 different vans. Thankfully they were back within a few minutes. ha!

The first stop was at Mother Theresa Orphanage. The woman who has the title as ‘Ethiopia’s Mother Theresa’, Abebech Gobena, shares an amazing story of how this orphanage started…

So this amazing orphanage that we were able to visit is wonderful. The children are thriving. Currently the orphanage is not taking any more children or teenagers. They do have a medical clinic that helps others though, it appears. We were not able to take pictures or video of this place for protection of the children. We spent some time with the boys in the soccer field. I sat down with one twelve-year old. He explained that he had been there since he was 2 years old (or perhaps for 2 years, but the later seemed more likely).

“Do you have a brother or sister here?” I asked

He replied, “No. My mother, father and brother were killed” as he motioned a machine gun shooting into the air.

He is a very intelligent and kind 12 year old. He explained that his village is near the Ethiopian border near Somalia. I explained that I have 3 children and where I live we have snow. He knew of snow and tried to teach me how to say ‘snow’ in Amharic. I asked him if the kids ever fight and he smiled and quickly shook his head ‘No’ and said that there were consequences for fighting. He explained that the boy’s dorm has a cat and the girl’s dorm has a dog as pets. He wants to be a doctor when he grows up. His peaceful, kind presence was so pleasant.

This is something that is very strikingly powerful about these orphaned children – and even those living in extreme poverty like the street children or those in Korah. They have aspirations and dreams. How many explained to me that they want to grow up to be doctors, pilots, business men… These are not throw-away children. They are children . . . just born in a different part of the world. They are priceless.

For lunch, Aki (our interpreter, friend and guide) invited us to visit his home and have our box lunch there. He even stopped at a roadside market and bought us a bunch of bananas. We love Aki. He is an amazing man of God. If you’re ever in Addis Ababa, please consider meeting him, staying at his new guest house (beautiful!) or hiring him as your interpreter. He’s left a powerful impression on all of our hearts.

Our last visit for the day is a place called, Sports Bridge. This place offers street children a place to learn teamwork through sports and a place to be safe and out of trouble. This organization is not a christian group, so they did not allow us to pass out any gifts we had planned to give them. That was fine. We have to trust that God placed our team in meeting with Sports Bridge. Perhaps a relationship will begin through this first time together. We noticed that these boys were playing soccer in barefeet, broken shoes, socks or even just one shoe. Aki took some shoes to them before we left for home to pass out to the boys.

* Our vans we rode in while we were in Ethiopia.

We had some extra time since we had an extra day in Ethiopia, so Diane had asked Aki if there was a place that we could ride Donkeys in the countryside. So that early evening we drove to the donkey rides. As Aki explained that we were here, we questioned why we were still in the city. ha! Aki explained that it was really difficult to be able to ride in the country, so he found a man with some donkeys that would let us ride in the city. Most of us flashed to the future… local Ethiopians laughing as Americans ride donkeys in the city (We hadn’t seen anyone riding donkeys yet). Aki could sense our worry so he found us a school courtyard that gave us permission. As the donkeys came in they rolled in the red dirt…

Now that they were nice and dirtier 1/2 of the team figured out how to mount the donkeys. This was hilarious. Some of the ladies are tall so their legs were almost touching the ground. The men were encouraging the donkeys to run as well.

Children and local people came out to watch us try to ride donkeys….

While I can say this could have been really embarassing, it was probably one of the hardest times I’ve laughed in a long time. The children and the locals watching us were laughing so hard too. They were even taking video of us on their cell phones! After the 1st group went I wasn’t thinking I would go, but I did. Donkeys are bony and cumbersome to ride – especially when they were running! It was really funny though. We were definitely sore the next day.

This isn’t a video of me, but once I get ahold of one from the other girls I’ll have to share it…

This day we did struggle a bit with feeling like we hadn’t ‘done’ much this day. We weren’t able to DO much at the orphanage and we didn’t DO much at the Sports Bridge. However, we did learn that God places us in circumstances that oftentimes we don’t know why. We don’t know what his plan is. Perhaps it was hugging a child that desperately needed time with someone. Or maybe it was developing a relationship with another group, that may lead to more opportunities in the future. One of our teammates shared how this happened on a past trip to Ethiopia. She was going to be giving shoes and teaching women how to make necklaces with Mission Ethiopia. Neither of those things happened, but she happened upon a home in Korah of a women who had premature twins. His story is here on the Baby Juddah blog.

This mother was so malnourished that her breastmilk never came in so she was feeding her premature twins cow’s milk. One twin was weaker and something was different about him. Over time it was determined that his fontanels (soft spots on the skull) were prematurely fused. Plans were made to get him to America (and God worked amazingly to get him here) for surgery. It’s an amazing God-filled story that is worth the time to read.

It is safe to say we never fully know God’s plan. And that is true on mission/mercy trips and also in every-day life. And you know what… I really like that.

 ⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Ethiopia

Sunday morning, day 3 in Addis Ababa. This is our day of rest. Yes, it’s only day 3, but the first 2 days feel like about a week long. There are a lot of churches in Addis – Muslim Mosques, Orthodox churches and then Christian churches. We wanted to experience an Ethiopian christian service, but be able to understand. Beza International Church has an english interpreter, so we went there. It’s quite a large church – likely the largest? They were having an ‘Africa Arise’ conference that was ending that day, so there were christian pastors and leaders from all over the world present at the service. The energy at the worship was amazing. We were sort of in the back near the young families but in the front the congregation was jumping and dancing along with the worship team in the front. I caught a bit here . . . (the singing is in Amharik language here). It’s neat to see how the congregation bursts with praise during the song.

The general message spoke about God's time - Kairos compared to Human time - Chronos. How things can happen at God's-time 'Kairos' much quicker than they could ever happen in 'Chronos' human time. How the God on the mountain is also the God in the valley. Also, how our adversary will try to 'distract' us from our purpose. To have 'traction' is a grip/grasp and to 'dis' or 'take away' that traction is exactly the goal of satan. It was a very awesome message. It was so wonderful to see Africans worshiping the same God. It's truly a family when you're believers in Christ. God is moving in Kairo's-time in Africa!


That evening we had reservations to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner - Injera. Aki, our friend and interpreter, and our new good friend, Joe, joined us - along with our two drivers. The dinner also has traditional dances from different tribes in Ethiopia. We had such fun laughing and enjoying our new friendships. I knew no one going on this trip aside from emails and our 2 team meetings. Day 3 on this trip and I can honestly say these women and men are my sisters and brothers. I will always love them. I love how God's greatest blessings are in the form of loving relationships.


 *Joe, Edie and Caryn

* our Virginia girls, Jody & Aimee

* Aki and Diane

* Quianna asking Aki to explain what we were about to eat, ha!

* trying out the Injera

* You rip a piece of bread and use it to pick up what you’d like to eat. I tried the ox and the green beans. For a picky eater, I’m pretty excited that I was willing to try it. It wasn’t that bad though – just an acquired taste.

* I love the expressions.

* The dancers. There were 3 women and 3 men. Their endurance was amazing!

* Aki’s favorite dance below is from his tribe, I believe. It was so fun. Love seeing Aki get into the dance!

When we arrived there was a very large group of Chinese men and women and we realized they were using sign language with each other. At this restaurant they allow some audience participation. At this time a Chinese women who was blind went on stage to sing with the Ethiopian musicians and some of her deaf friends came up to dance…. all while being taped by Christian missionaries. They did really well! It was such a fun night.

A great day and tomorrow we will be visiting an orphanage, a street children ministry and Aki’s home. A good lesson was in store for us…

Ethiopia

In Addis Ababa food is bought in roadside open-air shops. Fresh vegetables and fruits are set out for purchase. Shepherds with flocks of sheep, ox and donkeys (donkeys aren’t for food) are often walking down sidewalks and across streets. Its not uncommon to see an ox walking on its own and the people generally (it seemed) know whose ox it is. People purchase sheep and can have it on the table for a meal within 2 hours.

So late Friday afternoon we had stopped and purchased 4 sheep and with their feet tied, took them back to Korah so they could prepare the meal in time for lunch Saturday. Protein is rarely purchased because of it’s price, so this is a special gift for them so these kids can have full tummies. It wasn’t the easiest thing for we girls to do, but it’s life in Ethiopia.

When we arrived Saturday the Enjura was almost finished. I also remember when ‘Freedom’ (below) walked up to me and slipped her little hand into mine. Her little hand was chilly in the morning air. And the following hands that came up to me were also cold.

‘Freedom’ and her little brother

The kids lined up by boys and girls to enter Great Hope Church. We chuckled at the little guy all snazzy in his red jacket and sunglasses.

We introduced ourselves (with Aki’s translation to the kids into Amharik) and after some songs a couple of the ladies on our team read a book about Jesus’ miracles to the children. Then we passed out small coloring books and ziploc bags of 3 crayons. The kids don’t know how to open ziploc bags so we open them for them. How funny how we take for granted the things, like ziplocs, that we use in America.  Necklaces with crosses were happily collected by kids as well as little bracelets. Kids are kids, and sometimes some of the kids hid the necklaces or bracelets so they could get another one. There were some children ,however, that reminded the others to only take one. As a former elementary teacher and mother, this didn’t surprise me. Especially since these children have nothing. The only place I ever recall seeing a toy was at the orphanages or an old soccer ball outside of ALERT. Imagine the excess our children in America have and then these kids in Ethiopia – korah, countryside, street children … with nothing. So to empathize with their excitement to receive something small like a necklace, sticker, piece of candy… you can understand.

The two boys below are best friends. The kids in Korah (and its basically true of Ethiopians) are very affectionate. It’s perfectly normal for friends to hold hands. Men hold hands all the time and it just means they are friends. Friends hug and lean on each other all the time. Its a society built on relationship. It’s awesome.

After the time in the church (this is the church where the shoes miraculously multiplied the year prior) we had the smaller children go into a different room and the older children stay in the church. The Injera that had been cooking was then dished out and served to the children. The Injera is the flat fermented bread made from Teff (an iron-rich grain). The blood of the sheep and water and spices make the sauce – which the kids called ‘spicy’. The meat from the sheep is served on the unrolled bread with the ‘spicy’ sauce poured over the top. The bread is then ripped into pieces and is used to pick up the meat to eat. The children devoured the food quickly with orange sauce covering their mouths and chins. Deep breaths could be heard as the kids tried to cool their tongues (the ‘spicy’ is spicy!). Some children asked for water and sadly we didn’t have any. Water is typically gathered in jugs at a communal spout. I remember seeing a man walking on the street with his water and it was brown and very yucky. That’s the type of water the people drink.

* between the buildings and just a few feet from the kitchen area

The kids were hungry and they ate well. I can see my special little girl watching me in this picture below…

The ceiling of the room the younger kids ate in.

Our next visit was to a place I’ll call ‘Ararat’ (because I can’t remember the name of the village, but Ararat is the another name for the church, I believe?).  The night prior during our devotions (1 or 2 women share from the bible and then we discuss our high/low of the day, discuss our plan for tomorrow and pray) Diane explained that we would be visiting Ararat. This village is on the outskirts of Addis and is a place that God called us to.

Jody, our team member from Virgina who has been to Ethiopia a few times before (not with Soles for Jesus), mentioned to Diane that there was a place that she felt we should go to while we were in Ethiopia, but she couldn’t remember the name of the place. Jody sent Diane a link to her blog and when Diane opened the blog she saw the exact same place where she had been when she got the call to begin Soles for Jesus. With all the villages and places in Ethiopia, this was immediately more than coincidence. Diane knew we were to visit Ararat to wash the feet of the people.

For a few days before our trip and the first day in Ethiopia I had a sense that while we were there we would be involved in a spiritual battle. I know this sounds odd to some, but it was a feeling in my spirit. In America we often deny the reality of good/evil, but it is very real. Satan is real. Evil is real. I read a lot. One book that was extremely eye opening (and I finished it in about 6 hours or less because the story grips you so well) is a new book called, ‘Ascent from Darkness‘. Highly recommend it. Anyway…

So when Jody and Diane explained that the people in and around Ararat outside of the church were involved in Satan and idol worship, this affirmed why I had been feeling that way. Friday night and Saturday morning I spent time reading verses in the bible about God’s protection against evil.

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” 1 Thessalonians 3:3 and Psalm 91

As we traveled up hills  and exited the city it became more rural. We eventually turned onto another dirt road which took us into the village. The skull of an ox perched upon a fence as we drove slowly. We hit a rock that seemed to damage the underside of the van as we got closer. The people that live in the countryside are very poor as well. I almost think they had more ripped clothes – perhaps because mission and aid groups come more rarely – if ever – to these outskirt areas. The church in the village is surrounded by a high solid wall made of rocks/mud/metal. Inside the wall is the church, some rooms and the pastor’s home.  As we parked the vans and got out a few children stood shyly aside with smiles. Very different from Korah where the children run up to you and grab your hands and reach out to be picked up. Pastor G came out greeted us warmly. We walked through the metal gate into the courtyard of the church. He asked us into the church where we were able to hear the A (teenage) and B (child) choir sing. Kids in Africa sing with all their might. Five children have the volume of Forty. Pastor G spoke while Aki translated.

One of our team members, Quianna, spoke to the congregation about Jesus washing the disciples feet. Quianna made it clear that when we wash their feet they aren’t to see Americans coming to serve them, but Jesus coming to care for them through us. In Jesus’ day the lowliest servant washed feet. And yet, Jesus, washed the feet of his disciples.

“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴ Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. ¹⁵ I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  John 13:13-17 NIV

You can see the gate to the outside in the following picture. Here we are set up with a washing station & drying/measuring station. Once the person is measured the shoe runners find a pair for them and we fit them to the new owner. Our team really wanted to open the gate and allow the villagers in, but the Pastor insisted we serve the members of the church first.

Pastor G had the members of the church come to have their feet washed and get new shoes. The smiles of the people when the shoes fit was amazing. It really is greater to give!! One of our members, Melva, gave each person a little foot massage. As she massaged one woman’s feet the lady yelled out, “Praise Jesus!”.

Diane washed Pastor G’s feet and he lifted his arms in praise.

Meanwhile the villagers peeked through the hole on the bottom of the gate. We were going to be washing the feet of street children later on in the week and as the sun began to sink in the sky, we had to end. It’s so difficult to end when there seems to be a never-ending need. I know villagers were allowed in at the end and were asking for shoes and we sadly had to say that we were finished. That was not easy. I believe one little boy asked Melva, “What about me?” and she did all she could and he was able to have a pair of shoes.

A man who looked like an old shepherd came in the gate (the villagers came into the courtyard) and Caryn asked if she could give him a cross necklace. His face lit up.

With apology of not being able to give everyone shoes, we passed out bible tracts (which are small paper booklets sharing the gospel, likely John, in their language), cross necklaces and Jesus bracelets. You can see the bible tracts being held in the photo below. The photo shows the villagers and ,I believe, members of the church. I’m in the photo but I am just hiding behind someone I suppose. ha!

After the group photo we were invited by Pastor G into his home for ‘tea’. It was actually soda and some baked goods. We welcomed the soda and laughed as we were offered plates of cookies, biscuits and such. It was very gracious of them to host us this way. Pastor G explained that a few kilometers from him there were people who worship Satan and idols. He wants to reach them and asked for prayers to do so. I think he likely has Idol/Satan worship closer than a few kilometers away, it seems. He explained that the people are so poor that one day a child fell into a ditch and when they ran to help and asked what was wrong the child said he was just so hungry that he fainted. Diane suggested we pray and the Pastor and his lovely wife dropped to the floor. The people close laid their hands on them and together we prayed for his ministry, the people and the surrounding areas. As we exited his home it was already dusk and within minutes it was dark. The gate was closed, but we could hear banging on the outside. Aki with us, we counted our duffles and all of us and knew we had to quickly exit the gate and get into the vans. We could just sense from the banging and commotion outside the gate that it wasn’t a good situation.

As we came out I noticed that there were large rocks placed in front of the van tires. I gently moved one away with my foot and a child smiled oddly, picked it up and replaced it in front of the tires. Children came up a team member and began poking her and saying profane words (in english). Another child began muttering something under his breath at one of our team members and she commented that his eyes were scary and didn’t look right. As we jumped into our vans a couple children reached their arms in the van and tried to pull out the duffle bags of shoes. We had to close the windows and as I looked out my window we saw 2 children pretending to shoot us with machine guns while they laughed. Then we realized all the white bits of paper blowing in the wind and scattered everywhere on the ground were the bible tracts we had given them. This was the battle I had felt was coming. And in retrospect, it wasn’t just at this exact moment, but throughout the time at Ararat. I took very very few pictures there and I think perhaps it was because there was a very ‘off’ feeling there. It was unsettling and looking at our following days now that the trip is finished, it was very different.

As we pulled away children hung on to the 2nd van as they drove. We drove towards the end of the dirt road and someone had placed huge rocks in the path so that we wouldn’t be able to leave. However, one was moved enough that we could exit. We do not recall those large rocks being there when we arrived hours before.

We were relieved that we were safe. Honestly, I wasn’t afraid at all. I don’t recall feeling any fear. I wasn’t surprised this had happened. We talked a lot about this night with our team. THIS is the place where Jesus is also desperately needed. Its a place where it takes a lot of faith, strength, courage and persistence to remain. We were unable to meet the physical needs of many of the villagers, so how can we then meet their spiritual needs? The people of the church needed shoes too, but the villagers who worship anything but Jesus ,perhaps, needed this experience more in our opinion. However, we were not able to meet the physical needs of all people we met in Ethiopia and they did not react in the way these children did. For the most part these were children reacting this way, not upset adults. Normally when you give a child a gift they don’t swear at you. This was indeed a spiritual attack through these children towards the Christ they saw in us. We pray for these people to be saved and for these children who are being used by our adversary. Satan is understood to be very real in Africa and also in most parts of the world. Perhaps the greatest achievement of our adversary in America, is many of us not believing he exists.

We all continue prayers for the release of the evil stronghold in this village, direction of the church in Ararat and the salvation of the people and for their needs to be met. When Jody was in Ararat last she felt that things were unsettled there as well – a darkness. We sensed it as well and definitely  confirmed as we left that night.

Tomorrow, Sunday, will be our one day of rest. The last two days seemed way way way longer than two days. Sunday we are going to a church that has an English interpreter and later on a traditional restaurant. Today sure was a day to remember…

Ethiopia, Day 1 | Wisconsin Newborn Baby Photographer

* This is a personal blog series about my time in Ethiopia. Some photos are snapshots and are included to tell the story...SEE more...

Arriving in Ethiopia | Wisconsin newborn & family photographer

 * This is a personal blog series about my time in Ethiopia. Some photos are snapshots and are included to tell the sto...SEE more...

Friday morning I wake up very very early… maybe it’s still dark? I can hear the muslim call to prayer through their speakers in the city. Throughout the next week we’ll hear the muslim prayers and Orthodox prayers duel it out. It’s kind of loud and bit difficult to go back to sleep. After an hour or so of being restless I wake up and remember there is a little kitchen off of our bedroom with a window. My roommates are still sleeping and it’s a couple hours until breakfast. I normally read my bible and pray at night when the house is quiet, but since that didn’t happen last night, I decide to spend that time this morning. I climb up on the kitchen countertop and open the window and listen to the sounds of Addis Ababa waking up. The birds trill and I see men stretching and preparing for a run (ethiopians are good runners, ya know.. ). I see some people walking outside and slowly the sun peeks over the mountain in the distance. I see two people holding the hands of a child who appears to have, perhaps, cerebral palsy or some difficulty coordinating her walking. I read a bit, pray, take some ipod videos & photograph. It’s surreal to believe I am in Africa. Very surreal.

*the view from the back of our guest home

As our house wakes up we coordinate washing and getting ready with 13 women. We’re nice and civilized . Breakfast is served at about 7:30 – scrambled eggs and bread, I believe. Our cook is fabulous and makes us american food. Ethiopians tend to basically eat one main dish, Enjura. A fermented flat bread that is used to wrap bits of meat or other items (dual purpose utensil and food). We’ll be tasting it in a couple days, but it is an acquired taste. I’m honestly quite a picky eater, so I was happy with our cook. Once we’re ready we climb into our two vans. We have 2 drivers and our translator, Aki, to take us to Korah. Korah is a village within Addis Ababa that was initially started as a place to send people with Leprosy. It has since become an outcast village with estimates of 130,000 people and orphans living in extreme poverty and many suffering with major medical issues – Aids, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and much more. Some people make a living by searching through the garbage dump and reselling items or using the items/food they find. A google search about Korah will bring many videos, blogs and mission groups.

*Aki patiently answering our endless questions…

*entering Korah … children know to run to the vans

As soon as we park the vans and get out we’re greeted by the warm African sun and many many children rushing us for hugs. Little toddlers raise their arms inviting us to quickly gather them in our arms and snuggle them. Children slip their hands into yours and stand patiently next to you. Little faces smile. Older children and teens help translate as many of the children now are able to learn english through frequent visitors and also if their lucky enough to have been able to attend some school. After some hugs and greetings we walk into a little room to listen to a couple men from Korah and also a woman named Summer who came to Korah following her call from God to begin a school for children – I believe she coordinates funding and care for about 250 children? Two men speak about growing up in Korah and how difficult it is. And how with God and people standing up to help the impoverished, their lives are changed. But there are many more who need help.

* a painting on the wall inside the meeting room

After we listen, we get to rejoin the children. A couple 14 year olds (?) wave me over and we talk a little bit. They are really helpful translating the younger children’s Amharik to English for me. At one point I thought it would be neat to show them the Starfall app on my ipod. These kids are SO smart. They knew the alphabet and could count to 10. After a bit I was slowly being crushed by the kids clamboring for their turn to swipe the ipod screen and one of my team members (which we call each other ‘sole sisters’ ) rescues me. Last time I bring out my ipod. ha!

*Adrianne and a smart young lady in Korah

* my friend Adrianne and some kids we were talking with. The eldest boy explained that God told him he will be a Pastor when he grows up. I believe it!

* our team outside Great Hope Church (the green metal wall to the right is the church) visiting with the children. Last year during the washing of feet, measuring and giving shoes to the people of Korah, the team witnessed a miracle as God literally multiplied the shoes to meet the need.

The ladies explained they got goosebumps as they realized what happened. We had a miracle later in the trip… stay tuned.

* Diane Studer, founder of Soles for Jesus, with some children.

Beautiful children. Absolutely precious. You do see very dirty tattered clothes, flies on faces, runny noses and such, but their sweet faces and personalities outshine it all. I remember at one point holding one of the children and feeling her little heart beat. It was the same heartbeat I feel when I cuddle my own children. It’s no different. These are people like us. We’re all human and we are all deeply loved by the one true God. If my birth location had been different, how easily could this have been my own child. 

* This shy little girl (below, with the dolphin sticker) came up near me and when I patted her shoulder she took a step closer inviting more contact. Her name in English means ‘Freedom’. We immediately had a special bond and both days we were in Korah she held me hand and kissed my hand any chance she got.

After a while we began to walk down a dirt street to the Alert Leprosy hospital. (a really amazing and sad history of Korah and ALERT). The patients were away having their lunch so we visited the shop. The people take wool from sheep and weave amazing cloth to sell to provide for themselves.

* A man stitching outside ALERT

* A woman stitching inside one of the rooms at ALERT

* Joe, Aki and another man (forgot his name, sorry!) hanging out while we women shop the fabrics made by the ALERT residents – Beautiful craftsmanship!

After we bought some fabric and had our box lunch under a carport in the shade we heard that the women were back from their lunch and wanted to show us what they were working on. So we walked on the other side of the red metal building on the righthand side of this picture into a small metal building where some women were making yarn out
of sheared wool. They wanted us to try to do it and I tried 2x – it’s a lot trickier than they make it look. We sang Amazing Grace to these women (maybe 7 women?) and then Diane asked them if they knew Jesus. A few of the women we were standing responded that they didn’t (Aki, our translator was with us too). It surprised us because there are mission groups that visit quite often. Diane explained who Jesus was and that his offer of salvation is an easy gift to accept. One woman started to weep a little. The woman that was speaking to us said she wanted to accept him. So, with Diane and Aki’s prayer the women asked for Jesus to be in their lives. Diane explained that we are sisters in Christ and we walked around to each individual women and hugged and kissed their cheeks in the traditional manner (which is very affectionate). The women smiled and the weeping woman was wiping her tears. Diane asked if there is a church for them to attend, but Aki explained that there isn’t a church for them to attend. It really struck me how much these women wanted to go to church, but didn’t even have the option. How easily we take the chance to go to church in America. How desperate people around the world are to attend church, but many people in the world are not even allowed to own a bible for fear of imprisonment of governmental/religious persecution. The freedom we have in America is like no where else and how often we take it for granted. As we walked out of that little shed/building I started crying because these women were so desperate for human touch and love. That they also have no ability to be fed the word of God as we so easily have at home.

Our day already seemed like 2 full days packed in one, but we were to be blessed by more. Our group split into two and we went into 2 different homes for a traditional coffee ceremony. My group went to a lady’s humble home. Her name was Amsalah (I am guessing at the spelling). She welcomed us into her humble little home. We crowded together to fit on the floor. A bed behind us  and a small shelf on the other side. This was her entire home. Her 13 year old (somewhere at that age) daughter helped her prepare the coffee. Kids peeked at us from outside as we sat in her home. She quietly started some coals on fire and with a small tin put some green coffee beans on. She stirred them frequently as they slowly browned. We were sitting so close to her fire that the legs of the girls sitting in that area were getting quite warm. Her floor was put together with pieces of old vinyl flooring, presumably scraps found elsewhere or at the city dump. The walls were dirt/straw (or some combination of the sort).

How happily she welcomed us into her home. How often to we, especially women in America, frown upon the homes we have. Our home may be ‘too small’, ‘too dirty’ or ‘not as nice as some homes’. We won’t allow people over unless we have cleaned and prepped our home. Only the closest of family or friends may see our true dwelling – messes and all (sometimes not anyone).

*Amsalah preparing the coffee

We sipped our two espresso-sized coffees (she made us coffee two times, the older tradition is 3 times) and Diane asked Amsalah if there was anything we could pray for her. Her cheery face quickly turned sad. Tears began to gather as she explained that her disabled husband (motioning that his leg was cut off) and her sleep on the only bed in the hut. Her children sleep on a piece of cardboard on the floor. That same patched vinyl floor you see in the photo above. She was praying for a larger home so that her children could have a bed. Many of these people live on $2 or less a day. An entire family on $2 or less a day. As we prayed to God tears dripped off my face. To imagine my own children having to sleep on a chilly (it gets quite chilly at night in Africa) hard floor. No cozy pajamas or puffy sleeping bags or pillows. No heated home. This is extreme poverty and so many of us ,because we aren’t faced with it, can be blissfully unaware. We spend more on a fancy coffee than they do in an entire day for an entire family.

* me crushing the coffee beans. You can view a short video of this time in Amsalah’s home on vimeo.

* our friends sitting just outside the door – I believe these were the two men who spoke and said they grew up in Korah and now are part of the Great Hope Christian church in Korah

As we hugged Amsalah (there is something extremely bonding about praying with someone) we walked out of her home and immediately to the right were introduced to a boy who had just come down from the countryside. Due to an injury or infection he was blinded recently. His older sister cried in the doorway. We held his hand and one of men with us explained his story. He never flinched or responded to our speech or touch. His left eye was pussy and swollen shut. His right eye was had white spots in the lens. As we prayed for healing over this precious child we laid our hands on him. Again, for the third time that day tears easily flowed from my heart and eyes. Oh, how we so badly wished we could see him healed. This child stuck in our minds the entire rest of the trip and I know many of us prayed over and over again for him through the trip. It was heartbreaking. We discussed giving money to someone to take him to a clinic, but money does not always get to where it needs to be. There is a clinic with a ministry in Korah and our prayer is that he would receive care there. It was a very difficult situation for all of us.

Right after this we walked across the street to the Mission Ethiopia area. Mission Ethiopia’s statement is, ” to provide dignity by empowering at-risk individuals in Ethiopia with a sustainable job that allows them to glorify God by working and provide for themselves and their families with the fruit of that labor. We impact the cause of the orphan by serving to keep families intact, care for the children who are currently orphaned, and connect others with the very real need in Ethiopia.” Women with HIV/Aids, Leprosy, TB (and all in extreme poverty) are taught how to roll paper into beads and sell them. Aki explained that women who came to work with Mission Ethiopia came to know Christ while working there. Christ is the greatest gift any of us can receive. One of the walls had writing, “I love you Tayiku”. Aki explained that this child, Tayiku, had been adopted from Korah.

We were treated to lovely singing by the women working. We sang, Amazing Grace, to them and once we were finished they began singing a song I call, “Hallelujah”. As they began singing they stood up and clapped to the song. Then the bench was moved aside. Then the jumping and dancing. The ululation (the trill by the tongue during happy times) filled the air. The worshipful sweeping of the arms in front of the body. The power of their singing was stunning. The holy spirit was without a doubt in that room. Tears again covered my face. These women, with so little, find joy in their savior. To have so little, but to know they have so much in Christ. Aki translated that the song is about God outstretching his hand to save them (us) and all they (we) can say is ‘Hallelujah’. That is absolutely true.

Later on that evening we all commented how if our little videocameras hadn’t been on, we wished we could’ve jumped in with them. I’ve listened to this song many times since that afternoon and it moves me each time. They blessed us with that song.

Ways you can help…

Soles for Jesus

Mission Ethiopia

Project 61

Baer Essentials

Voice of the Martyrs

Past posts about Ethiopia…

Arriving in Ethiopia | Wisconsin newborn & family photographer

 * This is a personal blog series about my time in Ethiopia. Some photos are snapshots and are included to tell the sto...SEE more...

Jill is a professional photographer specializing in newborn, birth, maternity, baby and family photography in the Greater Milwaukee and surrounding Wisconsin areas.

Wednesday, January 25th our team from Soles for Jesus boarded planes in Milwaukee and Virginia (meeting two of our team members in Detroit) and continued on to Amsterdam – Sudan – and finally to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We arrived knowing that customs was likely to give us trouble with our 13 duffle bags of shoes. They had been confiscating these bags from other groups and charging special fees in order for the groups to get them back. We prayed for weeks before we left hoping we would be able to get through with the shoes in order to give them to the needy – the main purpose of the mission. If you’re unfamiliar with Soles for Jesus, a great video explaining the mission can be viewed on the Soles for Jesus website.

After quite a long wait to get our visa’s (it’s now about 9:30pm on Thursday night) we get our luggage and go through the scanners. Most of us get through with our duffle bags, but as my group of 4 goes through a man begins to tell us to put our luggage aside. Some of the ladies who have been on this trip before tell the others of us to try to get out of the area before our bags are really in their hands. I get to the group that has already gone through the scanners and we decide to grab everything and make a break for it out of the airport. I had been dealing with some pretty heavy plane nausea but the adrenaline from rushing out of the airport cured me pretty quickly. We knew a few of the girls from our team (and our leader, Diane) were back by the man trying to keep our bags so we were waiting outside of the doors of the airport hoping they would get the rest of the bags. These shoes are for people in such extreme poverty that they have no shoes or shoes that are too small/too big or  literally falling apart.

*waiting outside the airport doors praying the last of the bags get through and that we’re not asked back in.

After a tense number of minutes and all of us silently saying prayers, we see the rest of our team coming – with the bags. Big sigh of relief! I believe Diane said something like, “Please be kind” to the man trying to keep our bags and he waved them through. Keeping the duffles isn’t a matter of security or breaking any Ethiopian laws… it’s a way to make more money for the government.

* Diane and Julie exiting with the last of the bags.

Thankful to God for getting us through this, we met our interpreter, Aki, and his friend from Nebraska, Joe. Aki is a trusted friend and interpreter that our team has come to love and specifically hire when in Ethiopia. He’s worth every penny and more. We made our way to the two vans in the parking lot and the duffles were secured to the top of the vans. We waited a while for our friend to submit a lost luggage report (I think some items still in Amsterdam that didn’t make it to Ethiopia) but after a while we were on our way to the guest house.

As we drove into Addis Ababa it was dark. There really aren’t many street lights, so it is dark. Plenty of dogs roam the area at night. We have 2 dog lovers on our team ( Caryn, who spent time in New Orleans doing dog rescue after Hurricane Katrina and Edie, who runs a dog sitting business), so these two girls wanted to jump out and rescue them. There is a scent to Addis Ababa that we were introduced to. It’s sort of hard to describe, but as one lady said, “I’ll never forget the scent of Ethiopia”. Very true. As we drove through the city I remember thinking we must be driving through the bad part of town. It looked run down, dirty, and from a little town in Wisconsin… it could be a bit scary. I figured we’d enter the nicer side of town for our guest house, but the ‘run down’ part of addis ababa that I was seeing actually was pretty much the nicer side of town. It was late by the time we get to our guest home. The guest home has 3 levels and my group of 5 sleeps on the 3rd floor. So after getting our luggage up, taking some quick snapshots before messing up the room and then crashing for the night. We’ll be waking up in the morning to begin our first day of ministry. We’re all excited and about 9 hours ahead of our normal time zone, so after a while we fall asleep as best as we can. Thank you, God, we’re here! Tomorrow begins our first day in Ethiopia…

*Jill is a professional photographer specializing in maternity, birth, newborn, baby, child and family fine art photography serving the Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.

When I first arrived, Lukas’ daddy made me an amazing cup of coffee. Yeah, I was trying to stop drinking my coffee with so much sugar, so I asked for just black. Normally I have a little coffee with my sugar. ha! But, Lukas’ Dad surprised me by adding the perfect amount of sugar. mmmmmm… so long black coffee. LOL

Lukas needed some time to cuddle and nurse with his mommy and get sleepy, so we got a bit of a late start, but once he was content he was perfect. Love making new friends and being there to photograph this amazing (and quick!) time in their lives. xoxo ~ jill

Jill is a professional photographer specializing in maternity, birth, newborn, baby and family photography serving the Greater Milwaukee, Madison and Appleton areas.

For this image the Father was sitting with a black blanket under him. After he had his hands in the position that would be best to support his son, I positioned his newborn son into his hands. I already have an idea of where the light will fall best on the baby’s face to get dimension and depth before the baby is in position (before Dad sits down really). But once everything is set, then I will ask Dad to move ever so slightly to get the shadows and light in the places I want them. Seeing the light and how it falls on the baby’s face/eyes makes all the difference!

So here is the before….

and after….

In Lightroom I adjust a bit for white balance and exposure to make sure it’s right where I want it. Once I’m set with the basics then I bring it into Photoshop to darken the outer areas. Then I switch the image to black and white (that is what I had intended in my vision – b/w). And Voila!

And how quickly this little baby will grow out of his Father’s hands! I just love being able to see the difference between a parent and their son/daughter. Precious!

What was it that you may have noticed? Smiling? Connections? Love?

This December 2011, my father-in-law passed away. At about 1:30am we got a call that he had collapsed and was being rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Sadly, he didn’t survive. It was sudden and it threw my husband and our family into preparing for a funeral when we had originally been planning on getting together for Christmas. Do you know what brought laughter into those intense moments of grief? Pictures.

Yes, we saw my father-in-law’s posed baby portrait and senior portrait. While those were nice, the ones that brought memories, laughter and a break from the grief were the ones that showed emotion, connection and realness. My husband made a slideshow to music with images from his Dad’s life. Amidst the sadness of a funeral, people crowded around pictures and that slideshow and were able to reminisce and laugh.

As a photographer, I see many types of photography. Each photographer has their art, their style, their passion. I love curled, sleepy newborn images. I also adore natural connections between families (and I know families love these too!) This year, my personal & professional goal is the refine and develop this even more as my style of photography. I showcase a lot of posed newborn images on my blog & website, but often within each client’s session are images of parent’s cuddling their newborn or families together (in their private on-line galleries). Whether it is a child and parent, new parents and their newborn, a family together, or a couple expecting their new baby…. life is about our relationships with each other. I am so excited for this year!

Jill is a professional photographer specializing in Maternity, birth, newborn, baby, child and family photography in the Greater Milwaukee, Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin areas.

These are the moments that are easy to smile at, hope I remember them and continue on the day. I know because I do it too often. But, this morning, even though I have yet to shower, clean the house and head out the door in a little over an hour, I run downstairs to grab my camera. You see, even though I am a professional photographer, I’m sadly poor about taking time to catch these moments. Amidst the general busyness of a home with 3 small children (we are blessed with an almost 5 year old daughter, Celia – Nicholas’ twin), homeschooling my children, running a photography business, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, playing with the kids, preparing to leave for Ethiopia in under 2 weeks, errands, etc…. it is all too easy to pass a moment by with a smile and the hope that I’ll remember the moment long enough to tell my husband about it when he gets home from work. Sadly, as my twins turn 5 years old this monday, I am realizing how quickly the days, weeks, months and years have passed. All with the hope that ‘tomorrow’ I’ll be better about making sure I take time to photograph or videotape them. And now it’s 5 years later and the photos and video gets more and more scarce.

So, this morning, I took the time to put aside the work that had to be done. Grabbed my camera and captured 10 minutes from their day. A day I’ll have to remember. A day I can print out and pull out some day in the future and thank myself for taking the time to cherish their childhood.

Okay, now that I’ve made myself teary eyed, here are the photos of my boys reading together. Aaron snacking on an apple slice, Nicholas’ mis-matched pajamas, our un-fancy bed, and remnants of breakfast still on their faces. And no, I won’t edit out those crumbs off their faces. This is life  - and in this house… you might have crumbs on your face for an hour or more before mommy gets time to wipe it off.  Only being honest. My family is everything to me. And for 2012, I pray I’m better at taking time to enjoy these moments. Thanks for peeking into our busy saturday morning . . .

Jill is a professional photographer specializing in birth, maternity, newborn, baby, child and family photography in the Greater Milwaukee area.

Isn’t he a gorgeous baby. Absolutely 100% gorgeous. I love his thick black hair and his adorable cheeks. He has a couple of really awesome parents too. I can’t wait to complete his gallery of images. More to come…

Jill is a professional photographer specializing in newborn, baby, child and family photography serving the Greater Milwaukee area.