How can I find words to describe my experiences today? I got up very early this morning, while the rest of the household were sleeping. Was unable to unlock the front door, but was fortunately able to slip out the window to get to my driver who took me to the airport. At the airport, I met up with Dr. Feven, a young physician who, together with her medical school classmate, had spent time at mother Teresa’s places in Calcutta and Addis Ababa, and both have decided to make caring for the poorest of the poor their life mission. (These are two brilliant and exceptional christian physicians who could choose to aim for a career abroad - the dream of all bright medical professionals here [I’ll in a later post discuss the salary structure for medical professionals in Ethiopia - incredibly low pay], but have chosen to make a difference in their homeland). We flew south to Hawassa, and then by a 4wd drove two more hours on progressively poor dirt roads to a remote willage in the Sidoma province. We were joined on the way by government officials and Samson, a very talented and dedicated water engineer responsible for the Wings of Healing projects. The reception when we arrived in this remote village was overwhelming. Hundreds of villagers headed by the tribal leaders put on a show unlike anything I have ever experienced. Samson had created a gravity-flow water distribution system with water stations in 5 different locations from one source - including their school and health clinic. I just loved learning about the way they had involved the villagers to take ownership of the project and take responsibility for maintaining it. I was also happy to see that they had involved the local and regional authorities (who took pride in being involved in the project) The feast that followed required med to take part in a ritual ceremony which included eating a meal prepared by tribal women (I was able to avoid drinking the raw milk, but enjoyed the traditional ‘delicacy’ made from coffee-bean tree roots etc. I had to fight back the tears as I realized how extremely happy these villagers were to get access to clean water. In my speech I emphasized that this gift to them was not from me, but that I would make sure to covey their gratitude to our donors (I wish you could all be there to experience this firsthand )…. This is only the first of 6 such project THAF has committed to construct this year. On the way back to Hawassa we visited an amazing new project. (unfortunately my cellphone ran out of charge, so I have no pictures to show) from this 16 bed ‘home’ for patients receiving cancer therapy at the local hospital. For many this is an alternative to sleeping on the floor in or outside the hospital before and after chemotherapy or radiation. This is a forgotten and under-cared for group of patients, and most of them will probably die of their cancer. In this home they are showered with attention. A squeaky clean facility with a staff that does the utmost to make them feel loved and cared for in ways inspired by Mother Teresa. In addition to making extraordinary efforts to provide tasty and clean food appropriate for their condition, they provide nursing care and even give them massages, wash and braid their hair, provide emotional and social support and do whatever they can to lighten their burdens. Patient stay from 2 to 3 days to a couple of months, and have had patience die while in their care. They’ve only been open for three months. They have rented this large house with a large courtyard and have decorated inside and outside in ways that really impressed me. They estimate the complete cost for running this facility to US $ 30,000/year; this includes rent, staff, food and pain medications. This evening I met with the staff from APIDO, an organization we are partnering with that operates 70 treatment centers for Podoconiodis and elephantiasis in remote villages in the southern and southwestern Ethiopia. But I’ll have to share this story in a separate post… (fb)

We often hear about the downsides of Christian mission work in developing countries. And yes—some of the criticism is valid. But yesterday , I witnessed firsthand an upside. Dr. Fedeke Gemechu was born in Gimbi, Ethiopia. He attended Adventist mission schools, and his academic talent and determination led missionaries to sponsor his education—first at Walla Walla College in Washington, then medical school at Loma Linda University. He became a surgeon and worked at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. But he never forgot where he came from. Together with his late wife (also Ethiopian), he founded a school in a suburb of Addis Ababa—starting with a single classroom. Over the years, it grew into a vibrant campus with: - A school serving over 3,000 students (K–12), - A medical and dental clinic, - A pharmacy, - A farm with 45 cows and countless chickens, - A flour mill, and more—serving the local community. He’s raised support from classmates, friends, and institutions like Florida Hospital. Volunteers have come from the U.S. and Germany to help build and train. Today, I had the privilege of touring the school with Dr. Gemechu himself, who now spends much of the year here in retirement. As we walked the campus, we were surrounded by smiling, uniformed students—all eager to say “hello” and practice their English. And Dr. Gemechu isn’t alone. The couple I’m staying with have a story just as inspiring—but that’s for another post (fb)