After visiting Hanna, we were able to visit Rahima, our last sponsor child. (Oh, I forgot to mention that Ethiopia celebrates Christmas this coming Tuesday. We asked each family what they would do for Christmas, and Hanna's family indicated that they didn't have any money to do anything differently, so they would just pretend it was an ordinary day. How sad!! I'm all about Christmas and I can't imagine having to skip it because of lack of funds!!)
Rahima's family is Muslim so we knew they wouldn't celebrate Christmas and weren't sure how the visit would go as they know we are a Christian family. Rahima's mother and young baby sister were home and they welcomed us with open arms. Rahima was very shy, like Kidist, but sweet and smiley like all of the sponsor girls. They spoiled us with kolo, popcorn, freshly baked cookies, other snacks, pop, and a coffee ceremony. Those just never get old!
Rahima's family was very nice and very hospitable. We enjoyed our visit a lot and did the usual question/answer and sharing of the backpack. We tried to get her to speak some English and then made our girls speak some Amharic. It is always very entertaining! Rahima's house was a room in a small compound, and as there was a courtyard we were able to teach her frisbee.
The sponsor visits were amazing and we are so thankful for all of the work and coordinating that CCFC did for us and does for these families. It has been a lot to digest and take in. We are about to have supper and it will be interesting to debrief with the girls and get their feedback. I will try to share some of their thoughts on our trip so far the next time I post.
Tomorrow we are off to Soddo - a 6 hour drive. It feels like we are spending more time in the car than out of it these days, but it has all been worth it. Thank you so much for those of you who have told me you've been praying - it means so much to us. The kids have been doing great and haven't gotten carsick and although this trip has been exhausting, it has given us many life lessons!
Now for some pictures...
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| The owner of the compound had a baby goat she was feeding with a bottle. So cute! |
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| Rahima, pouring us some delicious coffee |
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| The girls enjoyed all of the snacks and pop |
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| Presenting the backpack |
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| She had the best reactions - so fun to watch her! |
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| Playing frisbee |
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| Rahima, her mom, baby sister and our family |
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| On the way we saw at least 20 of these stands, loaded with watermelon and pumpkin |
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| We stopped in an amazing restaurant on the way back for lunch |
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| Christmas is on Tue and many places are decorated, although it is incredibly tacky! |
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| That's a coffee tree they are standing next to |
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| Banana tree |
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| Coffee cherry - the fruit is edible, and inside is the coffee bean. Too cool! |
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| E liked these sparkly rocks |
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| My mom, enjoying the fresh fruit drinks |
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| Our gang - driver is in front, CCFC staff on the other side of M |
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| Tibs which came with it's own little stove |
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| Just goofing around. |
Love the posts!! Keep them coming!! Love, Sandy
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