The Environment

Walking around the streets of Addis I have been thinking a lot about a speech I heard back in Boston from a man named Bill Stickland (check out his book ‘Making the Impossible Possible’). Mr. Strickland is a huge proponent of the importance of one’s environment in shaping a person. If “people are a product of their environment,” then it is no wonder that so much human potential in the world goes untapped when there is a lack of opportunity. I have never been one to place much value on material objects or external appearances, but it is true that these things can profoundly impact how people think on the inside.

Last weekend I spent time at a community-run “orphanage” where the children come during the day for schooling and meals before returning home at night. Many are orphans living with relatives, and others are at-risk children from impoverished families. I have so many dreams for these beautiful children, and almost wish I could build them a palace with not only hot showers, daily feasts, the best education possible, and medical care, but also marble floors, down pillows, and beautiful clothes. Because that is what I see when I look into their faces – I see that each child is a precious creation from God and I know that He wants every child on earth to have more than the best. They deserve so much. I am thankful for the care, education, and food they are getting now, but I can’t help wondering what the world will look like when “the last shall be first and the first shall be last.” Beautiful.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is truly a welcoming city, which has been helpful in the always frustrating task of acclimating to a new place. Although now I am forced to rely on everyone around me as an ignorant foreigner, with each day I learn a bit more Amharic and become more familiar with my surroundings.

The office here is rapidly expanding, so there are a lot of different relief projects happening. So far we have just been meeting the staff and learning what each of them do – understanding how NGOs operate in developing countries involves everything from field project managers, human resources, finance, grant writing, office management, and lots of support staff (procuring and transporting supplies is a huge task in itself). Next week we will be helping with nutrition programs in the Southern region that are set up as Community Therapeutic Care (CTC) units. After that we plan to learn about water purification (bio-sand projects), livestock programs, and the HIV/AIDS education program. More specifics will come later, but know that exciting things are happening in Ethiopia and God is truly blessing this work. Selam! (Peace)