Recap: The Work Begins

I slept alright inside of my princess mosquito net (as it became known by). It was just a big net that fit a full bunk bed inside, but it draped in lovely fashion over the bed, making me look like female royalty. The team (including Amanda) would eventually change all of my sheets to pink and decorate it with appropriate princess decorations.

Anyways, this would be the first morning that we would get to experience Ethiopian coffee and tea. And it was...phenomenal. Most of the team had at least 2 cups per day, sometimes per meal. Maybe that's the norm, but I try to stay to a 5 cup max per week. But we would need the energy: our work had begun. The medical staff went to the clinic to begin training, then organizing and inventory-ing the medical supplies. Heather and Jessica got to hang back and help paint the kitchen. Meanwhile, the construction guys started work on the Beach House renovations. Justing, Victoria, and Robert went with Shane and Austin to attend a baptism service at the lake. Because of the nature of the baptisms, Shane only took a few of us to minimize the 'western' presence there. After another wonderful meal from Yeshi, the team began work on the school house that the girls do their lessons in. This was a surprise for Allyson b/c she needed a better place to teach.

That night the team watched a video on the Fistula Hospital in Addis. Unfortunately we were unable to make a visit to the hospital due to the wedding. But watching the video was heart wrenching. Hopefully we'll be able to make a visit on our next trip to Ethiopia ;-). If you don't know about this hospital, take a look here.

After the movie we helped decorate a little bit for the wedding, and I was able to have a good conversation with Shane. I don't remember everything that was said, but I just remember that after the conversation, the Smiths wouldn't leave my prayers. And I don't mean that in a bad way, rather, a connection was made that would tie me to that family. And the only way I know how to continue to support this family best is through prayer.

So there's not too much to tell about Saturday. It was just a day of working, cold showers, great coffee, and budding friendships.