Addis Ababa- The Beautiful Flower

Diesel fumes. Dust. Dirt. Wild Dogs. The Chanting of Muslims. Beggars. Goats.

Friendly, Proud, Beautiful, Intriguing, and Charismatic.

Addis Ababa is a city of contradictions, of the haves and have nots, of a constant cycle of struggle and hope. Just walking the streets I sensed that there was a feeling of fierce independence intertwined with the need for each other, the need for brotherly love.

Though Addis is not a top destination choice for many travelers, I would return there in a heartbeat. There is something so real, so vibrant about this city that it calls to me to return.

Ethiopia Part 2

Driving in the rural areas of Ethiopia, I was able to observe the daily routines of many Ethiopians. Gone were my complaints of cockroaches in the hotel. Gone were my materialistic thoughts and Western "need" for more. Though this was not my first visit to a third world country, it was the culture shock that I need to set me in my place. These happy, charismatic people work their fingers to the bone for less than $1 a day. Their short lives are filled with turmoil and pain. And yet they work. What a lesson for us all.

Ethiopia: Part 1

Ethiopia is a vibrant land, so full of life that it is hard to describe. The best way for me to pass on my experiences is to show you some snapshots. This post will cover the more religious aspect of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is comprised of Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants.

I went and toured the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and stumbled upon these pious church members. The spirituality in Ethiopia is so strong; I spent the majority of my time there with Protestant leaders in Lutheran Hour Ministries. The Spirit is moving through these Protestants, and God's grace is being revealed to many Ethiopians.