Today has possibly been the most taxing so far, in so many ways. I witnessed the emotions of gift giver and receiver in one fell swoop. Mary and Homer ,who have funded a well, originally decided not to visit Ethiopia as their gift was God’s work and it would be arrogant to take credit. But they are here with us, and their presence has demonstrated both the importance and impact of giving.

Last night, Mary, in her sweetest British Mary Poppins accent, inquired about how long it takes from funding until a well is operational. We discussed the importance of seeing the people who are impacted by a donation and witnessing the impact first hand. All the while, Mary had no idea that the first event of the day today would be the inauguration of her well. After driving for hours and walking in the hot sun, a joyous celebration could be heard vibrating from the people awaiting our arrival. As a drum beat kept the cadence, villagers clapped, danced and made the lalalala sound of ululation indicating their joy and happiness. Flags heralded Mary and Homer’s entrance into the fold of celebrators. 

The celebration continued after visiting their well. A shade was secured and a feast was shared of bread and local honey (honey burgers), coffee, roasted chickpeas, and popcorn. Homer and Mary both spoke of the small role they had played and the great pleasure they had received. Mary’s comments included, "This day was one of the highlights of my marriage." Their well will serve 250 people whose lives have been changed because of the gift of water. I was moved to tears both by the gratitude shared by the villagers and by the gift made possible by Homer and Mary. 

Our next stop was a hand-dug well located deep in a gorge. The walk, better decribed as a slide and stumble, took approximately 25 minutes. Again, revelers were awaiting our arrival. The hand-dug well was in progress at 7 meters depth, with 7 more to be completed. The technicians use pickaxes to chip away at the walls of the well. A bucket and pulley haul up the debris and the process continues. Once the correct depth is reached, the well is capped, a pump is installed, and tests are completed to certify the well. 

My experiences have made me very grateful  and yet I feel guilty for my little complaints. I hear others mention a lack of hot water, or the roughness of towels, or the slowness of service. I realize that perhaps we are spoiled Americans, and yet our standards are a part of our culture as is the sharing of bread and participation in the coffee ceremony is part of the Ethiopian culture. 

Tonight, after riding for hours and experiencing numerous hairpin turns or bends (depending on your country of origin), unmarked road constructions, and the occasional errant donkey, goat, or cow, we arrived at the Gheralta Lodge. As I trekked to my hut, I asked about the strange noises I was hearing and whether they were from hyenas and the reply was that, probably, or maybe wild dogs. Expecting the worst, instead I was presented with an amazing true lodge-style hotel. The lodge offers a free first drink for new guests, and I chose a South African red wine. The menu offers both traditional Ethiopian fare and Italian food as the owner is from Italy. The vegetables and salad are all organic and from the restaurant’s own garden. 

After dinner, I washed the day’s dust off my weary body with an extra hot shower and relaxed to the serenade of the hyenas or wild dogs as I drifted off to sleep. 

 

 

Today has possibly been the most taxing so far, in so many ways. I witnessed the emotions of gift giver and receiver in one fell swoop. Mary and Homer ,who have funded a well, originally decided not to visit Ethiopia as their gift was God’s work and it would be arrogant to take credit. But they are here with us, and their presence has demonstrated both the importance and impact of giving.

Last night, Mary, in her sweetest British Mary Poppins accent, inquired about how long it takes from funding until a well is operational. We discussed the importance of seeing the people who are impacted by a donation and witnessing the impact first hand. All the while, Mary had no idea that the first event of the day today would be the inauguration of her well. After driving for hours and walking in the hot sun, a joyous celebration could be heard vibrating from the people awaiting our arrival. As a drum beat kept the cadence, villagers clapped, danced and made the lalalala sound of ululation indicating their joy and happiness. Flags heralded Mary and Homer’s entrance into the fold of celebrators. 

The celebration continued after visiting their well. A shade was secured and a feast was shared of bread and local honey (honey burgers), coffee, roasted chickpeas, and popcorn. Homer and Mary both spoke of the small role they had played and the great pleasure they had received. Mary’s comments included, "This day was one of the highlights of my marriage." Their well will serve 250 people whose lives have been changed because of the gift of water. I was moved to tears both by the gratitude shared by the villagers and by the gift made possible by Homer and Mary. 

Our next stop was a hand-dug well located deep in a gorge. The walk, better decribed as a slide and stumble, took approximately 25 minutes. Again, revelers were awaiting our arrival. The hand-dug well was in progress at 7 meters depth, with 7 more to be completed. The technicians use pickaxes to chip away at the walls of the well. A bucket and pulley haul up the debris and the process continues. Once the correct depth is reached, the well is capped, a pump is installed, and tests are completed to certify the well. 

My experiences have made me very grateful  and yet I feel guilty for my little complaints. I hear others mention a lack of hot water, or the roughness of towels, or the slowness of service. I realize that perhaps we are spoiled Americans, and yet our standards are a part of our culture as is the sharing of bread and participation in the coffee ceremony is part of the Ethiopian culture. 

Tonight, after riding for hours and experiencing numerous hairpin turns or bends (depending on your country of origin), unmarked road constructions, and the occasional errant donkey, goat, or cow, we arrived at the Gheralta Lodge. As I trekked to my hut, I asked about the strange noises I was hearing and whether they were from hyenas and the reply was that, probably, or maybe wild dogs. Expecting the worst, instead I was presented with an amazing true lodge-style hotel. The lodge offers a free first drink for new guests, and I chose a South African red wine. The menu offers both traditional Ethiopian fare and Italian food as the owner is from Italy. The vegetables and salad are all organic and from the restaurant’s own garden. 

After dinner, I washed the day’s dust off my weary body with an extra hot shower and relaxed to the serenade of the hyenas or wild dogs as I drifted off to sleep.