By Jim Sorensen

We started out from Adama (otherwise known as Nazareth) at 9:30 this morning. We got to sleep late! The trip to the first stop found us getting better acquainted and sharing jokes.

The road was mostly paved and so we could hear each other better. You can see from the picture above that our “coach” is comfortable, nice and roomy and oh yes air-conditioned.
Route south from Adama to Hawassa follows the famous Rift Valley and the road goes near a number of volcanic lakes along the way. It was a treat to stop at the Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park, which is bordered by two of the lakes.

Inside the park, we saw many ostriches, a herd of Tommy Gazelles, wart hogs of all sizes, bushbucks and guinea fowls which flew up into the acacia trees probably ready to roost for the night.

Walking through a forest and tall grasses was a bit scary, but the forest guide told us there were no snakes!
Next stop was Wanje Lake where we saw a large rose-growing plantation which draws its water for the roses from the lake.

The depth of the lake has receded and we understand that the fish seem to be dying from the run-off of chemicals from the rose production….., but we witnessed several fishermen cleaning their catch for the day, which was tilapia. We had lunch at a hotel quite near to the lake, and went on our way to Hawassa.
We settled into the hotel for the night, the Haile Resort, which was built by Haile Gebreselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner for Ethiopia at the ten thousand meter distance. It is a beautiful resort, and had the first gift shops we’ve been privy to. Some of the group helped the economy by way of these shops. Mr. Tessema Hirbaye, the leader for DASSC (Development and Social Services Commission)for Mekane Yesus Church body. Tomorrow, he will lead us as we visit some of our new project sites in the area.
The Resort is located right on Lake Hawassa, so after dinner we went outside for our devotions by the lake. Dolly led the prayer of St. Francis at the end of devotions, the perfect ending to a relaxing day.

 By Jim Sorensen

We started out from Adama (otherwise known as Nazareth) at 9:30 this morning. We got to sleep late! The trip to the first stop found us getting better acquainted and sharing jokes.

The road was mostly paved and so we could hear each other better. You can see from the picture above that our “coach” is comfortable, nice and roomy and oh yes air-conditioned.
Route south from Adama to Hawassa follows the famous Rift Valley and the road goes near a number of volcanic lakes along the way. It was a treat to stop at the Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park, which is bordered by two of the lakes.

Inside the park, we saw many ostriches, a herd of Tommy Gazelles, wart hogs of all sizes, bushbucks and guinea fowls which flew up into the acacia trees probably ready to roost for the night.

Walking through a forest and tall grasses was a bit scary, but the forest guide told us there were no snakes!
Next stop was Wanje Lake where we saw a large rose-growing plantation which draws its water for the roses from the lake.

The depth of the lake has receded and we understand that the fish seem to be dying from the run-off of chemicals from the rose production….., but we witnessed several fishermen cleaning their catch for the day, which was tilapia. We had lunch at a hotel quite near to the lake, and went on our way to Hawassa.
We settled into the hotel for the night, the Haile Resort, which was built by Haile Gebreselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner for Ethiopia at the ten thousand meter distance. It is a beautiful resort, and had the first gift shops we’ve been privy to. Some of the group helped the economy by way of these shops. Mr. Tessema Hirbaye, the leader for DASSC (Development and Social Services Commission)for Mekane Yesus Church body. Tomorrow, he will lead us as we visit some of our new project sites in the area.
The Resort is located right on Lake Hawassa, so after dinner we went outside for our devotions by the lake. Dolly led the prayer of St. Francis at the end of devotions, the perfect ending to a relaxing day.