The trip to Ethiopia in June was truly a mountaintop experience – both literally and figuratively! The wells are mostly located in remote areas and required long and often difficult treks to reach them. Those treks were reminders that getting to fresh water and sometimes any water is no easy task for the women and children tasked with that job every day. The smiles on their faces as they use the new wells speak volumes about improved lives. It was a blessing to share in their joy as they welcomed us to celebrations of completed wells and allowed us to work alongside as they labored to finish wells in progress.

It was also a pleasure to meet W2T’s in-country partners that work directly with the communities in well-project development. The dedicated folks in those organizations spend many hours with the people and make the trek to their communities many times. Making those walks one time was challenging and they do it often.

Another great pleasure was the chance to see and learn about the culture and history of Ethiopia. Our guide, Alem, answered so many questions with patience and enthusiam. His love for his country was evident at every turn. He went above and beyond when he accompanied Jill and me to a monastery at the top of a mountain. While we rode mules a good part of the way, he walked every step of the 14 kilometer round trip. The trip to the top of the mountain was truly worth it. In addition to seeing the treasures of the monastery and learning more about the Orthodox faith, the view from the top was absolutely spectacular.

As I said at the beginning, the trip was a mountaintop experience, both literally and figuratively! Ameseganaloh to everyone who made it possible!
 

 

The trip to Ethiopia in June was truly a mountaintop experience – both literally and figuratively! The wells are mostly located in remote areas and required long and often difficult treks to reach them. Those treks were reminders that getting to fresh water and sometimes any water is no easy task for the women and children tasked with that job every day. The smiles on their faces as they use the new wells speak volumes about improved lives. It was a blessing to share in their joy as they welcomed us to celebrations of completed wells and allowed us to work alongside as they labored to finish wells in progress.

It was also a pleasure to meet W2T’s in-country partners that work directly with the communities in well-project development. The dedicated folks in those organizations spend many hours with the people and make the trek to their communities many times. Making those walks one time was challenging and they do it often.

Another great pleasure was the chance to see and learn about the culture and history of Ethiopia. Our guide, Alem, answered so many questions with patience and enthusiam. His love for his country was evident at every turn. He went above and beyond when he accompanied Jill and me to a monastery at the top of a mountain. While we rode mules a good part of the way, he walked every step of the 14 kilometer round trip. The trip to the top of the mountain was truly worth it. In addition to seeing the treasures of the monastery and learning more about the Orthodox faith, the view from the top was absolutely spectacular.

As I said at the beginning, the trip was a mountaintop experience, both literally and figuratively! Ameseganaloh to everyone who made it possible!