Tuesday, December 16, 2014

By the end of each day as I sit down to write this blog I need to look at my pictures to remind myself of all that has transpired before my eyes.  The sights, the sounds, the beauty of God’s creation and the people I am with and those who are nameless however their gratitude is clear. 

Speaking of God’s creation and beauty – my first picture of the day.  Asked the name of cactus – cactus. 

Oh yes, Grand mom Wahd is pleased that her grandson Amanuel and his friend Filiman are able to have this disease free water.  Wahd shared that now she has time to prepare better meals for her family and have time with her grandson. This well was funded by a campaign by Lizzie of our Water to Thrive staff. 

We walked on a number of fields like this today.  Yes, the ground is loosened, seed is spread by hand and harvesting with a small scythe.   Another example of the elements in subsistence farming in northern Ethiopia. 

Another reality of water source – before and after for this community.  Note the cattle drinking from this stream that is barely flowing.  What was the source for the people of this area and they would dig a hole in the river bed and scoop out the seepage.  Now they have this hand dug well and are most grateful. Previous source was filled with amoebas and all sorts of water borne nasty’s.   Been in use for only a couple of weeks.

Many of the wells we saw today have only been open from a few days to a couple of weeks. The funding for this well is from a South Austin, TX church Abiding Love, and Pastor Lynnae was born in Ethiopia as her parents were medical missionaries. As I shared that story a special sense of connection was felt and you do not need to know the language for that feeling. 

As we are preparing to leave, I spotted these young boys carrying their school books and I asked our host if by chance any of them had the English book and in the speed of a bullet it appeared.  The children learn English and some practice a few words with us as we are walking or at a time like this.

Our final stop of the day was very special.  First we are met by these two young me that have an amplify system hooked up to an Ethiopian instrument. 

Then I observe this man carrying a case of soft drinks over some steep rocky terrain and we have already walked at least ½ mile.  And we arrived at a spot via a 4WD vehicle and so he had to walk further. 

 

We are met by grateful ladies tossing popcorn and singing. 

 

A special shady spot has been constructed and food and beverages are ready. 

 

The water committee is typical – three women and three men.  What is different about this one is the fact that the chair and the treasurer are both women. 

 

We asked if there any school children present and at first none.  Then Emru Tekabo, age 13 and in Grade 7 appeared.  He had been in the morning session of school.  We wanted to ask him some questions however he disappeared.  And later appeared with….

While he was gone Mike asked his Mom some questions and she said he really likes math and wants to be an engineer.  With this drum in hand – who knows – he may appear in the live music scene of Austin, TX. 

The special significance of this well is it is funded by Canyon Vista Middle School of Austin, TX.  As I shared the story of how a Middle School in Austin raised funds for a well you could see the delight as it was translated in the faces of grateful Ethiopians. Young children in America – an ocean apart helping young children here in Ethiopia.  Again a sense of great appreciation.  Thanks to all involved in this Canyon Vista fund raising action.  For me to be part of it on both ends is very special and heartwarming.

 

Michael is presented this colorful handmade basket.  Its large replica is used to keep bread clean and for transport.  This smaller version for things like jewelry.  Now he is trying to figure out how to transport home. We have a full day tomorrow and then about ½ half day a several plane rides home.  Our day was full and very special for so many reasons, some of which I have tried to describe. 

-Ed Scharlau

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

By the end of each day as I sit down to write this blog I need to look at my pictures to remind myself of all that has transpired before my eyes.  The sights, the sounds, the beauty of God’s creation and the people I am with and those who are nameless however their gratitude is clear. 

Speaking of God’s creation and beauty – my first picture of the day.  Asked the name of cactus – cactus. 

Oh yes, Grand mom Wahd is pleased that her grandson Amanuel and his friend Filiman are able to have this disease free water.  Wahd shared that now she has time to prepare better meals for her family and have time with her grandson. This well was funded by a campaign by Lizzie of our Water to Thrive staff. 

We walked on a number of fields like this today.  Yes, the ground is loosened, seed is spread by hand and harvesting with a small scythe.   Another example of the elements in subsistence farming in northern Ethiopia. 

Another reality of water source – before and after for this community.  Note the cattle drinking from this stream that is barely flowing.  What was the source for the people of this area and they would dig a hole in the river bed and scoop out the seepage.  Now they have this hand dug well and are most grateful. Previous source was filled with amoebas and all sorts of water borne nasty’s.   Been in use for only a couple of weeks.

Many of the wells we saw today have only been open from a few days to a couple of weeks. The funding for this well is from a South Austin, TX church Abiding Love, and Pastor Lynnae was born in Ethiopia as her parents were medical missionaries. As I shared that story a special sense of connection was felt and you do not need to know the language for that feeling. 

As we are preparing to leave, I spotted these young boys carrying their school books and I asked our host if by chance any of them had the English book and in the speed of a bullet it appeared.  The children learn English and some practice a few words with us as we are walking or at a time like this.

Our final stop of the day was very special.  First we are met by these two young me that have an amplify system hooked up to an Ethiopian instrument. 

Then I observe this man carrying a case of soft drinks over some steep rocky terrain and we have already walked at least ½ mile.  And we arrived at a spot via a 4WD vehicle and so he had to walk further. 

 

We are met by grateful ladies tossing popcorn and singing. 

 

A special shady spot has been constructed and food and beverages are ready. 

 

The water committee is typical – three women and three men.  What is different about this one is the fact that the chair and the treasurer are both women. 

 

We asked if there any school children present and at first none.  Then Emru Tekabo, age 13 and in Grade 7 appeared.  He had been in the morning session of school.  We wanted to ask him some questions however he disappeared.  And later appeared with….

While he was gone Mike asked his Mom some questions and she said he really likes math and wants to be an engineer.  With this drum in hand – who knows – he may appear in the live music scene of Austin, TX. 

The special significance of this well is it is funded by Canyon Vista Middle School of Austin, TX.  As I shared the story of how a Middle School in Austin raised funds for a well you could see the delight as it was translated in the faces of grateful Ethiopians. Young children in America – an ocean apart helping young children here in Ethiopia.  Again a sense of great appreciation.  Thanks to all involved in this Canyon Vista fund raising action.  For me to be part of it on both ends is very special and heartwarming.

 

Michael is presented this colorful handmade basket.  Its large replica is used to keep bread clean and for transport.  This smaller version for things like jewelry.  Now he is trying to figure out how to transport home. We have a full day tomorrow and then about ½ half day a several plane rides home.  Our day was full and very special for so many reasons, some of which I have tried to describe. 

-Ed Scharlau