A Walk to Beautiful

I received this email from the leader of the Ethiopia Support Group:

" Friends of Ethiopia,

Just a note in case you have not heard about the PBS Nova Special about the Fistula Hospital In Addis Ababa. Several of us visited this amazing facility. Encourage others to see it too.

"A Walk to Beautiful"

In Sacramento, KVIE Channel 6 will re-broadcast it this Saturday, at 3:00 pm. Check your local paper for other times!"

Sounds like a powerful film.

A little game

Just wondering how many of you can accurately name the famous Ethiopian foodstuff I've pictured at the bottom of my links?

I'm pretty sure this is what will be keeping me alive.

CDC Says!

Shots for:

1. Yellow Fever
2. Hepatitis A
3. Hepatitis B
4. Typhoid
5. Meningococall
6. Rabies
7. Polio

Just A Few

So I'm sitting at my computer trying to gather my thoughts about the trip. I just can't seem to put them in any logical or poetic order. I'll share them in the raw:

1. I wonder to what extent Haile Sellassie, Bob Marley, and Rastafarianism enter into the mind of the average Ethiopian.
2. The Rift Valley cuts through Ethiopia.
3. I've got to pray a lot more than I do.
4. In what way will I fast.
5. How much will I miss my conveniences?
6. Did you see those photos . . . we're talking wide open spaces . . . places to worship God.
7. Did you see that church . . . do I get the honor of worshipping there? Finally, a simple church building!!!
8. How am I going to stash all those Birr?
9. Walking, lots of walking . . . feet hold up please.
10. Living simple.
11. Who will become my friends?
12. What social mistakes will I make?
13. I really want to drive from Addis to Jima to Masha.
14. Should I really get that tent? (I just can't get used to the idea of sleeping in a tent on a bed. Malaria is not an issue but will those rats be?)
15. People everywhere, all the time. Comfortable with embracing. America is a lonely place.
16. Will the warmness of their smiles and happiness in their eyes rub off on me?
17. No hiding out at the base, get out amongst the people.
18. Will my stomach handle the different foods, the water, the smells?
19. Will my allergies act up?
20. How often will I be able to communicate with my family?
21. Will I get taken advantage of when buying goods?
22. Are the students really that motivated and focused?
23. To what extent will I become part of the community (I really want to be part of the community!) and close to people?
24. Is dressing like a local cool or will I look like poser?
25. How hard will it be psychologically to come home to the U.S.? Who will I miss?

A Preview

Skip Ohs, a member of Fremont's support team has created a gallery of photos taken by previous years teachers. The link is to your right at FPC Projects. Can't wait to see this beautiful country and meet my brothers and sisters.

Simply Humbled by Your Generosity

Thank you to everyone who is making this trip possible. I recieved your donations the other day. I just can't believe that this is really going to happen. Again many thanks.

The Easy Part of Getting Ready

So I had this vibe that I should go to the thrift store tonight; I just had this feeling that I would find what I needed. Indeed I did. I came home with a nice Lands End Sportcoat (cost $6.00) and a sturdy carry-on bag (cost $4.00). Both are in very good condition. In fact, both look just like the pictures above but cost a lot less.

Now I know what you're thinking - a sportscoat? Yes, in fact a lightweight wool sportcoat will be appropriate for both the climate (50 degrees in July) and social occasions, especially going to church.

I'm planning on packing very light. Here is my first draft of a list:

3-5 pair of lightweight wool socks

3-5 pair of travel undergarments

1 long sleeve base layer

1 base layer long john

1 pair leather boots

2 pair of khakis

3 button up shirts

1 sport coat

small umbrella

1 t-shirt

1 light wool sweater

belt

light polyester coat

Clothing wise am I missing anything?