Today we came to the stark realization that we will be going home soon. Our final morning of teaching and work had to be complete today. Most of the group headed to the main Hope campus to give AIDS education to the 300 vocational students. Grant and Erik stayed behind at the Hope office to collect pictures and information for the upcoming website we are developing for them. Everyone had a good time, but was sad to begin saying goodbye.

Tonight we had the pleasure of having dinner at Dr. Minas’ house. He is the head of Hope Enterprises. On top of eating great food, we had a very productive discussion about the partnership between Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and Hope Enterprises. There are great opportunities for us to work together in the future.

Thursday, June 24th

Today was our last day out and about in Ethiopia. Dr. Minas wanted us to see the area to 250 km south of the capital where large numbers of Moslems are converting to Christianity. Hope is planning to open their 5th school in this area. The area was beautiful and very different than the mountainous countryside we have seen to date. Whereas we did visit a fantastic rural church being led by a former Moslem, we were not able to visit the site of the “hopeful” new Hope school. The road was blocked. So, after a very long day of terrifying and cramped driving, we did not realize our goal. It was frustrating at the time, but a good lesson for us schedule-driven Californians.

Our last time with many of those from Hope was dinner at a local hotel, which has a show during the meal. We were treated to traditional songs and dances while eating some of the best local fare to date. All in all, it was a great celebration with our friends.

Friday will be a day of debriefing amongst our team-members and saying a few goodbyes, so this is our last update. We fly out late Friday night Ethiopian time and return home Sunday at noon. Please pray for our safe travel as well as patience for each other and those with whom we come in contact.

Thank you for your prayer and support of all types, which has enabled us to take this life-changing trip.

See you soon.

In Him,

The Ethiopia Team