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Our
morning started with the screeching of monkeys and a wonderful breakfast
at Negash Lodge located in a remote town south west of Addis which is
about a 3.5 hour drive. Our overnight trip gave us an opportunity to reflect
and debrief. Once we had a chance to refuel, we took a scenic route to
Wenchi Lake. We learned from our tour guide that the yellow flowers that
are scattered on the hillsides are called Addis Ababa which means "New
Flower." It's
such a contrast to how richly beautiful Ethiopia is, yet the poverty level
so deeply permeates throughout all of the country. We then hiked down
to the lake and took an old boat to a tiny island with only a small church
called "Cherkos Church" on its premises. The colors of the church
which are also the colors of the Ethiopian flag are green which symbolizes
the lush scenery of Ethiopia. Yellow which symbolizes the Muslims and
Christians living together peacefully and red symbolizes the blood Ethiopians
shed for their country during occupations of foreign countries. How blessed
we all felt to have been able to see and absorb in all the beauty and
experience the Ethiopian culture, for to understand the needs of a country
is to understand where the Ethiopians came from mentally, spiritually
and physically.

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