Pictures of Ethiopia

There is so much that I have wanted to share about Ethiopia, and about our short time there.  To be honest, I have not been able to put into words what my heart feels and my mind is still processing.  I have wanted to share about Bisrat, one of our translators and guides, but I cannot do his story justice.  I still need to try.  I have wanted to share about seeing children...everywhere....beautiful children, with smiles that a heart cannot forget.  There are thousands of kids, just in Addis Ababa living on the streets, day in and day out, on the streets with no parents, no assurance that they will have food, no one to care for them and teach them.
I have wanted to share about the way the people in Ethiopia have captured my heart, and how not a day goes by that I don't think of, not just Havyn, but Ethiopia. 

I don't know how to tell this story.  I am still trying to sift through it all.   So, for now I will share some pictures.  I have to say that I was somewhat shy about taking pictures.  I did not want to invade people's privacy.  I am going to try to take more pictures on this next trip, while still remaining respectful of the people and their culture.
 

Riding in a vehicle was a little frightening.  Bissy told us that they drive
by negotiation in Ethiopia.  No lights, No stop signs, No rules.  Yet
very few accidents...go figure.

A wealthy home.  There are some of these types of homes here and there,
admidst such poverty.

At our agency's transition home, the ladies handwash the laundry and hang
it to dry in the courtyard daily. 

House of Hope Transition Home.  I need to get a better picture
of it next time.  The ladies are handwashing
the laundry under that red canopy in the left corner.

Shops.

This man's job was to open the gate for those entering the Guest Home.
He had a great smile, and always greeted us with kindness.

Playing Soccer.  This was during the day when many other
children were in school.  These children were not....

More Shops.

I had to get a picture of the scaffolding.  It looked so dangerous.  They are
just sticks, placed carefully together.  I guess they have a certain way
of doing it so that it holds.

Beautiful Ethiopia

A coffee ceremony
(don't click on the word "coffee" - for some reason when I type certain
words, it is highlighting it and sending you to another webpage.  
Very Strange) 

Bissy (on the left) and our driver that day (unfortunately, I forget his name). 

Traditional Ethiopian food.  There were 7 of us eating that evening
at the restaurant, and we all shared this plate of food.  There are
no utensils, you take a piece of Injera (rolls of Ethiopian bread), and scoop
up your food with the Injera.  It is delicious!