A Bumpy Ride Through the Countryside
June 9th - Day 8 Ethiopia/Germany 2023
The first night of sleep in Ethiopia was glorious. Our rooms take up the majority of the 6th floor. The view of Addis is wonderful. I'm especially glad that it gives an opportunity for those on immersion to see the hustle and bustle from a different viewpoint.
The group ate breakfast at the hotel's café. Everything from French toast to fir fir and mango juice to coffee.
Zebene, Eyosius, and Leviar met us at the hotel along with Meskerem's brother. We loaded in the van and then set off for Woliso. Depending on traffic it is a 2-3 hour drive southwest of Addis.
There are many changes over the course of this drive. In the city, people are walking everywhere and the driver has to take care to not run over anyone. Outside of the city, it is the cows, donkeys, and goats that crowd the roads. The language changes from Amharic to Oromiffa. The smog of the city breaks away for a cool fresh breeze and rain clouds. Homes in Addis are crowded and squeeze a maximum number of people into a small area. In the countryside, the homes are spread apart and have planting fields in between.
We pass through small villages and modest towns. Throughout the journey homes, livestock, and planting fields line the road. On more than one occasion we stopped for livestock in the road. These cows were not easily deterred from hanging out where they pleased.
As we passed through small villages, there were women walking to and from their homes to the center of town. Small roadside businesses offered water, produce, and other items for sale. The partly cloudy sky left the air slightly cool while the sun still lit up all the vibrant colors of the towns.
The bus was full. It is a good thing we were all family and friends that love each other! Thirteen of us along with luggage were packed into the vehicle. As we approached Woliso the excitement built. Waiting for us there would be family members that some had not seen in over ten years. Long-awaited reunions!
We arrived at the Negash Resort in Woliso. After a sigh of relief to be out of the bus, came the arms of loved ones wrapping each other tightly while tears streamed down many of our faces. A beautiful reunion.
This woman is beyond amazing. She is Meskerem's 1st mother, her birth mother. She has allowed me the honor and privilege of being Meskerem's 2nd mother, her adoptive mother. We have been able to be together several times over the years. Words are completely inadequate to describe the love, care, compassion, and bond that we share. Even though we do not speak the same languages, even though we live in this world in very different ways, there is the most beautiful communication and simple knowing that we share through tears, smiles, and long embraces. The more time we spend together the more our families bond. A shared joy in playing ball with the children. Laughter ripples through all of us as we watch the antics of the wild monkeys. Pure love and fierce protection over our one enormous blended family that grows closer each time we are together. I am beyond thankful for this woman.
Everyone spent the afternoon playing games, sharing stories, and taking pictures. Uno is definitely a game that crosses language barriers... and there was a LOT of Uno!
We all ate dinner together that night. That evening was filled with good food, laughter, and quality family time. You can tell it is a group that enjoys being together and is welcoming of all when the hotel staff are feeling like part of the family. I am so thankful for these bonds that reach across the waters, across languages, and through the years that we have spent apart.
--Amanda
For the full blog post and pictures...
June 8th - Day 7 Ethiopia/Germany 2023
We had arrived! The Bole Airport has been in a state of remodeling for the past few years. They have made many improvements and it is now much easier to navigate. Traveling with so many bags, it did take some time to find them among the various luggage carousels.
We had landed, gone through immigration, found all 14 pieces of checked luggage, and now it was time to go through customs. Each of us walked up to the conveyor belt to put the luggage through the scanner. However, we were told to only put a couple of bags on the scanner. Of all the bags we brought they only opened one. After a quick glance, they zipped it back up and we were on our way. Before heading out of the airport we gathered close to the door.
This strange feeling had come as a wave through my body. All of a sudden I felt the muscles in my shoulders release. My jaw was no longer tense. My arms and legs felt like noodles as I stood wondering what was happening.
And then I realized...
We just walked through customs. No issues. No two-hour interrogation about any medical equipment. No desperate digging for documentation and paperwork. No questions. We just walked through customs.
Two years ago we had a much different experience with trying to bring a hematology and ultrasound machine with us to the clinic. A Journey, But Not Alone: The Continued Saga of the Box - Day 3 Ethiopia 2021 This time there were no machines or significant medical equipment. Yet, I had not realized how tense and anxious my mind and body had become just being in a similar situation.
We were all tired but ready and happy to be in Addis. It is always wonderful to walk out of the airport and see the smiling faces of our friends. The hugs, the tears, the instantaneous connection right where we left off. While we are just visiting, there is a sense of being welcomed home.
I love the first ride in the taxi after we arrive in Ethiopia. My eyes take in all of the cars going by and the children walking to school. I hear the honking horns, bleating goats, and street markets. The smell is a mix of exhaust from the traffic, Ethiopian spices, and an earthy tone that reaches back to the origins of humanity.
This initial taxi ride was new though. Instead of looking at the surroundings through my own eyes, or the perception of our children, I had the honor of watching Iva take everything in. This trip has a new element for us. We are leading an immersion experience for the first time. We are humbled and honored that Iva, and soon Bill and Martie, will allow us to guide them as they discover the beauty, community, and culture of Ethiopia. Hopefully, this is just the first of many immersion experiences we will guide.
After resting at the hotel and settling in we all went to Hiwot and Zebene's home for a welcome dinner. I always feel very honored and humbled by the abundant hospitality their family practices. Before dinner, our hands are washed. They start with the most senior person in the room. You receive a squirt of soap, cleanse your hands, and a pitcher of water is poured to rinse while a basin is held underneath. Then the next most senior person in the room washes. When it gets down to all the teenagers it is fun to watch the Zebene and Burke children go back and forth about who goes next.
Dinner was plentiful. Salad. Injera. Shiro. Rice. Green beans and carrots. Doro wat with eggs. Ethiopian food has a unique variety of flavors and spices. Also, notice... no forks, spoons, or knives. The injera (flat sourdough bread) is used to scoop up these delectables.
For a treat after the meal, we are served fresh fruit. The best bananas, mango, and papaya you could ever have! After filling our bellies the games began. Uno, Cards, More Uno, Soccer... did I mention Uno. When this group of young people are together their Uno games get extremely competitive.
As the rain came through we lost electricity for a while, not unusual. It certainly didn't stop us from continuing with our evening. Part of the fun is delivering all of the donations that were sent to the clinic. Dr. Hiwot looked at and held every single item donated. Words can't express the appreciation she has for all the support. People from all over helped gather items that Fares Medium Clinic needed. Every time we travel to Ethiopia I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people. Thank you to all those that shared their love.
Eventually, the electricity was restored. We enjoyed traditional coffee, popcorn, and bread. Conversations continued well into the evening. However, the most prevalent aspect was the love that is shared among this group. It had been two years since the Burke and Zebene families had been together. Yet, all of these relationships have only grown in that time. Now, with this immersion trip, there is the opportunity to develop and share those relationships with others.
Darkness fell over the city as we rode back to the hotel in the taxi. Plenty of cars were still on the road and plenty of people were still out and about. The evening rain left the air misty and cool. We had not been in Addis for more than 12 hours, yet my heart was so full with the hope and excitement of the weeks to come.
--Amanda
For the full blog post and pictures...
A Journey, But Not Alone: June 8th - Day 7 Ethiopia/Germany 2023 (ajourneybutnotalone.blogspot.com)
Planes, Trains, and Pigeons
June 7th - Day 6 Germany/Ethiopia 2023
Another German Guesthouse... another amazing breakfast. We need to take notes friends. This is a really great way to start the day! The dining area of the guest house was quaint, cozy, and very welcoming. Having a meal there set a wonderful tone for our day.
After we were fueled for the day we had the fabulous work of trekking back down the hill to the tram and then to the train station. 5 suitcases. 7 backpacks. 7 people. Gravity worked in our favor this time. It was so much easier walking the long stretch down the hill today.
Since we were a bit more relaxed and less harried we had the opportunity to talk with people more. Siri had a lovely short conversation with an older woman at the tram platform. She initially tried to speak in German with me and Iva. All we could do was point to Siri!
As the tram arrived at the Heidelberg Train Station we all unloaded being careful not to miss any of our luggage... or people. The group started for the entrance, but Kåre and I were lagging behind a bit. As we approached the entrance to the station a young woman rushes over to us speaking another language... not German and definitely not English. Kåre and I look at each other. That must have cued the woman to ask, "Would English be easier?" We replied that yes it would. Then she proceeds to tell us how happy she is that we're here, that we're safe, and that people are ready to help us with anything we need.
Kåre and I looked at each other again. This time the woman asked, "You are refugees from Ukraine, right?" We both giggled a bit out of the sheer predicament of what to say. "No, we're from the US and traveling to Ethiopia," I replied. The woman's face maintained a bright welcoming smile. She proceeded to tell us all about the organization she volunteers with that helps refugees resettle in Germany and other parts of Europe. Her group was in front of the train station that day asking for donations. A lovely conversation ensued. (Keep this moment in mind with other posts of our journey... we noticed a theme trending.)
We took the bus into the old town where the University of Heidelberg is located. Kevin, Iva, Marcella, and Siri headed toward the student center and international student offices. Kåre, Tarike, and I looked for shops and other interesting sites. In the middle of old town, an open area is set with tables, chairs, and umbrellas under a canopy of old trees.
Kåre and Tarike decided that it would be much better for me to sit with the backpacks and enjoy some coffee while they had a small adventure of their own. Honestly, I was glad for the opportunity to simply sit and absorb the atmosphere.
Half a world away Meskerem and her best friend from Ethiopia, also named Meskerem, were arriving at the airport to begin their journey to Ethiopia. It was early in the morning for them. However, the excitement kept them up all night. What a joy to see these smiles as they began their adventure!
Back in Heidelberg, I sat. I watched. Pigeons pecked the ground searching for crumbs from the cafe's delicacies. The city buses came and went with tourists, students, and people of all ages. Tour guides had lines of visitors following them listening intently to the history of the area. The smell of coffee and the clink of cups and spoons floated on the gentle breeze blowing through the square. Lining the open space were bakeries, a Christmas shop, clothing boutiques, a student supply shop, a pizza restaurant, and a gift shop.
It is a fascinating combination of very old buildings, history, modern businesses, and people from all over. Siri and Marcella had a wonderful visit to the university. There is definitely some potential there.
We all enjoyed lunch and a treat in the old city square. The weather was beautiful, the food delicious, and the atmosphere a delight. We had a wonderful experience exploring the old city, dreaming about future plans, and taking time to simply enjoy being present in that space.
While we spent the afternoon in Heidelberg, Meskerem and Meskerem were headed to Washington DC. This is the portion of their journey that gave them the most anxiety... changing planes in DC. Cue Kevin's amazing network of people to the rescue! We are so thankful for Rich, all he does as a volunteer at the Dulles airport, and his willingness to help out young adults that are flying internationally by themselves for the first time.
Toward the end of the day, it was our last train to take in Germany. Our minds were shifting gears to what awaited us in Ethiopia. As we traveled back to Frankfurt and waited to board the overnight flight I looked back on our adventure in Germany. It was a privilege to travel together with the girls, Kevin, and Iva. The memories, university information, and opportunity to see Sven-Christian and Michelle will stick with all of us. I am thankful!
At the same time, my mind raced ahead to all we looked forward to in Ethiopia. Our dear friends, family, the clinic, giving donations, food, music, dancing, and so much more. Even though this trip would be the fifth time Kevin and I have made this journey, there was something new. This time we have the honor of hosting an immersion trip as part of our new non-profit, (W)HOLE in the Roof. Kevin's mother, Iva, and our friends, Bill and Martie, will be experiencing Ethiopia for the first time. We get to look with wonder and fresh eyes at the beauty, community, culture, and vibrancy of Ethiopia and her people. What a joy!
--Amanda
For the full blog post and pictures...
https://ajourneybutnotalone.blogspot.com/2023/07/june-7th-day-6-germanyethiopia-2023.html
Trains, Biergartens, and Breathtaking Sunsets
June 6th - Day 5 Germany/Ethiopia 2023
The time spent with Sven-Christian and Michelle was priceless. I'm thankful that we have such an extended family that loves our children, that this family stretches far and wide, and that we have the honor of watching these young people develop bonds and relationships of their own.
While our time in Erlangen had drawn to an end, our adventures in Germany had not. This morning we ventured out on our own. Equipped with specific instructions from Sven-Christian and Michelle along with Siri's expanding German vocabulary, we took a bus to the train station and then the train to Heidelberg.
It proved to be a difficult day of traveling. We had our train tickets. However, there was an accident with a train further down our route. Everything was rerouted. With this new itinerary we had an interesting stop at the train station in Osterburken. An hour to explore all that the small town train platform had to offer. The building, completed in 1866, had beautiful ornamentation in the pillars and cornerstones. However, much of the train station was not in use. It was boarded up and locked down. At the far end of the platform there was a restaurant, Rajas Curry Haus. The train being rerouted may have brought more business than the restaurant had seen all week. Our crew was especially thankful that we could pay a euro to use the bathroom (very common in Europe) and they had a small selection of ice cream.
As the train wound through the hills and around the lakes quaint villages popped into view. Each had their own charm, but were often similar in layout. Typically on a higher piece of ground stood a brick or stone church, the steeple reaching to the clouds. Homes and small businesses encircled the church building. A treeline framed out the village. If the water nearby was still enough all the picturesque beauty was reflected back to the world again.
When we arrived in Heidelberg it was a bit of a challenge to orient ourselves, buy tram tickets, and figure out which direction our hotel was in. Once we had all of our ducks (or in this case, suitcases) in a row we waited for the appropriate tram to take us North. Soon we heard sirens and loud voices. Police taped off the nearby tram platform as an ambulance arrived. There was an accident involving one of the trams and a pedestrian. We don't know the status of the pedestrian and pray that they are able to recover.
Once again we found ourselves being rerouted in a similar way with the train in Osterburken. At this point we had been traveling the majority of the day. Everyone was exhausted, frustrated, and hungry. After the tram we were supposed to take a bus up to the hotel. The route didn't bring it by very frequently. The crew voted to walk uphill on the cobblestone streets to the hotel. While it was not far... it seemed so with seven people, seven backpacks, and five suitcases in tow. We all looked pretty pathetic when we walked into the hotel lobby!
Soon all of the exhaustion and frustration melted away. After leaving the bags in our rooms, the guesthouse host pointed us toward a magical little biergarten that was a very short walk away. We entered through heavy wooden red doors and a thick stone archway. Soon we saw a canopy of grapevine that sheltered long tables and chairs. Each table was adorned with pots of dainty cheerful white flowers.
It was a relief to sit down. It was refreshing to have some beer. It was renewing to spend time as a family with most of our children over a delicious meal surrounded by such a relaxing environment. Topics darted everywhere from other places they wanted to travel to the particulars of university applications that will come soon. So good. So very very good.
With full bellies we meandered back up the hill to our guest house. The streets were quiet aside from the whir of an occasional bicycle rider. As the sun sank lower in the horizon the peaked roofs and chimneys cast shadows on the opposite side of the street. Businesses were closed for the day, which was not unusual as evening approached. There was a sense of peace, of calm, of a more relaxed way of life that the hustle we are used to. Soothing.
As we approached the guesthouse this time we all had a completely different demeanor about us. We dawdled outside soaking up the serenity of this old town. The details in the old architecture were charming and the dates of buildings always surprised us.
Despite the age of the building, the rooms were spacious and modern. The girls definitely enjoyed having the attic level with it's quirky design and high vantage point.
As it cooled off in the girls room up top we all gathered together to watch the sun set. A beautiful end to day with such a range of emotions. It was worth every bit to eventually sit together, enjoying each other's company, laughing, and talking about the adventure for tomorrow.
-- Amanda Burke
For the full blog post and pictures...
Uni, Castles, and Church Nerds
June 5th - Day 4 Germany/Ethiopia 2023
Another great breakfast of champions at Hotel Grille. In case you're wondering... yes. Yes, you will get more food pictures throughout this blog. I wish I could share the smell of coffee and sausages. The food has been delicious!
This morning it was off to FAU again to explore the university further. Marcella and Siri were able to ask questions at the student center and get further information. It is a beautiful campus with fabulous educational opportunities. I'm curious to see how the future will play out!
Michelle graduated from FAU which made her the perfect tour guide. She guided us through the library and by a variety of campus buildings and student hangouts.
Below is one of the older buildings on the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Campus. The university began in 1743. Erlangen has been its hub since 1818.
For more information... https://www.fau.eu/
After exploring uni we hopped on the train to Nürnberg. We were excited to explore the old town, see a castle, and enjoy time with Michelle and Sven-Christian. The public transportation in this area is fabulous. Between walking, buses, trams, and trains people have access to most of the area. As long as you know which platform you are supposed to be on... you're good to go. Siri may or may not continue to be bitter about some misinformation and a missed train.
Traveling via train you see an entirely different perspective of the countryside than you do by car. The old buildings, farmland, and landscape seem light pictures from a storybook at times. The merge of historical structures and new construction create a patchwork of architectural history. Cottages at the edge of vineyards pique the imagination. My eyes continued to peer into the horizon soaking in all of the new, different, and interesting sights.
We arrived at the gates to the old town of Nürnberg. The weight of the history that these stones and mortar have witnessed bears significant gravity. The first documentation of the city dates back to 1050 CE.
Completion of the old city wall and armory were completed in 1456. They surrounded this center of trade and business for centuries. During WWII the city was bombed and much of the old town was leveled. Over time it has been restored by putting the puzzle pieces of original material back together.
Walking through the cobblestoned city, surrounded by buildings of stone, stirs up a curiosity of what life may have been like in this place. I felt the questions pass through my mind. What was it like to live in this place during all the changes it has seen? Through the Black Plague? During the reformation? In the midst of WWII? As the Renaissance unfolded?
If you, too, are a church nerd... this section is for you.
If not, keep scrolling there is more on Nürnberg outside of St. Lorenz Church.
The main entrance has ornate carvings of angels and saints. As soon as you focus your eyes on one aspect of the details you suddenly find something else interesting. Beautifully carved and constructed.
The inside is also adorned with many carvings and other pieces of artwork. It is overwhelming to take it all in. This building continues to hold regular worship services as well as host special church festivals.
Even though tourists were walking all around the building stayed quiet. A few areas provided the opportunity to contemplate and pray. The candles provided a soft glow among the hard stone architecture. I couldn't help but think about the centuries of prayers that have been lifted in this space and the generations of people that have gathered here for worship.
A view from the back of the church looking toward the altar area shows the massive scale of this building. The red banners have been placed there for the extended celebration of Pentecost. I know that I would be leery of being part of their altar guild and changing the banners at the top of the arched ceiling!
The pulpit has ornate carved stone figures of the Gospel writers. The attention to every little detail is impressive. It seems like every piece of stone was carefully inspected for quality, strength, and beauty.
Groundbreaking for the construction of Saint Lorenz Lutheran Church took place in 1250 C.E. It was not completed until 1477 C.E. After WWII the buildings, including St. Lorenz, were left in desperate need of repair and rebuilding. There are 3 different organs that provide music. We happened to be in the church while one of them was being tuned. I admire the person willing to tune it. I think I heard there are over 1300 pipes between the three organs.
The round window in the back of the church serves as a symbol for Nürnberg.
Such a beautiful thought... the number of people who have been baptized in this font.
We went in search of food. Kåre wanted crepes. Uncle Sven thought she said grapes.
All were confused for a bit, but it worked out!
We also found a Lindt Chocolate store.
The building over the water is the Heilig-Geist-Spital, Holy Spirit Hospital.
It was built in 1339 to care for the ill, the elderly, and people in poverty.
The cobblestone streets are quaint. Almost like they are from a storybook. These old buildings have been remodeled on the inside and house very modern businesses and shops. Yet the outsides seem to simultaneously take you back in time. As we strolled through the streets we peeked into an art gallery. A little ice cream shop called to us and of course we had to try some.
Bridges of various kinds criss-crossed the river running through Nürnberg. The scalloped shingles were dotted with green moss. Some bridges were completely enclosed and connected buildings together over the water, others stood on heavy stone foundational pillars.
Most of our group climbed up to the Nürnberg Castle. The view of the old city gave a different perspective to the winding streets, cathedral spires, and red brown roofs.
After a full day of walking, learning, and enjoying time together we took the train back to Erlangen.
-- Amanda Burke
For the full blog post and pictures...
https://ajourneybutnotalone.blogspot.com/2023/06/june-5th-day-4-germanyethiopia-2023-uni.html
Buses, Church, Beer, and Frisbee
June 4th - Day 3 Germany/Ethiopia 2023
The sun rose early. It took the rest of us a little longer to get out of bed. Breakfast was served on the ground floor of the hotel, Hotel Grille. One of the best breakfasts you could ever want... a variety of cheeses, sausages, fruit, breads, jellies, yogurt, granola, pickles, olives, vegetables, coffee, tea, and juice. Words and pictures don't do it justice!
Fueled for the day ahead we walked to the bus stop down the street. Sven-Christian, my "foreign exchange" brother, made sure that we knew exactly what bus to get on. He told us he would be waiting at the door with our bus tickets. The bus came. He was waiting by the door. The bus slowed down and almost stopped. Then quickly sped up for the next bus stop.
While we were concerned about not getting on the bus, the worry was swept away by giggling at the look on Sven-Chritian's face! A look between slight panic, surprise, and frustration as he feverishly hit the halt button again and again.
Not to worry, he came back to get us. We caught the next bus and were only about 10 minutes late for church that morning.
Sven-Christian and Michelle are part of a "family style" church. On the first floor of the building is a kindergarten school. The church has a worship area, fellowship space, and kitchen on the second floor. In the building nextdoor they have housing for their pastor and university students.
The service was modern and contemporary. A small praise band with piano, guitar, flute, and a singer led the music. Michelle served as the worship leader and their pastor preached and presided over Holy Communion. All of the service was in German and Sven-Christian did a wonderful job at translating for us. The sermon was based on a passage from Acts and centered around helping others and keeping our eyes open for God at work in the world and miracles in our daily lives.
After worship the congregation gave us a warm welcome during their coffee and social time. Many people greeted us and we talked for a very long time with various folks. I look forward to the opportunity to worship and visit with them again.
Immediately after our time at church we started our walk up to the "berg" for the annual beer festival. Imagine a carnival with multiple biergartens all above caverns, hundreds of years old, that have kept beer the perfect temperature.
Bergkirchweich is the oldest beer festival in the world. Every Pentecost since 1755 people have gathered on the hill in Erlangen for food, dancing, and beer.
https://www.erlangen.info/bergkirchweih_erlangen/
We walked around the city near the university. Part of our trip to Germany revolves around looking at universities for Siri and Marcella. FAU in Erlangen/Nürnberg is one of the contenders.
Michelle and Sven-Christian found the perfect spot to have döner for lunch. In the late 80's Turkish immigrants in Berlin began serving these kebabs and sandwiches. Now you can find specialty shops serving döner all over Germany.
After filling our bellies with some truly delicious food we took the bus back to the hotel for a rest. Later that evening we met up with Michelle and Sven-Christian at a nearby park for a picnic and games. The highlights... Michelle and Sven-Christian pack an amazing picnic dinner, Kevin had some difficulty aiming with the frisbee, Siri found it funny, Amanda not so much, Siri and Amanda dominated at Kubb against Marcella and Tarike... bug bites, food, and fun were had by all!
We topped off the beautiful day with a fierce game of Uno (and maybe another beer!) In case you are wondering, Michelle is ruthless at Uno!
-- Amanda Burke
For the full blog post and pictures...
Planes, Trains, and Spätzle
June 3rd - Day 2 Germany/Ethiopia 2023
Day one melted into day two as we flew over the Pacific Ocean. We "slept" on the plane and arrived in Frankfurt in the afternoon.
(Yes, we has McDonald's fries when we landed in Germany. Hungry teens + not yet exchanging currency + vegetarians = desperate measures!)
All 14 checked bags came through without any trouble. In addition, may God greatly bless the wonderful people who operate the luggage storage at the Frankfurt Airport. I am so glad that we don't have to haul all of the bags around Germany!
Most of us had a new experience with riding the train from Frankfurt to Nürnberg. The ride provided a nice chance to relax more comfortably and watch the German countryside pass through the windows.
By far the best part of arriving in Germany was stepping off the train in Erlangen and seeing my "foreign exchange" brother waiting for us. I haven't seen him in years. However, it is like we just picked up where we left off. He was (re)introduced to most of his U.S. nieces and we met his amazing girlfriend.
One of the beautiful aspects of this town lies with it's walking and bicycling access. As we left the train stop we passed at least one hundred bicycles that were parked outside. The hotel was a short walk. Sven-Christian and Michelle's apartment is a short walk from there. While there are cars on the roads here, it seems that they are far outnumbered by bicycles. Some of the streets are labeled for bicycles to have the right of way over cars. Others are bicycles only.
Sven-Christian and Michelle hosted us for a traditional German dinner complete with sausages, potato salad and spätzle. We ate a wonderful meal accompanied by even better company. The conversation, smiles, and laughter lasted well into the evening.
It was dark outside as Sven-Christian walked us back to our hotel. The air had a cool refreshing breeze as we walked down the bricked sidewalks. There was a quietness that I would never expect while in a city.
After all the travel, fun conversation, and good food we all slept well.
-- Amanda Burke
For the full blog post and pictures...
June 2nd - Day 1 Germany/Ethiopia 2023
After months of planning the day is finally here... Germany and then next week... Ethiopia.
A late night turned into an early morning. Traveling just does that to me. It is hard to rest knowing that I have a few more things to pack, a little more to clean in the house, and an adventure waiting in front of us in the coming days.
14 bags.
7 backpacks.
More clinic donations than I can count. And for some reason... 48 bags of peanut M&Ms. (Kevin and the girls made a trip to Sam's!)
The generosity of people amazes me. Truly. I put the call out, tell the story about Fares Medium Clinic, and people half a world away from Ethiopia open their hearts to help. Our family is simply a conduit for what God is up to with these relationships, with the clinic, and with (W)HOLE in the Roof. I am humbled and honored that we have a front-row seat to all of this.
We look forward to bringing you along on our adventure! Enjoy the blog and pictures, share with others, and help us tell the story.
-- Amanda Burke
For the full blog post and pictures...
A Journey, But Not Alone: June 2nd - Day 1 Germany/Ethiopia 2023 (ajourneybutnotalone.blogspot.com)
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