Ethiopia Day 3 - Joseph's Day

 At 500am before the sun rose, we set off on a journey to the south unlike any other.  It was Joseph's Day and our turn to see where his family is from in the heart of rural Ethiopia.

The six hour drive south went by quickly as we admired the breathtaking countryside views.  

Once in the town of Hosanna we traded our van for a four wheel drive vehicle to tackle the next hour of the journey.  

We drove until the terrain would not allow us any further by car.  Then we hopped out for the 45 minute walk to their family home.  As we got out of the car to walk there were school children near us that were amazed that the ferenji (foreigners) were in their neck of the woods.  We had a huge group of probably 100 of them following us for most of the journey.

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to with this, but it ended up being ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.  We walked through "jungle" meeting animals and neighbors along the way.

Finally, emerging from the dense foliage, there was the most breathtaking sight.  Words (or pictures) don't begin to do it justice.  There was Joseph's family's home amidst sprawling fields of green and yellow.

We were quickly greeted by family with warm smiles and open arms as they invited us into their home to visit and for chai (tea) and dabbo (bread).  As we sat sipping on tea, it was a special time for Joseph to share memories with those who loved him first.  

The family's life was a stark contrast to ours and we were so very intrigued to learn more.  They shared that many family members lived together in the one room hut which housed their beds, kitchen and fireplace, and even animals!  Outside the home they had several cows and crops including false banana and gomen (collard greens).

We visited for several hours and Joseph shared some thoughtful gifts that he brought for them including solar powered lights, solar powered audio-bibles in their language, and some special pictures that were framed.  

As the sun started to dip late in the afternoon, it was time to say our goodbyes.  But the farewells were met with the promise of a return trip.  We left with hearts full of gratitude for their hospitality, our minds filled with the sights and sounds of rural Ethiopia, and our souls touched by the unwavering spirit of Joseph's family.  We praise God for this most amazing day which was a gift to us all!

Thanks for all of your prayers for our transportation in country and for Sophia.  She seems to be back to her self and we have been blessed with an amazing driver who is keeping us safe.  Tomorrow we are excited for KASSAHUN'S DAY!!!