that's a wrap

What a day!  Our time at Ekklesia has come to an end for this trip.  Although we were very sad to go, it was good to get back to the guest house for some rest after a long day.  The team was amazing as they really showed their patience and flexibility as things got switched around and changed.

Grace, Terry, and Joyce filled in where needed in the chaotic classrooms - the kids spent far more hours in there than they normally do.  Drew was great with pictures and making the kids laugh while he learned more of the language from his new friend Frew.  Alyssa and Emily were willing to fill in wherever needed and just picked up and helped without even being asked.  Grace, Natosha, and Ryan spent time with the kids in and out of the classroom going wherever they were needed.  (Melanie stayed back at the guest house to recuperate and worried about us because we got home so late.)  Truly amazing group - each and everyone brings something unique to the table.   

The children LOVED their care packages!  It was great to see them smile as they saw the treasures of what we might consider silly - socks, underwear, colored pencils, etc.  You truly blessed the children at Ekklesia.  Thanks again to all your work on those.  We couldn’t have done it without your help!

After lunch, the staff at Ekklesia had baked homemade bread and popcorn for us.  They served us with a coffee ceremony as well.  Then the students from each classroom presented us with a poem, song, and verbal thank you.  It was amazing to hear the children with such gratitude over things we might consider so small.  

I continue to be amazed by the people we work with in Ethiopia.  Their humility, hospitality, and faith is inspiring!  I look forward to our years here for as long as God allows.