There are so many foreign places I would love to visit. History engages me. Architecture and ruins amaze me. Nature inspires me. DIfferent cultures captivate me. But above all else, it is the people of the land that give it character and beauty. On a trip outside the city, we got to see not only some of the beautiful landscapes but also the beautiful people of Ethiopia.

We often saw shepherds in the city, but they multiplied in the countryside. Girls, boys, young, and old herded goats, cows, and donkeys. Sometimes they were on horses, but mostly they were on foot. They always carried a stick to guide the animals. They would wave the stick to the left and the animals would turn left. Usually, the shepherds we saw were in groups.

Playing fuze ball on the side of the road.

These baskets hold the precious injera. A flat, spongy, sour bread that is eaten with stews and sauces. One lady told us that she makes injera twice a week. Her family eats it everyday and they store it on a tray in these beautiful baskets.

We got to experience Market Day in a local village. Clothes, baskets, shoes, dried foods, fresh foods, live animals, sugar cane, raw coffee beans and sea salt were all sold here.

Donkeys are definitely beasts of burden.

Many women and young girls climb Entoto Mountian each day to collect precious firewood. They then carry it back down the mountain to sell it in Addis Ababa. For many this is their only source of income.

We saw many creative ways to carry goods and travel distances. Not the traditional horse and buggy, but it works.

Grass is a valuable resource. Even the school yards in the country let there grass high so they can sell it. It isn’t just used for animals. There are still many homes that have grass roofs.

Superstition, religion, and profit often go hand in hand. Here are some roadside stands where locals give money to secure a good harvest, safe travels, or even just a blessing.

Many newer homes have wooden frames, then a coat of clay/manure mix, and finally a stucco type finish. They do the finishing in stages, as they have money. We saw houses in various stages. Some homes keep the grass roof, which needs to be changed every 5 to 10 years, others are opting for metal roofs.

We enjoyed seeing more of the birth land of our sweet daughter. We were encouraged by friends that have chosen to live there and who love the people. This country is now and forever more a part of our family. We feel a responsibility to pray for the people and the government here. Who knows maybe one day, one of our children, or maybe you, will be called to this ancient and beautiful place we know as Ethiopia.

~ Regina