Our team is now over halfway in their journey home. We received word yesterday morning that the Wade family had said their goodbyes to everyone and dropped them at the airport in Addis. The team traveled through Rome and are now in Washington D.C. going through customs. The line is pretty long - when Bret texted me this morning, they had already been in line an hour and a half. The good news is that they all were able to sleep on the plane so no one is terribly tired at this point.
If traveling all goes as planned, they should be landing in Spokane at 8:30 tonight. They are ready to be home with their families to be sure! Welcome home team, we have missed all of you and are so excited to hear how God was working in you and through you during your time away.
~Melissa
Monday, October 22, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Mission Ethiopia & Project 61
Salam!
Thursday, October 18… Today the team had their flexibility day. We went to Mission Ethiopia and Project 61. This is on the opposite side of Korah from where we were the first few days.
The first thing we did was tour some of the classrooms and watch the women make paper beads and then put them together for necklaces to sell. We got to visit a kindergarten of children that sang us the “ABC” song and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” song. We enjoyed how well they spoke English. We also had an opportunity to worship with the women who work there and to hear some of their testimonies. Then Myron, Linda, and Clarissa shared their testimonies.
After that, we divided into three groups. Two of the groups rolled paper beads. These women make about 500 necklaces each week. Amazing! Just trying to make 1 bead was challenging for many of us. Myron, Jan, and Shawna strung the beads and made necklaces.
After doing this, we had a quick lunch then served the school children their lunch. We were not surprised that every child cleaned their plate. Very little was thrown away. This is the only meal the children eat each day.
When all were done we divided again into two groups to go visit two different families. One group had a mother of four plus her husband in a 5x4 hut. The kids sleep on floor and 2 of them go to school. The mother does not work but the Father is a laborer. Her children were very small for their ages because of poor nutrition.
The other group had a similar situation, but was invited for a coffee ceremony. This woman had TB and HIV and she had a baby that she said was only one month old. Her daughter, who was 15, roasted the coffee beans and prepared the coffee. They pulled out a brand new set of cups and saucers to serve us with. Each time we go, we are all touched deeply by these people and their children.
After a brief shopping adventure, we went back to the guest house and had pizza—yes, pizza! Then 2 of the ladies from Mission Ethiopia came to the guest house and brought beads so we could make our own designs. I’ve got to say, I was impressed with everyone’s, even Myron’s!
Ciao from Tina!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
A Picture (or more) Tells a Thousand Words
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| The team and Wades with the elders of Korah Misgana Church |
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| Bret on a prayer walk in Korah |
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| Playing with kids at Rafiki Village in Mojo |
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| Craft time at Rafiki Village in Mojo |
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| Kids at Rafiki Village in Mojo - who doesn't love a giant inflatable ball? |
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| Where there's a Poffenroth, there's baseball! (Rafiki Village in Mojo) |
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| Everyone outside the gates of the guest house |
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| VBS at Korah Misgana Church |
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| Tina coloring with a kiddo recovering at CURE International Hospital |
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| Repairing the ceiling at Korah Misgana Church |
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| Some of the children who live in Korah |
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Part of the team with the Genet (the Wade's house worker) and her kids.
The team paid 75% of the fees for each of the kids to attend school for one year |
On Wednesday October 17 we became flexible again. Our plans changed just a bit. We painted rooms at the Cure Hospital on the 16th and realized the rooms needed a second coat to the walls so we would be sure to cover the red that was there. Four members from the team went back to the Cure to paint walls while Myron and Sherridan got an opportunity to observe a surgery. The remaining team members stayed at the guest house to organize suitcases and pack for the next few days. We packed the Wade’s belongings that we brought for them and also the things for orphanage (Bethzatha.) One of the elders at Korah, Ato Abera wanted to meet with us once again before leaving on a trip. Leanne asked him if he wanted to come to lunch with us, we went to Tivoli’s, the same restaurant we went to on Saturday for dinner. After lunch we went to the silk factory, Sabahre we got a tour and saw scarves being made, then had the opportunity to purchase scarves that were made. From Sabahre we went to Home Accents, which is a store where you can purchase decorations for the home. This is the place that Leanne gets many of her scarves. We returned to the guest house, freshened up and left for the Wade’s house for dinner. Once there we congregated in their living room and talked. We ate a delicious meal prepared by their house worker, Genet, consisting of bow tie pasta and sauce, corn and garlic bread. After dinner we had cake! The team was able to present a gift to Genet to support her boys schooling. We had to eat by candle light since the power was off and on all night. They did not regain power while were there. Once back at the guest house Linda lead the devotion and made plans for the morning. Written by: Clarissa
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Good morning, Spokane. This is Linda reporting yesterday’s activities. Today is Wednesday, October 17, 2012.
Yesterday we visited the CURE Children’s Hospital in Addis. The hospital was opened in September, 2009. We have found most of the missions we have visited were started within the last four years or so. There are a lot of new Christian works in the area, and there is a lot of new construction throughout the area as well.
Construction methods appear quite different from in the States. They do not have dimensional lumber here, so all of the scaffolding we see is pole scaffolding. Buildings are made of pole, concrete block, concrete, metal and/or mud. (depending on the relative wealth of the people building).
Back to yesterday. The CURE hospital has one full time orthopedic surgeon and one full time anesthesiologist. They also have visiting physicians of various specialties that come in from time to time to treat other conditions, such as cleft palate and facial deformities. The hospital has a residency program to teach Ethiopian physicians, with the goal to eventually turn operation of the hospital over to local doctors. Children are treated with no cost to them or their care givers. Funding for the hospital comes from outside donors and from a one day a week private practice by the surgeon. Yesterday an elderly woman who broke her hip had surgery. The private surgeries (about one a week) make up about 40% of the hospital funding. The majority of the support staff, such as nurses, are Ethiopian nationals.
The CURE hospitals around the world have two basic functions: spiritual and physical. The doctors treat the physical side, while another branch of equal importance in the running of the hospital deals more with the spiritual needs of the patients and their families.
We had two purposes at the hospital yesterday: bring a program to the children on the wards and paint three rooms which will be used by visiting physicians. These rooms are at the end of the private floor. This way visiting doctors can board and room at the hospital, rather than at the more expensive tourist hotels. The income from these rooms will help fund the hospital as well as help the visiting doctors. They won’t have to fight the undisciplined traffic all the time.
Dr. Mary, the anesthesiologist, said that Ethiopia (or Addis? Don’t know for certain) has the highest pedestrian mortality rate of any place in the world. Traffic is like bumper cars on steroids. It was even crazier the other night when Ethiopia won the soccer game which qualified them for the Africa Cup for the first time in over 20 years. We were out in traffic when the game ended, and the entire city emptied onto the streets for a party.
I have not seen an elevator or escalator since we’ve been here. We have traipsed up a LOT of stairs. My room at the guest house is on the third floor, so I try to remember to bring everything up or down that will be needed for the day. Doesn’t work. It seems as how I always need to climb that mountain again to retrieve some forgotten item. One would think my legs would get used to stairs, but they really don’t. Yesterday was a hard day on my legs, because I was standing all day. That’s why today I elected to stay at the guest house for the morning. We have been a healthy team thus far. Some sunburn, a bit of upset tummies from a couple of people, one sore throat. All ailments so far have been very minor and not disabling in any way. Praise the Lord!
We have had a wonderful trip and feel we have truly impacted some lives. I know the experiences of the team itself have been life altering. Leanne did a wonderful job of preparing for us. She is a great resource for our church family.
Thank you for all your prayers and support for the team. They mean a lot to us.
Linda ;>
Monday, October 15, 2012
Early to Rise
This is Leanne bringing you the news of the day. We were up early this morning ready to go to Rafiki. We ate a packed breakfast of French toast (with no syrup) that would have been a mess with all the crazy driving and sticky syrup flying around. We arrived at Rafiki with a short introduction from the campus director, then out to start VBS. Well that is what we thought, we went to get all of our supplies to find that our van had left to go and gas up. We finally got started with crafts, recreation and Bible story and songs. We had 50 kids from ages 3-7. After two hours of working with the children, we all had lunch together in the dining hall. We were able to meet the house mothers of the children and eat lunch with them. When lunch was over we had Bible story and singing with the older kids, I sure did enjoying watching Tina sing all those songs with the kids. And the kids and their teachers loved her. The kids listened to Jan so intently and loved hearing the story of Elijah with the widow. What an amazing story teller she is. We ended our day with giving each of the teachers a gift bag full of little goodies
Rafiki is a wonderful place for children who are orphaned for many different reasons. It is placed on many acres of land where the children have lots of room to play. There are 5 houses with a house mother and 10 children in each house. These children are loved by these mothers and taught the Bible. Please continue to pray for these children as many of them have had a hard start to life
Now a little note to some of our family members
To Jeff, Julia, Megan, Ryan, Mom, and Dad. Just a quick note to tell you all I love you and miss you. We are doing well, working hard, and really tired. See you Monday night.
To my mommy, Things are going great. I have seen God working in so many places here. In Korah, wow God is moving mountains there and Rafiki is a blessed place. I am fine and hope to stay well. I love you very much. Love Clarissa.
Dear Family, I am having an amazing time here! The plane trip was really long, but still fun. I miss you all. Can’t wait to see you, and tell you all the crazy stories. I will talk to you soon! Love you, Maggie
Hi People, I survived and I’m having fun. Bret
I have been able to find many things to eat. I have not had to resort to top ramen yet. I am having an amazing time. Love you Dad, Nana, Papa, Cash, Tango, Bo and Steve. Hope you guys are having a great week so far. Love Andrew.
Hi to all my friends and family. Larry, I love you and miss you. Can’t wait to be home with you…. I really love it here…the weather is perfect and the people and children are so grateful even for the little things. P.S. Thank you Nelda, Bekki, Bren, Vance and Tara for taking over the preschool. Please tell the preschoolers we miss them and think of them every day. Love Tina
Greetings, Thank you so much Nelda, Bekki, Vance, Bre and Tara for helping us out in preschool. We think of you often as we work with the children here. Louise, we are praying for a speedy recovery from hip surgery.
Thank you to those who are filling in while I am away. It is good to have so many trustworthy people sharing each week.
Thank you to those who are filling in while I am away. It is good to have so many trustworthy people sharing each week.
I want to thank everyone who supported each member of this team. I am loving having a little bit of Spokane here in Ethiopia with our family. We have shared many laughs and tears together. I miss all of you. Love Leanne.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Last Day in Korah
Our day started with a wonderful service in Amharic. It was a two-hour service. We were able to pick out certain words, but by the congregation’s response we understood a little. After the service, the elders stayed to introduce themselves to us and us to them. There were 12 elders. Each elder received a “Spokane to Ethiopia” t-shirt. They were truly grateful for our time and interest.
We left the church to have lunch at Metro Pizzeria. We filled our stomachs and brought two boxes of leftovers home. The afternoon was filled with shopping in little shops, deciding which souvenirs we wanted to purchase. Bartering is a new experience for most of us.
We left for Kaldi’s for some fantastic coffee drinks. In the middle of receiving our orders, the Ethiopian soccer team won placement in the African Cup after winning against Sudan. We thought Americans get excited over sport wins. Wow! Running, dancing, blinking hazard lights, even police sirens went off! Driving back to the guest house was exciting. For a while, we had boys riding through the streets hanging on the back of the car. With all this excitement, Sherridan and Bret almost missed their ride!
We had a short planning meeting. We will be going to Rafiki at 6:30 in the morning. Ready to turn in and call it a night.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Hello from Ethiopia!!
Hi everyone. This is Sherridan again. It is Saturday night here. We just returned from dinner at Tivoli's where we had a variety of both American and Ethiopian foods.
Today started with a return trip to Korah Misgana Church. Yesterday, as Melissa mentioned, we toured the area. I will try to explain what we saw, but also I know I truly can not justify it with only words. The streets are unpaved paths of rocks. Few cars ever travel down these roads and no shock absorber could last a day here. The streets are lined with a trenched sewer system and gate after gate which behind are homes. The street is the playground and the children are everywhere peering out from doorways and corners. Trash is everywhere. In the street, the bushes, stacked up against the house. This is their way of life. They collect the trash to either use or sale. Further behind the streets is the dirt path and bridge that leads over the river to the actual trash dump. the smell hits you as you cross the bridge, but later we find out that that smell was mild compared to in the middle of the dump. Yes, we hiked up into the dump! We stepped over and on garbage the entire way up the hill. We even stepped around animal carcasses. People started gathering around us and each of the guides and interpreters told us several stories of the people who actually live up there. Each story as devastating as the one before.
But back to today. Today we arrived to the sound of childen singing and clapping as they sang songs of praise and wroship. All of course by memory with no overhead visual aid or hymnals and also much longer than what we are use to our own children singing. We listened for a bit and then began our day. The children were divided into three groups ranging from 20-50 in each group ranging from 2-12 years old One group made drums from formula cans. The second group included Bret, Andrew, and myself and we enjoyed some recreation. The area was very small so recreation did not include running games. Instead we blew up balloons and played "Keep it in the Air". Then we did "ring around the rosie" with small groups at a time. The third group was led by Tina, Nora, Clarrisa and Maggie helped children bead necklaces. Later, a group of 85 older children gathered to make Frisbees out of lids from gallon ice cream buckets. We finished the morning with a story about Daniel and the Lion's Den and songs with hand motions.
The elders served us a traditional lunch followed a coffee ceremony then we started work on the ceiling. It was an all day job and it is still not quite complete. We left around 5:30 and the workers started up again. Tomorrow we return for church service. Hopefully they were able to complete it.
That is it for now. Thanks so much for following.
Sherridan
Today started with a return trip to Korah Misgana Church. Yesterday, as Melissa mentioned, we toured the area. I will try to explain what we saw, but also I know I truly can not justify it with only words. The streets are unpaved paths of rocks. Few cars ever travel down these roads and no shock absorber could last a day here. The streets are lined with a trenched sewer system and gate after gate which behind are homes. The street is the playground and the children are everywhere peering out from doorways and corners. Trash is everywhere. In the street, the bushes, stacked up against the house. This is their way of life. They collect the trash to either use or sale. Further behind the streets is the dirt path and bridge that leads over the river to the actual trash dump. the smell hits you as you cross the bridge, but later we find out that that smell was mild compared to in the middle of the dump. Yes, we hiked up into the dump! We stepped over and on garbage the entire way up the hill. We even stepped around animal carcasses. People started gathering around us and each of the guides and interpreters told us several stories of the people who actually live up there. Each story as devastating as the one before.
But back to today. Today we arrived to the sound of childen singing and clapping as they sang songs of praise and wroship. All of course by memory with no overhead visual aid or hymnals and also much longer than what we are use to our own children singing. We listened for a bit and then began our day. The children were divided into three groups ranging from 20-50 in each group ranging from 2-12 years old One group made drums from formula cans. The second group included Bret, Andrew, and myself and we enjoyed some recreation. The area was very small so recreation did not include running games. Instead we blew up balloons and played "Keep it in the Air". Then we did "ring around the rosie" with small groups at a time. The third group was led by Tina, Nora, Clarrisa and Maggie helped children bead necklaces. Later, a group of 85 older children gathered to make Frisbees out of lids from gallon ice cream buckets. We finished the morning with a story about Daniel and the Lion's Den and songs with hand motions.
The elders served us a traditional lunch followed a coffee ceremony then we started work on the ceiling. It was an all day job and it is still not quite complete. We left around 5:30 and the workers started up again. Tomorrow we return for church service. Hopefully they were able to complete it.
That is it for now. Thanks so much for following.
Sherridan
Thursday, October 11, 2012
13.5 Hours To Go!
Hi all!
This is Melissa writing from Spokane for the team. I just received word that their first two legs of the journey were good and they are currently preparing to board in Washington D.C. on Ethiopia Air. They should be in Addis Ababa in approximately 13.5 hours! The team is pretty tired, so hopefully they will be able to get some good sleep on this flight.
When they land in Addis it will be Friday morning. (Addis is 10 hours ahead of us) The team will have time to put their bags in their guest house and then they hit the ground running with some lessons on Ethiopian culture, a tour of Bingham Acadamey and a tour of Korah.
They will be helping the Misgana Church in Korah with some building repairs as well as holding a VBS for approximately 150 children who live in Korah. Korah is a community centered around the dump outside of Addis. Feel free to look it up to see what the team will be encountering on their first two days in Ethiopia.
Thanks for following their story. The next post should be coming from Ethiopia!
This is Melissa writing from Spokane for the team. I just received word that their first two legs of the journey were good and they are currently preparing to board in Washington D.C. on Ethiopia Air. They should be in Addis Ababa in approximately 13.5 hours! The team is pretty tired, so hopefully they will be able to get some good sleep on this flight.
When they land in Addis it will be Friday morning. (Addis is 10 hours ahead of us) The team will have time to put their bags in their guest house and then they hit the ground running with some lessons on Ethiopian culture, a tour of Bingham Acadamey and a tour of Korah.
They will be helping the Misgana Church in Korah with some building repairs as well as holding a VBS for approximately 150 children who live in Korah. Korah is a community centered around the dump outside of Addis. Feel free to look it up to see what the team will be encountering on their first two days in Ethiopia.
Thanks for following their story. The next post should be coming from Ethiopia!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Day Has Come!
The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived! We are leaving at 5:30pm and couldn't be more excited. The 9 of us have been preparing and working hard to reach this day and it is so worth it. Our 10th team member, Nora, will be arriving in Addis ahead of us and we are all looking forward to seeing her again. Already some of the plans for our time there have been adjusted, but we know that God is in control and whatever He has planned will be for our good and His glory!
We finished the packing with just minutes to spare before heading to the airport. We have 18 large suitcases and totes filled to the brim with supplies to use for our work projects, gifts for the kids and their caretakers at the orphanage, and of course a few gifts for our wonderful friends, the Wades. There were so many great items given for these projects. It was a big job to get therm all packed and filled to the correct weight limit. 50 pounds adds up fast!
Here we are, outside of the church with our luggage.
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Packed and ready to go! |
Keep following us... Updates will be coming daily (provided we have internet).
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Special Sunday
This past Sunday was pretty special. It was the last Sunday with our NABC family before heading off to serve in Ethiopia and we had several special guests with us in worship.
Dr. VanGorkam came and shared the message during the service and gave us a great reminder of how good our God is and encouraged us all to take refuge in Him. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him." ~Nahum 1:7
Following the message, Garry gave the charge to the mission team. He spoke of keeping focus on God (looking up), examining ourselves (looking in), and serving others (looking out).
Finally, Maurice led our congregation in a prayer time for the entire mission team. As we knelt at the altar, our NABC family gathered around us and prayed. It was special time of sending and we are so grateful for our church family for all of the ways they have supported us this past year.
We leave tomorrow! EVERYONE is so looking forward to this adventure that God is directing.
Dr. Fred VanGorkam, Africa Regional Director for Christian Veterinary Mission
Garry Benfield, Region 5 Director for the Northwest Baptist Convention
Maurice Gress, Mission Team Member for the Inland Empire Baptist Association
Following the message, Garry gave the charge to the mission team. He spoke of keeping focus on God (looking up), examining ourselves (looking in), and serving others (looking out).
Finally, Maurice led our congregation in a prayer time for the entire mission team. As we knelt at the altar, our NABC family gathered around us and prayed. It was special time of sending and we are so grateful for our church family for all of the ways they have supported us this past year.
We leave tomorrow! EVERYONE is so looking forward to this adventure that God is directing.
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| The family that prays together |
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| Thankful for our supportive church family |
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| Sending us out to serve |
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
8 Days and Counting......
Leanne has been very busy!! We heard from her several times in the last twenty-four hours. First, she sent us a notice that the workers employed to build the playground equipment have started the slide. It feels good to know that the project we originally talked about over 9 months ago has finally started. It is also good to know that by having it built there, we also employed others. Leanne then contacted us again and this time sent pictures of the slide!!
Our final contact from Leanne this evening was a three page document giving us instructions on getting through the Bole Airport. First there is the visa counter, security, baggage, and security again. It was disappointing to hear that the Wades will not be about to meet us in the airport. Restrictions require them to wait for us in the parking lot!
I want to take a moment to thank everyone that has donated supplies and funds to see this trip through. Personally, I have great friends and co-workers that have supported this trip from the beginning and I appreciate it very much. Thanks also to Ken Kerr from McKesson for his donations of medical supplies and equipment that we will be able to share with the kids from Korah.
We are sorting supplies on Thursday morning and packing suitcases on Friday evening.
The count down continues!!
Sherridan
It is hard to see, but on the white board is the plans for the slide and it is all written in Amharic. The top picture is a rotated view of the slide and materials.
Our final contact from Leanne this evening was a three page document giving us instructions on getting through the Bole Airport. First there is the visa counter, security, baggage, and security again. It was disappointing to hear that the Wades will not be about to meet us in the airport. Restrictions require them to wait for us in the parking lot!
I want to take a moment to thank everyone that has donated supplies and funds to see this trip through. Personally, I have great friends and co-workers that have supported this trip from the beginning and I appreciate it very much. Thanks also to Ken Kerr from McKesson for his donations of medical supplies and equipment that we will be able to share with the kids from Korah.
We are sorting supplies on Thursday morning and packing suitcases on Friday evening.
The count down continues!!
Sherridan
Sunday, September 30, 2012
10 Days and counting.........
The count down is officially at ten days!! I know we are all excited. Suitcases are being pulled out of closets and potential packing items are being tossed inside. I already see that I am going to have to eliminate some things because it is too full. I bet everyone will have the same dilemma. If you have not heard, we are all expected to put our personal belongings in our carry-on. The two checked bags that we are each taking will be packed with the piles of donations that we have been collecting. The table at church is truly overflowing with gifts and love that we will transport and distribute to those that are in need.
Today at church we were pleasantly surprised with a skype call from the entire Wade family. I say surprised because the Pastor told us Thursday night of his intentions, but I completely forgot! It was great to see and hear each of them share about one of our potential projects that they were each passionate about. They all look great and It was even fun to hear Caleb sing in Amharic.
We still have lots to do. Check in again soon.
Sherridan
Today at church we were pleasantly surprised with a skype call from the entire Wade family. I say surprised because the Pastor told us Thursday night of his intentions, but I completely forgot! It was great to see and hear each of them share about one of our potential projects that they were each passionate about. They all look great and It was even fun to hear Caleb sing in Amharic.
We still have lots to do. Check in again soon.
Sherridan
Monday, September 24, 2012
Quick link update
After re-reading my post from last night, I was eager to find out more information on the Mission Ethiopia and the empowerment party slated for Wednesday and Thursday's schedule of events. Visit www.missionethiopia.com and see a great video on the program that empowers women to make jewelry from the clay and paper beads that are all handmade. The second video mentions guest housing. Though, that is the same terminology that Leanne has used throughout making our arrangements, I am not sure if is anything like what we can expect of our arrangements.
Another quick note, we received our account update today, as we do every Monday, and the fundraising is so close to being complete. If you have been meaning to donate, there is still an opportunity at www.nabcspokane.org. Follow the link to on-line giving and you can designate a gift to the Ethiopian Mission team. All funds collected at this time will be used to further our service projects in country.
Finally, Bret and I went to The Queen of Sheba restaurant for Sunday lunch yesterday. It was my opportunity to introduce him to the food. He liked it and even took home leftovers!! We are all hoping to visit once more before we leave.
Thanks for checking in,
Sherridan
Another quick note, we received our account update today, as we do every Monday, and the fundraising is so close to being complete. If you have been meaning to donate, there is still an opportunity at www.nabcspokane.org. Follow the link to on-line giving and you can designate a gift to the Ethiopian Mission team. All funds collected at this time will be used to further our service projects in country.
Thanks for checking in,
Sherridan
Saturday, September 22, 2012
A schedule of events
As each day passes, the excitement and anticipation grow stronger. We each are doing the final things to prepare for this adventure. Several of us completed our immunizations this week. Others are finishing fund raising and making arrangements at work and school. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we each take care of our individual situations.
I mentioned in a previous post that I would provide the schedule closer to our departure date, but after several inquiries, I am posting it tonight.
Wednesday, October 10, 5:30pm: Depart from Spokane Airport
Friday, October 12, 7:45am: Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour Bingham Academy (Where The Wades work)
Tour Korah
Saturday, October 13, am: VBS at Korah
pm: Work project for Korah Misgana Church ( replacement of ceiling)
Sunday, October 14, am: Attending church at Korah Misgana Church
Monday, October 15, am: VBS at CURE Clinic (www.cure.org)
pm: Work project at CURE (painting)
Tuesday, October 16, am: Rafiki Children's Home (www.rafikifoundation.org)
pm: Rafiki Children's Home
Wed., October 17, am: Project 61 (www.p61.org)
pm: Project 61
Thurs., October 18, am: Mission Ethiopia
pm: Sabahar Silk Factory (www.sabahar.com)
Friday, October 19, am: Bethzatha Orphanage ( work day, painting)
pm: Bethzatha Orphanage
Saturday, Oct 20, am: VBS at Bethzatha Orphanage
pm: Bethzatha Orphanage
Sunday, Oct 21, am: Church at IEC
pm: Shopping, debriefing and heading to the airport
depart at 10:15pm
Monday, Oct 22, Arrive in Spokane at 8:30pm!
We hear from Leanne often and there are sure to be some additional changes before we leave and even after we get there. I will post additions and changes as we are informed.
We are still collecting donations. See the links at www.nabcspokane.org to find a list of donation items still needed. We hope to carry 18 checked bags full of donations and work supplies. The team will be carrying all their personal items in their carry on bags.
Thanks again for following. Stay tuned.
Sherridan
I mentioned in a previous post that I would provide the schedule closer to our departure date, but after several inquiries, I am posting it tonight.
Wednesday, October 10, 5:30pm: Depart from Spokane Airport
Friday, October 12, 7:45am: Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour Bingham Academy (Where The Wades work)
Tour Korah
Saturday, October 13, am: VBS at Korah
pm: Work project for Korah Misgana Church ( replacement of ceiling)
Sunday, October 14, am: Attending church at Korah Misgana Church
Monday, October 15, am: VBS at CURE Clinic (www.cure.org)
pm: Work project at CURE (painting)
Tuesday, October 16, am: Rafiki Children's Home (www.rafikifoundation.org)
pm: Rafiki Children's Home
Wed., October 17, am: Project 61 (www.p61.org)
pm: Project 61
Thurs., October 18, am: Mission Ethiopia
pm: Sabahar Silk Factory (www.sabahar.com)
Friday, October 19, am: Bethzatha Orphanage ( work day, painting)
pm: Bethzatha Orphanage
Saturday, Oct 20, am: VBS at Bethzatha Orphanage
pm: Bethzatha Orphanage
Sunday, Oct 21, am: Church at IEC
pm: Shopping, debriefing and heading to the airport
depart at 10:15pm
Monday, Oct 22, Arrive in Spokane at 8:30pm!
We hear from Leanne often and there are sure to be some additional changes before we leave and even after we get there. I will post additions and changes as we are informed.
We are still collecting donations. See the links at www.nabcspokane.org to find a list of donation items still needed. We hope to carry 18 checked bags full of donations and work supplies. The team will be carrying all their personal items in their carry on bags.
Thanks again for following. Stay tuned.
Sherridan
Monday, September 17, 2012
Here we are!!
We heard from Leanne twice this weekend; once by skype and once by email. She sent us a schedule of events. I will post it as it gets closer. There are sure to be changes so I will save some writing time by waiting until just before we leave. Leanne announced that we would be doing a work project for the Korah Misgana Church. Today we found out that we would be helping them replace the ceiling in the church. The current ceiling is similar to a tarp made of burlap. It is hard to imagine and was even harder for her to describe.
We did some major fund raising this past weekend. On Saturday, we washed cars one more time. We were a bit short handed in our number of workers but we were able to keep the flow moving. During the last hour, there was a car in each of three bays and at least 3 and some times more cars waiting to be washed. And contrary to a husband's beliefs, I DID wash and dry part of a car or two!
Sunday evening we had a great time at the Baked Potato Dinner. It was nice to see all the support there enjoying dinner. Thank you to all who came. Thanks also go out to KaPOW, led by Joy Harris and the college group, led by the Sherwoods for their support of time, hosting, cooking, prep and all. We could not have done it without you.
To close this evening, we just ask for your thoughts and prayers now. Pray that our doubts and fears are calmed. Pray for our safety as we travel. Pray for the people we will come in contact with at the airports, on the streets and in the city of Addis Ababa, that their hearts will be prepared to receive us and the works and service we are there and willing to do. Pray that we are able to find materials and supplies to complete the projects we are meant to do. Also pray for our families both now as we are preparing to leave and while we are gone.
Thanks again for checking in. Talk to you next week!
Sherridan
Saturday, September 8, 2012
32 days and counting
I have a count down feature on my laptop so every time I log on it flashes how many days until we leave. As I am typing this, the window is flashing 1 month, 1 day and 21 hours!! 32 days and we leave for Ethiopia.
Last weekend we held a car wash in north Spokane at the Wandermere Car Wash Plaza. Big thanks to the owner and staff of both Wandermere and Nevada plazas for allowing us to use their facilities to wash cars. We will be washing cars one more time, this Saturday, September 15th from 9-12. The following day, Sunday, September 16th, we will be hosting a baked potato bar dinner at the church from 4:30-5:45pm. We will be providing potatoes and toppings and dessert with the help of the KaPOW team and the college-age group. Please join us for dinner. Donations will be accepted at the door.
Last weekend some of us also worked for the Spokane Symphony at their Labor Day free concert at Comstock Park. This year, the city required outdoor events to supply and manage recycle bins; another way to be greener. Thank you to Annie Matlow for suggesting and offering the Ethiopia team an opportunity to manage, collect and cash in any collected cans and bottles. Well, we enjoyed the free concert and the weather was pleasing, but the collection of cans and bottles did not generate any funds. I guess I can say how pleased I am that Spokanites clean up after themselves so well. It was amazing to see the high-end tailgating at this event. People not only brought their chairs and blankets but also the table, the table cloth with candles, vases of flowers, wine glasses and high-end park food. This was the first year recycling was offered at this event. Perhaps next year will be a better chance for another group.
Speaking of funds, we are so close. As we started this adventure, our goal was for each member to raise $3000. There are nine of us going and we are just over $22,000. Only $5000 more to go in 32 short days. The remainder of the funds raised will go towards projects in Addis Ababa. Some projects we are hoping to do include VBS activities, buying and setting up a playground jungle-gym for an orphanage, providing educational scholarships for some children and painting. We are there to serve and will work where ever we are needed. If you still want to help, you can donate directly through the church's website at nabcspokane.org. Find the giving tab on the left of the home page and follow the on-screen instructions. Next, you can specifically comment in the note section, that your donation is for the Ethiopia mission team.
Thank you for following us and keeping in touch. More to come as we get closer to our departure date.
Stay tuned,
Sherridan
Last weekend we held a car wash in north Spokane at the Wandermere Car Wash Plaza. Big thanks to the owner and staff of both Wandermere and Nevada plazas for allowing us to use their facilities to wash cars. We will be washing cars one more time, this Saturday, September 15th from 9-12. The following day, Sunday, September 16th, we will be hosting a baked potato bar dinner at the church from 4:30-5:45pm. We will be providing potatoes and toppings and dessert with the help of the KaPOW team and the college-age group. Please join us for dinner. Donations will be accepted at the door.
Last weekend some of us also worked for the Spokane Symphony at their Labor Day free concert at Comstock Park. This year, the city required outdoor events to supply and manage recycle bins; another way to be greener. Thank you to Annie Matlow for suggesting and offering the Ethiopia team an opportunity to manage, collect and cash in any collected cans and bottles. Well, we enjoyed the free concert and the weather was pleasing, but the collection of cans and bottles did not generate any funds. I guess I can say how pleased I am that Spokanites clean up after themselves so well. It was amazing to see the high-end tailgating at this event. People not only brought their chairs and blankets but also the table, the table cloth with candles, vases of flowers, wine glasses and high-end park food. This was the first year recycling was offered at this event. Perhaps next year will be a better chance for another group.
Speaking of funds, we are so close. As we started this adventure, our goal was for each member to raise $3000. There are nine of us going and we are just over $22,000. Only $5000 more to go in 32 short days. The remainder of the funds raised will go towards projects in Addis Ababa. Some projects we are hoping to do include VBS activities, buying and setting up a playground jungle-gym for an orphanage, providing educational scholarships for some children and painting. We are there to serve and will work where ever we are needed. If you still want to help, you can donate directly through the church's website at nabcspokane.org. Find the giving tab on the left of the home page and follow the on-screen instructions. Next, you can specifically comment in the note section, that your donation is for the Ethiopia mission team.
Thank you for following us and keeping in touch. More to come as we get closer to our departure date.
Stay tuned,
Sherridan
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Spokane To Ethiopia 2012, The Sequel
Welcome back to the blog. If you have not heard, North Addison Baptist Church is sending a new team to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In fact, we leave in 39 days! October 10, 2012 at 5:30pm to be exact. The members of this year's traveling team are:
Maggie Kercher Andrew Kercher
Bret Poffenroth Sherridan Poffenroth
Linda Dick Tina Liggett
Clarissa Stoddard
Thank you to all of you that have taken part in our fund raising efforts.Through this year, we have done many events including yard sales, pancake breakfasts, babysitting, craft sales, plant sales, house cleaning, yard work, painting, car washes and t-shirt sales. As our departure date gets closer, we have a few last chance events planned. Saturday, September 15, we will be washing cars again at the Nevada-Lyons Car Wash Plaza from 9am-noon. Come by and let us do the cleaning. Sunday, the 16th, with the help of the KaPOW group and College Age class, we will be having a Baked Potato Bar dinner. Come let us serve you dinner.
We have also started collecting items that we will be taking with us to donate. We are hoping to take cloth diapers, iron-enriched baby formula, clothes and shoes for infants to 16 years old, reusable bags or cinch bags for book bags, small games and toys, Frisbees and beads for stringing. Donations can be given to any team member or dropped off at the church downstairs in the designated corner.
One of our key words this year is "flexibility". We often plan for a certain idea or project only to learn our plans have to change or be altered in some way. This is not necessary a bad thing, but it keeps us on our toes and continuously thinking of new ideas. When we arrive, we will hit the ground running as we go to Korah to visit the children and conduct a VBS. With the inspiration of the foundation Project 61, we will spend time serving the children of the dumps of Korah. To learn more, visit their website www.pr61.org.
We also will have the chance to repeat our VBS with children patients at the CURE International Hospital. These children are afflicted with orthopedic or cleft deformities. At the hospital, they receive surgery to correct these deformities. Their website is www.cure.org.
Thank you for your interest. We are hoping to continue to use this blog to keep our family and friends updated as we travel and work. Mark this link as a favorite and check back often.
Sherridan
Maggie Kercher Andrew Kercher
Bret Poffenroth Sherridan Poffenroth
Linda Dick Tina Liggett
Clarissa Stoddard
Thank you to all of you that have taken part in our fund raising efforts.Through this year, we have done many events including yard sales, pancake breakfasts, babysitting, craft sales, plant sales, house cleaning, yard work, painting, car washes and t-shirt sales. As our departure date gets closer, we have a few last chance events planned. Saturday, September 15, we will be washing cars again at the Nevada-Lyons Car Wash Plaza from 9am-noon. Come by and let us do the cleaning. Sunday, the 16th, with the help of the KaPOW group and College Age class, we will be having a Baked Potato Bar dinner. Come let us serve you dinner.
We have also started collecting items that we will be taking with us to donate. We are hoping to take cloth diapers, iron-enriched baby formula, clothes and shoes for infants to 16 years old, reusable bags or cinch bags for book bags, small games and toys, Frisbees and beads for stringing. Donations can be given to any team member or dropped off at the church downstairs in the designated corner.
One of our key words this year is "flexibility". We often plan for a certain idea or project only to learn our plans have to change or be altered in some way. This is not necessary a bad thing, but it keeps us on our toes and continuously thinking of new ideas. When we arrive, we will hit the ground running as we go to Korah to visit the children and conduct a VBS. With the inspiration of the foundation Project 61, we will spend time serving the children of the dumps of Korah. To learn more, visit their website www.pr61.org.
We also will have the chance to repeat our VBS with children patients at the CURE International Hospital. These children are afflicted with orthopedic or cleft deformities. At the hospital, they receive surgery to correct these deformities. Their website is www.cure.org.
Thank you for your interest. We are hoping to continue to use this blog to keep our family and friends updated as we travel and work. Mark this link as a favorite and check back often.
Sherridan
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