Letting Go

I can't say that we weren't warned.  Zerihun told Judy and me that there would be as many as 8 new faces in this training, which meant that several friends who have been with us for the past couple of years would not be attending.  I thought I'd braced myself for the "worst", but when I saw the final list the evening before the training started, I felt like I'd been hit with a sledgehammer.  Zeleke would no longer be part of the project.

From the start of the first training in February 2010, Zeleke's infectious enthusiasm, booming voice, and huge heart had contributed greatly to the spirit of community that we all shared.  He was very open about his love for Jesus, but was greatly respected by the Muslims in the group.  He laughed and cried easily, and often caused me to do the same.  He implemented the training in his community work with tireless energy and love, as I got to see in person earlier this year.  He gave me my new name, Tesfalem.  And he became a very dear friend.  We wept each time we parted after a training.

I learned that he had been saving his money for a long time until he was able to purchase a mini-bus, and was now a self-employed driver.  His friends told me that this was a wonderful career opportunity, because such drivers earn a lot of money.  It also meant that he could provide more for his family, and would actually allow him to spend more time with them.  They all rejoiced for him.

But me?  After my initial shock, my first reaction was that it seemed like such a waste.  All of his work experience, all of his community contacts, all of the training he had received from us... for what?  So he could drive a bus?  Fortunately, God quickly pointed out to me what a selfish fool I was.  Selfish, because I could only see things from my own perspective, and though I didn't want to admit it, felt sorry for myself for no longer being able to work with him.  A fool, because I was relying on my own "wisdom", and not trusting God's.  I began to see how God would use him in this new role - how many lives he could touch with Jesus' love, how easily he would share his experience with everyone he met in communities throughout Ethiopia, not just in his prior project area.

And so I've released Zeleke into God's hands, to use this finely-crafted instrument in the way that only the Master can.  And I release all of our current and past participants as well.  In a way, this seems silly, because I never really "held" them in the first place.  But I know that, deep in my heart, I've tried to.  The time will come, or has already come, to say goodbye to each one of these people who have touched my life so profoundly in the past two years.  And I won't even know when that final goodbye occurs - or whether, in fact, it already has.  But as hard as it is to face that fact, I remind myself that this is not, and has never been, about me.  The very nature of our work is to train local workers and to release them to serve in communities.  And if I've done my job well, the name that the local people will hear about and want to learn more about is Jesus, not Tesfalem.  Because he is the true facilitator, the true change maker.  God bless you, Zeleke, and all of your brothers and sisters. 

A Treasure Chest

Every pirate movie, good or bad, has the scene where the pirates finally pry open the treasure chest, then appear hypnotized as they stare at the countless, many-colored jewels.  Perhaps they let a few sift through their fingers, but they quickly snap back to their "senses" and begin to plan how they'll spend the loot, never stopping to appreciate the beauty of each individual gem.

It's easy to look at a group of training participants and react the same way.  The ethnic, cultural, and language differences can make them seem exotically beautiful as a group, yet indistinguishable as individuals.  One of the great joys of this project has been the time we've had to get beyond that stage and to develop relationships.  What a diverse and wonderful bunch of people!  As I reflect back on the last couple of weeks, I keep turning over each of these precious gems in my mind.  There's Teshale, the mature team leader who still has the heart of a little boy.  And Misrak, the other team leader, who moves through life like a dancer bouncing to the rhythm of joyous music that only he can hear.  Workuha, with her huge heart, quick to laugh and just as quick to cry, especially at goodbyes.  Shunta and Bedane, the school directors with such passion for providing the very best opportunities for all of their students.  Mulatta and Gobena and their sweet, gentle spirits.  Tirunesh, with her quiet dignity and strength.  And Solomon and Feyissa, who keep everyone laughing with their antics, yet are respected as spiritual leaders of the group.  And that's only about half of the class!

Yes, it has been a wonderful group of participants to work with.  But more importantly, each is a priceless jewel, a beloved child of God, with unique gifts and talents.  What an incredible honor it is to work, worship, laugh, cry, and especially love, with each and every one of them.

Back to School

The highlights of all of our training trips are the days that we spend in the local communities.  These visits give our participants the opportunity to teach the lessons that we have shared with them to local people.  In this case, since we were teaching WASH in Schools, we naturally headed to a nearby primary school in Awassa.  We worked with one classroom of 50 children each from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, splitting each into two groups.  Three of our participants taught each group of 25 students.  We selected lessons that we thought would be interesting and appropriate for the age levels, and would also illustrate the variety of teaching techniques to the teachers and staff.

The day was a rousing success!  Our team was able to move around without causing too much distratction (rather, as little as a 6'4" gray-haired farenji can cause) so that we could observe all of the lessons.  In every group, our participants were animated, enthusiastic, and engaging with the students.  The students were very well behaved, eager to contribute and participate, and, of course, full of energy!  Apparently, they also asked some challenging questions!  Our participants reported that the most important lesson they learned was to prepare and prepare some more, never underestimating the students and their knowledge. 

At the end of the morning, the teachers and administrators told us that they were very impressed with both the curriculum and the teaching methods.  This participatory style of learning is unusual in Ethiopia, and they look forward to using it more and more.  As for the students, I think you can tell from the photos what THEY thought about the experience!

Salad, Shower and Sleep

Three things that were in short supply during our trip!  When I arrived home on Tuesday afternoon, they were among my top priorities.  First, a long, hot shower and a big, fluffy towel.  Next, a wonderful dinner at Gabby's here in Wyoming, Ohio, with a gigantic burger and a wonderful Greek salad.  Uncooked veggies are a no-no for farenji (white foreigners) in Ethiopia!  Finally, a long night's sleep on a big, comfortable mattress with my own pillow.  After two days, I'm beginning to feel almost back to "normal", but still very tired.

Yet, as great as it is to be home with Cindy, I already miss Ethiopia and my friends there.  I will share some more stories in the next few days.