July 15, 2010

Hello to all!
Today we left Gondar and are driving to Bahir Dar. Fortunately today is a short bus ride. The 8-10 hour days on the bus are a little rough. Bahir Dar is not much of a tourist town, from what I understand, but it is on the banks of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile River. Today some of us will visit a water project (on mule because the road ends)while the rest of us visit with some educators about barriers to education in rural settings (which often have to do with the need to collect water). I'm not sure yet which group I will be in, but am okay either way. As long as the mule doesn't have to go up or down a steep incline, then I'm fine. Today will also be an opportunity for us to have laundry done at the hotel, which is a seriously good thing. I have washed out a few things, but haven't had REAL laundry done since we left the guest house in Addis Ababa.

Yesterday we spent the day touring around Gondar, which was the capital city of Ethiopia from 1635-1855. Most of the rulers during that time each built some building to show their might - a castle, church, banquet hall, or concert hall. Most of them are in ruins, but you can see the beauty and grandeur even in the ruins. The highlight of the day, for me, was visiting Debre Birhan Selassie Church (the Church of the Trinity). It is not large, but is amazingly spectacular. It is famous for its paintings. On one wall is the story of Christ, from birth to resurrection. On another wall are paintings depicting various saints. The ceiling is the most memorable, though, as it is covered with paintings of angels looking in all directions, to remind you that God is always watching over you. That building was important in one of the books we read, and it was really neat to get to see it in person.

I appreciate the info from Susan and Rita that the board is not voting on school closures this month! That was a relief! I know it will come up again soon, but at least not while I'm gone!

Can't wait to hear how things are going at home! Hopefully I'll get back to my email in a few days (for a few days).

Love,
Alica