So after about 24 hours of travel I arrived in Addis. It was a smooth three plane ride and two custom checkpoint trip. Very easy. I felt very calm about it. I stepped off the plan and looked out across the night landscape of Addis, observing the twinkling lights of the houses in the hills and I took a deep inhale. I had finally arrived.
I was greeted at the airport by Eric Hailu, our Glimmer drive. Saying hello to him was like the embrace of an old friend. He was so welcoming and very quickly had delivered me to my new digs in Addis, the Glimmer of Hope house with our expat staff Kathryn Yeager and Laura Still. It was like coming home! I immediately had to hand off the goodies I brought for the girls, treats from their relatives, American food, and the Pièce de résistance, Girl Scout Cookies! We sat around and had tea and talked for hours. This is going to be an incredible stay!
This morning as I prepare for day one where I get to meet Ethiopia and Her people I am reflective, introspective and amazed. The level of cultural and community immersion before me is everything I have hoped for since beginning Glimmer. I am remembering to be intentional in my thoughts and interactions and be present and aware of the human connections available to me. I am so grateful to have to opportunity to give of my self in this capacity and collaboratively be active in the change happening in our world.
I awoke at 6am to the Muslim morning prayer filling the air, the sounds of a city beginning its day and an overwhelming sense of peace and purpose. For such a time as this!
Til then,
Tim
I was greeted at the airport by Eric Hailu, our Glimmer drive. Saying hello to him was like the embrace of an old friend. He was so welcoming and very quickly had delivered me to my new digs in Addis, the Glimmer of Hope house with our expat staff Kathryn Yeager and Laura Still. It was like coming home! I immediately had to hand off the goodies I brought for the girls, treats from their relatives, American food, and the Pièce de résistance, Girl Scout Cookies! We sat around and had tea and talked for hours. This is going to be an incredible stay!
This morning as I prepare for day one where I get to meet Ethiopia and Her people I am reflective, introspective and amazed. The level of cultural and community immersion before me is everything I have hoped for since beginning Glimmer. I am remembering to be intentional in my thoughts and interactions and be present and aware of the human connections available to me. I am so grateful to have to opportunity to give of my self in this capacity and collaboratively be active in the change happening in our world.
I awoke at 6am to the Muslim morning prayer filling the air, the sounds of a city beginning its day and an overwhelming sense of peace and purpose. For such a time as this!
Til then,
Tim
Comments
Post a Comment