Thursday, August 21, 2008

Pics: Project ET-403 from Monday, August 11, 2008

Don't miss our growing addition of pictures of our trip to Ethiopia. You can click here to see the slideshow!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

The rain continues to fall on our final full day in Ethiopia

During breakfast, some members of our group were commenting about a loud blast of thunder that shook our hotel around 4am this morning.

Our Compassion Project visits are complete. So, Saturday is a cultural 'play' day. Seems like all of our 'shopping lists' have grown since we arrived in Addis Ababa about a week ago. Local coffee has been added to my 'must find and take home' list. J I enjoy a good cup of coffee. No matter the brand. well, I have truly fallen in love with native Ethiopian coffee.

For lunch, Italian Pizza from a quaint restaurant up a winding road way just outside the hustle and bustle of Addis Ababa was indeed a treat.

Now it is time to pack and relax a little before hopping our plane back to North Carolina.

Cindy and I have tons of digital pictures and lots of stories to tell. We will post our best photos from Ethiopia next week. We apologize for the lack of images on our Blog. I know that photos will help you see a little more of what we experienced this past week in Ethiopia. Lots of photos will be posted next week once we recover from jet lag. :)

In spite of some technical difficulties (and operator error), God is good. We are thankful that He kept our focus on soaking up this experience without loosing sight of His goal. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Bye for now.

Verne Hill (WBFJ News) LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

Friday, August 15, 2008

What a week in Ethiopia with Compassion International

Here are some interesting factoids that we learned this week during our visit to Africa. Some of these facts will amuse, some of these facts should alarm you...

Ethiopia celebrated the millennium last September. That's right. The year is 2000. I hope that they are Y2K ready. Ethiopia is seven hours 'ahead' of North Carolina's current time.

Ethiopia was under harsh Communistic rule from 1974-1991. During this dark time, Christians met in underground churches. Democratic elections were held in 2005. The government is stable and people can relatively worship openly.

Ethiopia is located 3 degrees above the Equator and is in its rainy season. Temperatures this week in Addis Ababa (the capitol city where our Compassion Team was located) was mild, in the lower 70s.

HIV / AIDS, poverty and war have killed millions in Ethiopia. 123 out of 1,000 children never make it to their 5th birthday.

The birthplace of Coffee was in southern Ethiopia in the Coffa region. Coffee served with popcorn is a traditional way to invite guests into their home for fellowship. I'm hooked!

80% of the country's people work in Agriculture. Some of the staple crops: Coffee and roses.

Let's go shopping: It takes roughly 9 Ethiopian Birr (dollars) to make up one US dollar.

Most of the population is desperately poor. The average income is just $120.00 a year. Most families live on just $2.00 a month or $24.00 a year!

Ethiopia has skyscrapers, lots of shopping areas, an ever improving interstate road system and internet cafes. You'll also find massive poverty.

Compassion International (along side the local evangelical Christian church) is making a positive difference in Ethiopia...

In Obi Kale, one local evangelical church has grown from 200 to +2,000 members within 12 years since Compassion added a Student Center at their site. From this one church in Obi, three additional churches have been planted. From one child, many families are being transformed. Nearly all of the Compassion sponsored students at the ET-115 project have been baptized as believers in Christ.

When you sponsor a child through Compassion International you literally 'releasing a child from poverty in the name of Jesus Christ'.

"Speak up for the unspeakable, help those in need"

Proverbs 31:8-9

WBFJ will be sharing more in the coming days, weeks and months about how you can become a child sponsor through Compassion International. My family sponsors a young man in Southern India. Pray about getting involved.

Verne Hill (WBFJ News) LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

Ethiopian Runner Takes Gold in Women's 10,000 meter

Go, Ethiopia! Boy, did we have the Olympic fever this afternoon. Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia won the Gold in the Women's 10,000 meter final in Beijing. On top of that, Dibaba also broke some type of world record! How exciting! Here we are in Ethiopia and we get to experience one of their favored athletes take the Gold! Yes, we must admit...we were pulling for her. :)Congrats to Shalane Flanagan of the USA on taking third place and the Bronze.

The Compassion team hurried back to the hotel to watch the much-talked-about Olympic event with some of our Ethiopian brothers in Christ.

Verne Hill (WBFJ News) LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

Friday, August 15, 2008

It has been a unique experience this week, not only seeing the Projects that Compassion International helps to fund, but the way people live and DRIVE as a whole. I believe these people could be some fantastic NASCAR drivers. It is more or less, whoever can make it into the intersection first, has the right-of-way and they are within inches of each other. What should be a two lane road suddenly becomes a four to six lane road. Or a two way road will all of a sudden become a one way road. Not counting the animals in the center of all this chaos. They all seem to know what they are doing, so we duck our heads or hide our face in our hands and pray for the best. It is amazing that I have not seen one crash site. I do know the most important safety feature on a vehicle - THE HORN!!!!

It has been a fun, heart breaking, heart warming, loving, hugging, crying, eye opening experience for not only me, but also the men that are on this trip. The Project today (Friday) seems to be one of the really nice ones, but that is only compared to the others. This does not say they do not need help, because they need many things to help the children grow. The children we saw today were all three years of age and under. There were 50 mothers and 50 babies. These children and their mothers live in an industry area where the mothers are actually not married and some make their living by prostitution. They may have four children, all who are by different fathers. Therefore, the children grow in that kind of environment and when they get to be early teenagers and see what their mothers are doing, they see that as being the way of life and begin their journey in the same direction. Compassion not only tries to find funding (by way of sponsorships) for these children, but they also teach them about Christ. They do not force the issue, but they do teach the children and talk to the mothers about coming to know Christ and how He can make an impact on their life.

I have heard many times this week by older kids, that if it had not been for Compassion, they would probably not be living. A couple of these kids have just graduated from college this year and have already found jobs. One is a Veterinarian and the other is a Water Supply and Environmental Engineer. Both have been sponsored since they were very young. One of them got to meet his sponsor on graduation day. Is that not an awesome ending for a great life rather than no opportunity and no life? Please continue to pray for us as we travel home! Hope to see you soon!!!

The Lord God is my Strength, and he will give me the speed of a deer

and bring me safely over the mountain. Habakkuk 3:19

Cindy Davis (WBFJ)

LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

More questions than answers...




Why?

Have you ever asked that short, bold question when you are faced with life's curve balls? When you find out that you have lost a job. Lost a child? Lost purpose? These trials are never easy.

The past two days in Ethiopia have been difficult for me to digest. I guess I knew that it was coming. Things that we Americans see on television or happen upon in a magazine. The reality of extreme poverty.



Reality: 'Ababa' and her four year old daughter 'Sefa' live in a 4 x 6 foot make shift shelter. That's right, 4 feet by 6 feet living space. Go get a tape measure right now and see how your world would be reduced by such physical poverty. I experienced 'Ababa's world for about 10 minutes by sitting in the middle of her 'home'. Her husband is an alcoholic. Still she smiles.

Just hours earlier, our team had been treated to a traditional 'coffee' ceremony at the Compassion project ET-145 a very poor neighborhood in the southern portion of Addis Ababa. A shy 27 year old young lady prepared the coffee and served us. Her name was 'Ababa'. The same 'Ababa' that we would pay a visit to later in the day. Her appearance was very presentable. Nothing that screamed 'extreme poverty.' How was I to know that this young woman's total worldly possessions would fit nicely in the bed of a Chevy pickup truck...with the tailgate up.



Hope: As I was sitting alone in Ababa's meager home with the rest of our team forced to remain outside because of the limited space, a translator assured me that Ababa loves to come to the local Compassion project and volunteer her time. That's right, volunteer to help others. Just like she did earlier on Wednesday morning...preparing coffee for us. 'Ababa' understands that the living Word of God still applies today.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35

Even in the face of extreme poverty.

And yes, I continue to ask...WHY?



Verne Hill (WBFJ News)

LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)



PS: Please pray for the Compassion Project leaders and local pastors in Ethiopia and around the world. One director actually told me that he feels defeated most days. He said that the physical needs in his area are just too great. That maybe he should just quit. I told him to not lose faith...to hold on. Pray that the 'laborers' be strengthened by the one who gave His life for us.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Destination: Debre Zeit Mesrete Kirstos Church Student Center

Located in a valley some 30 miles from Addis Ababa

Today we visited the Compassion Project in Debre Zeit, which is about 45 km from where we are staying. We met with five mothers that have HIV / AIDS. They each have one child that is sponsored through Compassion International. All but one of the women are Christians. The one thing we noticed in the difference between her and the others; she was not happy at all and the Christians are very happy because they know that they have God on their side. We prayed with them and visited them in their homes. They praise God for what He has done and do not blame Him for what they are going through. They each worry about their children possibly growing up without their mother. But they are taking one day at a time. To look at them you would never know they are sick. They do not want us to let anyone know in Ethiopia, because of the way they would be looked at and treated if people knew. They would be like an outcast, not only to their neighbors and friends, but even by their own family. They each have wonderful hearts and are so very loving.

"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was.

And when he saw him, he had compassion"

Luke 10:33

Cindy Davis (WBFJ)

LIVE from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Wednesday night, August 13, 2008

Having Supper with Future Compassion Leaders in Ethiopia

Verne Hill (WBFJ News) - Live from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

What's on the menu this evening?

Well, we are 'breaking bread' with a promising accountant, an architectural designer, an up and coming environmental engineer, an urban planner and a Doctor of Veterinary medicine.

Our Compassion / Ethiopia team (including Cindy and myself) was treated to a Five-Star meal with five LDP college students. As we dined on lukewarm Sprite, 'buna' (traditional coffee) and 'injera' (or sponge bread), the conversation spiced up with talk of hope, thankfulness and a peaceful cultural revolution all cultivated with compassion for the needy. Compassion International's LDP (or Leadership Development Program) is the next phase - an additional

investment - into a sponsored child as he or she completes High School. Graduates who were previous 'sponsored kids' and show exceptional leadership skills are recruited to participate in Compassion international's latest program. If these future leaders are chosen, they receive a college education, plus further Christian leadership training through Compassion.

I had the pleasure of sitting and chatting with Ms. Menderin Zewde, age 21, who is studying Accounting and Finance at the local University. Menderin loves to crunch the numbers. But says Politics is also on her 'wish list' of things to do after graduation in 2009. She tells me that life has not been easy but through dedication, determination and sponsorship through Compassion's Child Development program...she was at least given a chance. A chance. All because a family in America signed up to be her sponsor through Compassion International. The future definitely seems bright for Menderin and her fellow college mates as they make their mark in Ethiopia...all in the name of Jesus.

-Verne

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Destination: Gotera Kale Hiwot Church Student Center (ET-145)

South of downtown Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

This Compassion Project site is surrounded by extreme poverty. Sponsored kids live in sub-standard housing. Common health problems include pneumonia, TB, typhoid and HIV / AIDS.

by Cindy Davis - Live from Addis Abba, Ethiopia (Africa)

I am so amazed that children live their life in poverty with no running water, no sanitation of any kind and living in a space put together with anything and everything their mom can find to keep out of the weather and once put together is smaller than a tent that my family and I take camping. Even when we go wilderness camping, our luxuries are still better than what these children live in everyday of their life. After a weekend of camping we start feeling grubby and smelly and we cannot wait to get back home to the nice comfortable bed and the hot clean showers to wash all the grub away. These children do not have any of that. They live this way 24/7 everyday of their lives, no matter the weather. We have experienced walking in the awful muddy, unsanitary, very nasty smelling conditions in our shoes. These children go barefoot and never get a good clean, soapy hot bath. But yet they are so happy and just starve for attention and love. The mothers show so much love for their children but the children still want us to love and hug and play with them. I have given many hugs not only to the children but to the mothers this week. The mothers try so hard to make the situation they are faced with better for the children. If not for Compassion International, these children would not get the care they get in these projects we have visited. Not only the children are educated, but the mothers are also educated on how to take care of themselves and the children in better ways. They are also witnessed to and taught about the love of Jesus in hopes of accepting Him into their lives. Education and health aids are provided for these children. If they get sick they do get the attention and the medication needed to make them well again. This is possible through some of the money given through Compassion International. They give hope not only for the children but also for the family. I cannot turn these children away when they come to me and want me to shake their hand or cling to my legs or my arms or just want a simple hug. -Cindy

"And any of you who welcomes a little child like this

because you are mine, is welcoming me and caring for me."

Matthew 18:5

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Obi Kale Heywet Student Center

110 km southwest of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Today was another GREAT DAY! We traveled 70 miles to Obi, our destination for meeting new people and the older children. It was so nice going through the beautiful country side and seeing people and their children working in the fields together toward a harvest that will eventually be so beneficial to them. This section of the country today seem to be a bit better than what we witnessed yesterday. Everything seem to be greener and cleaner. We finally saw some elderly people, which we saw none of the day before. The animals even looked healthier.

The roads were very busy with unusual sights. We almost hit a herd of cows crossing the road and a mule lying in the road. The people were just as bad and the cars and trucks just seem to make their on lane. Sometimes a two lane road would become a four lane road. It was amazing, and I am glad I was not driving. The rains came once again and the mud with all the terrible smells, if you can just imagine, with the animals and no facilities for humans sticking to our shoes.

On the way back to Addis Ababa, we stopped in town to help out the economy by letting some kids clean our shoes. BOY! They know how to clean shoes. (Cindy)

Once in a lifetime meeting

Ric McClary (GM - The Light Radio Network in Vermont), one of our fellow Compassion team members, seemed nervously excited this morning. Ric couldn't wait until we arrived in Obi. Everyone who sponsors a child through Compassion International has the opportunity to visit their sponsored child. But not everyone can make the journey. He actually got that opportunity today to meet 'Rhinia'. Ric and his family sponsor her through Compassion International. Rhinia lives here in Ethiopia near the Obi site. A shy Rhinia was escorted by her father for this special moment.

A Compassion child sponsorship provides the material and physical needs of a child, plus the spiritual needs as well...through Jesus Christ. (Verne)

Heading ‘West’ from Addis Ababa

Holeta Mulu Wongel Child Development Center (ET-403) is about 44 km from the capitol city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. One of the added programs that this center offers is the Child Survival Program which helps pregnant mothers living in the area. This specific program offers basic education regarding health, disease prevention and routine care. So, Compassion is already there to help the unborn child and his or her family. The average wage earner (adult) makes around $18.00 a month.

Fresh mud quickly became our ‘friend’ as we stepped out of our vehicle. Two inches worth of mud in some areas along the worn paths around the center. Mid August is near the end of the rainy season.

We were warmly greeted from the center’s CSP families, mainly women and children, who ran up to us with beautiful multi-colored roses that were actually grown close to the village.
After an extensive tour, we made our way into the church’s humble worship center. The smell of bold coffee and a huge loaf of barley ‘injera’ filled the air. The bread loaf was made by hand and baked in a clay oven over a wood fire. The coffee beans were grown near the village.
After a visit to some of the homes, we traveled back to Addis Ababa to meet with Dawit Hailu, the director of Compassion in Ethiopia.

‘These are the first store bought toys that these little ones have ever seen or played with…ever”. One 6x6 room at the center was used for child care (kids mostly younger that three) while the mothers attended health training classes next door. The room had a handful of toddler toys. Just the basics…balls, blocks, etc. It hit me. These kids don’t have store bought toys to play with at their own homes. Not even a ball of their own. I’m thinking, my two girls (Bailey and Mariah) have out grown more toys (that we still have boxed up in our basement) than hundreds of children in poverty will ever see. But, you should have heard the laughter and seen the smiles beaming from that room.

Editor’s Note: The drive to the center was very interesting. ‘Mickey’ our driver for the week was wonderful! It was everyone else that we worried about. Maneuvering through traffic is never the same overseas as it is in the states. Traveling in Ethiopia is no exception. The biggest vehicle has the right-of way. Whether they truly have the right-of-way or not! And who let out all of the animals into the street? (Yes, we have photos coming).

We Made It!

We Made It!
Our flight landed in Ethiopia Sunday evening after +15 hours in the air. We had a very short refueling stop in Rome, Italy. No, they wouldn’t even let us off the plane to get souvenirs! Not even one group picture for the blog!
Speaking of the group, Cindy and I are traveling with 4 additional people: Mark, Ric, Jeff and Dallas.

The weather seemed cool as we left the plane and headed for the customs area. Everyone grabbed their luggage. Yes, all our bags made it across the Atlantic just fine.

Editor’s Note: We used some of the packing tips from European traveler Rick Steves. His pointers did lighten our load.

Friday, August 8, 2008

The Players...

Verne Hill -WBFJ Morning Show (The News Guy)
www.wbfj.fm
Fun Fact: The 'Little Chicken Dance' was taught to a little girl while on his 2005 Compassion Trip to India.

Cindy Davis - WBFJ staff member (Donor Services)
www.wbfj.fm
Fun Fact: Cindy attended ASU (in Boone, NC) but loves NC State!

Jeff Vance - Creative Services Director at WCSG 91.3FM
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dallas Vance (one of Jeff’s sons) will also be on the trip
www.wcsg.org/onair/staff/staff.php?keyword=jeffreyvance
Fun Fact: Jeff and his wife Laurie have 12 kids!

Richard McClary -General Manager of the Light Radio Network
Burlington, Vermont
www.hisair.net/interviews/mcClary.htm
Fun Fact: Ask him about his plumber's wrench (that was a long time ago)

Mark Hollingsworth ( Our Compassion ‘Tour Guide’ to Africa )
Radio Marketing Manager with Compassion International
Nashville, Tennessee office
Fun Fact: Mark loves movies...making about 40 trips to the theater a year!