Day 8- The Rest of Ethiopia

The main reason travelling early is so that we had an opportunity to go see where Elliott began her life. It was important for us to gather her story for her.  She is a baby and will not be able to see, smell, touch Ethiopia. 

I equate the journey we took to and from Awassa, Ethiopia as being in childbirth for days.  It was very hard.  So if you choose to read this- you sign up for that.

Secondly in international adoption, there are two camps.  Those for it and those who are against it.  I am not naive.

One of the reasons that people can be against it is that corruption does happen and innocent children can be victimized. Where there is money- it opens the doors up for corruption and evil to invade.

We needed to know her story- so we can say with 100% confidence we know how she came to be orphaned.  We may not be able to answer all of her questions, but if Elliott wants to know her story, we have gathered that gift for her.  In that process, I can say I know I too received a gift.

So the morning of the 8th day, we got up and loaded our bags on the van.  Our same driver picked us up, and we met the social worker, Mahi, that would be going with us.

We decided that Elliott would go with us.  Most family's do not take the children as it is a hard journey emotionally.   Additionally, we had to take extra medical precautions as there are new medical risks in the countryside.  As we depart the city of Addis Ababa, we see what I can only descibe as BEAUTIFUL!  I took many of the photos you will now see.

A minute on the concept of water- H2O.  Access to a fresh clean water supply and proper sanitation in Ethiopia is one of the lowest in the world. While access has increased substantially with funding from external aid, the need for water and sanitation in Ethiopia is severe.

Only 42% of the population has access to an improved water supply, and only 11% of the population has access to adequate sanitation services. In rural areas, these numbers drop even further.

When you go through the countryside, you see the ugly truth.  Sometimes children, instead of going to school, travel miles to gather water from places I had not imaged even putting my feet in.  Brown water. Some families dig ditches to gather water out front of their homes.  In the rainy season, that works.  In the dry season, they have to travel by foot or donkey to get water.
 

I did see 1 well and caught the picture.  The line was long- but well worth the wait.  I doubt waiting in line will bother me again- I will remember that at least I am not waiting in line for something I need to live!

Walking alone by the road- maybe 3 and 4 years old.  This was a common sight.  Young children helping each other. Totally the Ethiopian SPIRIT! 

The homes that they lived in.  They cost about $500 USD to build.  A laborer may make 8 birr a day or about 60 cents a day.

Small boys- age 6 to 12 were shepparding the cows, goats and sheep.  I cannot even imagine my boys managing those large animals.  Such responsibility at such a young age.

We stopped for lunch at a beach resort. You turn down the roughest dirt road and after passing countless shoeless - half naked children and small houses there is a gate and a fancy restaurant. 

The contrast.....

This beach resort was very nice.  The beaches remind me of the the black sand beach of Hawaii with brown water.  The sand is make from volcanic rock that is crushed.

It was very hot- like summer hot 90 degrees- sunburn hot once on our way to Awassa.  We got back in the van and went on our way to complete the 8 hour drive. Next stop- Elliott's first home.