A bundle of joy heading for home.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
On Our Way Home
Sitota leaves Ethiopia.David and Sitota on the plane addis to Damascus. She was a great traveller.
Sitota meets ukki and mimmi.Sitota meets her finnish grandparents Laina and Seppo Kekalainen in London.
Everyone has english breakfast at the the Kandara guesthouse in Islington, London.
Goodbye to ukki and mummi.
On the plane again London to Halifax. What a wonderful flight.
Erik has his own special seating on the London Halifax flight.
Sitota arrives in Canada.
Everyone has english breakfast at the the Kandara guesthouse in Islington, London.
Goodbye to ukki and mummi.
On the plane again London to Halifax. What a wonderful flight.
Erik has his own special seating on the London Halifax flight.
Sitota arrives in Canada. Sorry it is out of focus taken on my blackberry all our cameras were dead.
Welcome to Canada.
Sitota finally meets Ann.
Sitota meets Taylors.
Seppo returns thanks Alan.
Welcome to Halifax at Ann & Al's.
Welcome to Canada.
Sitota finally meets Ann.
Sitota meets Taylors.
Seppo returns thanks Alan.
Welcome to Halifax at Ann & Al's.
One more welcome.
Safe Arrival
Hi Everyone:
David successfully left Addis with Sitota early Monday morning arriving in London around 4pm. Everything went very well. She was an excellent traveller and seemed to enjoy her flight and then taxi drive through London to the guest house. Satu was busy showing London to her Mom and Dad so Sitota and David had a quiet date and snooze before she met her Finnish Grandparents. The meeting went great at 11pm after Satu, Erik, Laina and Seppo got back a live production of Joseph in Technicolour. Erik and Satu also got to see a full production of the Lion King that was awesome. They had a great time together.
Tuesday morning we all had an English Breakfast together before departing for the airport and goodbyes. The flight from London was superb and the seats were great. We were given two extra seats so we had plenty of room to stretch and relax. We arrived safely at 2pm on Tuesday. After several formalities having Sitota's paperwork validated by immigration etc she was officially landed. We were greeted by Ann as we came through the gates and that was an emotional time for all. Later, Auntie Laura caught up with us and we had many photos and Sitota was passed around to everyone for a little visit. We phoned Gramma and Grampa and Risto and Simon for a conference call so they got to talk to Sitota and she did scream some nice greetings to her new family.
After supper everybody was so tired and were off to bed early. David and Al made a final trek to the airport at midnight to pick up Seppo. His flight was an hour and a half late so thanks to Al for keeping David awake at the airport and acting as chauffeur. Today we will head home to CB hopefully their before to late this afternoon. See you all later as the week unfolds.
Thanks to all of you and we will post some final thoughts and photos from everyone.
Take Care David, Satu, Seppo, Erik & Maija-Sitota
David successfully left Addis with Sitota early Monday morning arriving in London around 4pm. Everything went very well. She was an excellent traveller and seemed to enjoy her flight and then taxi drive through London to the guest house. Satu was busy showing London to her Mom and Dad so Sitota and David had a quiet date and snooze before she met her Finnish Grandparents. The meeting went great at 11pm after Satu, Erik, Laina and Seppo got back a live production of Joseph in Technicolour. Erik and Satu also got to see a full production of the Lion King that was awesome. They had a great time together.
Tuesday morning we all had an English Breakfast together before departing for the airport and goodbyes. The flight from London was superb and the seats were great. We were given two extra seats so we had plenty of room to stretch and relax. We arrived safely at 2pm on Tuesday. After several formalities having Sitota's paperwork validated by immigration etc she was officially landed. We were greeted by Ann as we came through the gates and that was an emotional time for all. Later, Auntie Laura caught up with us and we had many photos and Sitota was passed around to everyone for a little visit. We phoned Gramma and Grampa and Risto and Simon for a conference call so they got to talk to Sitota and she did scream some nice greetings to her new family.
After supper everybody was so tired and were off to bed early. David and Al made a final trek to the airport at midnight to pick up Seppo. His flight was an hour and a half late so thanks to Al for keeping David awake at the airport and acting as chauffeur. Today we will head home to CB hopefully their before to late this afternoon. See you all later as the week unfolds.
Thanks to all of you and we will post some final thoughts and photos from everyone.
Take Care David, Satu, Seppo, Erik & Maija-Sitota
Monday, February 16, 2009
Picture Up-date Continued
A closeup of the tree you often see in the horizon on the mountains in Africa. As the sun sets it makes an amazing shilouette.
One of the innovative methods of transportation the three wheeled blue taxi. Costs about 10cents to take a ride.
The streetscape at Nazaret a city located 125 km southeast of Addis Ababa
The Lutheran Seminary School of Jazz. Seppo and Erik formed some wonderful relationships here.
Sitota celebrates her first coffee ceremony at the guest house with Kiddist presiding.
Sitota is Seppo's Girl
Sitota is Mommy's Girl
The happy Kimbley Family with Maija-Sitota waiting to depart for Bright Future
Driving on the major highways with large volumes of traffic you will suddenly come upon large herds of cattle completely covering the highway - better watchout!
A very poor family cooks dinner in its minimal kitchen.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
February 13th & 14th, 2009
Hi Everyone:
The last couple of days have been quite trying. A week ago Thursday when we got custody of Maija-Sitota and finally had all of the necessary legal documents we went straight to the British Embassy. We had to apply for a four day visa for Maija-Sitota as she still has her Ethiopian passport. To enter Britain she needs this visa. We had been told they could rush it and have it by Monday or Tuesday. This did not happen. At 3 pm on Thursday I was sitting in the waiting room for the Visa to come in so we could travel Friday morning at 4:30am. After all the run around and stall tactics, I could feel my blood pressure rising not knowing whether I would wait any longer or press the panic button and try and receive all her valuable original papers back. birth certificate, passport, court decree.... Well about five minutes later I pressed the panic button and asked for my papers back. I didn't know what I was going to do but I couldn't risk having her papers lost in the shuffle. After a few minutes I was told I would have to go somewhere else in the city where the main british embassy was and do what I could. I summoned a taxi and he got me their very quickly snaking his way through chaotic traffic. Once at the gate (guarded by lots of men with guns and rifles) I convinced security and others that I should be let in and finally found the person who had her papers. The reason they could not proceed was they were waiting on some special letter from London to clear our baby sitota. I held her picture up to the bullet proof window and said "Does she look like a threat to your country". Good thing I pressed the panic button because they admitted that rarely do these process in less than two weeks. Needless to say I couldn't get my money back either.
We decided to try our luck at the airport and see if we could at least get to London with her. That proved to be impossible. I spent several hours on the phone from 3 am to 6:30 trying to change my flight to coincide with the 24hr clause. The ethiopian phone system confounded me and I was unable to connect with anyone who could help me in time before the flight left. Finally I emerged from some back office with the airport official to announce to Satu and Erik that I would have to remain with Sitota and figure things out once some local offices opened for regular business hours. This was hard for all of us and a very emotional time to be split up and for Satu to leave her baby girl behind. Satu had settled Sitota while she was waiting for me so that worked well as she gave me the baby.
By now the sun was rising on a new day and I was exhausted. I hailed a taxi and negotiated a fair price with him. Sitota slept in my arms (no seat belts or car seats in Addis) all the way back to the guest house. It felt strange to hold her so close and be encouraged by the feeling that this was a little ball of potential that was waiting to be released. I sensed a great deal of responsibilty. I am very glad for the one on one time with Sitota. Alayu met me at the gate to pay the taxi and try and figure out why I had returned.
Later Friday I rearranged my flight to leave on Monday. We will arrive in London with slightly less than the 24 hour clause before we depart for Halifax. I hope to be able to take sitota out for the day if I can convince someone in immigration to let us do so. If that fails I will have to stay in the airport for the night and visit with Laina and Seppo inside the terminal before everyone leaves.
seppo was busy today with Bright Future children. He is very sad to say good bye to these great bunch of kids. He took them a big bag of Candy and did a candy toss game. He said it was a ton of fun. He also found them a new soccer ball. These kids can play pick up soccer with makeshift nets and no equipment almost like semi-pro's. On Wednesday we showed a slide show on my computer to the kids where they were the stars. We had taken so many picures of the children playing and working on their crafts and lots of poses. They jammed into the front row of their building and watched with enthusiasm. When close ups of themselves came they laughed so hard you could hear the windows shake. Their was one little boy who had missed all of the days when we were their and his picture had never been taken. Needless to say he was crying.
Also on Wednesday I spent some time with the Addis Kidan leadership team reviewing plans and strategies to raise support and awareness of their many projects. The big need is to sponsor rural pastors. This costs about $100/month. A huge difference from what it would cost for the western churches to send and train missionary pastors. Our time together ended in some basic computer training that they needed on spreadsheets.
Well Maija-sitota is calling for her Mr. Mom so I had better go and feed her pablum and baby food. She loves to eat, she will have no trouble fitting into the Kimbley Home. Today Seppo is off with some of his friends on an extensive hike to explore and find some ancient cave churches. He has been told to take lots of pictures.
Take care,
David
The last couple of days have been quite trying. A week ago Thursday when we got custody of Maija-Sitota and finally had all of the necessary legal documents we went straight to the British Embassy. We had to apply for a four day visa for Maija-Sitota as she still has her Ethiopian passport. To enter Britain she needs this visa. We had been told they could rush it and have it by Monday or Tuesday. This did not happen. At 3 pm on Thursday I was sitting in the waiting room for the Visa to come in so we could travel Friday morning at 4:30am. After all the run around and stall tactics, I could feel my blood pressure rising not knowing whether I would wait any longer or press the panic button and try and receive all her valuable original papers back. birth certificate, passport, court decree.... Well about five minutes later I pressed the panic button and asked for my papers back. I didn't know what I was going to do but I couldn't risk having her papers lost in the shuffle. After a few minutes I was told I would have to go somewhere else in the city where the main british embassy was and do what I could. I summoned a taxi and he got me their very quickly snaking his way through chaotic traffic. Once at the gate (guarded by lots of men with guns and rifles) I convinced security and others that I should be let in and finally found the person who had her papers. The reason they could not proceed was they were waiting on some special letter from London to clear our baby sitota. I held her picture up to the bullet proof window and said "Does she look like a threat to your country". Good thing I pressed the panic button because they admitted that rarely do these process in less than two weeks. Needless to say I couldn't get my money back either.
We decided to try our luck at the airport and see if we could at least get to London with her. That proved to be impossible. I spent several hours on the phone from 3 am to 6:30 trying to change my flight to coincide with the 24hr clause. The ethiopian phone system confounded me and I was unable to connect with anyone who could help me in time before the flight left. Finally I emerged from some back office with the airport official to announce to Satu and Erik that I would have to remain with Sitota and figure things out once some local offices opened for regular business hours. This was hard for all of us and a very emotional time to be split up and for Satu to leave her baby girl behind. Satu had settled Sitota while she was waiting for me so that worked well as she gave me the baby.
By now the sun was rising on a new day and I was exhausted. I hailed a taxi and negotiated a fair price with him. Sitota slept in my arms (no seat belts or car seats in Addis) all the way back to the guest house. It felt strange to hold her so close and be encouraged by the feeling that this was a little ball of potential that was waiting to be released. I sensed a great deal of responsibilty. I am very glad for the one on one time with Sitota. Alayu met me at the gate to pay the taxi and try and figure out why I had returned.
Later Friday I rearranged my flight to leave on Monday. We will arrive in London with slightly less than the 24 hour clause before we depart for Halifax. I hope to be able to take sitota out for the day if I can convince someone in immigration to let us do so. If that fails I will have to stay in the airport for the night and visit with Laina and Seppo inside the terminal before everyone leaves.
seppo was busy today with Bright Future children. He is very sad to say good bye to these great bunch of kids. He took them a big bag of Candy and did a candy toss game. He said it was a ton of fun. He also found them a new soccer ball. These kids can play pick up soccer with makeshift nets and no equipment almost like semi-pro's. On Wednesday we showed a slide show on my computer to the kids where they were the stars. We had taken so many picures of the children playing and working on their crafts and lots of poses. They jammed into the front row of their building and watched with enthusiasm. When close ups of themselves came they laughed so hard you could hear the windows shake. Their was one little boy who had missed all of the days when we were their and his picture had never been taken. Needless to say he was crying.
Also on Wednesday I spent some time with the Addis Kidan leadership team reviewing plans and strategies to raise support and awareness of their many projects. The big need is to sponsor rural pastors. This costs about $100/month. A huge difference from what it would cost for the western churches to send and train missionary pastors. Our time together ended in some basic computer training that they needed on spreadsheets.
Well Maija-sitota is calling for her Mr. Mom so I had better go and feed her pablum and baby food. She loves to eat, she will have no trouble fitting into the Kimbley Home. Today Seppo is off with some of his friends on an extensive hike to explore and find some ancient cave churches. He has been told to take lots of pictures.
Take care,
David
Friday, February 13, 2009
Simon Gets a Blue Beaver Tail and Risto's B-day
Hello Satu, David, Erik and Seppo:
Here are a few pictures of Simon receiving his "blue tail" at his Boy Scout Beaver colony on February, 4th. I thought you might like to see them. Further below are some pictures of Risto's B-day
Here he is saying the Beaver pledge, motto and law.
Fellow Beavers.
Here are a few pictures of Simon receiving his "blue tail" at his Boy Scout Beaver colony on February, 4th. I thought you might like to see them. Further below are some pictures of Risto's B-day
Here he is saying the Beaver pledge, motto and law.
Getting his new blue tail and his pin.
Fellow Beavers.
A happy Beaver!
Looking forward to see you soon.
God bless and journey mercies,
Kim
Risto Has a Birthday Celebration
Thanks to Janet, Scott, Evan, Naomi & Zoya for celebrating Risto's B-day with him in our absence. Here are some great shots of Risto and Evan together on his Birthday. Happy 10th Birthday Risto.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hi Everyone:
Sorry we haven't posted in several days.
On Sunday Seppo played with the worship team at the international church. It was beautiful, 2 violins, keyboard, guitar and many voices. Sitota's first service. she really enjoyed the music and sat through most of the sermon without any problem. After church we had dinner with some of the worship team and that was great. Monday and Tuesday we went on a brave excursion to the country lots of amazing sights and sounds.
During this time there has been an internet/telephone blackout that nobody can explain. I have found a connection at an internet cafe that is working very slow. We are all fine and leave in the morning to London. Having troubles finalizing Sitota's visitor visa to England. I hope to resolve that this afternoon.
Aunt Laura please call Ann Taylor for our return itineary she has it 902-457-7428
Take care and we will post more once in London should be a faster connection.
David, Satu, Seppo, Erik, Sitota.
On Sunday Seppo played with the worship team at the international church. It was beautiful, 2 violins, keyboard, guitar and many voices. Sitota's first service. she really enjoyed the music and sat through most of the sermon without any problem. After church we had dinner with some of the worship team and that was great. Monday and Tuesday we went on a brave excursion to the country lots of amazing sights and sounds.
During this time there has been an internet/telephone blackout that nobody can explain. I have found a connection at an internet cafe that is working very slow. We are all fine and leave in the morning to London. Having troubles finalizing Sitota's visitor visa to England. I hope to resolve that this afternoon.
Aunt Laura please call Ann Taylor for our return itineary she has it 902-457-7428
Take care and we will post more once in London should be a faster connection.
David, Satu, Seppo, Erik, Sitota.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Time To Worship
This is my second Sunday in Addis Ababa and we will go to the International Church for worship. The singing in this church is vibrant. Not only do the people really sing out but the acoustics are bright. The floor is marble and there are high wooden arches with a gazebo style skylight where all the beams are tied together. It is modern architecture that incorporates some of the traditional 4 clover shapes into its windows and doorways.
Every morning at 5 am the orthodox chanting begins and it can be heard everywhere throughout the city. I had to wake early this morning to make sure Seppo was awake because the International Church has grown so large that they have to hold two worship services one at 8am and the second at 11am. When I crossed the courtyard to the gate all of the early morning sounds, birds, dogs, monkeys, insects...people seemed to be making a sweet melody in concert with the orthodox chanters. No one was formally participating in this interesting choir but nonetheless it was a choir singing in the early morning dawn. We will go to the 11am service and this will be Sitota's first time in church. She is demonstrating her love for music more and more so it will be interesting to see her respond to congregational singing.
Tomorrow we are planning a two day trip into the country side south of Addis Ababa to a place called Nazaret. This is supposedly a very beautiful lush and high area overlooking the lowlands of Ethiopia. Due to Malaria conditions in the lowlands we will only go a little further to Sodera where their are the equivalent of the Banff Hot Springs. We hope to try these out as well. On our return we will spend some time in the community of Debre Zeyit where one of the local churches is involved with community outreach and development.
Once back home to our compound we will have a few opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday to make final contact with all our new found friends before getting ready to leave very early Friday morning. We will stay in London for three days to visit with Satu's Mom and Dad and sister Raili from Finland. None of us can believe how the time has gone by so quickly. We hope to return to Bright Future with a slide show of all the children before leaving. Last night we worked on it a bit and the pictures of the children and their enthusiasm are amazing. When we return hopefully we can post a link to that slide show.
Well the sun is fully risen here, the chanting has ceased and the coffee is brewed so we will talk to you all later.
David, Satu, Seppo, Erik and Maija-Sitota
Every morning at 5 am the orthodox chanting begins and it can be heard everywhere throughout the city. I had to wake early this morning to make sure Seppo was awake because the International Church has grown so large that they have to hold two worship services one at 8am and the second at 11am. When I crossed the courtyard to the gate all of the early morning sounds, birds, dogs, monkeys, insects...people seemed to be making a sweet melody in concert with the orthodox chanters. No one was formally participating in this interesting choir but nonetheless it was a choir singing in the early morning dawn. We will go to the 11am service and this will be Sitota's first time in church. She is demonstrating her love for music more and more so it will be interesting to see her respond to congregational singing.
Tomorrow we are planning a two day trip into the country side south of Addis Ababa to a place called Nazaret. This is supposedly a very beautiful lush and high area overlooking the lowlands of Ethiopia. Due to Malaria conditions in the lowlands we will only go a little further to Sodera where their are the equivalent of the Banff Hot Springs. We hope to try these out as well. On our return we will spend some time in the community of Debre Zeyit where one of the local churches is involved with community outreach and development.
Once back home to our compound we will have a few opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday to make final contact with all our new found friends before getting ready to leave very early Friday morning. We will stay in London for three days to visit with Satu's Mom and Dad and sister Raili from Finland. None of us can believe how the time has gone by so quickly. We hope to return to Bright Future with a slide show of all the children before leaving. Last night we worked on it a bit and the pictures of the children and their enthusiasm are amazing. When we return hopefully we can post a link to that slide show.
Well the sun is fully risen here, the chanting has ceased and the coffee is brewed so we will talk to you all later.
David, Satu, Seppo, Erik and Maija-Sitota
Up-date February 7th, David Writes:
Today was a good day we rested in the morning then our driver Belachew met us and took us through the city to the market in the mountains. This was beautiful and the air was fresh and clear. Satu was really enjoying her market opportunities. There is so much opportunity to bargain and find great deals. There were many wonderful photo opportunities.
Sitota is changing almost every hour and her personality is showing itself so quickly. She is an amazing little girl. Definitely Momma's girl. At first I think she was afraid that this wasn't for real but now she is accepting the fact that we are her forever family and we will not let her go.
Tomorrow Seppo is playing with an ensemble during worship service at the International Church. They have two morning services the first one at 8am and the second at 11 am so we have to be up and at um early.
Talk to you later,
David, Satu, Seppo & Erik
Sitota is changing almost every hour and her personality is showing itself so quickly. She is an amazing little girl. Definitely Momma's girl. At first I think she was afraid that this wasn't for real but now she is accepting the fact that we are her forever family and we will not let her go.
Tomorrow Seppo is playing with an ensemble during worship service at the International Church. They have two morning services the first one at 8am and the second at 11 am so we have to be up and at um early.
Talk to you later,
David, Satu, Seppo & Erik
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hi again:
The internet has been cutting in and out since Wednesday so if you don't catch it while its hot tough luck I got on for a couple of minutes Thursday Night and again Friday Night. Neither time was I able to complete what I wanted and the connection dropped. Hopefully by the time I finish writing this post it will be running again.
Yes it is true we have custody of Maija-Sitota. As I type she is playing on the floor beside me with her blocks. She is still adjusting and so are we it will take awhile to get used to one another. Satu's visits to her in the foster home really helped to make the transition smooth. She was very listless at first and completely mesmorized by the busyness of the city, noise. Almost in a trance. As far as we know she had only been outside of the walls of the compound maybe 1x for a medical exam. As the day progressed she came out of her shell very quickly. In the evening on Thursday we went to Yod Abbysinia a traditional cultural Ethiopian restaurant with music, dancers, actors...tons of excitement and great food. Quite a few from the guest house went along with Marku from the music school and few of his family. So it was a big nite. Sitota loved the music and before you know it she was clapping to the tunes. She was very tired but she did not want to miss a minute. It was a wonderful celebration together and one that we will never forget. If we can get a few minutes of decent airtime we will send a couple of pictures.
Flashing back to Wednesday the day started with the news that we could pick Sitota up on Thursday so that gave us a very nice edge that day. The boys went off to music school and Satu and David went to Lillata (with Marsha). This women's rehabiltation program help`s the girls recover from a life on the streets. As we arrived the morning worship was winding down ready for the morning devotional from one of the leaders. Marsha made sure they sang one traditional song with a big drum for Satu and David. It was moving to stand in the middle of this circle and and have the girls sing their song of hope and deliverance. After devotions in Amharic (Marsha translated a little for us) we had an English lesson. For David it was the reverse his first formal Amharic lesson. It was cool Marsha was working on family relationships using a family tree of sorts. Mom, Dad, Brother Sister, Cousins, daughters sons... We had to break into small groups and practice answering questions. Who is my brother, Dad.... my brother is Stephen... It was very effective and we learned alot and were encouraged to have visited with the girls. After that Satu took David on a whirlwind tour of Addis that was a real eye opener and finally we settled for the night to be ready for the Thursday with Maija.
Friday was a take it easy day trying to settle Maija in and adjust to her routines. Back to diapers and bottles. Here you have to very careful when making a bottle as the water has to be boiled and cooled before anything can be done. Satu has bounced back to mothering an infant like an old pro and David is still winning Maija`s confidence. She is a lovely bright girl and we were honoured with a coffee ceremony hosted by Kiddist to commemorate the occasion. That was very special. The boys spent the day recording with friends from the music school and helping out with the Worship team for Sunday morning. As you can see it is busy and the time is rapidly approaching for our departure and return to Canada. I am sure we will leave here with mixed emotions. There are so many opportunities for us to be engaged as a family and yet we also have many ways to be involved at home.
Greetings to all of you and thank-you for your prayers, and notes of encouragement.
David and Satu.
Yes it is true we have custody of Maija-Sitota. As I type she is playing on the floor beside me with her blocks. She is still adjusting and so are we it will take awhile to get used to one another. Satu's visits to her in the foster home really helped to make the transition smooth. She was very listless at first and completely mesmorized by the busyness of the city, noise. Almost in a trance. As far as we know she had only been outside of the walls of the compound maybe 1x for a medical exam. As the day progressed she came out of her shell very quickly. In the evening on Thursday we went to Yod Abbysinia a traditional cultural Ethiopian restaurant with music, dancers, actors...tons of excitement and great food. Quite a few from the guest house went along with Marku from the music school and few of his family. So it was a big nite. Sitota loved the music and before you know it she was clapping to the tunes. She was very tired but she did not want to miss a minute. It was a wonderful celebration together and one that we will never forget. If we can get a few minutes of decent airtime we will send a couple of pictures.
Flashing back to Wednesday the day started with the news that we could pick Sitota up on Thursday so that gave us a very nice edge that day. The boys went off to music school and Satu and David went to Lillata (with Marsha). This women's rehabiltation program help`s the girls recover from a life on the streets. As we arrived the morning worship was winding down ready for the morning devotional from one of the leaders. Marsha made sure they sang one traditional song with a big drum for Satu and David. It was moving to stand in the middle of this circle and and have the girls sing their song of hope and deliverance. After devotions in Amharic (Marsha translated a little for us) we had an English lesson. For David it was the reverse his first formal Amharic lesson. It was cool Marsha was working on family relationships using a family tree of sorts. Mom, Dad, Brother Sister, Cousins, daughters sons... We had to break into small groups and practice answering questions. Who is my brother, Dad.... my brother is Stephen... It was very effective and we learned alot and were encouraged to have visited with the girls. After that Satu took David on a whirlwind tour of Addis that was a real eye opener and finally we settled for the night to be ready for the Thursday with Maija.
Friday was a take it easy day trying to settle Maija in and adjust to her routines. Back to diapers and bottles. Here you have to very careful when making a bottle as the water has to be boiled and cooled before anything can be done. Satu has bounced back to mothering an infant like an old pro and David is still winning Maija`s confidence. She is a lovely bright girl and we were honoured with a coffee ceremony hosted by Kiddist to commemorate the occasion. That was very special. The boys spent the day recording with friends from the music school and helping out with the Worship team for Sunday morning. As you can see it is busy and the time is rapidly approaching for our departure and return to Canada. I am sure we will leave here with mixed emotions. There are so many opportunities for us to be engaged as a family and yet we also have many ways to be involved at home.
Greetings to all of you and thank-you for your prayers, and notes of encouragement.
David and Satu.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Seppo Writes:
So much has happened in the last few days.
3 days ago: Erik and I went to a place called Addistagabaeya. Here we were introduced to an after school program for children and teens. This "School" (called Bright Future) is in an extremely poor area of Addis Ababa, where most of the people are malnourished, especially the kids. It's pretty easy to piece things together and understand that this makes learning very hard at school, and as a result this part of Ethiopia and many other places is stuck in a intellectual downward fall. However, most of these kids are extremely smart and respond to training.
I didn't know what was going to hit me when I came to the school. At first I experienced a complete separation from everyone here, mainly because I am white. Not everyone treats forengees like this, and I have happened to meet many extremely hospitable people. But, In reality, I really felt that it was going to be a waste of time to go and meet these kids. After a few interested stares, the questions started coming. Mainly, "why is you hair curly?" It was also funny to see them touch my skin and watch the blood flow back, "I guess the white people can turn whiter when you touch them." They soon became comfortable, and it was like I was some sort of Super Star. Anything and everything is hard to explain to them, so I relied on improv-sign language. This lead me to teaching them how to play rock, paper, scissors.
Before all this happened, we had spent some time in the city, checking out some of the million street vendors, and giving out a couple birr's (currency) to beggars. Of course, we enjoyed buna (Traditional coffee) and makiato (traditional latte), until our eyes were popping out of our heads. Mmmmmm caffeine. There are also quite a few silver and gold stores here, for dirt-cheap. (Which do you prefer?)
2 days ago: We made another venture to Bright Future. This time we had a craft planned. My mom got a whack of hemp and beads, so we thought it would be good to make Necklaces and Bracelets. It is a different kind of braiding, that requires a bit of attention, and I had my doubts. It was a huge success. The plan was to teach "only" the teens. They gathered in a circle around Erik and I, and we began the lesson (yes, I'm so proper). They caught on really fast, and also were excited when they say the craft come together. Some people had trouble with the concept, but anyone who had caught on, began showing the others the right way. (no need for a translator ahaha).
While all this was happening, the younger kids, began to make their own circle off to the side. We had said that there wasn't enough materials for them, and we would have to buy more for them to use. But it never struck me that since they were smaller, they would also need less hemp. So, we gave it a shot. "Maybe this will work," I thought. And what do you know, there was just enough for all 65 or so that gathered.
This might seem small in the scheme of things, and the irrelevancy of this small craft to the big problem is sometimes a shut down. However, something as simple as a craft works on motor skills. This is needed for surviving, especially in a country like this, where most of the poor people need to sell homemade things. Sure they might not be able to find hemp, but one of the boys who finished quickly found a phone cord, and tore it open, and braided the wires the same way that he had before, and it looked even better than what we had taught him.
This is all really exciting, but there is still a need for vitamins for all these kids. Most of them are sick, and it's crazy because it is as simple as curing scurvy. (If you aren't aware, that is the same sickness that sailors had in "olden-times" when crossing the Atlantic, because they had no fruit or vegetables). To supply 65 kids with these vitamins it would cost $2,000 dollars per year. This is really not much money. Currently, a support system is set up with "Bright Future", with people in the states and The Great Canadian Nation. (BTW, Canada is a cool country, and I think I told you before, be glad you live there, we have no problems as bad as there are here).
Yesterday And Today: Erik and I, as always it seems (I enjoy it actually), went to the Music School, in Mekanesa. We met more, and more people here, and learned more Ahmeric words. Most interestingly, we learned how to play the Ethiopian scales. This all revolves around a pentatonic scale (5 notes, plus the octave, if unclear). There are four versions, two minor and two major. Maybe I can explain better when I get home, and I use the mesingko (the Ethiopian Violin). I jammed for 4 hours straight, playing jazz mostly. Later, we went to a mini-recording studio that is run by some of the students, including the head music instructor. Marko is his name, and guess what, he is from Finland. This is the third Finn that we have met. Next week, if all goes well, I will be recording with some people, and laying down some violin tracks over some of their projects. I can bring this home, and maybe I will become famous, ha ha ha.
Another day at the school has gone by, it was really a repetition of the last day. Except, instead of going to record. I decided to take a drum student to get him some new drumsticks. We had jammed quite a bit, and it seems he has got the use out of his sticks. It took us three hours to find a store that wasn?t selling sticks for 400 birr, or even selling sticks period. After this adventure we took the taxi back home. Yes, I call it home already. It feels good here. Also, saying home is much easier to say, rather than, The Addis Kidan Guesthouse.
Now, Finally to the really good news? This morning, the visa for Miaja came through, and for the first time I saw my new sister. I held her, and she didn"t hit me, unlike one of Erik's experiences. I feel like a good older brother. I hope my impressions will last, ahaha. We plan to celebrate tonight, we will be going to a traditional Ethiopian Restaurant, with live traditional entertainment (recommended, so there is no worry of food poisoning).
I hope you have time to read this long charade of sentences. Please write back, if you want.
Sincerely,
Seppo Kimbley
3 days ago: Erik and I went to a place called Addistagabaeya. Here we were introduced to an after school program for children and teens. This "School" (called Bright Future) is in an extremely poor area of Addis Ababa, where most of the people are malnourished, especially the kids. It's pretty easy to piece things together and understand that this makes learning very hard at school, and as a result this part of Ethiopia and many other places is stuck in a intellectual downward fall. However, most of these kids are extremely smart and respond to training.
I didn't know what was going to hit me when I came to the school. At first I experienced a complete separation from everyone here, mainly because I am white. Not everyone treats forengees like this, and I have happened to meet many extremely hospitable people. But, In reality, I really felt that it was going to be a waste of time to go and meet these kids. After a few interested stares, the questions started coming. Mainly, "why is you hair curly?" It was also funny to see them touch my skin and watch the blood flow back, "I guess the white people can turn whiter when you touch them." They soon became comfortable, and it was like I was some sort of Super Star. Anything and everything is hard to explain to them, so I relied on improv-sign language. This lead me to teaching them how to play rock, paper, scissors.
Before all this happened, we had spent some time in the city, checking out some of the million street vendors, and giving out a couple birr's (currency) to beggars. Of course, we enjoyed buna (Traditional coffee) and makiato (traditional latte), until our eyes were popping out of our heads. Mmmmmm caffeine. There are also quite a few silver and gold stores here, for dirt-cheap. (Which do you prefer?)
2 days ago: We made another venture to Bright Future. This time we had a craft planned. My mom got a whack of hemp and beads, so we thought it would be good to make Necklaces and Bracelets. It is a different kind of braiding, that requires a bit of attention, and I had my doubts. It was a huge success. The plan was to teach "only" the teens. They gathered in a circle around Erik and I, and we began the lesson (yes, I'm so proper). They caught on really fast, and also were excited when they say the craft come together. Some people had trouble with the concept, but anyone who had caught on, began showing the others the right way. (no need for a translator ahaha).
While all this was happening, the younger kids, began to make their own circle off to the side. We had said that there wasn't enough materials for them, and we would have to buy more for them to use. But it never struck me that since they were smaller, they would also need less hemp. So, we gave it a shot. "Maybe this will work," I thought. And what do you know, there was just enough for all 65 or so that gathered.
This might seem small in the scheme of things, and the irrelevancy of this small craft to the big problem is sometimes a shut down. However, something as simple as a craft works on motor skills. This is needed for surviving, especially in a country like this, where most of the poor people need to sell homemade things. Sure they might not be able to find hemp, but one of the boys who finished quickly found a phone cord, and tore it open, and braided the wires the same way that he had before, and it looked even better than what we had taught him.
This is all really exciting, but there is still a need for vitamins for all these kids. Most of them are sick, and it's crazy because it is as simple as curing scurvy. (If you aren't aware, that is the same sickness that sailors had in "olden-times" when crossing the Atlantic, because they had no fruit or vegetables). To supply 65 kids with these vitamins it would cost $2,000 dollars per year. This is really not much money. Currently, a support system is set up with "Bright Future", with people in the states and The Great Canadian Nation. (BTW, Canada is a cool country, and I think I told you before, be glad you live there, we have no problems as bad as there are here).
Yesterday And Today: Erik and I, as always it seems (I enjoy it actually), went to the Music School, in Mekanesa. We met more, and more people here, and learned more Ahmeric words. Most interestingly, we learned how to play the Ethiopian scales. This all revolves around a pentatonic scale (5 notes, plus the octave, if unclear). There are four versions, two minor and two major. Maybe I can explain better when I get home, and I use the mesingko (the Ethiopian Violin). I jammed for 4 hours straight, playing jazz mostly. Later, we went to a mini-recording studio that is run by some of the students, including the head music instructor. Marko is his name, and guess what, he is from Finland. This is the third Finn that we have met. Next week, if all goes well, I will be recording with some people, and laying down some violin tracks over some of their projects. I can bring this home, and maybe I will become famous, ha ha ha.
Another day at the school has gone by, it was really a repetition of the last day. Except, instead of going to record. I decided to take a drum student to get him some new drumsticks. We had jammed quite a bit, and it seems he has got the use out of his sticks. It took us three hours to find a store that wasn?t selling sticks for 400 birr, or even selling sticks period. After this adventure we took the taxi back home. Yes, I call it home already. It feels good here. Also, saying home is much easier to say, rather than, The Addis Kidan Guesthouse.
Now, Finally to the really good news? This morning, the visa for Miaja came through, and for the first time I saw my new sister. I held her, and she didn"t hit me, unlike one of Erik's experiences. I feel like a good older brother. I hope my impressions will last, ahaha. We plan to celebrate tonight, we will be going to a traditional Ethiopian Restaurant, with live traditional entertainment (recommended, so there is no worry of food poisoning).
I hope you have time to read this long charade of sentences. Please write back, if you want.
Sincerely,
Seppo Kimbley
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Exciting News!!!
Hi Everyone:
This is a quick message to let you all know that we received notice Wednesday morning that we can pick Maija-Sitota up Thursday morning at 10am. We are very excited as this is for keeps.
We will update you later with pictures and the ongoings of yesterday. It seems we are as busy here as home as if we have been here for years.
Take Care,
David, Satu and the Boys.
This is a quick message to let you all know that we received notice Wednesday morning that we can pick Maija-Sitota up Thursday morning at 10am. We are very excited as this is for keeps.
We will update you later with pictures and the ongoings of yesterday. It seems we are as busy here as home as if we have been here for years.
Take Care,
David, Satu and the Boys.
February 3, 2009 Up-date
Hi Everyone:
Today Seppo, Erik and Satu were teaching the children of Bright Futures how to make hemp necklaces and bracelets with beads. These kids were wonderful to work with and they responded with amazing desire to learn and untapped skill. Some of the older teen boys and girls were exceptional. As they finished their work they all wanted to be photographed wearing it on their necks or wrists. It was an intense teaching time (around 65 children ages 5 - 18). Once again the children lined up for a little candy treat and they were so appreciative. As we left the mountainside perch to descend to the place where we could catch our line taxi we all felt that the effort was worth it and maybe would make some small contribution to these children's futures. The sun setting in the horizon over the distant mountains gave us some sense of hope. We will return their a few times before we leave to do other activities including coloring and singing. We hope to take all of the photos and compile a simple slide show for the children to sit and watch. I think it will be a big hit as everyone loves to see themselves in a picture.
Tomorrow Erik and Seppo will begin at the Jazz school and Satu and I will go to Lallilta with Marsha that Satu has written about before.
Satu had been eyeing a restaurant from her line taxi rides for several weeks called The Island Breeze and tonight when we were finished we tried it out. It was amazing, run by an Ethiopian-American man and his American wife. the meal with tip only cost $15. We ended up chatting for quite awile as we seemed to have much in common. Because we chatted too long we were late meeting the boys. They were starting to worry about us and gave us quite a lecture for being late when we finally arrived. Anyway can you imagine going out for a very nice dining experience for only $15 including a generous tip. So far all our dining out experiences have been excellent. One that served 5 cost only $10 to the most expensive at $37.
We had to take two line taxis to get home from eating and halfway through the second one the driver looked at everybody and said his taxi had gone to sleep and we all had to get out and walk or find another taxi. I think he had run out of gas or had a flat tire. Anyway Satu was happy because it gave her another chance to power and walk and force me to keep up.
Well that's all for now tonight catch you tomorrow.
Satu and David
Today Seppo, Erik and Satu were teaching the children of Bright Futures how to make hemp necklaces and bracelets with beads. These kids were wonderful to work with and they responded with amazing desire to learn and untapped skill. Some of the older teen boys and girls were exceptional. As they finished their work they all wanted to be photographed wearing it on their necks or wrists. It was an intense teaching time (around 65 children ages 5 - 18). Once again the children lined up for a little candy treat and they were so appreciative. As we left the mountainside perch to descend to the place where we could catch our line taxi we all felt that the effort was worth it and maybe would make some small contribution to these children's futures. The sun setting in the horizon over the distant mountains gave us some sense of hope. We will return their a few times before we leave to do other activities including coloring and singing. We hope to take all of the photos and compile a simple slide show for the children to sit and watch. I think it will be a big hit as everyone loves to see themselves in a picture.
Tomorrow Erik and Seppo will begin at the Jazz school and Satu and I will go to Lallilta with Marsha that Satu has written about before.
Satu had been eyeing a restaurant from her line taxi rides for several weeks called The Island Breeze and tonight when we were finished we tried it out. It was amazing, run by an Ethiopian-American man and his American wife. the meal with tip only cost $15. We ended up chatting for quite awile as we seemed to have much in common. Because we chatted too long we were late meeting the boys. They were starting to worry about us and gave us quite a lecture for being late when we finally arrived. Anyway can you imagine going out for a very nice dining experience for only $15 including a generous tip. So far all our dining out experiences have been excellent. One that served 5 cost only $10 to the most expensive at $37.
We had to take two line taxis to get home from eating and halfway through the second one the driver looked at everybody and said his taxi had gone to sleep and we all had to get out and walk or find another taxi. I think he had run out of gas or had a flat tire. Anyway Satu was happy because it gave her another chance to power and walk and force me to keep up.
Well that's all for now tonight catch you tomorrow.
Satu and David
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Trusting, Waiting and Using the Time Well
Feb 2, 2009
Seppo woke us up at the crack of dawn with a cup of coffee. He was still adjusting to jet lag and woke Erik at 4:30 to tell him about his crazy dream...good thing Erik is very patient. That kicked off a busy day to get ready, devotions, breakfast and much needed sunscreen. Devotions today was appropriately about taking our lives and letting them be used, however, God wishes.
Satu (The director of fun) had booked two appointments one was with Silva a missionary from Finland and the other was with Regula a missionary from Switzerland. In the morning We met Silva standing on the side of the road in the Mekannisa region fairly near the Lutheran Seminary called "Mekane Yesus Seminary" that is busily training nationals to reach their own people. To get to her we had to risk our lives and cross a busy street with taxis and trucks travelling at break neck speeds. The rule here is pedestrians yield to taxis and trucks. These drivers mean business. Silva introduced us to Tilaye Kebede the Dean of the Music program that specializes in Jazz, after encouraging Erik and Seppo to come and participate in giving and learning from his professors and students for whatever time possible while here. Than he called Markku Keskimaenpaa, a finnish music professor to meet us and tour the facilities with all of our family. We found the piano's that need minor tuning and repairs and met some students and firmed up schedules for the rest of our visit.
We sat down in the school's beautiful courtyard patio cafe to brainstorm and address the problems associated with running a music program without enough instruments to go around. After some discussion Satu had a brainwave to get an exchange program going with a band in Canada that would bring the instruments over as carry on baggage and then leave them behind. This would be an exciting opportunity for many to connect through music. What do you think Auntie Laura wouldn't this be something new and interesting? Most of the young people coming to this school are sponsored by their local churches and have little other resources. They have many hopes and aspirations to go back to their communities and make long term differences.
Time for lunch so Seppo and David had their first daring Ethiopian food coached by Satu, Erik and Silva. We loved it and decided we would have some again on Thursday night with Markku along with traditional music and dance at the Yod Abyssinia a local meeting spot. After lunch we had to say goodbye to Silva who is returning to Northern Ethiopia where she serves full time in foster homes.
We began a major journey across the city via three line taxis and several hikes to the Bright Future Compund in Ketchene. Some of these line taxi rides seem life threatening but after awhile you realize that these drivers and assistants (kind of like a conducter) have a very well defined system that works very well. We met Regula halfway and she made sure we found our way their. Here 65 kids are involved in an after school program that helps to nourish, stimulate, and meet the spiritual, mental & physical needs of these often neglected children. We cannot say enough about what is going on here it was an incredible experience to share with these young people from 5 years to teens. The program is committed to work with a young person until they are self sufficient(post secondary education). We played games, sang and talked with the children. They love to have their photo taken and then quickly look at it it on the digital screen. They make wonderful models. So many pictures we will have to choose just a few to send through. Many of the multi-vitamins will arrive here so that every child can have one a day. This is something to continue working on so that the multi-vitamin program could continue at a cost of about $2,000 per year. Maybe our King's Kids could help out these Bright Future Kings Kids by fundraising money to get these multivitamines for them...I think Our King would love to see kids caring for one another.
Erik is so happy to see Seppo again and 'show the ropes' to him about getting around in Addis. It was a joy to watch Seppo and Erik today with the kids at the Bright Future...they were just surrounded by kids. Seppo and Erik spent time just talking with the kids and letting them poke at their skin and laughing about silly things. An other group of kids just loved to play 'a name memorizing game' with David...I think kids would like to keep David there as their adopted father (most of these kids don't have a father). Satu ended up jumping rope with the girls and thus almost ended up having a heart attack (she must be getting too old for such a sport) We had brought some candy for the kids and got them all lined up for distribution. How much joy a little candy can bring!!! The ring pops were a great hit! Tomorrow will go back and teach the kids to make a braiding with hemp and beads (Erik's specialty). We are really looking forward to that! Next time we'll go and teach them some songs that Kings Kids have learnt back in CB.
We are still waiting on Maija-Sitota's visa to Canada. It's somewhere in Canadian Embassy in Nairobi...or maybe it's even on route to Addis..only our God knows all the details...may we be able to trust in Him and use the time of waiting well.
Talk to you later,
David and Satu
Feb 3rd AM
A new day has begun. No new news other than to say it is good to be alive and have another day to enjoy. Good to hear the messages of the little boy's comings and goings. They have been excellent through this whole process. We thank all of you for your special contributions to their lives. If you get a chance sit them down and read the blog to them for bedtime. They like doing that (assuming there is something new)
We will update you later on today's goings on assuming we aren't dead tired.
Seppo woke us up at the crack of dawn with a cup of coffee. He was still adjusting to jet lag and woke Erik at 4:30 to tell him about his crazy dream...good thing Erik is very patient. That kicked off a busy day to get ready, devotions, breakfast and much needed sunscreen. Devotions today was appropriately about taking our lives and letting them be used, however, God wishes.
Satu (The director of fun) had booked two appointments one was with Silva a missionary from Finland and the other was with Regula a missionary from Switzerland. In the morning We met Silva standing on the side of the road in the Mekannisa region fairly near the Lutheran Seminary called "Mekane Yesus Seminary" that is busily training nationals to reach their own people. To get to her we had to risk our lives and cross a busy street with taxis and trucks travelling at break neck speeds. The rule here is pedestrians yield to taxis and trucks. These drivers mean business. Silva introduced us to Tilaye Kebede the Dean of the Music program that specializes in Jazz, after encouraging Erik and Seppo to come and participate in giving and learning from his professors and students for whatever time possible while here. Than he called Markku Keskimaenpaa, a finnish music professor to meet us and tour the facilities with all of our family. We found the piano's that need minor tuning and repairs and met some students and firmed up schedules for the rest of our visit.
We sat down in the school's beautiful courtyard patio cafe to brainstorm and address the problems associated with running a music program without enough instruments to go around. After some discussion Satu had a brainwave to get an exchange program going with a band in Canada that would bring the instruments over as carry on baggage and then leave them behind. This would be an exciting opportunity for many to connect through music. What do you think Auntie Laura wouldn't this be something new and interesting? Most of the young people coming to this school are sponsored by their local churches and have little other resources. They have many hopes and aspirations to go back to their communities and make long term differences.
Time for lunch so Seppo and David had their first daring Ethiopian food coached by Satu, Erik and Silva. We loved it and decided we would have some again on Thursday night with Markku along with traditional music and dance at the Yod Abyssinia a local meeting spot. After lunch we had to say goodbye to Silva who is returning to Northern Ethiopia where she serves full time in foster homes.
We began a major journey across the city via three line taxis and several hikes to the Bright Future Compund in Ketchene. Some of these line taxi rides seem life threatening but after awhile you realize that these drivers and assistants (kind of like a conducter) have a very well defined system that works very well. We met Regula halfway and she made sure we found our way their. Here 65 kids are involved in an after school program that helps to nourish, stimulate, and meet the spiritual, mental & physical needs of these often neglected children. We cannot say enough about what is going on here it was an incredible experience to share with these young people from 5 years to teens. The program is committed to work with a young person until they are self sufficient(post secondary education). We played games, sang and talked with the children. They love to have their photo taken and then quickly look at it it on the digital screen. They make wonderful models. So many pictures we will have to choose just a few to send through. Many of the multi-vitamins will arrive here so that every child can have one a day. This is something to continue working on so that the multi-vitamin program could continue at a cost of about $2,000 per year. Maybe our King's Kids could help out these Bright Future Kings Kids by fundraising money to get these multivitamines for them...I think Our King would love to see kids caring for one another.
Erik is so happy to see Seppo again and 'show the ropes' to him about getting around in Addis. It was a joy to watch Seppo and Erik today with the kids at the Bright Future...they were just surrounded by kids. Seppo and Erik spent time just talking with the kids and letting them poke at their skin and laughing about silly things. An other group of kids just loved to play 'a name memorizing game' with David...I think kids would like to keep David there as their adopted father (most of these kids don't have a father). Satu ended up jumping rope with the girls and thus almost ended up having a heart attack (she must be getting too old for such a sport) We had brought some candy for the kids and got them all lined up for distribution. How much joy a little candy can bring!!! The ring pops were a great hit! Tomorrow will go back and teach the kids to make a braiding with hemp and beads (Erik's specialty). We are really looking forward to that! Next time we'll go and teach them some songs that Kings Kids have learnt back in CB.
We are still waiting on Maija-Sitota's visa to Canada. It's somewhere in Canadian Embassy in Nairobi...or maybe it's even on route to Addis..only our God knows all the details...may we be able to trust in Him and use the time of waiting well.
Talk to you later,
David and Satu
Feb 3rd AM
A new day has begun. No new news other than to say it is good to be alive and have another day to enjoy. Good to hear the messages of the little boy's comings and goings. They have been excellent through this whole process. We thank all of you for your special contributions to their lives. If you get a chance sit them down and read the blog to them for bedtime. They like doing that (assuming there is something new)
We will update you later on today's goings on assuming we aren't dead tired.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Seppo and David Arrive Safely
February 1, 2009
Hi everyone it is Sunday night in Addis. It was a beautiful sunny, high sky day much like one of those seemingly endless summer days in July. Seppo arrived safely at about 10pm Addis time Saturday night. I arrived safely by 2:30 am Sunday morning. All our bags came safely through. Kifle and Alayu from the Addis Kidan Churches are clearing the medical supplies tomorrow.
Believe it or not I managed to get to the International Evangelical Church with Satu this morning. I had managed to get some sleep on the plane so I was determined to not sleep in so long and get the whole jet lag business over with. The church was wonderful a truly international church and the experience was well worth the travel to Ethiopia. Satu and Erik are old hands now at navigating the city by line taxis (which are very cheap) and that is how we got to and from church. We ate dinner with one of Satu's new missionary friend Silva from Finland. From there Satu took me on a walkabout of many parts of the city here. That was quite an eye opener. Such contrast poverty to riches all the extremes on every street corner. Tomorrow we will tour several missions projects and see what we can do with Music and art for the rest of our time here. Alexander MacLeod will be happy to know that Erik will probably be tuning a piano for the Lutheran Seminary later this week.
I have run out of energy so I must head to bed but tomorrow we all should have lots of news and pictures.
David
Hi everyone it is Sunday night in Addis. It was a beautiful sunny, high sky day much like one of those seemingly endless summer days in July. Seppo arrived safely at about 10pm Addis time Saturday night. I arrived safely by 2:30 am Sunday morning. All our bags came safely through. Kifle and Alayu from the Addis Kidan Churches are clearing the medical supplies tomorrow.
Believe it or not I managed to get to the International Evangelical Church with Satu this morning. I had managed to get some sleep on the plane so I was determined to not sleep in so long and get the whole jet lag business over with. The church was wonderful a truly international church and the experience was well worth the travel to Ethiopia. Satu and Erik are old hands now at navigating the city by line taxis (which are very cheap) and that is how we got to and from church. We ate dinner with one of Satu's new missionary friend Silva from Finland. From there Satu took me on a walkabout of many parts of the city here. That was quite an eye opener. Such contrast poverty to riches all the extremes on every street corner. Tomorrow we will tour several missions projects and see what we can do with Music and art for the rest of our time here. Alexander MacLeod will be happy to know that Erik will probably be tuning a piano for the Lutheran Seminary later this week.
I have run out of energy so I must head to bed but tomorrow we all should have lots of news and pictures.
David
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Kimbley Boys' Adventures
The "Kimbley boys" will continue to embark on new adventures. After finishing up some loose ends, a final reorganizing of things that have been requested from Satu, and reshuffling of things for the trip, Dave and Mikael have some time together. Mikael gets caught up with what's been going on and prepares to resettle in Halifax while continuing on in his plumbing appprentice. Dave heads to Halifax airport and will eventually meet up Satu, Erik and Seppo as they finish the last steps in the process of adopting Maija-Sitota.
Alan and Ann Taylor
Alan and Ann Taylor
Seppo Leaving from Halifax
Dave and Seppo ready to head to the Halifax airport for Seppo's flight. His bags have been repacked and weighed while at the Taylors. He makes his way to Ethiopa via Toronto, Frankfurt, Damascus and finally arriving in Addis Ababa. We're sure it will be an exciting journey for him.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Safe and Sound in Halifax
Hi Everyone despite the crazy weather and slippery roads we made it safe and sound to our friends Anne and Al Taylor. We are settled in and we spent the late evening shuffling baggage so that all the bags would not be overweight. We succeeded but we do have an extra bag of medications and multivitamins that we will have to talk about and hopefully get it checked with no extra charges. Satu and Erik succeeded in this regard so I think Seppo and I will do just fine because God is preparing the way.
take care
David and Seppo
take care
David and Seppo
Seppo and David Depart Cape Breton to join Satu and Erik
It is a cold wintery crazy day and we finally got away. A cancelled exam for Seppo, some customer service issues for David, a flat tire that Ralph Ivey fixed right away. We we're just below Wycogomaugh and saw the Brasdor lakes frozen solid 
and the snow blowing off the lakes and it made us think of a dessert with blowing sand and hardships. Total contrasts tempurature wise in Ethiopia but the problems you deal with are the same. We won't have much direct contact over the next three weeks but we are happy that things are gradually moving forward and we can get this opportunity to connect with people, culture so far away. 
Seppo and I were talking about how surreal it is to leave some little house in CB pack your bags, drive to Halifax, fly somewhere else, connect here and there and next thing you know you are very far from home and that is your world. The flip side before you know it everything is done and you are back home contemplating. Even questioning did that really happen or was it a dream.
Talk to you soon,
David and Seppo
From the Frozen Brasdor
and the snow blowing off the lakes and it made us think of a dessert with blowing sand and hardships. Total contrasts tempurature wise in Ethiopia but the problems you deal with are the same. We won't have much direct contact over the next three weeks but we are happy that things are gradually moving forward and we can get this opportunity to connect with people, culture so far away. Seppo and I were talking about how surreal it is to leave some little house in CB pack your bags, drive to Halifax, fly somewhere else, connect here and there and next thing you know you are very far from home and that is your world. The flip side before you know it everything is done and you are back home contemplating. Even questioning did that really happen or was it a dream.Talk to you soon,
David and Seppo
From the Frozen Brasdor
Bright Futures!
On Wednesday we went to the Lalilta Center and taught some more English and coloured with them. Some of them had never even seen a crayon or a marker before, so some of their drawings looked childish.
Today (Thursday) we saw the Bright Future organization. Bright Future brings in kids and teens from the surrounding areas that are disadvantaged. They encourage them to use their entire potential so that they will have an abundant life and eventually transform the community. The kid/teens come in after school and get tutoring from the BF workers.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Comments workaround
My sister pointed out to me that if you go to post it seems to always come up with a message can't be posted. If you choose anonymous for your profile and hit the button a couple of times it works in the end so try again. Must be a little bug in the blog software.
David
David
"Greetings!" to the Kimbleys
"Greetings" to the Kimbleys in Ethiopia and a picture of the boys for Satu. God bless!!
Love Kim and Ian
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Good News!!
Hi David!
It’s Tuesday afternoon. Erik is working on his math. I made him some pancakes for lunch and I ,myself, am just eating plain rice. We haven’t been feeling that well so our diet is basic.
Erik and I were planning to go and visit Maija-Sitota this afternoon. I called Haregewein to see if I could come. No answer. Then she called me and said not to bother coming today for she thinks Maija will have her visa tomorrow and I can just come and pick her up. I don’t have much for her but I think we’ll make do with what we have here. I just need to go and get her some diapers and pablum. If you get here on time for Saturday the International Church is hosting a Bazzaar for different organizations that work with people in different regions to produce arts and crafts. They have an opportunity to sell them at ‘fair trade’ in this market. Erik and I are plannning to go to it (with Maija if we have her by then).
Talk to you later.
Satusi
It’s Tuesday afternoon. Erik is working on his math. I made him some pancakes for lunch and I ,myself, am just eating plain rice. We haven’t been feeling that well so our diet is basic.
Erik and I were planning to go and visit Maija-Sitota this afternoon. I called Haregewein to see if I could come. No answer. Then she called me and said not to bother coming today for she thinks Maija will have her visa tomorrow and I can just come and pick her up. I don’t have much for her but I think we’ll make do with what we have here. I just need to go and get her some diapers and pablum. If you get here on time for Saturday the International Church is hosting a Bazzaar for different organizations that work with people in different regions to produce arts and crafts. They have an opportunity to sell them at ‘fair trade’ in this market. Erik and I are plannning to go to it (with Maija if we have her by then).
Talk to you later.
Satusi
January 26th Satu Writes
Hi David!
How is everything going?
I have been finding more about the Christian Organization Regular is working with on outskirts of Addis place called Kechen. This program was started around 3 years ago by Swiss and some Ethiopians. It’s called Bright Future Ethiopia. Right now they have 2 full time workers (Ethiopian).( Erik and I actually were at the wedding of one of them yesterday. I’ll send a pic of it. ) Regular will be working full time with them to but on a support from churches in Switzerland. Bright Future is a sort of like a support/training center for orphans and a kids from single parent families. They are trying to help the relatives of orphaned kids to foster the children with the help of the Bright Future. Also, they are supplementing the kids education after school. The single mothers get some support and life skills from the center as well. There are also some HIV positive moms that need a medical support etc. Regular is working with the kids teaching them in after school programs. One of her jobs is to work with kids on more creative level; crafts and arts. She will be involved in planning and administration as well I am sure. And as I told you she has an amazing gift in music (kind of like Gordon). For next few weeks Regular will be studying Amharic full time.
Erik and I will go with Regular this Thursday and see the compound they are working in. I asked Regular if they at the Bright Future could give the chewable vitamine tablets to the kids there. She said they would be very happy to do so. 1/3 of the kids that come there are malnourished. She would give the tablets to the kids daily when they come there rather than handing them out to the families. (I think that is a good plan).
I continue to pray that God will guide our family and our Church family in how to best help one another. I must go now and help Erik with his math. I’ll be talking to you later. Lots of love,
Satusi
How is everything going?
I have been finding more about the Christian Organization Regular is working with on outskirts of Addis place called Kechen. This program was started around 3 years ago by Swiss and some Ethiopians. It’s called Bright Future Ethiopia. Right now they have 2 full time workers (Ethiopian).( Erik and I actually were at the wedding of one of them yesterday. I’ll send a pic of it. ) Regular will be working full time with them to but on a support from churches in Switzerland. Bright Future is a sort of like a support/training center for orphans and a kids from single parent families. They are trying to help the relatives of orphaned kids to foster the children with the help of the Bright Future. Also, they are supplementing the kids education after school. The single mothers get some support and life skills from the center as well. There are also some HIV positive moms that need a medical support etc. Regular is working with the kids teaching them in after school programs. One of her jobs is to work with kids on more creative level; crafts and arts. She will be involved in planning and administration as well I am sure. And as I told you she has an amazing gift in music (kind of like Gordon). For next few weeks Regular will be studying Amharic full time.
Erik and I will go with Regular this Thursday and see the compound they are working in. I asked Regular if they at the Bright Future could give the chewable vitamine tablets to the kids there. She said they would be very happy to do so. 1/3 of the kids that come there are malnourished. She would give the tablets to the kids daily when they come there rather than handing them out to the families. (I think that is a good plan).
I continue to pray that God will guide our family and our Church family in how to best help one another. I must go now and help Erik with his math. I’ll be talking to you later. Lots of love,
Satusi
Attention All Blog Followers
Hi Everyone:
Seppo and I will soon leave to join Satu and Erik in Ethiopia. We cannot believe that our time has finally come. We have friends here that will update the blog in our absence. Thank-you to Ian and Kim. Many of you that I have bumped into have said the same thing. "It is difficult to post a comment." I tested this and it is true but if you go through the steps to follow the blog posting a comment works much better. To do this you need to click on the follow blog link towards the top right of the screen. It takes a few minutes but if you use your own email address as your account and go from there it works pretty good.
David, Satu and Family
Seppo and I will soon leave to join Satu and Erik in Ethiopia. We cannot believe that our time has finally come. We have friends here that will update the blog in our absence. Thank-you to Ian and Kim. Many of you that I have bumped into have said the same thing. "It is difficult to post a comment." I tested this and it is true but if you go through the steps to follow the blog posting a comment works much better. To do this you need to click on the follow blog link towards the top right of the screen. It takes a few minutes but if you use your own email address as your account and go from there it works pretty good.
David, Satu and Family
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ethiopian Wedding
Hi David!
I am just waiting for Belachew to come and pick us up for the wedding (Alayu, Kidist, Erik and I). Belachew is the driver I would like us to use when you guys get here. He has a minibus. I think Belachew is here honking his horn…I’ll talk to you later….Oh, yeah, before I forget….could you bring some almond butter when you come (they have no almonds here).
Hi again!….just got back from the wedding…the bride and groom were one hour late and the service of course was in Amharic. Erik and I were tired by the end (and hungry)…it was good to experience an Ethiopian wedding.
Kiddist asked us to come for a dinner at ‘their place’ tonight….that will be nice. Erik and I often feed others so it’s nice to be invited to share with someone else. There will be quite a few cooks in the kitchen when you guys arrive here.
Talk to you later!
Satusi
I am just waiting for Belachew to come and pick us up for the wedding (Alayu, Kidist, Erik and I). Belachew is the driver I would like us to use when you guys get here. He has a minibus. I think Belachew is here honking his horn…I’ll talk to you later….Oh, yeah, before I forget….could you bring some almond butter when you come (they have no almonds here).
Hi again!….just got back from the wedding…the bride and groom were one hour late and the service of course was in Amharic. Erik and I were tired by the end (and hungry)…it was good to experience an Ethiopian wedding.
Kiddist asked us to come for a dinner at ‘their place’ tonight….that will be nice. Erik and I often feed others so it’s nice to be invited to share with someone else. There will be quite a few cooks in the kitchen when you guys arrive here.
Talk to you later!
Satusi
Thank-you note
Dear Rick, Doug & our Extended Community:
Thank-you to our Church family at Grace Fellowship Church, the Community at large throughout Cape Breton, and many other family, friends, and acquaintances in Canada and the United States who have been such an incredible encouragement to our family through words, deeds & finances these past months even years. Working through the many stages of adopting Maija-Sitota has at times seemed undoable and so time consuming. This week Seppo and I (David) begin our journey on Thursday to meet Maija-Sitota and join in the helping-encouragement work that Satu and Erik have started. It will be an amazing time to connect and then finalize this life changing process. We will continue to post to the blog, thanks to help from Ian & Kim McCulloch. I think we understand just how true and important it is to believe and practice the words of the song - It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child. All of you are part of that global village. Once again our family thanks all of you for your encouragement and involvement.
Sincerely,
David
Thank-you to our Church family at Grace Fellowship Church, the Community at large throughout Cape Breton, and many other family, friends, and acquaintances in Canada and the United States who have been such an incredible encouragement to our family through words, deeds & finances these past months even years. Working through the many stages of adopting Maija-Sitota has at times seemed undoable and so time consuming. This week Seppo and I (David) begin our journey on Thursday to meet Maija-Sitota and join in the helping-encouragement work that Satu and Erik have started. It will be an amazing time to connect and then finalize this life changing process. We will continue to post to the blog, thanks to help from Ian & Kim McCulloch. I think we understand just how true and important it is to believe and practice the words of the song - It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child. All of you are part of that global village. Once again our family thanks all of you for your encouragement and involvement.
Sincerely,
David
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday Update
Last few days we have not been doing too much…I think we both have been feeling tired and a little touch of something. Anyway, this morning we went to Alayu’s Bible College library (his college is part of the International Evangelical Church). Erik needed some books about martyrdom (for his essay). We walked back home and bought more souvenirs on our way back. These stores closer to our guesthouse seem less expensive. I just sent two scandinavian girls shopping out there.
Now we have here a girl from Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland, and one from Canada (she’ll be leaving soon). When you come there will be a family here from US, they are here also adopting (2 little ones). So I think it will be very lively here for 2 weeks when you come. You, Maija and I have the room where Erik and I are right now (with a private bathroom). Erik and Seppo might be in the other guesthouse across the street (that’s where Erik and I started).
Tomorrow we are invited to a wedding….just the ceremony part…it will be interesting to see and experience. It’s a friend of Regular. Regular is going to be the maid of honor. Monday we hope to see Maija-Sitota again.
I’ll talk to you tomorrow
Love Satusi
Now we have here a girl from Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland, and one from Canada (she’ll be leaving soon). When you come there will be a family here from US, they are here also adopting (2 little ones). So I think it will be very lively here for 2 weeks when you come. You, Maija and I have the room where Erik and I are right now (with a private bathroom). Erik and Seppo might be in the other guesthouse across the street (that’s where Erik and I started).
Tomorrow we are invited to a wedding….just the ceremony part…it will be interesting to see and experience. It’s a friend of Regular. Regular is going to be the maid of honor. Monday we hope to see Maija-Sitota again.
I’ll talk to you tomorrow
Love Satusi
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Erik's Thoughts
Dear Dad,
I think it is best if you do fill a suitcase of vitamins from home the children need them. Something I wish I packed was a belt, because you lose weight here but if you don’t bring one no problem, you can buy them easily here. I got one for 10birr. Bring a pair of sandals, it isn’t nice to wear shoes all the time. The first week I wore shoes almost all the time and then my feet started to peel so I had to start wearing sandals. You have to wear shoes if you plan on going out longer otherwise your feet would get pretty dusty. Bring some insect repellant sometimes there are mosquitoes and black flies but they are not too too bad, it is just nice to have the option. Also I don’t know if there is anything for flea bites but you are bound to get flea bites down here. I have them all over my legs it is really itchy mom is getting them too. The bites are most likely from the line taxies.
Oh a garlic crusher and brown sugar. That is something and we would like an we are probably gonna need more sunscreen because we gave out a bottle to a missionary who lost her luggage. Mom is dead set on making humus so bring a can of chick peas, we found dried chick peas but we couldn’t make them soft.
Love Erik
I think it is best if you do fill a suitcase of vitamins from home the children need them. Something I wish I packed was a belt, because you lose weight here but if you don’t bring one no problem, you can buy them easily here. I got one for 10birr. Bring a pair of sandals, it isn’t nice to wear shoes all the time. The first week I wore shoes almost all the time and then my feet started to peel so I had to start wearing sandals. You have to wear shoes if you plan on going out longer otherwise your feet would get pretty dusty. Bring some insect repellant sometimes there are mosquitoes and black flies but they are not too too bad, it is just nice to have the option. Also I don’t know if there is anything for flea bites but you are bound to get flea bites down here. I have them all over my legs it is really itchy mom is getting them too. The bites are most likely from the line taxies.
Oh a garlic crusher and brown sugar. That is something and we would like an we are probably gonna need more sunscreen because we gave out a bottle to a missionary who lost her luggage. Mom is dead set on making humus so bring a can of chick peas, we found dried chick peas but we couldn’t make them soft.
Love Erik
January 21st Update
Hi David!
Today we went out to see the Timkat celebration on the streets of Addis with Ketema, Mesfin,
Roberta and one parent with her adopted daughter. In the Orthodox church calendar that’s the end of the Christmas season. A few replicas of the ark of the covenant are carried around the city and people are singing and dancing. I a
m getting Erik to send some pics.
After that Ketema had invited us over to his house for birthday celebration for his 4 year old son. They served us a traditional Ethiopian meal and we listened/watched Ethiopian pop music.
That was really nice….I want to get some contemporary Ethiopian music. I want to get a cd for Mikael for fun and nice Ethiopian drum as well.
Today was a really nice day! We spent most of it at the Ellilta – Women at Risk centre. It was established under the umbrella of SIM. We met and talked with the director and the founder of Ellilta, Serawit Friedmeyer. She is married to a Canadian. (they actually go back to Canada, Alberta, every summer for 3 months) Her husband is one of the directors of SIM Ethiopia. Take a look at, their website, http://www.w-a-r-e.org/ I so much enjoyed meeting Seravit. She has all kinds of ideas how to get their organization more independent financially. She has an idea to start a mushroom ‘farm’ for export…and get the ‘rescued’ girls to work there for a fair salary.
The Ellilta group works with the prostitute women, bringing them to Christ and helping them to change their life style and teaching them new life skills….Sometimes it’s a long road. Today, one of the staff members told us her story….now she is helping to start an other centre outside of Addis. Also she is going around to schools to talk and teach about the dangers the girls are facing.
What Erik and I did today was we (or actually Erik did) showed/taught a new craft idea to the director of handicrafts (hemp beading). She liked it. The girls can make their own beads for that out of clay and if the hemp is not found they can use leather cord which supposedly is not too expensive here.
Also I showed a poncho pattern and they thought that might be something girls could start making. Right now they are making these cool beads out of paper and then they varnish them. I bought a couple of necklaces. Later Erik went and helped Marsha to ‘teach English’ to the girls. They have quite a nice intermediate English program. I think I’ll give ‘The Play and Talk" (phoenix program) to Marsha. Might be a good idea to do little more phoenix rules with them, especially the ones where they are really struggling. We broke off for a lunch break. You may guess what was for lunch…Injera. We met the staff. I really enjoyed them. They seem to have a great team work going. I think Serawit has a great vision and also insight of people and how to get others involved. After lunch Erik and I hung out in the yard with the girls sharing candy and me taking pics of them.
It’s cute they all wanted to pose. We resumed back to our English lesson; did some role playing (visiting friend’s home) and played "Pooh Bear" Uno. We had fun together. It would be nice to see those girls working on crafts and see how they make their special paper beads and also their pottery. Erik and I will go back next week. Marsha planned good activities for the girls. She is quite a lady.
Talking about Marsha. She is not only a great teacher but also a wonderful musician (piano, violin) (and always including others) She has put some music together and wants us to have a jam session tomorrow morning with Erik (on the piano), Regula (on the violin), Marsha (on the viola or violin) and she was asking if I would play my flute.….I’ll give it a try tomorrow but won’t promise to play at the church any Sunday. Seppo must bring his violin?
There is an other Seppo at the International Church (Bible professor)…supposedly really funny and smart guy. Speaks perfect amharic since he grew up here. I have never met him. Serawit said Seppo is a really good friend of hers and her husband. I have not met this Seppo yet.(everyone seems to know him). So, tomorrow morning we will have our practice. It is wonderful to be involved together and connect through music.
Erik is doing so well….he really is following in the footsteps of Jesus. He sets an example to me of compassion and kindness.
Love, Satusi
Today we went out to see the Timkat celebration on the streets of Addis with Ketema, Mesfin,
Roberta and one parent with her adopted daughter. In the Orthodox church calendar that’s the end of the Christmas season. A few replicas of the ark of the covenant are carried around the city and people are singing and dancing. I a
m getting Erik to send some pics.After that Ketema had invited us over to his house for birthday celebration for his 4 year old son. They served us a traditional Ethiopian meal and we listened/watched Ethiopian pop music.
That was really nice….I want to get some contemporary Ethiopian music. I want to get a cd for Mikael for fun and nice Ethiopian drum as well.Today was a really nice day! We spent most of it at the Ellilta – Women at Risk centre. It was established under the umbrella of SIM. We met and talked with the director and the founder of Ellilta, Serawit Friedmeyer. She is married to a Canadian. (they actually go back to Canada, Alberta, every summer for 3 months) Her husband is one of the directors of SIM Ethiopia. Take a look at, their website, http://www.w-a-r-e.org/ I so much enjoyed meeting Seravit. She has all kinds of ideas how to get their organization more independent financially. She has an idea to start a mushroom ‘farm’ for export…and get the ‘rescued’ girls to work there for a fair salary.
The Ellilta group works with the prostitute women, bringing them to Christ and helping them to change their life style and teaching them new life skills….Sometimes it’s a long road. Today, one of the staff members told us her story….now she is helping to start an other centre outside of Addis. Also she is going around to schools to talk and teach about the dangers the girls are facing.
What Erik and I did today was we (or actually Erik did) showed/taught a new craft idea to the director of handicrafts (hemp beading). She liked it. The girls can make their own beads for that out of clay and if the hemp is not found they can use leather cord which supposedly is not too expensive here.Also I showed a poncho pattern and they thought that might be something girls could start making. Right now they are making these cool beads out of paper and then they varnish them. I bought a couple of necklaces. Later Erik went and helped Marsha to ‘teach English’ to the girls. They have quite a nice intermediate English program. I think I’ll give ‘The Play and Talk" (phoenix program) to Marsha. Might be a good idea to do little more phoenix rules with them, especially the ones where they are really struggling. We broke off for a lunch break. You may guess what was for lunch…Injera. We met the staff. I really enjoyed them. They seem to have a great team work going. I think Serawit has a great vision and also insight of people and how to get others involved. After lunch Erik and I hung out in the yard with the girls sharing candy and me taking pics of them.
It’s cute they all wanted to pose. We resumed back to our English lesson; did some role playing (visiting friend’s home) and played "Pooh Bear" Uno. We had fun together. It would be nice to see those girls working on crafts and see how they make their special paper beads and also their pottery. Erik and I will go back next week. Marsha planned good activities for the girls. She is quite a lady.
Talking about Marsha. She is not only a great teacher but also a wonderful musician (piano, violin) (and always including others) She has put some music together and wants us to have a jam session tomorrow morning with Erik (on the piano), Regula (on the violin), Marsha (on the viola or violin) and she was asking if I would play my flute.….I’ll give it a try tomorrow but won’t promise to play at the church any Sunday. Seppo must bring his violin?
There is an other Seppo at the International Church (Bible professor)…supposedly really funny and smart guy. Speaks perfect amharic since he grew up here. I have never met him. Serawit said Seppo is a really good friend of hers and her husband. I have not met this Seppo yet.(everyone seems to know him). So, tomorrow morning we will have our practice. It is wonderful to be involved together and connect through music.
Erik is doing so well….he really is following in the footsteps of Jesus. He sets an example to me of compassion and kindness.
Love, Satusi
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