Letters from Erik and Satu

December 31, 2008

Dear Dad:

We touched down yesterday at around three in the am, got our Visa and change our dollars to birr. Everything happened so easily, no trouble. After we did that part of things we went through customs, got our luggage, and had our kind drivers waiting for us on the other side. Outside the temperature was moderate, felt like our summer’s night, also there where two guys trying to help Alayu and the other guy (cannot remember his name). After going down the streets with palm tree medians and tall buildings on either side we drove into the court yards of the guest house, Alayu gave us a quick tour and showed us our rooms. We share the guesthouse with a group of people from an organization called young life, they are from the States. We each have our own room with comfortable double size beds. Settling down for the night we wake up around 2pm to sunshine pouring into our room. At this point we get washed up and go for a brunch of coffee and toast, then Alayu asks if we want to go for walk down to the super market. The walk was nice and warm but as you walk there are beggars and you feel bad turning them down, Alayu said if you do give out money you only give it to the lame or people with health issues. Also before we walked to the grocery I witnessed a lamb getting slaughtered and skinned! In the super market, we bought some yogurt, nuts, tea, mango juice and fruit. The yogurt is expensive but the fruit is quite cheep.

January 1, 2009

Dear Dad:

Now I am adding to this a day later because the power went out yesterday. Yesterday we were pretty much just trying to fit in. Mom and I had been invited to a party for the folks from the States because they were going back home, that was what the slaughtered lamb was for. Before we ate we had a prayer circle; we sang and danced in the circle as well. Anyway I have to go now so I will send you this e-mail.

Love:
Erik & Satu