Friends of Orphans and Vulnerable Children
What could be better than an Ethiopian welcome, FOVC style?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
And Then They Were Sixteen...I mean, Seventeen!...er, Eighteen!
Update: Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen people have now purchased airfare for our trip. Amazing! We are "in negotiations" with several more. Can't wait to see where we end up! (But I know we have to stop soon!)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Fillin' Up Fast
Hi Friends,
When we started planning this grand adventure just a few weeks ago, we wondered if "enough" people would come with us.
Now, we find almost all of the available "slots" are filled!
It is looking like an architect might join us--yea!
And a few more fantastic females--yea!
There are a couple more people who are about to jump in, too.
But we still need some men! Really, what's the deal: So many females have hopped right in. But the men seem to be more tentative? Man up! Let's go change the world!
When we started planning this grand adventure just a few weeks ago, we wondered if "enough" people would come with us.
Now, we find almost all of the available "slots" are filled!
It is looking like an architect might join us--yea!
And a few more fantastic females--yea!
There are a couple more people who are about to jump in, too.
But we still need some men! Really, what's the deal: So many females have hopped right in. But the men seem to be more tentative? Man up! Let's go change the world!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
More Projects We Will Tackle
Hello Dear Friends!
So much is happening, there is new news every day, and new details to work through. (For someone who doesn't really wrangle details all that well, I am being stretched in every way!) But, oh!, I have been so blessed in this support role!
We still need a man or two, and we still need someone who knows about bookkeeping. And maybe someone who has the passion and ability to help formalize FOVC's orphan sponsorship program (see Desalegn's plea below!). We are also looking for someone(s) who has skills in building or design....it looks like we will have the opportunity to work on more projects than only the orphanage. All of these needs are so important for the purposes of our trip!
In addition to everything else we want to take on, I have been in communication with Desalegn about some of the needs for the village--especially the orphans and widows--of Shanto. Desalegn is such a wise and smart young man! Because his writing is so eloquent, I will share it all here:
Lory's question: If we are able to raise funds to purchase some livestock for the widows and children, what types of animals would you recommend, what would be the cost, and how would you implement such a program?
Desalegn's answer: Through my experience I understand that the people of Shanto need cows, sheep, goats and hens to completely change their live and their children's live and to help their children with school supplies and food and clothes. And they depend on these animals to break the cycle of poverty. In our culture, anyone who has these animals together with "inset," or false banana, in is garden is considered as wealthy and has the ability to do everything others do.
So providing one or two or all of these animals to a widow having no any animal means changing her life, her children life and her family life completely from poverty to wealth and brings mental, spiritual and physical satisfaction for her. In our community, each widow has five, up to seven, children and siblings and sometimes her own parents and husband's parents who are very old to do anything by themselves so they are waiting on her to help them. So providing these animals to a widow has many values, not only to herself but also for her children and siblings and parents. Here are the current prices of the animals in the markets of Shanto and Boditti (9 km away from Shanto). Please note the prices have been raised in the last two or three years:
• Cow = $350 USD
• Oxen = $275 USD (helps a widow to plough her own farm land)
• Sheep = Female - $35 USD, Male - $32.50USD
• Goat = Female – $32 USD, Male - $35 USD
• Hen = Male - $3 USD, Female - $2.75 USD
Rather than giving these animals to a single widow, it is better if we train the widows as a group how to develop livestock before giving animals. The reason is because, everyone around Shanto uses traditional methods to develop livestock. So it is better if I train a widow in a group with other widows, in our case in a group of seven widows, how to develop livestock in a modernized way. This will also help a widow share her ideas with others and working in a group ("daguwa" in our language) is better for a widwo and makes her feel strong and has working friends. "Daguwa" means doing anything better, standing together and etc. in our language. So a daguwa of seven members will have much more strength than one widow.
The other thing what I know about the people of Shanto and other people in the region and what I want you to know is that, asking them for matching fund of 10%-20% makes them more happier, feel stronger and the owner of the animals. So I am thinking of this strategy in our case. For instance, if we buy a cow with $300USD for a widow, we will ask her to provide a matching fund of $30USD.I want the fund returned back after one to three years and given to the other widows in the region to help them funded with animals. This method will help me sustain our Widows Hope Program (WHP) in a good manner.
Lory's question: If we raised funds for metal bunkbeds for the orphanage, could you purchase them in Ethiopia? How many would you need, and what do you think might be the cost?
Desalegn's answer: Yeah, I can purchase the metal bunkbeds here in Ethiopia. I know there are some good workshops in Ethiopia which provide these types of beds with good quality. If the price includes blanket, bed sheet and other necessary things it costs $250-$300USD for each pair of beds. We need nine metal bunkbeds for eighteen special orphans and three reserves for some other orphans.
Lory's question: Would there be any value in supplying the screens and installation materials to cover the windows in the new buildings, in order to keep mosquitoes and other insects outside?
Desalegn's answer: Yes, window screens have large values. As you know well the most difficult diseases in Shanto are malaria and other preventable diseases. So the screens and installation materials will help us prevent malaria.
Lory's question: What is the current status of sponsors for the children?
Desalegn's answer: I am always concerned with the children to have long-time sponsors than short-time donations. The reason is that it is very difficult for me to look at a child who is suffering with lack of food, clothing, shoes and other things. As I informed you before, among twenty-four orphans, only two are being sponsored. But the others do not have any sponsor. So I beg you to find sponsorship for each child. If a child is sponsored and educated or trained, he will feed and clothe himself and the other orphans in his own area later. That will help us to have good foster families in the area in the future. So let's work hard and hand-in-hand to find sponsorship for each orphan. If we can find sponsorship for the children, it will make all of us so much happier.
The other thing I want to let you know is that there are also many orphaned children who are in our waiting list. And I am thinking of admitting some twelve and more orphans in the next Ethopian new year.
So....who's ready to change the world? Even if you're not traveling with us, what will you do? What CAN you do? Before our family got involved, I somehow thought the people in countries like Ethiopia were different than me. Pain wasn't so painful to them. Love wasn't so full for them. Need didn't feel so desperate to them.
Oh, I was so wrong. Our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia experience love and need just like we do. They definitely exhibit love and joy more fully than is common here in the U.S. And they experience pain and need--often on a daily basis--far more deeply than most of us ever will.
So, what can you do? What will you do? I really believe God is watching our responses.
So much is happening, there is new news every day, and new details to work through. (For someone who doesn't really wrangle details all that well, I am being stretched in every way!) But, oh!, I have been so blessed in this support role!
We still need a man or two, and we still need someone who knows about bookkeeping. And maybe someone who has the passion and ability to help formalize FOVC's orphan sponsorship program (see Desalegn's plea below!). We are also looking for someone(s) who has skills in building or design....it looks like we will have the opportunity to work on more projects than only the orphanage. All of these needs are so important for the purposes of our trip!
In addition to everything else we want to take on, I have been in communication with Desalegn about some of the needs for the village--especially the orphans and widows--of Shanto. Desalegn is such a wise and smart young man! Because his writing is so eloquent, I will share it all here:
Lory's question: If we are able to raise funds to purchase some livestock for the widows and children, what types of animals would you recommend, what would be the cost, and how would you implement such a program?
Desalegn's answer: Through my experience I understand that the people of Shanto need cows, sheep, goats and hens to completely change their live and their children's live and to help their children with school supplies and food and clothes. And they depend on these animals to break the cycle of poverty. In our culture, anyone who has these animals together with "inset," or false banana, in is garden is considered as wealthy and has the ability to do everything others do.
So providing one or two or all of these animals to a widow having no any animal means changing her life, her children life and her family life completely from poverty to wealth and brings mental, spiritual and physical satisfaction for her. In our community, each widow has five, up to seven, children and siblings and sometimes her own parents and husband's parents who are very old to do anything by themselves so they are waiting on her to help them. So providing these animals to a widow has many values, not only to herself but also for her children and siblings and parents. Here are the current prices of the animals in the markets of Shanto and Boditti (9 km away from Shanto). Please note the prices have been raised in the last two or three years:
• Cow = $350 USD
• Oxen = $275 USD (helps a widow to plough her own farm land)
• Sheep = Female - $35 USD, Male - $32.50USD
• Goat = Female – $32 USD, Male - $35 USD
• Hen = Male - $3 USD, Female - $2.75 USD
Rather than giving these animals to a single widow, it is better if we train the widows as a group how to develop livestock before giving animals. The reason is because, everyone around Shanto uses traditional methods to develop livestock. So it is better if I train a widow in a group with other widows, in our case in a group of seven widows, how to develop livestock in a modernized way. This will also help a widow share her ideas with others and working in a group ("daguwa" in our language) is better for a widwo and makes her feel strong and has working friends. "Daguwa" means doing anything better, standing together and etc. in our language. So a daguwa of seven members will have much more strength than one widow.
The other thing what I know about the people of Shanto and other people in the region and what I want you to know is that, asking them for matching fund of 10%-20% makes them more happier, feel stronger and the owner of the animals. So I am thinking of this strategy in our case. For instance, if we buy a cow with $300USD for a widow, we will ask her to provide a matching fund of $30USD.I want the fund returned back after one to three years and given to the other widows in the region to help them funded with animals. This method will help me sustain our Widows Hope Program (WHP) in a good manner.
Lory's question: If we raised funds for metal bunkbeds for the orphanage, could you purchase them in Ethiopia? How many would you need, and what do you think might be the cost?
Desalegn's answer: Yeah, I can purchase the metal bunkbeds here in Ethiopia. I know there are some good workshops in Ethiopia which provide these types of beds with good quality. If the price includes blanket, bed sheet and other necessary things it costs $250-$300USD for each pair of beds. We need nine metal bunkbeds for eighteen special orphans and three reserves for some other orphans.
Lory's question: Would there be any value in supplying the screens and installation materials to cover the windows in the new buildings, in order to keep mosquitoes and other insects outside?
Desalegn's answer: Yes, window screens have large values. As you know well the most difficult diseases in Shanto are malaria and other preventable diseases. So the screens and installation materials will help us prevent malaria.
Lory's question: What is the current status of sponsors for the children?
Desalegn's answer: I am always concerned with the children to have long-time sponsors than short-time donations. The reason is that it is very difficult for me to look at a child who is suffering with lack of food, clothing, shoes and other things. As I informed you before, among twenty-four orphans, only two are being sponsored. But the others do not have any sponsor. So I beg you to find sponsorship for each child. If a child is sponsored and educated or trained, he will feed and clothe himself and the other orphans in his own area later. That will help us to have good foster families in the area in the future. So let's work hard and hand-in-hand to find sponsorship for each orphan. If we can find sponsorship for the children, it will make all of us so much happier.
The other thing I want to let you know is that there are also many orphaned children who are in our waiting list. And I am thinking of admitting some twelve and more orphans in the next Ethopian new year.
So....who's ready to change the world? Even if you're not traveling with us, what will you do? What CAN you do? Before our family got involved, I somehow thought the people in countries like Ethiopia were different than me. Pain wasn't so painful to them. Love wasn't so full for them. Need didn't feel so desperate to them.
Oh, I was so wrong. Our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia experience love and need just like we do. They definitely exhibit love and joy more fully than is common here in the U.S. And they experience pain and need--often on a daily basis--far more deeply than most of us ever will.
So, what can you do? What will you do? I really believe God is watching our responses.
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Friday, July 23, 2010
Pillow Case Dress Update!
Hi Everyone,
For those of you who are interested in making pillowcase dresses....will you consider picking up a t-shirt to go under the dress? Modesty is highly-valued in Ethiopia, and it could cause offense if we dress the girls in sleeve-less dresses. So, an inexpensive t-shirt--long or short-sleeved--with the dress will truly be a PERFECT gift for these little girls who have probably never owned new clothes, let alone a new dress!
So much thanks and love,
Lory
For those of you who are interested in making pillowcase dresses....will you consider picking up a t-shirt to go under the dress? Modesty is highly-valued in Ethiopia, and it could cause offense if we dress the girls in sleeve-less dresses. So, an inexpensive t-shirt--long or short-sleeved--with the dress will truly be a PERFECT gift for these little girls who have probably never owned new clothes, let alone a new dress!
So much thanks and love,
Lory
Thursday, July 22, 2010
O.M.G(oodness)!
Here is Desalegn's most current post on FOVC's blog.
Thank you Ethiopian orphan Relief, Inc. (EOR) so many times for this beautiful building which will be started soon. We do not have enough words to express our pleasure for your great supports. This will be the first and the most beautiful building in Shanto that your money will build for my children and people. Any suggestions and comments are welcome in order to improve the buildings quality. As I have BSc degree in Civil Engineering, I can adopt some good suggestions and comments which fits with our soil property and other aspects. Thank you all for participating to build a home for homeless children in Shanto!!! This is really great for the people of Shanto. -Desalegn
Thank you Ethiopian orphan Relief, Inc. (EOR) so many times for this beautiful building which will be started soon. We do not have enough words to express our pleasure for your great supports. This will be the first and the most beautiful building in Shanto that your money will build for my children and people. Any suggestions and comments are welcome in order to improve the buildings quality. As I have BSc degree in Civil Engineering, I can adopt some good suggestions and comments which fits with our soil property and other aspects. Thank you all for participating to build a home for homeless children in Shanto!!! This is really great for the people of Shanto. -Desalegn
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Great Update (hint: it's about toilets!)
Here is a great email from Desalegn...scroll down for pictures!
UPDATE: NEW TOILET FACILITY
Our current toilet facility is somewhat very difficult to use, especially for little children and my staff. (Lory's note: click here for pictures of the previous facility!) It was our primary need to build a toilet with its full facility. So we have started building a toilet house with four rooms. Here are some pictures, which my documentation and record staff, took from our new toilet facility building site.
Thank you all for this newly under construction toilet. We are so much happy and it is a huge love and support from you all to us. We will keep updating you with all other progresses.I think you have received my email which is about updates of our new toilet which is currently under construction. If you have any comment please let me know. In my consideration we are progressing well. How is it for you?
We are highly prepared to start our other buildings such us bedrooms and bathrooms for orphans with especial need, kitchen facility, multipurpose hall, school, and bedrooms for different guests who come to visit their sponsored children and/or to provide service for our children and villagers and etc. These all is new in the life of Shanto and me. Thank you all for your huge love and support for this great change in Shanto!!! -
Aren't they doing beautiful work?!?
love,
Lory
UPDATE: NEW TOILET FACILITY
Our current toilet facility is somewhat very difficult to use, especially for little children and my staff. (Lory's note: click here for pictures of the previous facility!) It was our primary need to build a toilet with its full facility. So we have started building a toilet house with four rooms. Here are some pictures, which my documentation and record staff, took from our new toilet facility building site.
Thank you all for this newly under construction toilet. We are so much happy and it is a huge love and support from you all to us. We will keep updating you with all other progresses.I think you have received my email which is about updates of our new toilet which is currently under construction. If you have any comment please let me know. In my consideration we are progressing well. How is it for you?
We are highly prepared to start our other buildings such us bedrooms and bathrooms for orphans with especial need, kitchen facility, multipurpose hall, school, and bedrooms for different guests who come to visit their sponsored children and/or to provide service for our children and villagers and etc. These all is new in the life of Shanto and me. Thank you all for your huge love and support for this great change in Shanto!!! -
Aren't they doing beautiful work?!?
love,
Lory
THIRTEEN!
Thirteen travelers have purchases tickets for our Ethiopia trip.
We're goin' to Ethiopia, baby!
It's not too late for you to join us!
In particular, we still need a man or two and a bean-counter type!
We're goin' to Ethiopia, baby!
It's not too late for you to join us!
In particular, we still need a man or two and a bean-counter type!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Send Some Dresses for the Little Girls (Pillow Case Dress Instructions)
Hello Again!
A few of us have seen a great idea for "pillow case dresses." These are easy (and affordable) to make. Perhaps some of you would like to make some of these dresses for us to take to Ethiopia? Can you imagine the joy a little girl would feel to be able to pick out and OWN, a brand-new dress???
A google search yielded lots of "recipes" for these dresses. Here are a few sites that look pretty good to me:
Here are photos of these darling dresses. They are so cute!
Who wants to sew some dresses?
A few of us have seen a great idea for "pillow case dresses." These are easy (and affordable) to make. Perhaps some of you would like to make some of these dresses for us to take to Ethiopia? Can you imagine the joy a little girl would feel to be able to pick out and OWN, a brand-new dress???
A google search yielded lots of "recipes" for these dresses. Here are a few sites that look pretty good to me:
- Site #1 (you can click to get a pdf instruction sheet).
- Site #2 (includes lengths for girls up to 8-9 years old)
- Site #3 (includes tips for cute embellishments and etc.)
Here are photos of these darling dresses. They are so cute!
- On a related note, here is a pattern for a little "bandana dress"--very cute, too!
Who wants to sew some dresses?
God Gets Around!
Is anything impossible for God?
God AMAZES me! Read (below) the email we received this weekend.
Hi,
Our church takes on a mission project every year. We can submit a project proposal for the Mission Service Committee to consider. To be considered I need to put together a proposal and present it at a meeting on August 19th.
Requirements are that the project should have a fund raising goal over $2,000. I need to include the goal of the project, what resources are requested (financial, spiritual, people power, etc) and information about the project plan and the people who will implement the plan.
I looked at your blog and see you have a variety of projects you needed funds for. At this time what is your most important need to help the children?
This is very close to my heart and I would really like to be able to help the children. I gave up a daughter for adoption 35 years ago and she contacted me last year and six months after I met her she and here husband expanded their family to include a beautiful 2 year old boy from Ethiopia.
If you could help me put together a proposal I would appreciate it.
Thank you and God Bless.
Can you believe it? So now, we are hoping to work with this church in Wisconsin...because the emailer found FOVC and our blog online. This open-hearted woman has skills that would be soooooo helpful in Shanto, and she might even join us on our trip! God can use us to show His love to the orphans in Shanto. He can bring our group together in a matter of DAYS! Out of the blue, He can connect us with this church in Wisconsin. Travelers, we are going to see and do and be a part of amazing things!
After all, is anything impossible for God?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fanta Vision!
Fanta Vision: orange (or purple?)-tinted visions that follow too much of a certain fruity soda?
Nope!
It's actually the name of the hotel I will, whatever it takes, book us into in Soddo. Although there is no website and little information online, our friend Stacey P. stayed there recently and gave it the highest accolades....all things considered.
Here is a picture:
Nope!
It's actually the name of the hotel I will, whatever it takes, book us into in Soddo. Although there is no website and little information online, our friend Stacey P. stayed there recently and gave it the highest accolades....all things considered.
Here is a picture:
This place truly, truly appears to be the bees' knees' in comparison to any/every other option in Soddo. And it definitely has showers!!!!
Getting Your Shots and Staying Healthy in Ethiopia
Here is the link to the Center for Disease Control's recommended shots and vaccinations before traveling to Ethiopia.
Health Information for Travelers to Ethiopia
If you are traveling with us, please read the article. In short, the CDC recommends that all travelers to Ethiopia be vaccinated for MMR, DPT, polio, Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningitis, yellow fever and rabies. Also, we should plan to bring meds for malaria (the Howletts will bring malarone, for example).
Some of these vaccinations are sort of "standard" in the U.S., so you should simply confirm that you are up-to-date.
I saw elsewhere online that someone got several of these shots for just $4 at her County Health Department. The out-of-pocket cost for the same shot at her local travel clinic was $175. If your health insurance doesn't cover all of these vaccinations, I recommend shopping around--call your County Health Department, call your primary care physician, call a clinic like the ones at WalGreens or Costco, and call a local travel clinic. It might be worth it to visit a few providers and save some money!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
One Down, Twelve to Go!
Travelers, be filled with hope and faith!
Our friend Derek's trip to Ethiopia is already fully-paid for!
Derek sent out support-raising letters to friends and family less than two weeks ago, and he now find himself fully-supported for our trip to Ethiopia!
Yea, God!
Of course, I should not be surprised, because I know God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and I know He is CRAZY about the orphans. The Lord put it on Derek's heart to take this huge leap of faith and join us in Africa. So, of course, the Lord would be gracious enough to make it happen!
After all,
"The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
and
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" Jeremiah 29:11-13
There are currently 13 travelers in our group! We still need more men(!!!!) and we still need a builder/construction type!
Our friend Derek's trip to Ethiopia is already fully-paid for!
Derek sent out support-raising letters to friends and family less than two weeks ago, and he now find himself fully-supported for our trip to Ethiopia!
Yea, God!
Of course, I should not be surprised, because I know God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and I know He is CRAZY about the orphans. The Lord put it on Derek's heart to take this huge leap of faith and join us in Africa. So, of course, the Lord would be gracious enough to make it happen!
After all,
"The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
and
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" Jeremiah 29:11-13
There are currently 13 travelers in our group! We still need more men(!!!!) and we still need a builder/construction type!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Toilet and News
Dear Friends,
1. Our group is up to thirteen confirmed travelers!
2. We still need MEN, someone with building or construction experience and someone with bookkeeping/accounting experience.
These pictures (courtesy of FOVC's blog) show the toilet facilities currently used by the children, widows and staff of FOVC:
And now, here is a note from Desalegn:
Yeah, yeah! We will be at a place in the building process withespecially bedrooms foundation construction and I will make everymaterials ready at the time in order to enable your team to help uswith bed rooms foundation construction. By the way building a toilet is very urgent for us and it will be finished at the time your team come to visit us. If you have any especial idea with the toilet and bathroom construction please let me know before we proceed any more.
Faithfully yours,
Desalegn
1. Our group is up to thirteen confirmed travelers!
2. We still need MEN, someone with building or construction experience and someone with bookkeeping/accounting experience.
These pictures (courtesy of FOVC's blog) show the toilet facilities currently used by the children, widows and staff of FOVC:
And now, here is a note from Desalegn:
Yeah, yeah! We will be at a place in the building process withespecially bedrooms foundation construction and I will make everymaterials ready at the time in order to enable your team to help uswith bed rooms foundation construction. By the way building a toilet is very urgent for us and it will be finished at the time your team come to visit us. If you have any especial idea with the toilet and bathroom construction please let me know before we proceed any more.
Faithfully yours,
Desalegn
Added Bonus
Hi Travelers and Potential Travelers,
It is confirmed now that our trip will be tax-deductible. This means, whatever costs each traveler pays for him/herself can be deducted on your taxes. Also, if people donate funds to your trip, they will be able to deduct their gifts to you on their taxes.
If you need more information, let me know!
Also, we now have twelve confirmed travelers! WE STILL NEED MEN!!!
love,
Lory
It is confirmed now that our trip will be tax-deductible. This means, whatever costs each traveler pays for him/herself can be deducted on your taxes. Also, if people donate funds to your trip, they will be able to deduct their gifts to you on their taxes.
If you need more information, let me know!
Also, we now have twelve confirmed travelers! WE STILL NEED MEN!!!
love,
Lory
Friday, July 9, 2010
Three Verses
Hello Dear Ones!
I have been soaring on God's goodness and direction for the past two weeks! I cannot imagine what He will do as we prepare, and as we travel to Ethiopia!
I have three Scriptures to share. Even if they are not new to you, may they encourage you and build you up.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)
...."I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:18)
I have been soaring on God's goodness and direction for the past two weeks! I cannot imagine what He will do as we prepare, and as we travel to Ethiopia!
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)
...."I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
love,
Lory
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hey Travelers & Potential Travelers -- air itinerary and fare update!
Hello Friends!
I spoke to Tesfa at Addis Travel today. Here is the scoop:
Our itinerary involves United Airlines and British Midland Air, with one leg "operated by Ethiopian Airlines." The fare is still $1285.
The Denver travelers will leave Tuesday, December 28 at 12:45pm. The Denver travelers will arrive back in Denver on Saturday, January 8 at 6:36pm.
Some of us have put our seats on hold, at no cost. The airline will give us 7-14 days to make payment (seems to be randomly determined by the airline) from the time seats are reserved.
So, please let me know if you are seriously thinking of joining us, and the thought of locking in this (incredible) fare while gaining some time to make your final decision, sounds good. I'll be happy to get your name on the list!
At this time, we have 10 confirmed travelers. About 10 more thinking seriously.
We still need MEN!!!!!
Let's go change the world!
love,
Lory
I spoke to Tesfa at Addis Travel today. Here is the scoop:
Our itinerary involves United Airlines and British Midland Air, with one leg "operated by Ethiopian Airlines." The fare is still $1285.
The Denver travelers will leave Tuesday, December 28 at 12:45pm. The Denver travelers will arrive back in Denver on Saturday, January 8 at 6:36pm.
Some of us have put our seats on hold, at no cost. The airline will give us 7-14 days to make payment (seems to be randomly determined by the airline) from the time seats are reserved.
So, please let me know if you are seriously thinking of joining us, and the thought of locking in this (incredible) fare while gaining some time to make your final decision, sounds good. I'll be happy to get your name on the list!
At this time, we have 10 confirmed travelers. About 10 more thinking seriously.
We still need MEN!!!!!
Let's go change the world!
love,
Lory
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
A message from Desalegn Daka
A note from Desalegn today. FOVC has just received EOR's financial gift and knows some of us are coming to help. Here are his words:
I do not know how to express my great pleasure to all of you today. It is really beyond my mind and my thought and my every thing! Let me add a wonderful phrase from my home language to your dictionary today in order to express my deep feeling. Because I think it can express my pleasure as much as my heartfelt. The phrase is “keehippe gallatos”. In our language it is really stronger than “I thank you so much” phrase.
Now we can start our construction work for the children who are abandoned and have no shelter and sleeping in dusty street in Shanto. I really thank you all for great love and passion to our children!
I thank you with my all potential and words!!!!!!!
Faithfully Yours,
Desalegn Daka
I do not know how to express my great pleasure to all of you today. It is really beyond my mind and my thought and my every thing! Let me add a wonderful phrase from my home language to your dictionary today in order to express my deep feeling. Because I think it can express my pleasure as much as my heartfelt. The phrase is “keehippe gallatos”. In our language it is really stronger than “I thank you so much” phrase.
Now we can start our construction work for the children who are abandoned and have no shelter and sleeping in dusty street in Shanto. I really thank you all for great love and passion to our children!
I thank you with my all potential and words!!!!!!!
Faithfully Yours,
Desalegn Daka
Monday, July 5, 2010
Email -- continuation -- pictures still added!
(Please read previous post titled, "Email -- pictures added!" for part one of this post.)
When we leave Addis, we will take the (BEAUTIFUL! GORGEOUS! SHOCKING! UNBELIEVABLE!) 6 hour drive south to Soddo. We will stay in the newest motel in Soddo. I don't yet have rates, but it should be even more affordable than our guest house in Addis. Soddo is a smallish city (approximate population of 80K people). It is a rugged, 30 minute drive over to Shanto, the village where FOVC is located. We will be based in Soddo during our time in the south.
FYI, I am in contact with a few reputable drivers. During our drive to Soddo/Shanto, and the whole time we are there, we will expect to have several vehicles--newer model SUV's, air-conditioned, etc--and English-speaking drivers that will be fully-available to us. The details are still in-process.
The motel in Soddo, as I understand it, is new. It will be very clean by African standards. I understand there is running water, shower/toilet facilities and electricity.
We haven't decided if we will spend 3 or 4 nights in Soddo. We have to balance being there long enough to truly make a difference, but not being there so long that it becomes too hard (see below).
About Shanto: Hopefully, you have all read FOVC board member Stacey Penlon's post about her recent trip to Shanto. We must be prepared to be sort of...exhausted...by our time there. It is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually like nothing you have ever seen. But beautiful and life-changing!
As you already know, we will be helping with the building, encouraging the kids, teaching English, teaching life skills to the kids and the widows. We are also looking for a bookkeeping/accounting person who can begin to train FOVC staff as they receive and spend EOR's financial gift. Our team doctor, Larry Dansky, will help medically---we are in the process of figuring out what kind of assistance will be most beneficial. We know the children and villagers plan to welcome us in the most lovely way they know how, too!
The weather in Shanto/Soddo should max out in the mid-80s during the day. Nights are around 60 degrees. The elevation is about 7500 feet, and it's not humid at all--in fact, it's quite dry. (It feels more dry than Colorado, I think.) However, due to the high elevation and the fact that it is near the equator, it can feel quite warm, especially in the sun. Also, it's pretty dusty/dirty. You will be longing for a shower each time you return to Soddo! You will want to bring hats, sunscreen, lotion, lip balm and maybe even umbrellas (to shield from the sun). Women will wear longish skirt, pants or crop pants. No sleeveless shirts. Men will wear long pants, for the most part. Smoking or drinking alcohol will not be appropriate. Dressing and behaving modestly are very important! (Of course, more details to come as we get closer to travel!)
When we leave Soddo/Shanto, we will return to Addis via the beautiful Lake Country. We will stay one night at a clean, nice lodge on Lake Langano. (When Dave, Bereket and I were there in January, the cost for our room was $35, I think, for the 3 of us. So we can plan on less than $25 per person, double occupancy.) There is a beautiful lake and beach there, walking paths and a beautiful restaurant. You will enjoy the relaxation and rest after your time in Soddo/Shanto. In the Lakes Country, we will visit several big, beautiful lakes. When we were most recently in Ethiopia, we saw wild monkeys, baboons, hippos and lots of indigenous birds. And never forget, the countryside and people will be forever seared in your memory!
We will spend the final 1-2 nights at the same guest house in Addis. Our group will have the opportunity, hopefully, to return to places we might want to see again, and to do any last-minute shopping, etc. Amazingly, these last two days are Ethiopian Christmas! Ethiopian Christmas is nothing like western Christmas. I have heard from travelers that witnessing, and taking part in, Ethiopian Christmas, is an incredible event!
This has turned out to be a lot of information, I know. Given the research I have completed this week, I still think that a $2500 per person budget is do-able. I will keep you all posted!
Again, if this trip is NOT for you, and you don't want to keep receiving these emails from me.....just let me know! :-)
Questions, comments or encouragements? Post and share!
So....Let's go change the world! Yippee!!!!!
And please be in prayer for the many who want to go on this trip, but who need to raise the funding to do it.
love,
Lory
When we leave Addis, we will take the (BEAUTIFUL! GORGEOUS! SHOCKING! UNBELIEVABLE!) 6 hour drive south to Soddo. We will stay in the newest motel in Soddo. I don't yet have rates, but it should be even more affordable than our guest house in Addis. Soddo is a smallish city (approximate population of 80K people). It is a rugged, 30 minute drive over to Shanto, the village where FOVC is located. We will be based in Soddo during our time in the south.
Everyone walking to the market as we drive towards Soddo.
A farm.
Beautiful countryside.
FYI, I am in contact with a few reputable drivers. During our drive to Soddo/Shanto, and the whole time we are there, we will expect to have several vehicles--newer model SUV's, air-conditioned, etc--and English-speaking drivers that will be fully-available to us. The details are still in-process.
The motel in Soddo, as I understand it, is new. It will be very clean by African standards. I understand there is running water, shower/toilet facilities and electricity.
We haven't decided if we will spend 3 or 4 nights in Soddo. We have to balance being there long enough to truly make a difference, but not being there so long that it becomes too hard (see below).
Kids we "collected" as we walked in Soddo!
About Shanto: Hopefully, you have all read FOVC board member Stacey Penlon's post about her recent trip to Shanto. We must be prepared to be sort of...exhausted...by our time there. It is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually like nothing you have ever seen. But beautiful and life-changing!
As you already know, we will be helping with the building, encouraging the kids, teaching English, teaching life skills to the kids and the widows. We are also looking for a bookkeeping/accounting person who can begin to train FOVC staff as they receive and spend EOR's financial gift. Our team doctor, Larry Dansky, will help medically---we are in the process of figuring out what kind of assistance will be most beneficial. We know the children and villagers plan to welcome us in the most lovely way they know how, too!
Desalegn's and Staff's office at FOVC.
The weather in Shanto/Soddo should max out in the mid-80s during the day. Nights are around 60 degrees. The elevation is about 7500 feet, and it's not humid at all--in fact, it's quite dry. (It feels more dry than Colorado, I think.) However, due to the high elevation and the fact that it is near the equator, it can feel quite warm, especially in the sun. Also, it's pretty dusty/dirty. You will be longing for a shower each time you return to Soddo! You will want to bring hats, sunscreen, lotion, lip balm and maybe even umbrellas (to shield from the sun). Women will wear longish skirt, pants or crop pants. No sleeveless shirts. Men will wear long pants, for the most part. Smoking or drinking alcohol will not be appropriate. Dressing and behaving modestly are very important! (Of course, more details to come as we get closer to travel!)
A guy on the road to Shanto.
When we leave Soddo/Shanto, we will return to Addis via the beautiful Lake Country. We will stay one night at a clean, nice lodge on Lake Langano. (When Dave, Bereket and I were there in January, the cost for our room was $35, I think, for the 3 of us. So we can plan on less than $25 per person, double occupancy.) There is a beautiful lake and beach there, walking paths and a beautiful restaurant. You will enjoy the relaxation and rest after your time in Soddo/Shanto. In the Lakes Country, we will visit several big, beautiful lakes. When we were most recently in Ethiopia, we saw wild monkeys, baboons, hippos and lots of indigenous birds. And never forget, the countryside and people will be forever seared in your memory!
The Lodge at Lake Langano.
Roadside view.
One of the lakes.
Dave, Bereket and me beside a lake.
Another guy enjoying a lake.
On the road back to Addis.
We will spend the final 1-2 nights at the same guest house in Addis. Our group will have the opportunity, hopefully, to return to places we might want to see again, and to do any last-minute shopping, etc. Amazingly, these last two days are Ethiopian Christmas! Ethiopian Christmas is nothing like western Christmas. I have heard from travelers that witnessing, and taking part in, Ethiopian Christmas, is an incredible event!
Celebrating in Addis.
The Square in Addis.
Another Addis shot.
We will expect to fly out of Ethiopia on January 8. Because of the time change, I believe we will arrive back home on the 8th, too.
This has turned out to be a lot of information, I know. Given the research I have completed this week, I still think that a $2500 per person budget is do-able. I will keep you all posted!
Again, if this trip is NOT for you, and you don't want to keep receiving these emails from me.....just let me know! :-)
Questions, comments or encouragements? Post and share!
So....Let's go change the world! Yippee!!!!!
And please be in prayer for the many who want to go on this trip, but who need to raise the funding to do it.
love,
Lory
Email -- pictures added!
Here is the email I sent to the potential FOVC travelers -- but I added pictures to illustrate!
Hi Everyone!
I have various things to share today. At this point, there are 8 of us committed to traveling together. There are 5 more (who I am aware of) who are very seriously considering joining us. Is there anyone else out there?
We have a doctor and his wife, who is a nurse/public health professional, joining us! Yea!
Given the magnitude of the financial gift that EOR has given to FOVC, we are praying now for someone who can train the FOVC staff in basic bookkeeping/accounting skills. It's so important that we help FOVC make the most of this tremendous gift!
The best flight itinerary I can find at this time is $1285. That is REALLY, CRAZY AFFORDABLE! (Our previous trips were considerably more.) When we factor in the fact that we will be traveling over Ethiopian Christmas, it's just an amazing rate! HOWEVER, this rate is not "safe" until we reserve the seats. The agent I have been working with (I have been in contact with three different agencies) thinks he can get Lufthansa to hold the seats for up to 2 weeks after we put them on hold and before we pay for them. So, we "hopefully" have about one week to decide to put seats on hold--at no cost--and then up to another two weeks to pay for the seats. The longer we wait, the more likely it is that we won't get this itinerary. Even if you are not ready to sign up in the next week or so, you can still come! But it's possible that your cost will be somewhat higher.
We are still looking at traveling out on December 28 or 29.
We are looking to spend our first 2 nights / 3 days in Addis. I am lining up lots of different options for everyone. What you need to know is that most things (meals out, etc.) are far more reasonably-priced than comparable places in the U.S.! Here are the opportunities currently in the line-up during our time in Addis--and there are more to come!
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Hi Everyone!
I have various things to share today. At this point, there are 8 of us committed to traveling together. There are 5 more (who I am aware of) who are very seriously considering joining us. Is there anyone else out there?
We have a doctor and his wife, who is a nurse/public health professional, joining us! Yea!
Given the magnitude of the financial gift that EOR has given to FOVC, we are praying now for someone who can train the FOVC staff in basic bookkeeping/accounting skills. It's so important that we help FOVC make the most of this tremendous gift!
The best flight itinerary I can find at this time is $1285. That is REALLY, CRAZY AFFORDABLE! (Our previous trips were considerably more.) When we factor in the fact that we will be traveling over Ethiopian Christmas, it's just an amazing rate! HOWEVER, this rate is not "safe" until we reserve the seats. The agent I have been working with (I have been in contact with three different agencies) thinks he can get Lufthansa to hold the seats for up to 2 weeks after we put them on hold and before we pay for them. So, we "hopefully" have about one week to decide to put seats on hold--at no cost--and then up to another two weeks to pay for the seats. The longer we wait, the more likely it is that we won't get this itinerary. Even if you are not ready to sign up in the next week or so, you can still come! But it's possible that your cost will be somewhat higher.
We are still looking at traveling out on December 28 or 29.
We are looking to spend our first 2 nights / 3 days in Addis. I am lining up lots of different options for everyone. What you need to know is that most things (meals out, etc.) are far more reasonably-priced than comparable places in the U.S.! Here are the opportunities currently in the line-up during our time in Addis--and there are more to come!
A street in Addis.
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"Strip Mall" in Addis.
- I have made contact with the PR Director of the world-renowned Hamlin Fistula Hospital, who will arrange a personal tour for those in our group who are interested. What you need to do: RENT and WATCH "Walk To Beautiful," READ "The Hospital By The River" also "Cutting For Stone" in preparation for this opportunity.
Typical pedestrians.
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- For those in the group who have never been to Ethiopia/Africa, you will need some time to rest and begin to process the beauty and the suffering that will just fill your senses.We will be staying at the Yeka Guest House. The rate will be $25 per person per night for double occupancy. This rate includes a delicious breakfast.
- Those who are interested can spend time at Children's Heaven, a wonderful organization that many of us are familiar with (also another partner with EOR). Hanna and the girls at Children's Heaven love having visitors!
- We can shop/sight-see at a market on Churchill Street. It's a shopping area that is safe and easily navigate-able. The braver among us might plan a trip to the Mercato, which is the largest market in Africa!
- There is a traditional Ethiopian restaurant where we can go for dinner together. In addition to the food, there is nightly music and dancing in the Ethiopian tradition. Very fun!
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View from the Yeka Guest House.
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In the garden at the Yeka.
The girls in the outdoor area at Children's Heaven.
The Mercato--a busy place!
What to say?
My favorite product at the Mercato.
The traditional restaurant.
- Those who are interested can visit Ethiopia's National Museum. The guided tours there are excellent, and it's where Lucy, the famous ancient skeleton lady, lives! There is a well-known restaurant called the Blue Top (you can get western-style food there, and it is good) across the street for lunch!
- For those who are interested, there is a (fairly gourmet) Italian restaurant and art gallery that is good for lunch or dinner. If you have been to our home, we have a couple of paintings from the gallery, which features only original art by Ethiopian artists.
- Anyone who wants to go can visit the small Leper Community, where you have a chance to meet some of the artisans there--who also have leprosy--and to purchase their beautiful handiwork.
- Anyone who wants to do so can visit--and maybe we'll do a pizza party?--at Sele Enat, the orphanage where both Amelia and Bereket lived before they came home.
- I am investigating the possibility of going to a close-by village called Kore, which was a true leper village-combined-with-trash-heap, and is now a community where the people still live. One of our friends is currently in Ethiopia on a short-term missions trip. You can read her blog post to learn more about Kore.
Ethiopia's National Museum--
it's a good museum and they are very proud of it.
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Entrance to Sele Enat.
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Sele Enat's kitchen.
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Laundry at Sele Enat.
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