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

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!

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:

• 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.)

Most of  these patterns are for girls size 2T to 8-9 years old. "Site #3" includes the following tip: You can adjust a pillowcase dress for older girls as well, by simply cutting a bigger armhole and adding fabric to the hem. The nice thing about sizing a pillowcase dress is that it doesn't have to be precise. So, if you are handy with these things, please consider making some longer dresses for girls who are 10'ish to 13'ish years old!

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!

I think this project would be a great way to get even more people involved in our Be The Change / Change The World Tour 2010-2011!

Who wants to sew some dresses?

God Gets Around!

Is anything impossible for God?

Hello Everyone!

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?

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:

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!

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!

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

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

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)

love,

Lory

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

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

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.

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!

A street in Addis.

"Strip Mall" in Addis.

Typical pedestrians.
.
• 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.

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.

View from the Yeka Guest House.

In the garden at the Yeka.
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!

The girls in the outdoor area at Children's Heaven.
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!

The Mercato--a busy place!

What to say?

My favorite product at the Mercato.
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!

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!

Ethiopia's National Museum--
it's a good museum and they are very proud of it.
• 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.

Entrance to Sele Enat.

Sele Enat's kitchen.

Laundry at Sele Enat.
• 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.

To Be Continued ... Please see next post, "Email -- continued -- pictures still added!)