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Visits & Mt. Intoto
Entry 6 of 18 | show all | print this entry |
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13 April - Peering across the Addis Ababa panorama through a 5AM lense is an enchanting sight. As faint hints of daybreak restle with the stillness a growing symphony faintly begins. It's Sunday morning and the faithful across this city of 5.5 million are beginning to express their faith through song and chant. Very melodic male voices fill the air from loudspeakers that fade in and out with a rhythm that both cashes and intrigues. They are Christian voices at first light and melodic in the pseudo Arabic tounge that flourishes here on the edge of Middle Eastern culture. Soon, the monotone Muslim calls to prayer join in the uncertain symphony which takes a darker tone. Then as if to bring in some spark and excitement, roosters challenge the growing daybreak near and far as a Tawny eagle circles overhead. Dawn is a special time of day to be enjoyed quickly here near the equator. For as soon as you relish the sights and coolness of the morning air, the day rushes in filling all the special places until it is just, plain daytime. The teens from the slum across the stream punctuate the morning with laughter and boisterous noises as they strike up a game of soccer.
It's an easy day across the city and the population eases into some time off from the regular struggle to survive. Bathing and washing in the stream, taking time to walk the goat herd, and if you're a dog, time to rassle in the dirt. Ed and I had a Bible Study about human nature using the booklet "Transforming Your Life." We visited with the fifth BSC grad who requested that we meet with him today. We had a profitable discussion and gave him a copy of Fundamental beliefs. Afterwards, we contacted Yoseph who attended the BS yesterday and invited him on a tour of the area with us. Driving and walking through the jovial crouds on this beautifully clear day was enjoyable. We wound our way to Intoto located at the top of the mountain at 10,000' elevation.
We toured the oldest Orthodox church whose religion is Coptic based and now closely mimics Catholocism. From there we hiked a couple of miles, starting up the road to the summit
and then down the mountain through a young forest of Australian eucaliptus
which are used for various purposes in the city.
Yoseph mentioned that hyena live in this forest, but come out mainly at night.
We kept up the pace. Once at the bottom of the forest we hiked another mile back up the road to the taxi waiting at the church.
I tried running up the hill, but at that alitude that didn't last long. Ed was elated to get "the best shoeshine I have ever had anywhere" from a little shoeshine boy for just 10 cents.
I found a "traditiona" dress for Merrie and had a great time shopping among the street crowd.
In the evening our original driver, Ephrim who manages a new tour company, drove us to deliver the wheelchair that Lora Price sent with us as a donation for a needy African. Ephrim learned of a man whose legs prevent him from being mobile, who serves in his church and who has a job in a factory. The wheelchair will improve his work performance immesurably, as well as permit him to move around his house more freely. I told him about Lora and her desire for us to deliver it to him. He was very grateful and appreciative and thanks Lora, British Airways, Ephrim and us for assisting him with the wheelchair.
Ed and I then went to dinner at the panoramic Garden View restaurant managed by Lance, an African American originally from S.E. Missouri.
Addis Ababa is a very nice place to visit. The people make it special with their jovial ways and outgoing personalities. The population does not think of themselves as either African, nor Arab. Rather lighter skinned Jewish decendents due to the visit of the Queen of Sheba with Solomon (she came back P.G.). The city is very safe both day and night. Jobs are abundant for those with a college education, Yoseph tells us. He has two degrees and is just hiring on with an NGO who needs his acquired skills in business. It has been a physically and mentally demanding journey so far, but we both have appreciated the opportunity to offer ourselves to those who study and appreciate UCG's literature. We would come back here anytime.
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