Hello all!

As I shared in my Christmas email I traveled to Ethiopia on Christmas Day. Some have expressed an interest in my trip so here goes. This is mostly for Audry, my niece, who while I was gone to Africa dreamt that her Aunt Sue ate a snake! I think she was relieved when I come home despite the snake dream! My other special niece Grace Ann was concerned about me getting malaria. All is well...

The trip was awesome on many levels. Dee was a great hostess. I think Livi and I wore her out. I think she was still thankful for the company! I would have also if I was one of four "white folk" among 7,500 or so! Dee has established many wonderful relationships in Hosanna and is doing GREAT work there.

Livi did a fabulous job at teaching English. I assisted with one of her classes... well actually I just observed and encouraged. :) She had them engaged and laughing! When you see Livi be sure to ask her to demonstrate her "Camel Dance." The installation of the library software and the beginning of the cataloging of their books went very well. We learned that this project is very important to them. They need to have 8,000 books organized and cataloged to meet a requirement for their college accreditation. I actually did the computer thing with only "THE ONE" at my side... proof that miracles do exist!

The culture was fascinating... the Ethiopians have a lot of joy in their lives despite their lack of resources. Maybe there is something to be said for living a simple life, one that is close to the land and their fellow man, and with few distractions (unlike our "modern" life).

I hope 2009 is getting off to a great start for you and remember to "LIVE, LOVE, and LAUGH"!

Much love,

Sue