So, everyone tried really hard to make it feel like Christmas here. We had a Christmas baking party, Christmas movie night, school Christmas party with crafts, and we even drank Wassail. The kids seemed to have fun at least…
harvest time
These were taken about a month ago while I was traveling. It is the time for the harvest, and the farmers have received good rain here. And now, when I go to market, there are large bags everywhere displaying their fruits. There is teff, oilseeds, sorghum, wheat, barley, corn and coffee.
Filed under Countryside, Landscape, Nature
giving thanks and cooking from scratch
This year, I think I have more in common with the pilgrims. I was able to give thanks for being sustained in a new country. I celebrated with people from a completely different ethnic background from myself. And I had to make my pumpkin pie without any processed foods.
It’s begining to look a lot like Christmas
Well, actually, not really. It is in the 70-80s most days and the sun shines for about 12 hours. The one very interesting thing is that there are poinsettias everywhere. Not decorating anything though, they grow here, everywhere. And they are in bloom. Big red poinsettia trees and bushes set in this context is quite humorous.
They do celebrate Christmas here – granted it is a week later, they still celebrate. But their celebrations only involve food, eating, and family. Don’t get me wrong, this is very important in celebrating Christmas. But when you grow up in America, there is just a little magic associated with all the lights, snow, red and green decorations, presents, trees, angels, music, fireplaces, and special treats. I guess this year, my Christmas will be as basic as you can get – which is probably close to the heart of the matter anyhow.
Quiet Houses
As you drive through my country here, you can see so many different kinds of houses. I have was used to seeing the mud and rock houses, with corrugated metal roofs in my town. But when we drove through a significant part of the country to get to the capital city, we passed a variety of people groups with distinct approaches to housing. These were mostly seen in the country-side and not in the towns. The workmanship and art that must go into creating some of these wonderful structures is astounding when compared to the quick, dirty, and cheap way a lot of the towns seem to be made up.
Filed under Countryside
Maybe life isn’t so different
We have to find time to just be us. Americans. Who have our own holidays, traditions, and celebrations. It just takes a little bit more effort over here. So here is a big Happy Birthday to my new littlest brother!
After the Rains
The countryside is beginning to change. The rainy season is officially over and we must prepare to say goodbye to the lushness around us. Our part of the country has been very blessed this year to receive more than enough rain to water the crops and the many rivers and streams. In the next few weeks, the landscape will morph from green to brown. And right when I am finally getting used to my surroundings – I am going to have to adjust all over again.
and the angels kept watch
These are more images from my trip. The large town, not only has many castles and market places, but many old churches as well. I visited one of the oldest and most well known. It is a very peaceful and spiritual place. I was overwhelmed by its feeling of history. The images painted all over the walls and ceiling had been viewed by so many people over so many years and meant so much to them. Experiencing this place was beautiful.
Filed under Art
only snapshots 