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Wassells in Ethiopia!

(10th-31st August 2011)

This summer many people have asked us where we were going for our summer holiday. When we replied "Ethiopia" we were met with some very different responses - from the mildly amused "why would you want to go there" to the "you must be mad!"

When we then explained that we were going to help in an Aids Orphanage - the responses turned to "well that's different" or "how commendable"

Everyone, without exception, wanted to know the story of how and why we came to be doing this!... and everyone was fascinated to hear ongoing news of how we were coping.

So I suggested that we would write a blog to document our experiences and keep people up-to-date with how we are progressing

So to answer the basic questions

Why ?

As our children were growing up, they would often question us about other cultures and express their desire to visit other countries. Both of them at various times told us that they wanted to visit Africa and help orphans.

This also fits in with our desire as Christian parents to ensure that our children grow up with a wide ranging experience of this world and not just the selfish consumerism that seems prevalent in our western society

So last summer we decided that we as a family we would look into opportunities to visit and help orphans in Africa

How ?

We are part of a worldwide family of churches called "New Frontiers" who believe that the church has a message of good news for all people, tribes and nations.

So it seemed to be obvious that someone within this family had contacts with orphans in Africa, and could assist us in pursuing this.

So at a conference last year of international church leaders, I sat in the foyer, closed my eyes and asked God for help to guide me to the right person. As I opened my eyes one of the Kenyan Church leaders, Edward Buria, walked in front of me - so taking this as an answer, I stopped him and asked whether he could help.

He was delighted with my request and put us in touch with Owen and Charlene Baldwin from Ethiopia, who had connections with the Ahope orphanage in Addis Ababa

So that's why we are going and how we happened to choose Ethiopia (well actually I think God chose Ethiopia for us!)......that leaves the other questions

When ?

We will be travelling to Addis Ababa on Wed 10th August for 3 weeks

What ?

When we spoke to Owen and Charlene, we told them that we didn't want to be a burden to them, but to come with a desire to serve the orphans, the church and them as a family in what ever way we could

They have taken us at our word and asked us to get involved in many activities with the orphanage, the church and even other churches in Addis Ababa as follows

Mondays and Tuesdays:

We are helping at AHOPE...an orphanage for children who have HIV.

We have been asked to help teach life skills (sewing, making etc) with the older children (7-16 yrs) and will also spend time playing with the younger children (0-7 yrs)

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays:

We have  been asked to organise and run 2 holiday bible clubs:

- 6 sessions for fifty 5-11 year olds   (and they might bring friends!)
- 4 sessions for thirty 12-16 year olds.

Saturdays:

We are helping with the neighbourhood soccer starting at 7am!!!

Sundays:

Andy has been asked to preach at the Addis Ababa New Frontiers church and also at their plant church out in the country (Duken.)

They would also like us to teach them some English worship songs

We will also have to get used to working with a translator!

Andy, Vanessa, Abi and David