Annual Review Meeting

Last week we held our annual review meeting with all of the local stake holders. This means that those from the community & government who are involved with our programs in Zeway came for a 2 day meeting of a review of the years activities and to give input for future growth. We had about 75 people present for the meeting. We received some good critique as well as helpful suggestions for the future.

Santa Claus??

In Zeway I went to a Christmas celebration at my neighbor's child's school. There I saw Santa Claus. Here is he called by his older name Father Christmas. Children sat on his knee and he gave them candy. Take a close look at his face- he's wearing a mask-- rather scary if you ask me.

Since I was the only foreigner there at the celebration I was asked to say something at the end of the program. The program included a fashion show (with girls strutting their stuff), drama, singing, and poetry. I spoke in Amharic, saying how wonderful the event was and I wished everyone a merry Christmas.

Thank You!!

A big thank you to all of you who sent me ornaments to put on my tree! I received gingerbread men, angels, animals, strings of buttons and other homemade creations. It added wonderful Christmas cheer to my house. Neighborhood children's jaws would drop when they saw my pretty tree. They had only seen something like that in pictures or maybe on TV. It was nearly impossible to keep them from touching every little tantalizing thing hanging from the tree. The great thing is that only 2 days ago was the Ethiopian Christmas... so I've been able to keep it up extra long! Thanks for your generosity & love!