John Arrives!

Since John arrived, it has been very wonderful and also very busy! We have had many terrific conversations and adventures.

Liz was SO thrilled to see John when he walked off the plane -- she has met many friendly people during her stay in Addis, but there is no replacement for an old friend and teammate. And, a good long hug is always rejuvinating!

After leaving the airport around noon on Saturday, Liz and John enjoyed a lunch and then Marion, Liz's host, took them shopping for souvenirs (since it was Liz's last weekend day). This allowed the team to see the marketplace and the dynamics of negotiation. Thankfully Marion, a fluent Amharic speaker, was with them and they didn't pay the firenje price! John also seems to be honing his negotiation skills, as he later purchased an umbrella for half the asking price, on a rainy day nonetheless!

On Sunday Liz and John went to M's house where the team will be living and they received a very thorough orientation. They also enjoyed some great conversation about work, life in Addis, NGOs and politics. M is a very wise women and also generous to share her lovely home! That evening, Liz and John went to dinner at Cherokee house and it was great to connect with the volunteers there and to reconnect with JT. John initiated a thoughtful discussion about an impressionable moment in Addis -- so we were fortunate to hear and share initial stories from recently arrived volunteers.

On Monday, Liz and John woke early and moved to M's house before visiting Selam Technical College, along with Amon and JT. This was an inspiring outing, as we saw training in action and learned about the school's products, including various types of agricultural machines (grain threshers, etc.) and water pumps. It was also a "hands on" experience as the group was able to observe the foundry and also test out the functionality of each pump. Afterwards, the team visited the associated orphanage and school, which also contains a garden and restaurant on the premises. We had a delightful meal and then Liz and John took Habtamu, a wise taxi driver and guide, out for a coffee as a gesture of appreciation. In the evening, Liz organized a dinner for several of the friends and helpers who have made her stay so wonderful. Tomorrow Liz and John will have an orientation with SIM; they will talk further with the staff and meet some of the beneficiaries.