Day 8 - a Passover picture they'll never forget

Dear Friends and Family,

The first thing Christabel said was, "we worked hard today"! They continued their work on the basketball and volleyball courts, filling in the volleyball court with the sand needed. They were able to test out their work with a game of volleyball, American's vs. Ethiopians, where the American team was not so successful!
They also did a home visit, Christabel commented, "the homes just keep getting smaller and smaller." Today they meet a single mom with 2 boys, whose husband had recently passed away. The mom is able to work only occasionally, baking a native bread called 'anjerra' for a resort. When she does this she makes about a $1 per week, her rent is $4 per month, so she barely gets by, but is thankful that Compassion helps with her boys education and food. They were able to encourage them to lean on the Lord and be strong by His strength. Christabel said that the students are being affected by the size of the homes and the conditions the people live in.

Pastor Mike's team continued their varnishing and painting projects but also took some time to build relationships and played some volleyball and soccer with the students and staff on site. They had lunch with the Compassion staff and church workers. Patrick was able to teach one young man how to play the guitar, he had never played before and by the time Patrick was done with him he was able to play a whole song.

They did a home visit to a family of 5 who live in a one room (6x10 foot) mud hut. The Compassion child there was a16 year old girl who had been sponsored for 11 years. She was very quiet and soft spoken, but so thankful for what she had and hoped to use the education she was receiving to become a nurse. Pastor Mike said how eye opening it is for the students to see these poorest of the poor.

The evening concluded with bonfire, but one unlike the students had ever experienced before. For us s'mores are a typical bonfire treat; for the Ethiopians roasting a lamb is their custom. What an opportunity the team had to learn first hand the symbolism of Isaiah 43 and the slaughtering of the passover lamb this Good Friday. Pastor Mike spoke with the team and prepared them for what was going to happen and each step of the way illustrated how Jesus laid down his life for us and made the ultimate sacrifice. Several of the students were able to help with the process, and by the end of the time everyone had a choice if they would like to eat some of the lamb and everyone took a bite, even the ones who don't eat very much meat. Truly this will be a Good Friday they do not forget.

Tomorrow they will finish up some of their projects and begin to pack up. Sunday they will have church and then head to the capital; they will be able to do some site seeing and shopping and then head home late Monday night.

Blessings, Heather