Tag Archives: Ethiopia

Jan15

Ethiopia, Day 5: Seriously Stunning Vistas

Posted on by
Standard

day5-landscape1

* UPDATED 1/16/14: Pics added!

South Omo, Ethiopia, baby, and it’s brilliant. Omo borders Kenya and is the region of Ethiopia that ‘s home to the most interesting and culturally intact tribes in Africa.

day5-landscape2We woke up at 5 a.m. today, as we had a long drive ahead of us. We spent most of the day in the truck traveling the lush and gorgeous countryside — I mean, seriously stunning vistas. My mouth was open the whole time. Extreme beauty does that to me; I’m just in awe. A painter’s paradise, for sure, and my hands long to create these images through my artistic filter.

day5-rocks1I have started to rethink the whole plein air thing though. Driving along, watching the majestic landscapes unfold before me, I was in shock to have my paradise interrupted by the sight of an enormous slithering snake crossing the road in front of us. My eyes practically popped out of my head and then — THUMP. Yup, we hit it, but alas, it just kept going. Hope it was off to somewhere to compensate for the trauma it caused me. We might have to paint from our lovely eco lodge in Jinka. Anyway, it happened, and now you know. You’re welcome! 🙂

day5-kids1The Konso tribe and village of Ethiopia is a World Heritage Site, and today we got to visit their village. It was a truly fascinating view into tribal life and the details will have to be shared with you later, as well as the photos, as Wi-Fi is on a timer here at the eco lodge and time is catching up with me. The photos and painting that will be made from these memories are something I look forward to sharing with great anticipation. But for now I must lay my head on the pillow and get some sleep with the sweet sounds of crickets chirping in the background, an occasional distant dog and donke, and, from somewhere closer to the city, disco music. What a combination, and oh, how my senses are gloriously assaulted!

Love from Ethiopia,
Stephanie

Interested in supporting education in Ethiopia? Click here to donate, or “like” my Facebook page to see daily featured SSA items, 100% of proceeds from which will go to Ethiopia Reads!

Jan14

Ethiopia, Day 4: These Dear Souls Will Not Be Forgotten

Posted on by
Standard

Image

Tomorrow morning we hit the road bright and early for tribal Ethiopia. South Omo, here we come!

ImageBUT … I will miss the sweet souls of Kololo, Ethiopia: their warmth, eagerness to learn and gratitude. It makes leaving the community — as well as the little bundles of joy that stole my heart — bittersweet.

Today was our last day with the students, and the children created a mural-sized painting to decorate each of the classrooms. It was a joy-filled day as the kids worked in large scale and on canvas for the first time.

The school has 277 students, and we could not work on the canvases all at once, so the children who were not painting worked with crayons and paper and dance. I thought them the “Hokey Pokey” which was meet with squeals of delight, huge smiles and laughter. Then they thought me some traditional dances. Um, let’s just say they are really good dancers. This girl from the West could not keep up, but the kids shared a great deal of laughter as I had a go at it. Joy abounded; the day was definitely a success. It was sad to leave, and these dear souls will not be forgotten.

ImageI am filled with gratitude to each and every person who took part in making this school a reality. Education is not a foregone conclusion here, but it should be. Education is valued here in a way that transforms entire communities. Generous donors both large and small came together to fulfill the words of Nelson Mandela, whom I quote often because he is so right. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Yeah!

Love from Ethiopia,
Stephanie

Interested in supporting education in Ethiopia? Click here to donate, or “like” my Facebook page to see daily featured SSA items, 100% of proceeds from which will go to Ethiopia Reads!