Thus far today has been the hardest day of all. Everyone is tired, even a little weary. No one is hurt, sick or totally worn out, but the toll of long, tedious days and short nights are beginning to show. We left our living quarters at 7:35 AM and did not arrive back until 7:50 PM. Everyone has work to do for tomorrow and some of us have work to do for back home and then it is repeating the process tomorrow.
As well, the training today was more arduous than previous sessions. Translation from English into Amharic was more complicated than usual and I believe some of the material was over the educational level for a few pastors. On the other hand, several pastors spoke very good English and asked questions that called for a deeper answer than most of the pastors could comprehend. Add to the fact that our pre arranged translators never showed up and we had to quickly recruit and debrief. I think you get the drift of how the day has gone.
Claudia, Lisa and Melissa are doing a fabulous job. Their witty teaching approach is fascinating to the more reserved women of Ethiopia. Besides their excellent teaching, their very presence has empowered their female trainees.
Besides any hotel we have used before, the church at which our current trainings are taking place are by far the nicest. The church compound was constructed by Norwegians some 75 years ago as a mission outpost. Over time they handed it over to the local Lutheran church body. The style of the structure can be found in many same aged churches in the Europe and the States. The furnishings are typical of Ethiopian churches but it is very, very nice and it is obvious that they are proud of it. The Ethiopians are a very proud people and take great delight in telling us their history and displaying their unique and exquisite attributes.
I have much to do so will call it a night for this blog. We thank you very much for your prayers and Facebook words of encouragement; we thank God for the hope of being untied with our families in five days; and we thank God that we will be with you in worship this weekend.
