AFRICA: Day 13: Sunday (11/24): Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Lighting the Ethiopian Path

Sunday, 11/24.

Religious Service:

Hello Friends, this morning we woke up to go to an Ethiopian Orthodox service. We actually stood outside because it was too full inside. There were a lot of people outside. Many of these people would be there as early as 3 a.m. in the morning, which is crazy. There is also a separate part of the building for women since they can't go in the part where the men go… and shoes must be taken off. We also learned that the singing is not in Amharic but in Gaz (sp?) which would be equivalent to us going to church and the service being in Latin. So really no one actually know what is being said... Interesting right? So it seems to me that it’s more like a ritual that everyone just grows up doing. However, even though they might not understand what is being said, they know a few chants, and in their own way, they are very religious here (from my observations). There faith is important to them. All taxicabs that are Orthodox have tons of pictures of Mary and Jesus, etc. It’s really interesting to me as a Christian. My “religion” is all about my relationship with God, and it’s not that I don’t think people have relationships with God in Ethiopia, but it’s obviously very formal in the way they can approach him, yet it is so engrained in them. ALSO, I noticed that when they walk or drive past an Orthodox Church they all make the sign of the trinity. And supposedly if they pass a church on the street they are suppose to kiss the cross on the gate... It was quite interesting (and of course, all the women had their heads covered by a wrap). Although there are also Muslims in Addis, you can hear both the Mosques and the Orthodox churches blasting music. You see hundreds of people on Sundays going to church, and you can see how it’s a part of them. I really felt like every person in Ethiopia was religious, and I was amazed how for so many years both religions can coexist peacefully.

After church we went to breakfast. I had Ful which is a traditional Ethiopian breakfast made of beans and onions. It was yummy!

Ful

After breakfast, we went to see the community center that Mindi and Dereje FINALLY were able to seal the deal on and rent! As part of Lighting the Ethiopian Path (their nonprofit organization, http://www.ethiopianpath.org/) they will be turning this building (which is among all these condos, which are more like rented apartments) into a church/community center. On the weekend the space will be used as a church and for church activities, but during the week, it will be a space for people to come. I think they will start off by holding tutoring sessions, especially in English and computer. It's something really awesome they are doing. Plus all the people living in the condos were displaced and moved from Merkato (the huge open air market which is being torn down). There are a lot of people in the area and a lot of people who could use the support (and God). I'm so excited to see how God uses Mindi, Dereje and their family. I can't want to see what the building looks like after paint, fixing up, electricity, furniture, etc. I'm so happy for them! And I definitely want to figure out a way to come back and bring people. Either a missions trip or maybe a Pepperdine International Program!!! We'll see!!

Dereje and his new building for Lighting the Ethiopian Path

Condos (apartment buildings) of the individuals that the community center/church will serve.

After we saw their new place, we went back home for a bit. We had another traditional coffee ceremony, which was amazing. Ethiopian coffee is the best, and I'm not even the biggest fan of coffee. They always freshly roast the coffee beans over a charcoal stove. Then once they are done, they will bring the roasted coffee pot to the guests so that we can all smell the coffee... yummmm. Then they will grind the coffee, and put it in a clay jar on the charcoal stove and add water. Then they serve it in these little cups will about 2 spoons of sugar (yes, it's a lot) and some milk (I had soy!). Honestly, it is so amazing and strong. Then after we finish it, they do at least another round. Coffee is huge here. And I really love it. :)

Roasting coffee (buna) over the charcoal stove. Sweet popcorn is served for special guests.

After coffee, we drove to see Merkato. It's pretty much closed on Sunday, but we were able to see a little be of it. It's crazy to think that it will all be torn down so that they can improve sanitation and build new buildings for shop. Many people will lose their home and their community, however, the improvements for the city as a whole will be good. It's kind of a win lose situation.

For dinner we went to a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, with traditional dancing from different tribes in Ethiopia. The food, like always was delicious and it was fun to watch the very different styles of dance within one country!