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Sunday, August 7, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Home
Immigration and Customs went well at Dulles. I gathered the passports and stood in line while we received our boarding passes to Chicago. We had word that Clayton's grandfather had passed away, so we told the kids. Our prayers are with the family.
The layover in Chicago was long and filled with anticipation. I afforded us a chance to eat...I had dinner, breakfast and lunch on the plane, so when we landed stateside I had breakfast again, after 32 hours of traveling my stomach lost track of time zones.
We had our final reflection and prayer in the Chicago airport.
As we reached Minneapolis the kid's national pride showed as they were all sporting American Flags and ululating in the Ethiopia manner. I guess they were as confused as my stomach! Lots of tears...joy.
It was a great trip.
The layover in Chicago was long and filled with anticipation. I afforded us a chance to eat...I had dinner, breakfast and lunch on the plane, so when we landed stateside I had breakfast again, after 32 hours of traveling my stomach lost track of time zones.
We had our final reflection and prayer in the Chicago airport.
As we reached Minneapolis the kid's national pride showed as they were all sporting American Flags and ululating in the Ethiopia manner. I guess they were as confused as my stomach! Lots of tears...joy.
It was a great trip.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
From Addis to Home
We started our last day in Ethiopia by visiting our newest school and the one which offers the most hope. Two years ago we visited an orphanage for children with HIV. It was run by the Missionaries of Charity and they had a problem. They started the orphanage with forty children, but with advances in medicine the children were living and needed an education...and the numbers had grown to 250. The Sister explained that the Charism of the Missionaries is to serve the dying, not run schools for the living. So they were looking for another religious order to run the school. They had an agreement with another order, but the arrangements fell through, so they approached the Brothers. Although there are still some details to iron out, but Brother Kassu is acting as principal. The school is beautiful...four million dollars worth of beautiful to be exact. In the tradition of Mother Theresa, nothing is too good for the poor.
We then visited St. Joseph School. It is the oldest of our schools in Ethiopia and certainly the most prestigious. It is routinely ranked as the number one school in the country and numbers among its alumni the president of Djibouti and the Ambassador to Egypt. It was mentioned in the book "Cutting for Stone", but erroneously credited to the Jesuits, which may have been a literary device since most people wouldn't recognize Brothers of the Christian Schools.
We then were off shopping. Bargaining is the name of the game. I made such an impression on one shopkeeper, she brought me a stool to sit on and ordered coffee! I had to buy another suitcase to get everything home. But everyone had fun and got into the spirit of haggling.
We had lunch and dinner at small restaurants. Nothing is quick with 25 people, but the kids ordered pizza for lunch, which was very good and there were hamburgers on the menu in the evening...preparing the stomachs for home!
The was security on entering the airport, so we really didn't get to say goodbye to the Brothers. They were wonderful hosts and I can't thank them enough for all they did for us.
I was at the front of the group and told the counter agent that the other leader and I are pretty big, hoping for an exit seat. He asked if business class would be ok? Thank you, Jesus. Cloud Nine service on Ethiopia Airlines is aptly named. Leather seats that fully recline, with back massage no less. Six course meals with appropriate beverages. The seventeen hours just flew by! Love that airline. The upgraded the other two chaperones and Bri, who was under the weather. Did I mention I love that airline.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Reflections from the Retreat
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
(Hamle 26, 2003)
Clayton Forner
This trip that we took to Africa has meant more to me than what can be explained in a few short sentences. In the time that I spent I the schools I was exposed to the poverty, wealth, culture and happiness of the students. This exposure has helped refocus my life and has also reminded me of how truly blessed I am to live where I live, to eat what I eat, and to be what I want to be. I am truly grateful for the support from my immediate and my extended family, and I thank God for this wonderful opportunity.
Mikayla Hoff
To explain my experience in Africa is too difficult to describe in a short paragraph. While being on this trip I have grown deeper in my faith. I have come to see God in my everyday life, and I have realized the importance of prayer–both personal and communal. From teaching the children in Meki and Diré Dawa I have found a sense of purpose in my life–I want to be a teacher. The children taught me more about life, true happiness and myself than I could ever teach them in a classroom. I am incredibly grateful for this past month–it has changed me in ways I never thought possible.
Rob Larose
This trip to Africa has been the most amazing experience of my life. I originally came to help the children by teaching English, but I have come to realize that I learned more from the kids than they did from me.
I now appreciate all my teachers way more after learning the patience that teaching takes. Overall, this trip has taught me to appreciate everything, take for granted nothing, and maximize the opportunities that I have.
Micaela Larose
My experience is beyond words by I’ll try. I knew it would be amazing, but I didn’t expect it to be “life changing”. I didn’t imagine that I would build such lasting relationships and how hard it would be to leave those behind. I learned so much about happiness, about faith, about love, about tolerance, but also about myself and my innate self-confidence.
Jake Richelson
This trip to Africa has changed me so much. I originally wanted to go to Africa (selfishly) to prove to myself that I was loving correctly. I have learned that to truly love is to love for others. The people here in Ethiopia are so willing to serve others and so willingly to act for the good of the community. I’ve learned that EVERY PERSON in America is blessed to live in a 1st world country where water, electricity and (for most people) food is taken for granted. I will try to appreciate my resources more, especially education.
Katie Singsank
My experience in Africa has already changed me in so many ways. It has made me struggle with who I am, my faith, and my confidence, but overall has left me a better person. I am now confident in who I am, what I stand for, and that God truly can be seen everywhere. I was able to change so much in a such a short time due to the overwhelming amount of support we all gave each other but mainly through the people of Ethiopia. The people have so little, but are truly happy. You can’t help but see god in all spects of their lives. That is what has truly inspired me to change for the better. The guidance from the Brothers has also made the trip more spiritual overall, because, like the people, they are so hopeful and have complete faith in God when most of would not. Overall my experience has left me a better person than before, and I hope to continue to grow and share my experiences with others.
Bri Serbus
My experience here in Africa has been so surreal that it is going to be hard to put into words. Over the past month, I have learned more about happiness, relationships and life that I have over my whole 18 years. That realization is so amazing, but so scary at the same time. Amazing because I will finally be able to make myself truly happy, but scary because I will have to alter everything I once knew to keep me this happy. One thing that I truly discovered on this trip is how small I am in the grand scheme of things, but that doesn’t mean that your actions can’t be extraordinary. I used to be completely consumed with my own life and my own problems. Living here has taught me the importance of being small and simple even in your own world and mind. I can honestly say that is experience has changed my life–for the better.
Hayley Fisher
All I can tink to say immediately about this Africa trip is how blessed I have been. Looking back at the reasons I came, none really had anything to do with the change that occurred in me. This trip has changed me forever. I now realize how to make myself happy without the help of others and material things. The African people, way of life and love that lives within all things here is truly beautiful and inspirational. This experience has made me appreciate my life more than I ever have before. I wish it never had to end, but the memory will always live on.
Carly Iverson
Explaining our month long journey in Africa will be much too hard to explain in a paragraph. As a group we have been through so much together and personally I learned a lot more about myself that I thought. In the beginning I struggled with the realization that we would not be able to help every single person we meet. One day Dols said that on this one trip we “will not be able to change the whole country, we can only change ourselves”. This is one of the most important things I learned here because by changing ourselves, we can change others. This has been such an amazing experience and it truly makes me appreciate my life and relationships I have with the people at home.
Lauren Lavelle
I can honestly say that the last 30 days here in Africa have changed my life. I learned so much about God and happiness through the people here. God and faith are found everywhere you go, no matter what poverty or situation someone may be in. that goes directly with happiness. The African people share a true happiness from the simplicity of their lives. They do not need material items to make them happy. I hope I am able to bring these ideas home with me to my family and friends and share this amazing experience.
Emily Pearson
To start off, this paragraph is much too short to explain my experiences here. A month in Africa seemed like a long time going in but now that it is almost over it seemed like a blink of an eye. This trip I have realized that I can make a huge difference by doing small actions. Before this trip I just thought of just me doing something to help really won’t benefit anyone, but after being here for a month I have come to realize that is not the case. Everything and anything I do no matter how big or how small can change the life of many or specific individual. This experience has taught me so much and those things will help me for the rest of my life.
Lexie Curtis
This trip of a lifetime has brought more struggles, happiness and serenity to me than I ever thought it would. Struggling with the kids in the classrooms and at playtime made me realize the culture shock between living in Ethiopia to living at home, and it taught me patience and acceptance. I found happiness in my relationships with specific kids, i.e. Ku, my students, my friends on this trip, and God. I grew in new and old relationships with these people and learned about them and my connections to them. These relationships and bonds made me happy throughout this whole trip. Also, I am a highly anxious person living in the future and living with Africa time for a month and the unbelievable sights that surround me here I have slowed down and found peace in laying, relaxing and thinking. I have found serenity in myself and my surroundings. This trip changed me more than I thought it would and I will forever appreciate every day I spent here and the memories I will carry with me forever.
Lauren Moore
When you hear the term “a month” it sounds like a very long time, and when first coming here I was nervous at how long I was going to be away from home. Now with only two days left of the trip I can say the time here flew by, and after experiencing everything I have, I feel like a month is not long enough, and I hope to someday return. My experiences throughout the trip such as seeing poverty, helping the children, and getting sick here all made me into a stronger person. Stepping out of my boundaries was difficult at times, but now knowing that it has changed me for the better made every moment completely worth it.
Krista Stanoch
This trip to Kenya and Ethiopia changed me in ways that I didn’t expect. This trip forced me to look deeper into my own life and actions. I overcame silly fears: bugs, being in cars/planes for too long and many others. I realized that I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. Being in Africa for 32 days was probably one of my most challenging, yet gratifying experiences. I am so lucky to have gone on this trip and overcome all the challenges that came with it. Looking back on it, I would not change one second of it. I will miss the amazing people I’ve met and I hope to continue supporting them from the U.S.
Olivia Cashman
I’ve always wanted to go to Africa to experience a different culture and learn about people and places I am unfamiliar with. However, being in Africa for one month I have learned much more than just another culture. I have learned how to overcome uncomfortable situations, find strength in others, and really just how to slow down. I will never forget the amazing animals we saw in Kenya or the beautiful people we met in Ethiopia. I never knew a month could pass so quickly and I look forward to sharing my experiences with family and friends.
Lizzie Fenske
This experience in Africa has changed my life forever. It has forced me to change the way I think and changed my priorities. By sharing myself with the people of Ethiopia I have received more love in return than I ever thought possible. My life prior to Africa was not living but rather going through the motions of life. This trip has restored my faith in myself and in God. It has given me new priorities and goals that will allow me to thrive. African people struggle in so many ways, yet, throughout this trip, we all have encountered extremely happy people. Africa has taught me that happiness is a choice. It does not depend on material things but rather, it depends on the choice between living for yourself and living for others.
Laura Mueller
On this trip I’ve learned so much about myself and relationships with others. It’s difficult to explain, but I hope to live my life completely differently when I get home. I will never forget the handful of kids that I got to know because the lessons that they have taught me apply to my everyday life. I used to worry about instant gratification and seeing and immediate product whenever I did something, but I’ve learned that big changes happen due to small steps. I have learned to find pride in what I have accomplished instead of focusing on my failures.
Morgan Jensen
Coming on this trip was one of the best choices of my life. I have always dreamed of going to Africa and I am so fortunate that I was able to go on this trip. Everybody always says it will be a trip of a lifetime and it definitely was. This trip with all its ups and downs and everyone along the way has been a life changing event. I have met so many people that have changed my life forever. This journey has showed me that I really want to serve others and this will definitely not be my last time to Africa. Something about Africa amazes me. Through all the hardships people face here, they are so giving and happy. I have discovered that happiness is a universal thing and you do not need objects to make you happy.
Jessica Cook
This experience will never be able to be summed up in one paragraph. The experiences, the people, the opportunities, and the memories will never ever be forgotten yet can never be explained. My life has changed from these 30 days, but I think more importantly it will continue to change as I reflect on the trip until I become the person God wants me to be. I have learned so much about the value of relationships and the definition of happiness. With god’s help, on this trip, I have discovered my strength and uncovered a passion I have within myself to dedicate my future to service to people. Though times got tough, I will never regret a single moment on this trip and the serenity and beauty it has brought me.
Sophia Nord
This trip has made me realize that I have such a wonderful life. Although I cannot sum up this trip in only a few words I can say that it was an experience of a lifetime. It took me awhile to realize that I was in Africa doing service for others, but once I did I was able to focus on how much this trip has affected my life. I was constantly reminded to take in the colors, the smells, and the noises around me throughout the trip and once I did I was able to look at the bigger picture and get a sense of how God is surrounding all of us and is present in everything I do. I have discovered that love and God in others is universal and that with the hope and help of others I can achieve anything and be happy with myself and what I have been given.
Lindy Wirth
This trip has been extremely life changing in the ways the people I have met, the poverty I’ve seen have changed my perspectives at home and my priorities. The people here rely on so little and yet are so happy that it has put into focus of how family, friends and happiness are all that is really important to me. Coming on this trip was the best decision of my life, it forced me out of my comfort zone and showed me the beauty in the simplest or smallest things. When I come home after this amazing experience, I hope I can show the same hospitality and laid back attitudes the Ethiopians have showed me in my stay.
Anne Sloan
Words cannot describe the experience I have had on this trip. Initially I wanted to learn about the culture and the people of Africa; which I did, but more importantly I learned about myself. This trip has opened up my eyes and has made me realize what true happiness is and what it should be. I was continually impressed by the students and they also taught me a lot on this journey. The slower pace of life in Ethiopia has taught me not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday tasks but instead, to truly enjoy your physical surroundings and the people that surround you. It will be a trip I will never forget and one I will hold dear to my heart.
Heather Klosterman
I feel so unbelievable bless to have not only experienced this place and the people that bring it to life, but also to have shared it with such beautiful people from home. When I think back on the trip I automatically list all the really memorable events, but more than that I recall specific moments in which I was so proud to be associated with this group. I was challenged everyday here and experienced a complete rollercoaster of emotions…but throughout, the most overwhelming of these was joy. I will never forget our month in Africa, it renewed my joy and my faith in a way that I finally feel is permanent.
John Dols
To describe my experience in words lessens the impact that I truly feel. First, I think of the people we came in contact with, from the Brothers who nurtured and took care of us, to the students we met, to the orphans, those in need, the teachers at the schools and everyone in between. In meeting them and being in community with them, I met the living face of Jesus. Then there are the Holy Family students. What can I say except that I am incredibly proud of who they are and who they are becoming. I am so blessed to be able to spend 32 days with them. To say this trip is unforgettable is an understatement.
Brother Chuck Gregor
Africa gets in your blood; it fills your senses. It calls you back, enticing you. It cradles you in the open arms of her people; nourishes your soul with songs in Amheric or Swahili sung by people of immense faith. When one first goes to Africa, it is probably to bring change; what happens is that you end up taking Africa home with you. Coming back feels comfortable to me; it is to walk in the familiar, to meet with old and dear friends. But there is an exhilaration in introducing others to Africa, to meet new people. Their excitement is infectious. The students from Holy Family were incredible. They met so many challenges with a greatness of character. It was wonderful meeting the teachers at Meki and Diré Dawa, they were inspiring as were Anne and Heather. And John, you still make me laugh.
(Hamle 26, 2003)
Clayton Forner
This trip that we took to Africa has meant more to me than what can be explained in a few short sentences. In the time that I spent I the schools I was exposed to the poverty, wealth, culture and happiness of the students. This exposure has helped refocus my life and has also reminded me of how truly blessed I am to live where I live, to eat what I eat, and to be what I want to be. I am truly grateful for the support from my immediate and my extended family, and I thank God for this wonderful opportunity.
Mikayla Hoff
To explain my experience in Africa is too difficult to describe in a short paragraph. While being on this trip I have grown deeper in my faith. I have come to see God in my everyday life, and I have realized the importance of prayer–both personal and communal. From teaching the children in Meki and Diré Dawa I have found a sense of purpose in my life–I want to be a teacher. The children taught me more about life, true happiness and myself than I could ever teach them in a classroom. I am incredibly grateful for this past month–it has changed me in ways I never thought possible.
Rob Larose
This trip to Africa has been the most amazing experience of my life. I originally came to help the children by teaching English, but I have come to realize that I learned more from the kids than they did from me.
I now appreciate all my teachers way more after learning the patience that teaching takes. Overall, this trip has taught me to appreciate everything, take for granted nothing, and maximize the opportunities that I have.
Micaela Larose
My experience is beyond words by I’ll try. I knew it would be amazing, but I didn’t expect it to be “life changing”. I didn’t imagine that I would build such lasting relationships and how hard it would be to leave those behind. I learned so much about happiness, about faith, about love, about tolerance, but also about myself and my innate self-confidence.
Jake Richelson
This trip to Africa has changed me so much. I originally wanted to go to Africa (selfishly) to prove to myself that I was loving correctly. I have learned that to truly love is to love for others. The people here in Ethiopia are so willing to serve others and so willingly to act for the good of the community. I’ve learned that EVERY PERSON in America is blessed to live in a 1st world country where water, electricity and (for most people) food is taken for granted. I will try to appreciate my resources more, especially education.
Katie Singsank
My experience in Africa has already changed me in so many ways. It has made me struggle with who I am, my faith, and my confidence, but overall has left me a better person. I am now confident in who I am, what I stand for, and that God truly can be seen everywhere. I was able to change so much in a such a short time due to the overwhelming amount of support we all gave each other but mainly through the people of Ethiopia. The people have so little, but are truly happy. You can’t help but see god in all spects of their lives. That is what has truly inspired me to change for the better. The guidance from the Brothers has also made the trip more spiritual overall, because, like the people, they are so hopeful and have complete faith in God when most of would not. Overall my experience has left me a better person than before, and I hope to continue to grow and share my experiences with others.
Bri Serbus
My experience here in Africa has been so surreal that it is going to be hard to put into words. Over the past month, I have learned more about happiness, relationships and life that I have over my whole 18 years. That realization is so amazing, but so scary at the same time. Amazing because I will finally be able to make myself truly happy, but scary because I will have to alter everything I once knew to keep me this happy. One thing that I truly discovered on this trip is how small I am in the grand scheme of things, but that doesn’t mean that your actions can’t be extraordinary. I used to be completely consumed with my own life and my own problems. Living here has taught me the importance of being small and simple even in your own world and mind. I can honestly say that is experience has changed my life–for the better.
Hayley Fisher
All I can tink to say immediately about this Africa trip is how blessed I have been. Looking back at the reasons I came, none really had anything to do with the change that occurred in me. This trip has changed me forever. I now realize how to make myself happy without the help of others and material things. The African people, way of life and love that lives within all things here is truly beautiful and inspirational. This experience has made me appreciate my life more than I ever have before. I wish it never had to end, but the memory will always live on.
Carly Iverson
Explaining our month long journey in Africa will be much too hard to explain in a paragraph. As a group we have been through so much together and personally I learned a lot more about myself that I thought. In the beginning I struggled with the realization that we would not be able to help every single person we meet. One day Dols said that on this one trip we “will not be able to change the whole country, we can only change ourselves”. This is one of the most important things I learned here because by changing ourselves, we can change others. This has been such an amazing experience and it truly makes me appreciate my life and relationships I have with the people at home.
Lauren Lavelle
I can honestly say that the last 30 days here in Africa have changed my life. I learned so much about God and happiness through the people here. God and faith are found everywhere you go, no matter what poverty or situation someone may be in. that goes directly with happiness. The African people share a true happiness from the simplicity of their lives. They do not need material items to make them happy. I hope I am able to bring these ideas home with me to my family and friends and share this amazing experience.
Emily Pearson
To start off, this paragraph is much too short to explain my experiences here. A month in Africa seemed like a long time going in but now that it is almost over it seemed like a blink of an eye. This trip I have realized that I can make a huge difference by doing small actions. Before this trip I just thought of just me doing something to help really won’t benefit anyone, but after being here for a month I have come to realize that is not the case. Everything and anything I do no matter how big or how small can change the life of many or specific individual. This experience has taught me so much and those things will help me for the rest of my life.
Lexie Curtis
This trip of a lifetime has brought more struggles, happiness and serenity to me than I ever thought it would. Struggling with the kids in the classrooms and at playtime made me realize the culture shock between living in Ethiopia to living at home, and it taught me patience and acceptance. I found happiness in my relationships with specific kids, i.e. Ku, my students, my friends on this trip, and God. I grew in new and old relationships with these people and learned about them and my connections to them. These relationships and bonds made me happy throughout this whole trip. Also, I am a highly anxious person living in the future and living with Africa time for a month and the unbelievable sights that surround me here I have slowed down and found peace in laying, relaxing and thinking. I have found serenity in myself and my surroundings. This trip changed me more than I thought it would and I will forever appreciate every day I spent here and the memories I will carry with me forever.
Lauren Moore
When you hear the term “a month” it sounds like a very long time, and when first coming here I was nervous at how long I was going to be away from home. Now with only two days left of the trip I can say the time here flew by, and after experiencing everything I have, I feel like a month is not long enough, and I hope to someday return. My experiences throughout the trip such as seeing poverty, helping the children, and getting sick here all made me into a stronger person. Stepping out of my boundaries was difficult at times, but now knowing that it has changed me for the better made every moment completely worth it.
Krista Stanoch
This trip to Kenya and Ethiopia changed me in ways that I didn’t expect. This trip forced me to look deeper into my own life and actions. I overcame silly fears: bugs, being in cars/planes for too long and many others. I realized that I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. Being in Africa for 32 days was probably one of my most challenging, yet gratifying experiences. I am so lucky to have gone on this trip and overcome all the challenges that came with it. Looking back on it, I would not change one second of it. I will miss the amazing people I’ve met and I hope to continue supporting them from the U.S.
Olivia Cashman
I’ve always wanted to go to Africa to experience a different culture and learn about people and places I am unfamiliar with. However, being in Africa for one month I have learned much more than just another culture. I have learned how to overcome uncomfortable situations, find strength in others, and really just how to slow down. I will never forget the amazing animals we saw in Kenya or the beautiful people we met in Ethiopia. I never knew a month could pass so quickly and I look forward to sharing my experiences with family and friends.
Lizzie Fenske
This experience in Africa has changed my life forever. It has forced me to change the way I think and changed my priorities. By sharing myself with the people of Ethiopia I have received more love in return than I ever thought possible. My life prior to Africa was not living but rather going through the motions of life. This trip has restored my faith in myself and in God. It has given me new priorities and goals that will allow me to thrive. African people struggle in so many ways, yet, throughout this trip, we all have encountered extremely happy people. Africa has taught me that happiness is a choice. It does not depend on material things but rather, it depends on the choice between living for yourself and living for others.
Laura Mueller
On this trip I’ve learned so much about myself and relationships with others. It’s difficult to explain, but I hope to live my life completely differently when I get home. I will never forget the handful of kids that I got to know because the lessons that they have taught me apply to my everyday life. I used to worry about instant gratification and seeing and immediate product whenever I did something, but I’ve learned that big changes happen due to small steps. I have learned to find pride in what I have accomplished instead of focusing on my failures.
Morgan Jensen
Coming on this trip was one of the best choices of my life. I have always dreamed of going to Africa and I am so fortunate that I was able to go on this trip. Everybody always says it will be a trip of a lifetime and it definitely was. This trip with all its ups and downs and everyone along the way has been a life changing event. I have met so many people that have changed my life forever. This journey has showed me that I really want to serve others and this will definitely not be my last time to Africa. Something about Africa amazes me. Through all the hardships people face here, they are so giving and happy. I have discovered that happiness is a universal thing and you do not need objects to make you happy.
Jessica Cook
This experience will never be able to be summed up in one paragraph. The experiences, the people, the opportunities, and the memories will never ever be forgotten yet can never be explained. My life has changed from these 30 days, but I think more importantly it will continue to change as I reflect on the trip until I become the person God wants me to be. I have learned so much about the value of relationships and the definition of happiness. With god’s help, on this trip, I have discovered my strength and uncovered a passion I have within myself to dedicate my future to service to people. Though times got tough, I will never regret a single moment on this trip and the serenity and beauty it has brought me.
Sophia Nord
This trip has made me realize that I have such a wonderful life. Although I cannot sum up this trip in only a few words I can say that it was an experience of a lifetime. It took me awhile to realize that I was in Africa doing service for others, but once I did I was able to focus on how much this trip has affected my life. I was constantly reminded to take in the colors, the smells, and the noises around me throughout the trip and once I did I was able to look at the bigger picture and get a sense of how God is surrounding all of us and is present in everything I do. I have discovered that love and God in others is universal and that with the hope and help of others I can achieve anything and be happy with myself and what I have been given.
Lindy Wirth
This trip has been extremely life changing in the ways the people I have met, the poverty I’ve seen have changed my perspectives at home and my priorities. The people here rely on so little and yet are so happy that it has put into focus of how family, friends and happiness are all that is really important to me. Coming on this trip was the best decision of my life, it forced me out of my comfort zone and showed me the beauty in the simplest or smallest things. When I come home after this amazing experience, I hope I can show the same hospitality and laid back attitudes the Ethiopians have showed me in my stay.
Anne Sloan
Words cannot describe the experience I have had on this trip. Initially I wanted to learn about the culture and the people of Africa; which I did, but more importantly I learned about myself. This trip has opened up my eyes and has made me realize what true happiness is and what it should be. I was continually impressed by the students and they also taught me a lot on this journey. The slower pace of life in Ethiopia has taught me not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday tasks but instead, to truly enjoy your physical surroundings and the people that surround you. It will be a trip I will never forget and one I will hold dear to my heart.
Heather Klosterman
I feel so unbelievable bless to have not only experienced this place and the people that bring it to life, but also to have shared it with such beautiful people from home. When I think back on the trip I automatically list all the really memorable events, but more than that I recall specific moments in which I was so proud to be associated with this group. I was challenged everyday here and experienced a complete rollercoaster of emotions…but throughout, the most overwhelming of these was joy. I will never forget our month in Africa, it renewed my joy and my faith in a way that I finally feel is permanent.
John Dols
To describe my experience in words lessens the impact that I truly feel. First, I think of the people we came in contact with, from the Brothers who nurtured and took care of us, to the students we met, to the orphans, those in need, the teachers at the schools and everyone in between. In meeting them and being in community with them, I met the living face of Jesus. Then there are the Holy Family students. What can I say except that I am incredibly proud of who they are and who they are becoming. I am so blessed to be able to spend 32 days with them. To say this trip is unforgettable is an understatement.
Brother Chuck Gregor
Africa gets in your blood; it fills your senses. It calls you back, enticing you. It cradles you in the open arms of her people; nourishes your soul with songs in Amheric or Swahili sung by people of immense faith. When one first goes to Africa, it is probably to bring change; what happens is that you end up taking Africa home with you. Coming back feels comfortable to me; it is to walk in the familiar, to meet with old and dear friends. But there is an exhilaration in introducing others to Africa, to meet new people. Their excitement is infectious. The students from Holy Family were incredible. They met so many challenges with a greatness of character. It was wonderful meeting the teachers at Meki and Diré Dawa, they were inspiring as were Anne and Heather. And John, you still make me laugh.
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