So we're well into December now, getting closer to Christmas. I'm sure back home all of the shops, and town centres are littered with decorations reminding you about how close Christmas is! Well over here, things haven't really changed. In fact, a number of friends watched a film tonight, Love Actually. I asked why we were watching it, as it's more of a Christmas film, and then realised that it is Christmas. The Ethiopian celebration of Christmas happens about a week into January...
Another week is over, here in Addis Ababa. It's been a fairly busy week of language school and various administrative things. Language school is going fairly well, though I'm reliably informed that things get exponentially harder as time goes on, so I shall enjoy the relaxed, relatively easy learning for the time being. They have split up the classes based on ability a bit, so I'm with a different group more at my level. All in all, I'm keen to see how things continue to progress...
So I'm almost here a week now, I'll take a second to jot down some thoughts about how it's been and how I'm settling in! Every time I come to Ethiopia, it amazes me how much of it seems normal. This place is a complete change from Ireland obviously, but because I'm so used to it, it doesn't seem to surprise me anymore, rather it just amuses me as I remember how things work (or don't) around here. The roads are bonkers, I'm remembering the lack of any sort of order...
I've arrived in Addis Ababa. Such a smooth journey, it has been a real answer to prayer. I was worried about my overweight baggage (about 10kg over my limit), my oversize carry on (another 10kg over its limit), and the potential for import charges in Ethiopia. All passed without too much trouble, save for a £50 carry on charge in Heathrow which I manage to sweet talk down to £30. Very blessed. Praise God for answered prayer!I got into the airport about 6.30 and had to clear an Ebola ch...
So 5 years after leaving Ethiopia, and a lot of planning, prayer and guidance, it has come down to the final evening. I've packed my bags, (phew) and am taking one final opportunity to type down some quick thoughts. It's been a tough couple of weeks, saying goodbye to many good friends and I know it will be tough tomorrow saying goodbye to family. All the while, I'm holding on to God's clear call in my life to return to serve him in Ethiopia, and to his promises and faithfulness....
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