Monday – On the Mountaintop

http://picasaweb.google.com/johnacrews1/EthiopiaMondayEntotoMountainProject

We just discovered tonight that blogspot is blocked here; we’ve been trying to get the updates out ever since we arrived, so now we know why it hasn’t worked. We’ll have to send out the update via email, so we’ll do the best we can to keep you updated.

Today we went to the BEZA ministry center on the Entoto Mountain. The area is very poor, with a high population of those with HIV/AIDS who have come to the mountain for what is claimed to be healing waters, administered by the Orthodox Church. Many of the people moved here from the countryside, renting small shanties in the eucalyptus groves. The center reaches out to those ostracized by society to provide a means to support themselves with the jewelry making and spinning projects, as well as a children’s ministry and parent support ministry, prayer and encouragement. The project began with a group of people having a heart for this community and their needs, going there weekly to pray and build relationships with the people. It was hard for the people to let down their guard, form trust, and realize that there were people who weren’t afraid of them and cared about them. Believing themselves doomed, they had little hope or incentive to better their lives. With the start of the jewelry project, those involved regained a sense of dignity, value and belief that they could have a future. With proper medication and nutrition, they could still live productive lives. Tamara, the young American woman who supervises this ministry, said you could see a visible change in their demeanor; they could now look you in the eye, hold up their heads, laugh, and enjoy spending time together. They felt human again.

We spend the morning with the women spinning cotton thread from local cotton, which is woven into the traditional scarves traditionally worn here. They use very simple hand spinners, nimbly transforming clusters of cotton into smooth spools of thread. With one hand constantly turning, the other guiding and stretching the cotton, they make the process look easy. However, as they encouraged us to give it a try, we discovered that there is definitely an art to spinning! These women are great teachers, though we might not be the best students; they patiently insisted that we keep trying and seemed to enjoy our feeble efforts. We were able to bring them safety glasses to use while they are spinning. Lint from the thread often gets in their eyes, causing irritation and pain, so they were very pleased to have them, opening the packages up right away to put them to use. Sitting there with these dear women was like an old fashioned quilting bee, women working together, chatting; for a moment you could forget that not long ago these women were the “wood women” who walked up the mountain to forage eucalyptus branches in the forest, bundle them up and carry these huge rolls of 10-15 foot long limbs all the way down the hill, only to sell them for $.50. Grueling work, and these are petite women. We’ve talked to men who said they could barely lift the bundles, much less carry them down the hill. What a blessing for these women to be able to sit, spin thread, and be able to provide for themselves and their families instead of being beasts of burden.

In the afternoon we met with the ladies in the jewelry program. Ethiopia is believed to be the origin of coffee, and they are making beautiful, unique jewelry made from coffee beans (roasted and varnished) strung on thread with silver and colored beads and often adorned with Ethiopian crosses and other pendants. They have many designs and are always experimenting with new ones. They also make bracelets and earrings, but the necklaces seem to be the most popular items. The director of the center had asked us to bring jewelry clasps with us because they were running out and finding it harder to get supplies. As we arrived, the supervisor of the jewelry makers said that the group finishing up necklaces, attaching clasps, were concerned that they weren’t going to be able to finish their daily goal because they only had a few clasps left. Their faces lit up with smiles as we brought in the large bag of clasps “in the nick of time.” How neat to be a part of God’s provision for their needs, to see that He really does provide. Some of the women bring their babies with them as they work. One little guy was sitting on the floor while his mother was creating necklaces. They told us that his name meant “be the hope.” His mother is HIV+, but he tested negative at birth; they are praying that he is indeed the hope of a new generation living without the disease.

Of course, the gals on the team had to support the ministry and purchase some beautiful jewelry……..these are truly gifts with purpose, changing lives.

We then got to go up the mountain, encountering many of the wood women making the strenuous trek down the hill, to go to the top and visit in some homes of those being ministered to in the program. We visited in two homes. We first visited a couple; the husband is ill from AIDS related illness; he was bundled up on a thin mattress on the floor. His wife works with the jewelry program, and said that if it weren’t for the program, they would not be able to survive. They had moved from the countryside four years ago when they learned they had the virus. Seldom seeing family, having the fellowship and encouragement of the ministry has deeply impacted their lives. We asked if we could pray for them; the husband said that we could, if we did so softly. He was afraid the local priest would hear us praying and accuse them of “defecting.” It is so sad to see the fear and control of tradition that still binds so many of the people here. They seemed very grateful, though, that we came to visit them. The second home was a young widow. Only 25, her husband had died of AIDS, and shortly after he died, she moved to the mountain. She is one of the leaders of the jewelry ladies; her speed and dexterity have made her a mentor to others who have difficulty learning the skills. She was obviously proud of her achievements as Birukti spoke of her leadership skills. She showed us pictures of her family; her parents have died, and her siblings rarely get to visit. She had papered the thin walls of her shelter with newspapers, adding decorative touches with whatever she could manage. Even with all her hardships, she manages a beautiful smile and sweet spirit.

Visitors are usually a curiosity, and as we visited these families, children suddenly appeared and followed us. Like all children, they were giggling, anxious to have their pictures taken, and loved seeing their faces on the camera screens. The guys had a pick up game of soccer on a patch of dirt, while the girls had fun with their make shift jump rope. The creativity of children! The Ethiopians are beautiful people, and these children quickly capture your heart. Their large, deep eyes and wide smiles disguise the harsh life that most of them endure.

It was wonderful to personally meet those whose lives are being transformed through these ministries; they have gained hope, value, and experience the love of Jesus in action. Here they are not outcasts; they are friends. They are not ignored, but affirmed. The workers here are selfless and caring, genuinely passionate about the work the Lord has given them. What a privilege to join with them!

Oh….my suitcase did come tonight! I have to admit it was nice to change clothes. After four days in the same clothes, I was feeling somewhat like the “sisterhood of the traveling pants.” Then I think of those who only have one set of clothes; how very spoiled we are to abundance!