This is Andy

We have good news for you. The computers were released from customs yesterday (Thursday), and are now supposed to be on their way to Gambella. Two weeks and thirteen trees worth of paperwork later… Once again, disaster has almost been avoided. We will let you know when we see the computers in front of the kids. That will be a great day!

Erik has been telling you about our experiences in Gambella. It’s amazing how much I missed being here. The smells, the mix of people, the river and the heat are all so great. I might consider taking a job with the tourism bureau here. I missed sitting in the afternoons with my friends, drinking coffee and chewing chat (mira). The program has been going well. Zerihun is a brilliant teacher, and the students have made some incredible art as a result. I know we have raved about every program, but since Gambella is my second home, I think these will be some of the best videos yet. The kids we are working with are from a wide variety of backgrounds, so it will provide for a very diverse mix of stories.

Yesterday, Erik went to visit one student’s house. He met the entire family, including the 110 year old grandmother. She is still eating and praying every day, even at 110. I couldn’t believe it. This student has an incredible story about his work, his dreams, and his reality. He wants to become a runner for Ethiopia, but he has to work carrying maize to earn enough money for the family’s food. By the time he finishes work, he hasn’t eaten enough calories to be able to practice running. He said that he tried running on an empty stomach for a while, but he became too weak. He is in this training with hopes that he will get a new skill for a new job.

Before we arrived in Gambella, both Erik and I were wiped out. We had been traveling so fast, that we hadn’t had time to catch up with ourselves. This trip to Gambella has been great because it is a good mix of brilliant work, and some rest. I love it. Some of you may remember the orphanage that I worked at this year for 8 months. It was the orphanage that Erik visited last year in November when we both came to Gambella for the first time. I have gone to visit the kids a couple times. They are growing very tall! I miss working with them… a lot.

Jody is leaving Gambella today for work. It will be a sad day. It has been really great to have Erik meet all the people that I have talked about for the last year. I talked about Jody a lot when I went back to the States. I’m sure he was getting tired of the subject, but now that he has met her, I’m sure all of you will hear about her for the next year from both of us. I wish you could all experience the intense beauty that Gambella has. It is sure hot, but it’s my type of weather, so I’m happy.

Until next time,

A.