October 10, 2008

We’ve had so much fun with the visitors from the states. We spent most of this week in Bahir Dar. We saw the source of the Blue Nile River, the Blue Nile Falls, and lots of new things. It was a relaxing time for the ladies that have worked so hard at The Trampled Rose.

One of the heartbreaking things that happened as we were traveling on a very bumpy dirt road was seeing a woman being carried by about 20 men on a wooden stretcher. The men were taking turns holding the four corners and I could only imagine how awful it would be to be sick in the heat and dust and to be jostled on a wooden stretcher at the mercy of those carrying you. I stopped the driver to help the woman but we agreed that there was no way we could drive her to the remote area where she was going. I agreed and we drove on in pain.

As I reflected that night I realized that I gave in to pressure to make our schedule and to not inconvenience ourselves. When someone is in need there is always a way to help. I regretted not stopping long enough to think of an effective way to help.

Last night as Kassa was driving me to my home after a delicious Italian dinner with our visitors, we saw a totally insane lady walking down the street with only her panties on. It broke my heart at what kind of hopelessness she could be experiencing that would case this kind of mental break. It seemed it was so far out of our capacity to help her. Remembering my mistake earlier, we stopped the car and began brainstorming. I jumped out of the car and wrapped my shawl around her to cover her some. I “happened” to be wearing a heart shaped necklace and I put it around her neck with a kiss. Then Kassa took our of his car a fuzzy seat covering for her to sit on. He took my keys and headed to my house for some blankets and clothing. I sat on the street side with her and she laid her head in my lap. I stroked her as I have my own children so many times.

Kassa returned with blankets and my NEW DRESS FROM NEW YORK!!!!!! Oh well. We both went to our homes knowing there is always something we can do to give comfort. All it takes is a little time and effort.

Now we have another group of 25 coming in from New York. It’s amazing how much can be done when a group of people set their minds to it.