Friends of Fresh and Green Academy

Fresh Water Comes to Fresh and Green

2011-12-31T14:52:00.000-05:00

Water

A basic necessity most of take for granted every day is a luxury for the majority of people in Ethiopia.
Drought and politics are two leading causes of water shortage. A study conducted by Water.org found that "42% of the population has access to a clean water supply" and only "11% of that number has access to adequate sanitation services"

Many of the students at Fresh and Green Academy suffer from intestinal problems due to the quality of the municipal water at the school and the stream water many of the families use at home. There was also a recent outbreak of Hepatitis A at the school that was thought to be caused by contaminated water.
This should no longer be a problem, thanks to the generosity of "A Child's Right" and their donors, Fresh and Green Academy now has clean drinking water, triple purified to kill 100% of harmful bacteria. The students will drink clean water at school and will also be taking water home for the rest of their families.

Friends of Fresh and Green Academy, along with the help of others is making the Keteme neighborhood of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia a better place to live.

Follow @FoFaGAcademy

Human Trafficking Hits Home

2011-10-06T12:24:00.000-04:00

Being an international flight attendant brings me many opportunities. One being my calling in Ethiopia. Another perk of my job is the exposure I have to a multitude of hotel rooms around the world and in those rooms I often watch CNN International. Currently CNN is running a campaign on stopping human trafficking. I have to admit, I was not aware of the many means humans are trafficked. I was under the impression it was mainly women and children being kidnapped and forced into the sex trade. I have learned that it is so much more than that and that some of our mothers in the "Friends of Fresh and Green Mothers Cooperative" have fallen prey to trafficking.
We work very hard to sell the Mother's goods and we send the group, which consists of fifty women, 100% of the money made but it is still not enough for them to feed their children who do not attend Fresh and Green and themselves and pay the $20-$25 a month rent. So a few of them have gone to work in Yemen and other Gulf countries to work as live in domestic help. They feel this is the only way to provide a better life for their children, who are left behind in Ethiopia.
Unfortunately four such children have had to leave Fresh and Green to stay with family outside the area of the school. These children may not be attending school or eating regularly the way they were while with us.
The other major issue with these women leaving is the abuse many suffer.

While I was told stories of abuse I thought they were isolated situations, I did not understand how wide spread and severe the situation really is. Human trafficking is hitting very close to home!

If you would like to donate to the Mothers Cooperative visit our website. We will also be featuring some of the items the mothers create on our site very soon.

www.friendsoffreshandgreen.org

Below is an excerpt from a story by Marina de Regt of the Netherlands, that explains the situation well.

Ethiopian women increasingly trafficked to Yemen

by Marina de Regt

Few know about the large numbers of Ethiopian women who migrate to the Middle East to take up domestic work.

“May what happened to me not happen to you,” begins a letter sent to Gebetta, a magazine for Ethiopians in Yemen. Many women have written to Gebetta with testimony of how they were trafficked to Yemen to be employed as domestic workers. They speak of deception, isolation, maltreatment, heavy workloads, unpaid salaries, confiscated passports and physical and psychological abuse. Many regret ever deciding to leave and advise other women not to follow in their footsteps. But the flow of young Ethiopian women desperate to improve their lives and those of their families continues to grow.

Until the early 1990s few Ethiopians – except those of Muslim/Arab origin – were interested in going to the Middle East. After the overthrow of the authoritarian regime of Mengistu Haile Meriam in 1991, Ethiopians were given the right to free movement. Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States have subsequently become major destinations for Ethiopian women in search of a better future.

Even a relatively poor country such as Yemen attracts many female Ethiopian migrants who take up paid domestic work. Changing family structures, the increased educational levels of Yemeni women, the growing number of employed women and changing attitudes towards domestic work explain the increased demand for domestic labour in Yemen. Socio-cultural constraints prevent Yemeni women from working as domestics – so migrant women meet the demand. Wealthier Yemenis prefer to employ Asian women but middle-class families predominantly employ Ethiopians because they are available and seen as good domestic workers. Somali refugee women also work as domestics but, unlike Ethiopians, do not generally ‘live in’.

Many Ethiopian women come to Yemen on tourist visas and find work via relatives and friends. Those illegally recruited by agents and employed on a contract basis are particularly vulnerable. All of the many recruitment agencies that arrange Ethiopian women’s employment as domestic workers to the Middle East are non-registered, they can be considered traffickers. Women are approached by the traffickers themselves or are introduced to traffickers through friends, neighbours and relatives. Trafficked women themselves are sometimes even involved in recruiting other migrants. Traffickers are often either of mixed descent – having a Yemeni father and an Ethiopian mother – or areYemenis born or brought up in Ethiopia. The Yemeni authorities lack the capacity to control the activities of illegal recruitment agents and it is often the case that traffickers are able to use influence with people in power to ensure that any legal actions against them are halted.

Women who have borrowed money from the agent or broker may end up in debt bondage, required to work long periods before they are able to pay off their debts. Many women have great difficulty leaving their employers and agents and physical abuse is common. Employers and agents often confiscate the women’s passports and forbid them to leave their place of employment unaccompanied. This makes it impossible for women to look for better jobs, to escape or to have contact with other Ethiopians. Trafficked women may, however, become aware of their rights and decide to run away and find better jobs. Some families therefore prefer to employ young rural Ethiopian women as they are thought to be more malleable and less likely to leave. As a result, traffickers in Ethiopia are purposely recruiting young uneducated women from poor families in rural areas, convincing them with stories about high salaries and educational opportunities.

Please spread the word, tweet and post to your Face Book page. We can not ignore what happens to our fellow humans, we are more connected than we realize.

Soul Server

2011-09-04T22:59:00.001-04:00

Time and time again I talk about how fortunate I am to know I am on the path that was intended for me. It may get old, but I truly feel it to be.

I just watched the movie "Soul Surfer" for the second time. (The first time was in Ethiopia) It is a very inspiring movie. The true story of a 13 year old girl who had her arm bitten off by a shark and how she found the strength to return to surfing and carry her message to the world. This girl happened to have a very strong Christian upbringing and an emense faith in God and Jesus.

I too feel I have a very strong "spiritual" side and it is getting stronger every day. I do not necessarily believe that there is any one religion, or maybe any at all that will "save" me or bring me to heaven. I feel our higher power will take care of us regardless because he/she/it is good, not because we are. I also believe that all religions are based on goodness and it is people that get confused. I know my Higher Power has led me to Ethiopia and I am doing the work not for myself but for the greater good. I am just a vechiel for that good.

I often struggle to do the job the universe has assigned me to the best of my ability. It is not always an easy task, but that is the way of the universe, life is not always easy. I am sure Bethany Hamilton (The "Soul Surfer") did not think her job of loosing her arm and carrying God's message was easy either.

I sometimes find it hard to believe that I have been trusted with such and awesome feat. But somehow I have, and I do not want to let the children, Muday, and my HP down. Many days I am stressed to the point of stomach aches worrying about how I am going to get the money to feed the children each month but somehow it always works out. Fornutatly, the Universe has sent the help of some very special people as well.

I believe we are all working as one to make the world a better place and I am happy to do my part.

How Peace Came to Be

2011-07-15T13:25:00.004-04:00

by Trish Hack-Rubinstein

I am blessed and honored to be able to help the wonderful children at Fresh and Green Academy. I have grown to love all of them and their families as well. I consider the director, Muday, one of my closest friends, the sister I never had.
Recently I was given the highest complement I could ever receive. I was asked to be the God Mother of Muday's newest baby and apparently that means naming the child as well. I was so touched but at the same time pretty stressed out. (I actually thought, and kind of hoped she was kidding about the naming part.) Gregg and I do not have our own children so I have never had to contemplate what it takes to name a child.
I, of course, wanted the name to be meaningful and beautiful while respecting culture.
I looked up Ethiopian names, and enlisted the help of friends and family. I sent a list to Muday to choose from and in return, I got am email saying "you have to choose, even if it is an English name".
The stress mounted, I could not sleep. At this point the baby was a few days here on Earth already and she had no name. I wanted it to be perfect of course, I did not want to let my friends down.

Sooo... I turned it over to the Universe/God/Higher Power, if you will. I wrote a request for a name on paper and put it a very special box. Two days later, while getting on the subway to go to work an amazing feeling came over me. I started to cry and knew I had her name.
Shanti!
The word is Hindi for peace. I also offered my middle name, Lynn, which means waterfall in Gaelic. It was also the name of my Grandfather and Uncle who have both passed, as well as a childhood friend of mine who passed when we were teenagers and whom I believe to be one of my Guardian Angels.

I am so grateful for where I am in life and for the friends I have.

I have found "Peace" in Ethiopia.

With my great friend Muday, while she was pregnant.

Shanti!

With two of my great loves, Shanti and Gregg.

A Shift in Consciousness

2011-07-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

Friends of Fresh and Green Academy Inc. has been in existence for over three years now and the change I have witnessed has been unbelievable. The change in my life has been pretty amazing too.
We have gone from three Flight Attendants who did not have a clue as to how to run a non profit to a small board of professionals with the connections to help us with what we have yet to learn.
I have read lots, attended seminars, done research, asked questions, and have received tons of advice. I am also currently taking a course on non-profit law and ethics by some highly respected people in the non-profit world.
I have finally learned how to ask for help and what kind of help actually is needed.

I have begun a daily meditation and yoga practice that has truly helped center me. I still stress out a lot but I am better able to handle it. I can only do so much and as long as I am doing the best I can, the Universe will take care of the rest.

I have had some very spiritual moments lately.
-While at the school, I felt a moment when everything was in perfect order. Dr. Gregg was adjusting the children, Lyuba was teaching yoga to the pre-schoolers, Elyse was working on a press release and Muday and I had just gone over the books. I walked outside and I had an overwhelming feeling of joy. All was right with the world at that exact moment.
-While on vacation in the Outer Banks of NC, I was making a point to not check my email before my morning routine. (when I do it seems to throw off my whole morning) So I went for a run, meditated, and did some yoga. After my morning self care I finally checked my email on the iPhone. I received the best news! We had done an online interview with CNN Online and the story was out! We had such great response. I was answering emails for the next two days and watching the donations roll in. This was great exposure for us and it has gotten us some more child sponsors and a proper water purification system will soon be installed!

Things are going wonderfully and while it would be great to get that one big donation to take our worries away, I am very happy with all the support large or small. I trust that things will be what they will and am enjoying the journey.

2011-06-16T09:10:00.002-04:00

Friends of Fresh and Green Academy Inc. has no opinion on the reposted story below. We only work for the betterment of the children and their families through education and nutrition.

I do want to bring your attention to (if you are not already aware of) a huge project in Ethiopia. Their leader says it will be very beneficial for the country and it's people.

Ethiopia's Grand Millennium Dam would be the 10th largest in the world

nazret.com - Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has officially laid the corner stone for Ethiopia's Grand Millennium Dam project to be built on the Blue Nile river. The project which is expected to generate 5,250 MW will cost $4.8 Billion dollar and will take four years to complete. Italy's Salini Costruttori is the prime contractor.

This massive project will be Africa's largest hydroelectric dam and the world's 10th largest. It will have twice the generating capacity of Hoover Dam in the United States and will have slightly lower than Robert-Bourassa, Canada's largest hydroelectric power plant which has 5616 MW generation capacity.

The Grand Millennium Dam would be by far Ethiopia's biggest infrastructure project to date. If all goes as planned, we certainly hope it will, it will be hard to overstate its importance to take Ethiopia out of poverty.

Hydroelectric power contributes 88% of the generation capacity in Ethiopia and 11% comes from Diesel and just 1% from Geo-Thermal. Ethiopia has a total generating capacity of 2,060 MW as of April 2011.

In the past 10 years, five hydroelectric power plants have been built and put in service with a total capacity of 1,437 MW, several more are under construction.

Reposted from Nazret.com

You Can Help by Sponsoring a Child

2011-06-14T15:21:00.004-04:00

Monetary donations are a crucial part of the existence of Fresh and Green Academy and the “Child Sponsorship Program” helps guarantee the school will operate and the children will be fed. Every month barely enough money is sent to cover the costs of teachers salaries, food and rent. With your generous donations all the children will receive three meals a day and a quality education.

During the month of April the school expenses were as follows:

Rent-$313.00

Salaries-$250.00

Utilities-$70.00

Food for 111 children three times a day-$1380.00

For $25.00 a month, the price of a dinner out, you will help all 111 students of Fresh and Green Academy eat three nutritious meals a day, have access to medical care, and continue to thrive in a loving and caring learning environment. You will receive periodic updates on the specific child you have sponsored but will be helping all the children.

Visit our website at www.friendsoffreshandgreen.org to sponsor a child today!

FRIENDS OF FRESH AND GREEN ACADEMY INC [26-2966463] GuideStar Report

2011-04-17T11:08:00.000-04:00

FRIENDS OF FRESH AND GREEN ACADEMY INC [26-2966463] GuideStar Report

Friends of Fresh and Green Academy's photostream

2011-04-04T08:01:00.001-04:00

Friends of Fresh and Green Academy's photostream on Flickr.

On March 24th, 2011 Friends of Fresh and Green Academy hosted it's "Good Karma" Spring Fundraiser. Over $5,000.00 was raised for the children and a great time was had by all!

Jetting to Ethiopia; Volunteer Trip with Friends of Fresh & Green Academy

2011-01-11T15:21:00.001-05:00

Jetting to Ethiopia; Volunteer Trip with Friends of Fresh & Green Academy

by Lyuba Halkyn

Thanks to an interesting career that I have chosen, I am able to travel with my job while on the clock and on my days off from work. Throughout this year, I have been to London, Amsterdam, Thailand, just to name a few.

By far, the most inspiring and heartfelt trip that I have taken was to Ethiopia just a few weeks ago. The main objective of my trip was to volunteer with a non-profit organization called Friends of Fresh & Green Academy. This organization raises money for a private school, Fresh & Green Academy, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 110 children that attend this school range from ages three to ten and are among Ethiopia’s poorest children. These children are not orphans, but live in conditions that would be unimaginable to most people living in the United States.

Fresh & Green Academy is able to provide three nutritious meals a day for the children and a nurturing environment for them to learn. The director of the school, Muday Mitiku, added a dinner meal for the children after overhearing a conversation between two of her students. The children discussed how hungry they were the night before at home, and how they could not wait to come to school that day to eat breakfast.

I was able to spend three full days with the amazing and bright students of Fresh & Green. These children are intelligent, and eager to please. They are patient, and full of love. The director of the school, the teachers, and the entire staff are extremely dedicated.

I was fortunate enough to travel with my good friend, Trish, who is the President and Co-founder of Friends of Fresh & Green Academy. Along with a non-paid board and many other volunteers, this organization raises money through fundraisers, donations, and child sponsors to keep this school afloat.

The advantages of Fresh & Green Academy versus a government school in Ethiopia are many. At this point, I must say that I have not personally visited a government school in Ethiopia, so all of what I say is based on conversations with highly regarded sources. Some of the benefits that these children receive at Fresh & Green are nutritious meals, clean clothing, and a place to take a shower, including soap and a towel. Their educational curriculum besides basic studies includes English, art, music, and a creative form of physical education. I was able to observe the children in these extra curricular activities where a music teacher and physical education teacher came to the school to add a creative touch to learning.

Also, in Ethiopia, kindergarten is not mandated. Fresh & Green Academy began as a kindergarten and has expanded to include a prekindergarten. The school now can accommodate many of the siblings of the older children.

While visiting the school, the kids taught us games and songs. We worked on a project with them. We also spent some time introducing the kids to some basic yoga, while Muday's husband translated for us. The kids had fun and were very patient with us. They are natural born yogis!

Muday Mitiku has also created a mothers’ cooperative. The children's mothers are able to come to the school one day a week to make local crafts, which provides a small income for them. Most of the children live with their mothers only. It is very common for fathers not to live with their families and in many instances to leave the mothers once the babies are born. Also disease and sickness is prevalent among the moms, including HIV & AIDS. Some of the children also suffer from similar issues but according to Muday, proper nutrition helps these kids to stay healthy.

I cannot explain in words, the joy that I have felt since returning from Ethiopia. In our daily lives as Americans, I feel that sometimes perspective is lost by the life of convenience and privilege that many of us lead. I will speak for myself when I say, I do not know what it is like to be hungry or poor.

My friend Trish told me before I left for Ethiopia, that this trip would be life changing. It is not that I did not believe her. I have traveled to poor places before. My travels throughout the last decade included a trip to visit family in Ukraine in which some of them did not even have indoor toilets.

With that being said, I believe my friend was right. The gifts that I have received from this trip are immeasurable, truly a unique experience. I noticed that while I was in Ethiopia, I was very present not thinking about the next moment, but truly engaged in each present moment. What a gift, not to be obsessing with unnecessary chatter in my head. I felt clear and happy the whole time I was there. I have found a hidden treasure in a school in Ethiopia with 110 plus smiling faces.

The kindness and generosity, which was shown to me by my new Ethiopian friends, was genuine. The food at Fresh & Green, that was prepared in a kitchen with not one modern day convenience, was delicious.

My adventure continued with a weekend excursion to Northern Ethiopia where I saw my first hippopotamus, not in captivity, but on Lake Tana, the source of the Nile River. We visited many small islands and interesting Orthodox monasteries with ancient artifacts. We hiked to the bottom of the Blue Nile Gorge Waterfall accompanied by local village boys who were very interesting and very eager to speak with us.

I was told many interesting stories, including how coffee was discovered. A goat herder, named Kaldi, noticed that his goats would come back from grazing everyday extremely happy. Kaldi followed the goats, and saw that they were eating an interesting plant, which made them very excited. This turned out to be what we today know as the coffee plant.

I was also privileged to eat at one of Addis Ababa’s most premiere Italian restaurants located in an area called Piazza. Ethiopia has an Italian influence due to the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930’s, under the reign of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie.

My trip was rich in culture, history, and adventure. Most of all, I was able to see with my own eyes, what a difference one school can make for some children and their families.

I plan on returning to Ethiopia to visit Fresh & Green Academy. I urge everyone to volunteer and find a cause to support, even if it is right in your own community.

For more information on Friends of Fresh & Green Academy, please visit www.FriendsofFreshandGreen.org.

Thoughts from Dr. Gregg, Chiropractor.

2010-11-19T15:49:00.010-05:00

The Flight Attendant leaned over me as I sat in my first-class seat, and asked whether I'd prefer the shrimp scampi with risotto or the rack of lamb with mashed potatoes for dinner. The question was disconcerting, and it wasn't because I didn't know what I'd rather eat.

It was because, 12 hours earlier, I'd been in Ethiopia, one of the most poverty-stricken countries in the world, completing my second mission trip to its capital city Addis Ababa. Somehow, the menu choices didn't seem all that important anymore.

I'm truly one of the lucky ones. I live in the United States, have a home and office in New York City, enjoy three meals a day, have access to health care and food and water, and get to fly anywhere I want at a 90% discount because my wife works for the airlines.

But even more than all that, what makes me one of the lucky ones is that I'm a chiropractor and have been able to help thousands of people throughout my career. More recently, I've learned to give, serve and love out of my own abundance, as Dr. Sid Williams always taught us to do.

I've been a practicing chiropractor for just under 20 years and it's only been recently that -- thanks to some fellow chiropractors and most importantly, my wife Trish -- I've learned to actually follow Dr. Sid's advice.

My first lesson came shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Living in New York City, I felt the impact of "9-11" personally and professionally. Doctors from the New York Chiropractic Council set up volunteer stations and I joined them in the Javits Center adjusting rescue workers staying there. It gave me a bit of inner peace to know I was doing something for the people who came from all over the country to help our city.

Later, other volunteer opportunities presented themselves. I worked at a soup kitchen in Chelsea run by one of our Council doctors. The two of us worked side-by-side with a third DC and adjusted patient after patient after patient. By the end of the day, we had seen about 200 people who might otherwise never have had a chance to receive chiropractic care.

You get a totally different feeling about giving chiropractic in that situation. People don't have a "fee-for-service" mentality; they're not complaining about their bill or their insurance company or the lack of instant results. In fact, they don't complain at all. They simply thank you as you encourage them to keep getting their spine checked and keep coming back.

About two years ago, at the request of another flight attendant, my wife, Trish, volunteered to go to Ethiopia and help keep a school there from closing. She brought two 50-pound duffel bags full of shoes, clothes, powdered milk -- and some much-needed funds.

This school is special because, unlike regular public schools in Ethiopia, is has a free meal program for all pre-kindergarten through third grade students. Families in this area are so poor they can't always afford food, so children often skip school to beg on the streets for food or money. This school gave them an education AND a meal -- it was worth saving.

Trish returned from that trip on fire to make a difference in the world. As happens so often in life, the timing was providential. The woman who organized the volunteer trip could no longer continue her efforts on behalf of this school and Trish stepped forward to take over.

Shortly afterwards, we made our first trip together to Ethiopia, recruiting six volunteers from the airline. We planned to bring as much food, money and clothing as we could carry. After talking with a few DCs who'd gone on mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Cuba, I decided I'd bring a table and offer free chiropractic care as well.

The day after we arrived in Addis Ababa, we traveled to the school, distributed all the clothing and assessed the situation. We decided to open my "clinic" the next day.

The people at the school didn't know what to make of us. I was a doctor, but had no white coat, stethoscope, instruments, or even pills! Just an odd-looking table. Even the director of the school was unsure about what I did.

They did understand the concept of back pain, though, for they have plenty of it in Ethiopia. People are forced to carry water, food and supplies great distances to their homes (when they have money to buy anything). Walking two miles to fill an old, yellowed five-gallon oil jug with water and then carrying it back with an infant tied to your back can definitely cause a subluxation. I had my work cut out for me, and I loved every minute of it. My only regret was that I wasn't able to get them to fully understand the true meaning of chiropractic and why it's for more than back pain.

I returned to Ethiopia this August and this time, I worked with a translator to write a simple message explaining chiropractic: "Dr. Rubinstein is here from United States. He performs treatments without medications to help the intelligence/power inside you keep your body strong, healthy and resistant to disease."

People lined up and watched curiously, laughing at my attempts to give instructions in the native language of Amharic, and the sounds and reactions of the other patients. A few were hesitant at first, but when word got out, all the mothers of the school's students started to line up, along with the workers hired to improve the school, our driver and even the security guard.

Finally, the entire student body and lined up and I adjusted them all over the course of about three hours. Seeing the smiles on those 82 children, I knew why I had traveled 24 hours to give, serve and love. It truly was one of my best days in practice

I'm not going to lie and say there were no sad moments during the trip. But even in those moments, chiropractic can lift the spirit.

I recall the day we walked two miles from the school through some of the poorest conditions I had ever seen to a student's one-room home. His mother's HIV was progressing to a more symptomatic stage and she was unable to get out of bed. We brought food as well as money for rent and cooking fuel, in hopes that she could soon feel well enough to eat and thereby qualify for HIV medicine. (In Ethiopia, the government distributes HIV medication only to those who can prove they are able to eat.)

Before leaving the home, I did the one other thing I knew I could do for her. I helped her sit up, checked her spine and adjusted her. When we left, she smiled, thanked us and whispered "God bless you." She looked as if she had regained at least some hope.

Before I departed Ethiopia, I spoke with the director of the school to see what more we could do. She told me that if we gave her a few months' notice she could put the word out and have thousands of people come for adjustments. She said the government would probably be willing to provide a space for us to work and local radio stations, churches and schools could publicize the visit.

I know many DCs want to get involved but aren't sure how or where they can make a difference. Ethiopia is one place, but so is the soup kitchen in your city. You might choose to spend several days in Addis Ababa or an hour at the local homeless shelter. Whatever you do, you'll feel -- as I do -- like one of the lucky ones. For there are few gifts greater than helping someone who will never be able to pay you back.

(Dr. Gregg Rubinstein attended New York Chiropractic College and completed post-graduate studies in orthopedics and treatment of the low back including a lecture/study certificate program in advanced clinical radiographic studies. He runs a thriving practice in midtown Manhattan. If you have questions or are interested in helping on his next mission trip, contact him through his website 57thstreetchiropractor.com, or e-mail him at DrGregg225@aol.com.

Ethiopian School for the Impoverished

2010-10-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

New School Video

2010-09-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Friends of Fresh and Green/Something to Offer Interview

2010-07-27T15:18:00.000-04:00

Friends of Fresh and Green/Something to Offer Interview

2010-05-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

Left Behind and From the Field

2010-04-24T08:37:00.003-04:00

Well, I did not make it to Ethiopia and it truly saddens me. Due to the volcano in Iceland, flights were disrupted around the world and a group of 8 flying stand by without diruptions of ant sort is hard. The volunteers were able to make it out on 3 waves and our new VP and a veteran volunteer were part of the second wave.

Muday, being the wonderful person she is, left me no doubt that everyone would be taken of so I felt completly at ease sending everyone on ahead of me.I have complete confidence things are going well and this has been confirmed through my phone conversations and email.

While I know I am not the keystone of Friends of Fresh and Green, the organization and work we do is my passion and, I feel, my lifes purpose. One of the great joys I receive from doing what I do is seeing how people react on their first visit to the school. Kathleen, our new VP has been so excited and full of energy for this trip and has had so many of the same expectations I had before my first trip. I was hoping to blog and send pictures just as she was, and she too has discovered that is next to impossible in our situation there.

One thing I can do to help on my end is post a blog for her. So the following blog is a portion of a heart warming email from Kathleen. I had bitter sweet feelings reading it for the first time. I has so many of the same feelings I had my first time and reading it made me miss everyone so much, and I am so very sad that I didn't get there this time. But I am happy beyond belief Kathleen and the rest have been so touched and Kathleen paints the picture that is "our Ethiopia" so well.

KATHLEEN'S BLOG

Hi Friends and Family!

Well, I've learned that "blogging" from Ethiopia is a bit of a pipe dream -- electricity is off unpredictably and all Internet is dial-up. So pics will have to wait until I get home and updates will have to come via email or Facebook.

I've been thinking all day how to describe the indescribable. Rainy season has started, and we are close to the Equator -- so ... when it rains, it really rains.

Today we visited an "average" family home, one like most of our students live in when they are not at the school. Eleven people sleep/live/eat in a room about 6' x 6' -- four tin corrugated walls and a tin corrugated roof -- no electricity or plumbing, rocky dirt floor, the 3 foot wide, rock-strewn path is both entry and sewer. The rain on the roof drowns out all noise and you have to shout just to talk to the person who is six inches away from you.

The school is truly an oasis, a haven for the students where they can get fed three decent meals a day, get an education and medical help when needed. We took one of the student's brothers to the hospital today, he'd been having stomach pains for five days. No money = just tough it out in Addis Ababa.

It really opened my eyes to just how vital it is to keep the school up and running and to keep the Mother's Cooperative going. It's the only thing that allows the siblings who aren't in our school to get fed.

I worked with the moms today, making some new jewelry projects -- eyeglass holders and watch bands. Now, having seen how they live, I think -- they don't even know what these things are, nor would they have any use for them if they did.

"Stuff" -- these people don't have knick-knacks, their children don't have toys, not everyone on the house even has a blanket to sleep under much less a mattress.

It's truly a different world, and experiencing it firsthand has changed me forever.

Muday, the woman who started and runs Fresh and Green Academy, is a beautiful, energetic, dynamic woman with an amazing vision: to lift these people up and ... I have to say, it is working.

I can't wait to share my pictures with all of you.

Lest you think my trip has been totally dismal, I have to let you know that it's been just the opposite. The people are amazing -- so generous, wanting to offer you tea and hospitality, sharing the little they have. The children are bright and funny, constantly hugging and giving kisses. AND ... my fellow volunteers are the icing on the cake: dedicated, lovely people who could spend their vacation going anywhere in the world, and they come here. And man, do they make me laugh!! We are constantly cracking up, sharing stories, laughing, it's really a blast. That may seem hard to believe but it's true!

OK, I've gone on for quite awhile now, and who knows when the electricity will go off, so I'll sign off for now. If all goes as planned, I will be back in the US on Sunday. But believe me, I plan to come back in August and I know I will miss this place in the meantime. It just gets into your soul.

Love and hugs,
Kathleen

On our Way!

2010-04-19T08:16:00.002-04:00

We have been trying to get to Ethiopia since Friday, today is Monday, things beyond our control have postponed us. The volcano that erupted on Thursday prevented us from going through Europe on Friday so we came to Washington DC on Saturday and 3 of the volunteers got out. Two of our volunteers rushed to actually get out through Israel on Thursday. So there are 3 of us here at the airport hoping and praying to get on the flight this morning.

There was no flight on Sunday so we were able to enjoy a day in DC and took in a museum. I love my job as a flight attendant and all the perks that go along with it but there is a huge down side to all that free travel. Stand by can be brutal! I can handle it, but when I bring loved ones into the picture I feel responsible, though I know I am not, I can't help but take on the stress. That is my nature.

I am so grateful that most of the volunteers are already there and I can relax in knowing Muday is taking good care of them.

We are saying all the prayers we can, and hope to be with the children in about 20 hours!

Please send out the positive energy!

Thoughts on the Next Trip to Ethiopia

2010-02-27T18:49:00.003-05:00

For the past two weeks I have been working on a volunteer hand book to prepare the people who will be joining us this April. I really want to give them an idea of what is to come, but how do you tell someone to expect their life to be changed in a monumental way? It is something that has happened on every trip so far. People come back affected, and I love to see their eyes being opened to the warmth of people who have so little and appreciate so much.

My life has not been the same since my first visit to the school. I have a greater appreciation for what and who I have been blessed with and I have been shown how to truly love and care for my fellow human beings. I have learned to respect all beings and I know that one can never really imagine what it is like to walk in another's shoes. All common sense thoughts but easy to lose sight of.

I am looking forward to this trip not only because I miss the people I have grown to love in Ethiopia, but because I will have the opportunity to open the eyes and change the lives (hopefully for the better) of a great group of volunteers.

Just Some Thoughts

2010-02-10T13:23:00.004-05:00

My heart yearns for the children of Fresh and Green Academy. Those faces can lift my spirits on the worst of days. Just seeing the smiles and knowing how they live and what little they have always puts my whole life into perspective, I am so blessed to be able to help them.

Can't wait to see them in April!

Back From Ethiopia!

2009-11-13T08:01:00.009-05:00

I made it back from yet another, heart wrenching, heart warming and inspiring trip. A colleague of mine from Italy joined me for part of the trip and I do hope the experience of Fresh and Green Academy was as special for him as it always is for me.
We took a 2 day trip into the country side to see a national park and some animals we don't see in the city of Addis Ababa. It is also so interesting to see the people who live in other parts of Ethiopia. They have very hard lives and many are trying to get to the big city of opportunity, Addis. The children we encountered way out in the country all asked for pens to do their school work, not money. Wow!

I was able to get to know some of the mothers and children better this trip. I got a brief history of all the students and interviewed 5 of the mothers/care takers. I did that the last day of the trip and it really affected me, their stories broke my heart. At least 2 of our students are products of rape, many are abused and some have had both parents die. One of the siblings of our students was "given away"to work as a maid for a wealthy older woman who makes her living as a fortune teller. Her mother could not take care of her properly so she felt this would give her a better life. The girl lived in a proper home and had daily meals, but she also was abused. and has the scars to show for it. The mother found out but could not get her out of the home right away. Finally after a year of abuse the police stepped in and removed the girl from the home. She now lives with her mother and 3 siblings in a small room with dirt floors, attends the government school and does not eat regularly, but at least she is not being abused.

I also found out that children (hopefully not ours), inhale gasoline to curb their hunger.
Muday told me she over heard one of the children talking to her friend about how hungry she was a night but did not want to ask her mother for food because she knew they had no money. This from a 5 year old.
We are hoping to add a third meal very soon. We would like to have the students stay until 5:00pm and maybe provide music, sport, art or more English classes between 3pm and 5pm, give them another a meal and then send them home.

The school really is doing well though. We have rented an extra space to build an addition for the new upper grades and Muday got a Government loan to start it. We will need to raise more money to complete it but we are on our way!

I really miss the kids and look forward to seeing them in April! Care to join me?

Another Success Story!

2009-10-19T16:16:00.002-04:00

I feel a huge part of helping our children and the academy is empowering their mothers. As I have stated before, the families a poorer than most of us can imagine through no fault of their own. Most of us in the First World see a different type of poverty. A lot, but defiantly not all, of it has been brought on by circumstances that could have been prevented. We see people in the streets who have substances abuse problems, mental illnesses or people who just want be there. (read "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Wells for a look into the latter) Fortunately most Western societies have government help for people who seek it out. Again I know this is not the case 100% of the time but in most African nations help is only available from NGO's (Non Governmental Organizations) and other small non profits such as ours.

Giving people a little boost can make all difference in the world to people and I am finding that is the case with the mothers in the cooperative at Fresh and green Academy. For the past year, along with making the jewelry that we have been selling for them in the US, they have been able to work in a small store front that had been rented for them by a very generous donor. They have been taking turns "wo"manning the store and I have seen first hand the sense of pride it gives them. While the store is not a huge money maker, it gives them something other than "where their next meal is coming from" to think about daily. Although many of the women are still struggling and some are sick and can not afford decent medical care, they have been empowered and that empowerment is priceless.

We just recently ran into the dilemma of the rent for the year bring finished and were not sure we could take on the expense of the store's rent and running the school. Fortunately we have a had new donor step up to take care of it! Thank you!

The women will be able to continue on their road to independence and show their children along way what it means to have purpose.

Final day of the road trip.

2009-07-31T13:52:00.006-04:00

On the return drive from Lalibela a small boy ran up to our car to get us to stop. We were traveling with 3 locals, one being the driver so we had no problem with language, this boy of maybe 8 or 9 wanted a ride anywhere away from the country side he lived in. He had money and was willing to pay us to take him to a city or where ever we were going. He wanted a chance at an education and a better life. These villages or should I say small groups of huts are very remote, all be them many, and have no facilities. The people walk, who knows how many miles, to get water and supplies, and we only saw a hand full schools. Most of the children are shepherds or farmers. In fact, currently Muday has a 15 year old boy staying with her who did just what this young boy was trying to do. He left his life in the country, where he farmed, (and not with the farming tools and machines we know) and his family to live in the city to attend school. In exchange for a place to stay, he helps out at Fresh and Green Academy.

This country is in need of so much and I really think we should all support the organizations that bring water and education to the remote areas of the world. I have seen the need first hand. (Mmmm, maybe there is another project in my future) We did see some wells that had been obviously recently built by NGOs, but so many more are needed. The country side is so vast but so heavily populated and most just live off the land and if the land does not produce the people suffer greatly.

The children we saw often on the side of the roads with their animals or just walking and playing, always waved at the car as soon as they saw us coming. I am guessing that not too many automobiles travel through there. (the roads are terrible) The kids would also run to us saying "Highlander!", which is the name of a bottled water. They know that if someone is driving through they must have bottled water, and they were happy to get our empty bottles although I am sure they would have preferred a full one. We also gave out most of the food we had with us and they we all very appreciative.

I am so thankful to be fortunate enough to experience all that I have. I am constantly learning and having my eyes opened. The more this happens the more my heart is opened, though it does pain me often that I can not do more. But like I have said before if we all just do a tiny bit to help others and our world we will have a huge impact.

Tanks for reading.

Road Trip continued

2009-07-27T14:45:00.008-04:00

Yesterday we traveled very far across Ethiopia. The land is so diverse. Up oneside down the other. Cold up top warm down below. We stoped on what felt like the top of the world, because the roads are so bad we must constantly check for flats (so far only 2) Some children came out to see what was going on and they just stood and stared. When we approached them they backed away. Usually children who see us are very friendly, I guess these particular children were not used to strange faces. We did give them sugar cane to break the ice only long enough to get some pictures. As we were leaving a woman approached us to say she needed a doctor. She was pregnant and had been so for over 10 months, she said she had had still births in the past. My heart was broken for there was nothing we could do but drive away the nearest hospital was days away and we were not going in that direction. How I wished I or someone with us was a doctor. This was my first big cry of the trip.

We did get to the churches at Lalibela and it was amazing. We were able to stay in a brand new hotel with flushing toilets and hot water ( would not have wanted to go near the shower at the first hotel even if the water was hot)

Had a great dinner of soup and grilled cheese. Even met some American tourists, very rare.
We awoke early this morning had a hot shower and headed back to the churches with our great guide. Today was the day of the cross so all the priests gathered to chant and dance at various churches. It was quite moving and I was brought to tears more than once.

Ethiopia July 09

2009-07-22T00:24:00.001-04:00

Ethiopia July 2009

Arrived on Sunday morning after traveling for 2 days to get here. We left on Friday evening and then had a 12 hour connection time in Brussells Belgium. We had to go that route because my mother is traveling with me and she does not get a discount on KLM which would have only given us 3 hours between flights. We were able to spend the day in Brussells, and got here at 6am local, Muday and Atenah were at the airport waiting. It is always so wondeful to see them when we first arrrive. We had a nap and then went to Salem's, Mudays cousin, house for coffee. They are always so hospitable. I must explain a bit about having coffee in Ethiopia. It is quite special to be invited to someones home for coffee. The coffee ceremony is an Ethiopian tradition and consists of food, in our case dinner, you must eat before you drink coffee, and the making of the coffee. Being that Ethiopia is the birth place coffee, the preparation is quite elaborate. The coffee must first be roasted over a small fire, then the beans are ground by hand while the water is boiling over that same small fire, which by the way usually has some incence burning in it as well. The coffee is then added straight to the boiling water which is in a beautiful clay pot, and then poured into small cups with sugar in them. We usally have about 3 cups each. I take coffe home with me and try to add it to straight to the hot water but is some how is not the same. Maybe drinking it with my Ethiopian friends just makes it taste better.

Things at the school are going relativly well. The kids had their kindergarten graduation last week and were many people were there to enjoy the festivites. The kids got their diplomas and report cards, did some traditional dancing and some dialogue in Engligh for all who attended. There is a Saturday afternoon group of teenagers that Muday teaches values, morals and ethics to, who preformed as well. The whole ceremony was video taped so we were able to see what we missed. Their parents were so pruod and thankful to Muday and all the teachers for giving their children a chance at an education and better life.

I am lying here awake at 4am listening to the rain. I can not stop thinking about all the children and their families sleeping in their home with roofs that leak, no electricity and not enough blankets to keep them warm. I think of everything that needs to be accomplished

We stand to raise up to $60,000.00 from a festival we will be participating in this September. I thought that would be the answer all of our needs.

I will explain:

The school building and land is only rented. The owner has quite a large area and rents to other businesses as well. Muday has been operating in this space for almost nine years. As recently as 6 months ago the space close to the school was rented by a brick maker. The equipment used to make the bricks is quite loud nad when a government official was doing one of the many checks it does on the school he heard the noise and told Muday she can not operate a school next to the disturbance. Muday relayed this information to the landlord and she was told that the she did not care who was there as long as she got her money, but she would not tell the brick maker to leave with no one to replace his rent and if the school had to move that was fine too, she would rent to someone else. So we were able to talk the landlord into letting us rent the space and the brick maker was told about the government policy but for him to leave before his contract is up he wants $500.00. The government says he must be gone by September but the contract is up in May. Delimma number 1.

The government also does not alow upper grades (1st on) to be in the same building as the kindergarten and pre-K. The school had first grade for this past school year so when the kids could continue to eat. (Free education 1st-10th grade but no food available) We are planning to add a grade every year so we can keep the current students fed and educated. This seemed like the perfect opportunity. We now have extra rented space to build a new building and we will have enough money to do this. Problem is we don't want to build something nice because it is rented and it could be taken away or the rent raised. We need to stay in the neighborhood because the children severd are here and we dont want to abandon them and the other problem is we do want to build something nice, with electricity and possibly plumbing. There could be a solution: The land and building right next to the school are for sale. For $50,000.00. There goes all the money whe thought we would have to build a new building and run the school for a year without worries and invest for the future of the school. If we could raise $100,000.00 we could be set for the time being. Delimma number 2.

I have 3 more hours I can sleep but it has stopped raining and the dogs are now baeking and the religious chanting over the loud speaker has begun. We will see. Thank you ear plugs Good night!

Trish Hack-Rubinstein

President & Co Founder

Friends Of Fresh and Green Academy

www.FriendsOfFreshAndGreen.org

Leaving tomorrow

2009-07-09T13:57:00.002-04:00

We are leaving tomorrow for Ethiopia and I am far more optimistic! While we still don't have enough money to cover all the costs this month, I have received some very good news. We are going to be an official charity in the Eathdance Austin Festival! We stand to benefit greatly from this blessing from the Universe. Our future is looking bright, thanks to all of the wonderful people who believe that we really can make a difference.

Going back to Ethiopia in July

2009-06-25T15:17:00.003-04:00

I will be going back to Ethiopia next month and I am worried we will not have enough money. It is harder than I thought it would be to raise money consistently. I have been a volunteer for as long as I can remember, but always for pre-existing organizations. I have worked on various fundraisers, made some money and then did not worry about how that particular organization gets its money the rest of the year. I was not seeing the big picture. I am constantly trying to think of new ways to raise money. While prospectively we don't really need a lot of money to run the school (it will be $2,000.00 a month soon), it is not easy for a small organization like ours to bring in that amount monthly.

2009-06-05T18:54:00.002-04:00

Every day I thank God for all I have and how lucky I am.

At this moment I am on one of the many vacations I get to take every year. I have been in Cape Hatteras for the past 6 days just living it up in the sun and surf; eating and enjoying life with my husband and some of our closest friends. I do think of my friends and the children at Fresh and Green Academy every day though and I feel it is so unfair that don't get to enjoy the same things I do. Maybe I am being presumptuous thinking they would even want to, but I do think they would like to know they will be eating every meal every day and will have a warm bed to sleep in without the rain coming in through the cardboard walls. There is a little girl I think of often who is in the hospital. She has been badly burned and has been there for over 2 weeks now. They say she will be ok but I wonder what the public hospital in Ethiopia's idea of ok is. Please keep her in your prayers and be thankful for all you have.
Trish

I know Times are Hard Now Here but Times are Always Hard in Ethiopia

2009-05-30T22:54:00.011-04:00

Sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right thing. What have I gotten myself into? I then look at the pictures, the faces of the children, their eyes show me a glimpse of their soul. They are innocent and must depend on others for not only their future but their present survival.

I know I am doing the right thing.
We started this endeavor not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into. We knew nothing of incorporation, non profit, 501c3; we only knew our hearts had been touched and there was no turning back. Only just a bit over one year ago I a was volunteer hoping to make a little difference in the lives of some African children, now I lose sleep sometimes wondering how we are going raise enough money for them to eat 2 meals a day.We all know times are hard around the world right now and people don't have extra money to give away, so "Friends of Fresh and Green" must work even harder. People are always reminding me of this fact but I can not tell the children "do you mind not eating for a few years the economy is really bad right now". This is the time we have to really remember things could be a lot worse. We can still help others.

There will always be people less fortunate then us and if they can smile, so can we.

Thank you for your help in feeding the children. www.FriendsOfFreshAndGreen.org

Are We Really Helping? I think yes!

2009-05-09T13:06:00.004-04:00

Traveling to third world countries can be extremely overwhelming for many of us who are fortunate enough to be part of that 28% of the world that lives above the poverty level. We tend to forget that many people in this world don't know where their next meal is coming from or when it will even be. When reality is thrown into our faces, by choice or circumstances, we can be taken by surprise in our reactions. Some of us go into denial, turn a blind eye, others of jump right in and try to help and still some are overwhelmed with sadness and a sense of uselessness.

No matter how we feel and weather we choose to ignore situations or not, they still exist. Where we are born does not dictate our worth as human beings. Whether we are rich, poor, light skinned, dark skinned, male, female, or anything in between, we all have the same universal needs. Love, food and water are only a few of those needs that should not be hard to obtain but some how they are for many.

If I can help just one person in this world to achieve some of those basic needs, I know I have made a difference. I am learning that I can not save the whole world or even one small community, but I can do a little, and sleep better (sometimes) knowing I have tried.

I once read a quote that went something like "The biggest mistake was made by the person who did nothing because he was afraid he could only do a little"

So just do a little and feel good about it. And don't forget to thank your mom.

Another Successful Trip

2009-04-27T20:43:00.002-04:00

We returned on Saturday night from our most resent trip to Ethiopia. The kids seem to be doing well but some of the mothers, not so much. We went to visit 2 of the mothers at their homes who were very ill. They had both been in bed for 2 months and one is HIV pos. We took them to the hospital the very next day after our visit. I just cant let someone lay sick in bed when I have the means to care for them. Some of our very generous volunteers left them money for their rent ($10.00 & $15.00 a month) and food also. One of the mothers will be alright and was given medication the other, (HIV pos) was told to go home, rest and eat well. I was told that was a bad sign and she may not make it. Her husband died last year of AIDS and she has 4 children, 2 of which attend Fresh and Green and 2 older children who take turns staying home from school to care for her. Please keep them in your prayers.

We did get a floor put in the kitchen and some long needed stairs added to the entrance. Again, thank you to our most generous volunteers. Thanks to their donations we had enough money to cover the school costs for April and catch up on rent we had fallen behind on due to lack of funds and take care of the school maintenance.

To be continued............

The Rio Grande Ate My Gucci

2009-03-18T14:55:00.002-04:00

As far back as I can remember, I have always wanted more than I have had. When I passionately wanted something, I would work as hard as could to get it. But most things I just wished for. I had only wants, rarely desires and never real needs. I am not sure where those feelings came from. I grew up in the upper middle class and attended private schools with some extremely wealthy families, I became an International Flight Attendant and have traveled to many places people only dream of and I live in New York City. I have seen the "good life". (although I know now, money a good life does not make.) Through luck and circumstance I have stayed in 5 star hotels and eaten at fine restaurants. Are these the reasons or is it just the American way to always want more?

I do believe God, the Universe, a higher power or something is trying to tell me (and the rest of the world) something. Fortunately, and just in time, my way of thinking as changed. Thanks to my involvement in Ethiopia, as I have stated before, I realize I don't need so much. We also are witnessing at this time how greed can hurt us all.

And last week one more message was sent to me. I had purchased a pair of Gucci sunglasses 2 years ago (they were half price) and was wearing them on my head while taking a picture on a bridge 650 feet above the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. Well they fell off my head and down, 200 meters!

The Rio Grande ate my Gucci and I am happy to have made the offering!

My thoughts for today

2009-02-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

I just returned from an amazing 10 day ski trip in Utah! We had great snow, 2 feet of powder!
As we paid our $60 a day for a lift ticket I could not help but think of what that money can do for the kids and families of Fresh and Green Academy. ($60.00 is two months salary for a teacher at the school!) I often feel guilty for what I have when approximately 72% of the world lives in poverty. How did I get so lucky? (and I am hardly wealthy) For most people living in poverty, their only aberration was being born in a certain country. I know I am doing what I can to help and that is really all that is expected of me, but I look around realize I have so many things. I have purchased items frivolously that I have no need for and I feel ashamed. My friends in Addis Ababa seem to only need food, shelter, and a means to take care of themselves and their family. They have little in the way of material possesions, but they have dignity. (I ask myself, Do I?)

I try not to judge, but in theses times when the US is not quite on the high financial horse it was once ridding, I can't help but think that our priorities became marred somewhere along the way. I hope we can soon revert back to simpler times, when $10,000,000.00 apartments and private jets were not what was needed to make us feel like somebody. We should be proud of what we do, not what we have. I would like to see us look out for one another, not just our bank accounts. We are in a global crisis and we need to take stock in what really matters in our lives. We need to realize that we are not on this earth alone, and we should all do what we can (every little bit counts) to help our neighbors throughout the world.

Well that is my two cents for today. (which will buy a piece of gum in Ethiopia)

Thanks for reading,
Trish

A New Year

2009-02-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

I am really looking forward to a New Year. Things got so bad for so many in 2008 that I believe things can only get better. I do still feel like we are so very lucky for all that we do have. So many people here in New York have lost jobs and that is terrible but I at least we have a right to education and a means to eat. We still have soup kitchens and welfare. I think of the friends I have in Ethiopia who do not have access to any thing like that and have to rely on hand outs daily.

I am so proud of the mothers that have formed a cooperative. They are volunteering at the school, (cooking and cleaning) making jewelry and working in a store that was donated to them to use for a year. They take turns selling items such as sugar, soap, water, and other nnecessities to the neighborhood residents. Their jewelry making is improving all the time and I have been selling it here in the US. I have been able to send over $600.00 back to them. The director of the school, Muday, has had them all (22 mothers) open bank accounts and she pays them in salary form instead of just giving them all the money at once, so they can budget. Most of them have never had a steady income in their lives.
On my last trip we brought about 250 small sets of sheets donated by an airline. What was not used on beds was made into clothing by the moms. I was so impressed!

The children are doing well. My partner Tim is on his way there now and a friend from Rome is there now as well. We got a donation of a mouth model and they will be using it to teach them how to brush their teeth. The traditional way to clean teeth in Ethiopia is with a special stick they have there, but the kids are now drinking powered milk that contains sugar so I am afraid the stick is just not enough any more.

I am planning to go back in April and can't wait. My husband will be going with me and I couldn't be happier. I am so excited for him to meet my new friends there and see what has become such an important part of my life.

Just back from trip #3

2008-11-19T08:17:00.000-05:00

I just returned from my third trip to Ethiopia yesterday afternoon. I am still out of it. I guess I have jet lag. (thought I was immune) It did take me 24 hours to get home this time. Each trip it gets harder to say good by. I have made such wonderful friends. The school director, Muday is such a kind and generous person and I feel such a closeness to her. I also find I am feeling much more comfortable and at home in Addis, despite the vast cultural, social, and political differences from my own country. I really can't put into words the feeling. The people there are so kind and really care for, and respect each other despite the harsh living conditions and extreme poverty. They have shown me that we really don't need very much in this world to prosper. A strong spirit, love for family, the will to survive, and just the basic necessities mean so much more than a big house, nice clothes and an SUV.

More very soon.
Trish

The Children

2008-09-06T17:28:00.000-04:00

Mothers Cooperative

2008-09-06T17:17:00.000-04:00

Pictures of the new kitchen

2008-09-06T17:09:00.000-04:00

I am blessed

2008-09-06T15:54:00.000-04:00

I am truly blessed to live the way I do and to be able to help where I can. I have actually been home for a week. I wish I would have been able to write while on the road but I was unable to access this site. So many emotions pass through me while I am in Ethiopia, I sometimes find it difficult to put them into words. But here goes...........

This trip brought about a whole new wave of feelings. My role has changed from my first volunteer visit. Then I thought it would only be a one time visit. (Although one of my brother in laws told me that I would go again before I had even been the first time.) Now, I am one of the people responsible for the well being of the school, children, and some parents.
The first couple of nights I did not sleep to well because of all the thoughts going through my head. The school needs alot. We need to continue to raise money to feed the children and run the school, but we also really need to build a new school. Many of things in the school are functional but sort of pieced together. The new kitchen has been built and they are using it, but there is no floor (very expensive for cement) so they have been putting down plastic covering to try to keep the mud at bay. It is the rainy season now and it really rains hard!

I sometimes wonder what I am doing. Have I taken on too much? As I am using some less than desirable toilet facilities, I remind myself that I am doing what God wants me to do. I really do know this is my purpose in life. After 43 years things are right where they are supposed to be. I have a wonderful and supportive husband. My family and friends are amazing. And I love the people of Ethiopia. The children are wonderful. The mothers who have their after school craft cooperative are some of the strongest and most powerful women I know. They endure such hardships, and through absolutely no fault of their own, live in extreme poverty. The have been working so hard on their jewelry and finally have, many for the first time ever, an income. Muday, the director, school founder, and resident angel, helped them to all open a bank account with about $5.00 each!
Muday really is a saint. She cares so much for these children and parents. She has no problem taking any one of the family members that may be sick, to the hospital for care. She wants to add a grade level every year so the students don't drop out of the government schools once they leave Fresh and Green Academy. A huge percentage of the students do because the government schools don't have a food program and they don't eat at home, so they are back on the streets begging instead of in school. It is a terrible cycle. She would like to have sleeping facilities in the school for the students who sometimes get left at school by their parents. (Some of them walk over an hour to get to school. And uphill both ways barefoot in the snow isn't too far off! Ok, maybe the snow part.)

I do love Ethiopia and its people and especially the new "family" I have at Fresh and Green Academy. I know I have not taken on an easy task, there is great deal of work that needs to be done, but I also know with much help and prayer I will one day see these young children graduate from the University and live healthy and happy lives.

Thank you for you support!
Trish

2008-09-01T11:45:00.000-04:00

I was unable to get on the blog again in Ethiopia so I will update over the next few days.
Trying to get through security in Isreal was awful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will never go that way again even if it does save time.
We spent 3 hours there. They questioned both of us seperatly for 30 minutes and went through everything in all our bags. The opened every crayon box! It did not matter that we are employees!
More later!

2008-08-24T11:39:00.000-04:00

Kristen and me at the airport in TLV

Waiting in Isreal

2008-08-24T11:18:00.000-04:00

We made it to Tel Aviv. Great flight. We are now just waiting patiently with our 4, 50lb bags of supplies, for our flight that leaves at 1am. It is now 6pm.
I am extremely excited to see the children and the parents, but also a little worried about how their condition may be. Although we send money weekly to run the school meal program that feeds the children, some of the parents don't eat. I have been told that a couple of the mothers are sick and when they get sick they don't recover as quickly as you and I would, do to malnutrition. Hopefully that wont be the case this time.
We will be arriving in Ethiopia tomorrow morning and will be picked up by the school director and her husband. They are wonderful people and I do look forward to seeing them.
I will update once I am in Addis.

Trish

Again, on my way to Ethiopia!

2008-08-22T23:03:00.000-04:00

Leaving tomorrow! Check back often.