April, 2010 Trip to Ethiopia.
Between April 4th to April 29th eight of us spent 20 exhausting but very rewarding days visiting various ANSO and Rotary projects throughout southern and eastern Ethiopia. There is absolutely no doubt, we are making an impact! We talked to students who were going to school because of ANSO Student Support, women how had thriving business because of ANSO Micro-Financing and families that were enjoying the benefits of their own goat herds because of ANSO Animal Restocking. Because of some political unrest in the Haro Dibe area in December of 2009, ANSO’s activities in that area had to be curtailed for a while, but everything is now back on course. While a few of the new businesses are struggling, there have also been some outstanding successes that were very good to see.
On a personal note, it is the first time we had been to Ethiopia during the rainy season. All my mental images of that country were is shades of brown and grey and this time everything was a vibrant green. What a difference some water can make! It helps to understand the nature of a country to see it in all the different seasons.
As is always the case with these trips we experienced and learned a lot. We were treated like Royalty everywhere we went. Over and over, we asked to “ Please thank those people in Canada who are making this possible” – that would be the people who buy our cards! Things are improving, but there is oh so much more that could be done. We came home tired, but totally recharged and ready to carry on for another year.
We are counting on your continuing support.
Chris Andersen, ANSO
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