Merry Christmas!

2015 has come and is almost done.

Being off American soil has been fun,

But now it’s time to pause the holiday tidings,

To look back to acknowledge God’s many blessings.

Ethiopian Christmas started the new year[1],

But there was no snow, candy canes, or carols here.

Instead I got tans and burns in the Tigray heat.

Staying hydrated with no water was a big feat[2].

Classes were full of grammar, vocab and questions,

Though school was cancelled for saints’ days and elections[3].

Students thought pen-palling to the States was the best.

At the end of the year most passed their English test.

Mom and Dad came here to tour around with me.

There are so many churches and castles to see.

Then to Tanzania for friends and safari.

After goodbyes, leading trainings kept me busy.

A new school year with new students is underway,

With 200 plus students to teach every day.

This next year will hold highs, lows and surprises.

It’s key to find God’s blessings through disguises.

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[1] January 6 to follow Orthodox Christian calendar

[2] Went 5 months without clean water in town. 2.5 months with no water and 2.5 months will unusable greasy and salty water

[3] Too many saint days to mention. Elections were in May.