So I was blessed to go to the Mother of Motherlands in Sep/Oct and this happened…
1. On the plane I was asked if I was a boy or girl, feelings hurt much?
2. At the airport in Addis Ababa, there’s no such thing as orderly lines, push your way through or don’t get served-so push I did.
3. The current weather in Ethiopia is cool and rainy like NY fall, which I’m not really enjoying. I miss that Saudi heat-I’m a warm/hot weather girl for sure!
4. At the first place I stayed, I was greeted with a condom (wrapper not included) on the hallway floor.
5. I’m wondering what this journey will bring; like Asia, I’m going unplanned with hopes of having a full, rich experience, but I don’t know what will be said when I return on October 8th.
6. Got my first international ‘are you Rasta?’ today.
7. Was told I’m African but not Ethiopian (oh) , then was told I’m Ethiopian…still on a quest to find my lineage.
8. Ethiopia wasn’t love at first sight for me.
9. I saw many things I wanted to capture in pictures, but didn’t. I felt convicted to respect the human experience. When abroad, consider the intent behind what you photograph.
10. Going to Bahir Dir in northern Ethiopia changed my experience for the better. Sometimes you gotta give time, time.
11. Africans are the strongest people I’ve encountered in my life! I come from a powerful people!
12. I walked barefoot in the mud for the first time EVER and definitely stepped in some mess, but it was great??!! Thankful my guide pushed me to try new things!
13. God raises people everywhere we go!! I now have FAMILY in Ethiopia!!!!
14. Ethiopian people-man woman, boy, girl are BEAUTIFUL!!
15. Went bike riding in Bahir Dir and again became in awe of my life! I hope you experience an euphoric excitement from God’s blessings too!
16. Injera-the main dish in Ethiopia isn’t my favorite, but…
17. Witnessing extreme poverty around the world makes me feel helpless.
18. Don’t take hot water and lights for granted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My survivor skills have definitely sharpened since leaving America.
19. I don’t have a BFF. I have my peoplepeople, but they don’t come with that title. Don’t know why this post is on here.
20. When I got back to Saudi, life was waiting hard for me, playtime was over, and it wasn’t comfortable.
Before I took them off!
Aeljee 
Amazing growth is happening and I’m so inspired by you. Way to be open, honest, and real. Much love to you, April. Keep living with purpose and keep pushing and pressing forward!
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Karissa!
I appreciate you being here to share the journey! What stories will we tell about God when this chapter closes!? I’m excited…
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Gopie!
Oh my!!!!
My response by number.
1.#REALLY what did they look like?!
2.#wheninRome…
4.#blankstare How rude!
9. Good insight
12. Not sure I would have made it! #youareatrooper
13. Yay!
19. Welcome to the club! Lol. Life teaches this one.
20. Praying for you! Your strength in Him. Endurance. Perseverance. Dedication! Faith! Faith! And more Faith! This life changing experience is one in a million. You seem to be using it wisely! Love you! See you soon!!!!
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Ebony!!
I appreciate that in your busy-ness of wife, mommy, educator, servant, you took time to read this and comment on the numbers!! I need and so appreciate the prayers of the righteous! They are carrying me! I love you so.
A.
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Love you back Sis! #Go! #Do!,#Be!
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Your story is always so inviting! No water or lights is real, especially in a place where you limited conncetions. You are definitely a Warrior. I am sure you do have some Ethiopian linkage. All very beautiful people…just like you! Thanks for sharing it is soooo encouraging and a brake from my reality. Big love.
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Diane!!!
Thank you for believing in me!! I’m glad my new reality could provide an escape from yours! YOU are a Warrior Woman!!! Till we connect again, I love love love you!
A.
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April, you inspire me beyond words. Each month I look forward to reading your blog and seeing the world through your eyes. I always keep you in my prayers and in my heart! Sending positive vibes your way!
Looking forward to next month 🙂
-Shavonne
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Shavonne!!
It warms my heart to know my “first responder” is still taking the journey with me!! The support, encouragement, and prayers whether spoken or not, keep me going in this, so thank you. I am excited for what’s to come for you!! I love that you made your vision reality and I’m loving your story!
A.
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Wow April! I continue to be in awe of and inspired by you. Reading this installment of your journey made me laugh and also humbled me. You are living so many other’s dreams of traveling and witnessing humanity. Thank you for letting us travel with you through your words. I’m grateful for you.
Oh and how you don’t like Injera. It’s yummy! Miss you girl! Be safe. Stay “Brooklyn!” Love ya!!!!
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Mrs.Doc!!!!
I was so excited to witness (that vid made me feel like I was there) your union!! God is faithful and you are a living testimony of that! I can’t wait to see what else He has in store for you!! I appreciate you for reading and encouraging me!! Our God is greater!!! I had no clue that all this was waiting on the other side! So girl, how bout I must really not like Injera, cuz I can’t even spell it!!?? Lemme handle that and try to embrace something new 😉 Much love!!
A.
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1.) how rude. 10.) I love the quote “you gotta give time, time.” 19.) I’m in the same boat, but I have good close friends. Continue to pray for good hearted people.
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