Home From Africa part 2

Now that I have been home a while it is time to reflect on some of the changes since Awassa. First, let me comment on the health issues. Usually, illness accompanies the return trip home. Not so much this time. I have read that some of the team did experience some intestinal difficulties but not so for me. I did pick up a cold somewhere between DC and home but I can’t blame Ethiopia for that.

A tip from Al Wilson may have helped. He suggested peptobismol before each meal. I think that helped because I took some chances that could have caused problems, but nothing happened.

Here is a look at a typical Ethiopian dinner, eaten communally with your right hand only.

You use the rolled up bread to scoop up the meat/sauses etc.

It has been a trip getting back into the ‘american way’ of eating and getting my glucose back into its boundaries.

Coffee has been another adventure. I have not had the opportunity to try out my Ethiopian Coffee Grinder that Janiece is demonstrating below, but the coffee we bought in Addis has turned out to be the best I have tasted in a long time. Look out Starbucks!


I have had some contact with friends in Awassa since I returned. I received a couple of e-mails from Asmenaw. He is the interpreter that looks like Arsenio Hall. I teased him about becoming president of Ethiopia (he is in law school). I really think he might just do something in politics.

I am looking forward to getting back to my church (Bonita Valley Baptist Church). I have been speaking at other churches (see my speaking schedule), and I won’t get home until the 27th. That will be the first time I can report on my trip.

I also have volunteered to take on the missions chair at Bonita. This will be a challenge to work on developing a missions focus for the church that will grab the younger generation and still keep the older saints active. I look forward to the challenge.

Another change since returning is the opportunity to drive my Bugeye more often. I had to miss the Conclave that was held in San Diego while I was in Ethiopia. So, I decided to break it out and drive it whenever I could justify it. It has been fun.


I have been working on an idea for ministry among bivocational pastors of new churches on the mission field. I will wait until the next post to tell you about it.

Until then, let the word of Christ richly dwell in you. . . .

Sam