Here we are at the beginning of an 18 hour journey.

Approaching Ethiopia. So much anticipation looking out across the darkness, knowing our daughter is there. 

This is the view from the roof top of our guest house (smog in the distance).

We were lucky enough to be there during a very big Christian holiday "Meskel"- Finding of the True Cross. You can learn more about it here. We went to the city center and celebrated with the locals. We were struck by how peaceful it all was. I doubt you'd be able to gather a few hundred thousand American in one place without a few issues. 

At the culmination of the celebration, they light a huge bon fire.

It was amazing. We felt so blessed to be in our daughter's country, celebrating this special day.

Since it was a holiday, the guest house staff put on a large breakfast for us that morning and a traditional coffee ceremony. 

This was my view at breakfast :). For the record, my hubby only drinks tea, but asked for seconds when served the best coffee in the world. 

We made a pit stop to bring a ton of coffee home with us. 

View from the golf course near the care center.