Addis Ababa

I felt like I needed to put together a more serious post of life here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  We are so thankful to be here and enjoy many privileges in this country.  The reality for many here though is a day to day struggle.  The last few months this country has seen a huge influx of refugees from neighboring countries where they have had to flee from or have been deported from.  They arrive with the clothes on their backs and often very sick.   Something I often see as well are those with addiction and/or mental health struggles.  A very sobering picture of a beautiful country that has touched my heart and helped change me in different ways for the better.  I recommend you take your time and really appreciate these amazing pictures that Seldon took.  There is much to see in each one that will give you a clearer picture of life in Ethiopia's capital city.

Apparently dirt attracts children no matter where they live in the world!  Children here find the simplest things to entertain themselves with. 

There are hundreds of sidewalk vendors that sell the most beautiful produce.  You can also buy clothing, shoes, jewelry and all sorts of household goods

Vendors set up at one of the main bus stations.  There is heavy construction going on above and below the hill where the vendors are set up. Warren and I walk by and marvel that we haven't seen a slide of equipment, vehicles, shoes, bananas and people!!...yet

Hey Dad and Brennan what do you think of these tire shops.  Not quite what you guys are used to eh?  Oil change anyone?

"What shall I do with my new found freedom?  Run of course!!"

Runaway animals and vehicles cause many accidents everyday.  Whether you are on foot or in a vehicle you need to be cautious and aware of whats going on around you.  We heard a statistic the other day that at least 6 pedestrians are killed every day by vehicles. 

 These sino trucks are frequently driven by inexperienced drivers and when poor brakes and other mechanical problems are added you have a recipe for disaster and too often the loss of lives.

There is a road that is just shop after shop of caskets

Not too surprising all the traffic fatalities when this is an all to common mode of transportation

Not all transport of goods is done by animal or vehicle.  I cringe and think of compressed spinal disks when I see people of all ages carrying heavy loads on their heads or backs.  You do what you have to do for as long as you can do it to earn your living.

  

Because of the huge amounts of dust and mud (especially now coming into the rainy season) shoe cleaning and repair is a common business here.  Boys who don't have the privilege of  schooling start at about 4 or 5 years of age.  They carry around a little bucket of dirty water and a sponge and walk the streets looking for customers.  As the boys get older they might set up a little stool on a busy street and invest in some polish and repair tools.

Another job is garbage sorting...

Meat market and general stores

Some have more variety than others

 Many gates like these may lead to homes, a little restaurant, a store of some kind or even a medical clinic (trust me I know :)

 

Unfortunately there are many housing issues here, especially now with the thousands who have been displaced from other countries

  

The unfortunate faces of those suffering from mental health issues