Summer School

Well, I've had a blast researching Ethiopia this past week - takes me back to my college days as an English major. I forgot how much I love this stuff. I've come across so many incredibly great websites and books and can't wait to share with you guys! (Also thanks to the people who posted great ideas for our Ethiopia 101 class - I'm going to incorporate every single one.) The toughest part was narrowing down the information and digesting it a bit for a 10, 8 ,6, and 4 year old...there won't be a whole lot on politics or government. :) The kids are actually really looking forward to it and that's really been fun for me. Just to give a basic idea of what I've got so far and what dates we'll be studying what:

June 13: Geography, Climate, and Wildlife

June 20: People and Culture: Part 1
(clothing, housing, family life, and common professions)

June 27: People and Culture: Part 2
(language, religion, education, and literature - folk tales)

July 4: People and Culture: Part 3
(calendar, festivals, music, art, sports)

July 11: People and Culture: Part 4
(FOOD! - recipes, coffee ceremonies, traditions and etiquette)

July 18: A Brief History and the Influence of Christianity

August 1: Present-day Ethiopia and Current Issues

August 8: How We Can Be the Hands and Feet of Christ in Present-Day Ethiopia
(study a few organizations and decide together how we're going to give and
get involved.)

I've got so much I want to write - so much I've learned already - it makes my head spin! But it's getting late, and I'm running out of steam. All I've gotta say is the more I read and the more I learn about Ethiopia and its beautiful people, the more I fall in love with and feel connected with the country, its people, and that little person God's got planned for our family. I guess that's why I've become so passionate about my goofy little Ethiopia 101 idea. Hmmm...more thoughts, but for another day...