Sunday, October 5, 2014

Meskel Morning and Burning Torches

In Addis Ababa, the Meskel bonfires are lit the night of Meskel. Last year we went to a huge neighborhood party. 

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However, in the countryside, the bonfires were lit in the early morning and Jon took the girls out to enjoy. Our guards had built a bonfire for our family. 

Being the great daddy that he is, Jon  woke the girls up and had a daddy-daughter-date while I slept. It was glorious.

When they came back in a few hours later, Jon casually mentioned, "A ran into J and made a hole in her coat.” In jest, I responded, “What was she running with, a knife?” Jon answered,  “No, it was a burning torch."

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And this is why the girls have more fun with daddy. 

It also reminded me of the time that Jon took pictures while Little A took a bite out of earthworm.

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Do you see any potential problems with this picture? If yes, you are probably a mama. 

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And after seeing these pictures, I did do a little stop-drop-and-roll training.

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After the fire, they did one of The Littles’ favorite things, hiking. Between the sun coming up and the Meskel smoke filling the area, it was amazing.

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The far off mountain has been nicknamed, “flat top”. It was volcanic.

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The Littles asked Jon, “What do people in the USA do on Meskel?” Jon said, “Nothing, it’s just a normal day.” They both got huge smiles and Little J said, “It is a good thing we live in Ethiopia." 

6 comments:

sarah.flyingkites said...

J's comment at the end...too sweet!! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh my...I am still giggling! These kind of situations make it so obvious that children need both a mama and a daddy! And I'm with Sarah...Little J's comment is priceless.

Kim Plattner said...

Love this! So glad to see the way God is working in and through your family!

Justin & Sarah said...

Hilarious! Doesn't surprise me in the least! I love little J's comment! Yes, little J! There are so many reasons why it is a good thing that you and your family are in Ethiopia!! :)

Amber said...

So I'm just playing catch up on the blog from several posts ago, and wanted to say keep up the great effort of posting! I love feeling connected and like I can understand tidbits of everyday life for you there! Praying for you guys - and so thankful for how powerfully God is working in your personal lives - and I'm sure many lives around you. Praying for a powerfully moving week ahead.

Unknown said...

Love each and every one of you and the roles you play in this fun family! It's a good thing that your girls have both of you as parents to make living in Ethiopia safe(ish) AND fun.