September 30, An Eventful Day!

Seventh-Day Adventist School/Clinic
Dr. Fekede and his sister, Harget, came to pick us up at 9:30. Dr. Fekede is an Ethiopian physician, living in California, but makes frequent visits to Addis and through the years has developed a school and clinic on the outskirts of Addis. The family of his sister’s husband have held this land for over 5 generations and managed to retain 35 acres after the takeover by the communists. They have developed this site into a school for pre-school children through the eighth grade. We toured the school site and visited the children in their classes, each with 50-60 students. It seemed that most of the classes had one or two teachers. On entering, the children would stand and with smiling faces greet us in unison, “Good morning!” They are taught English as part of the curriculum.
    This is a lovely setting and well-thought-out planning is evident from solar power and solar oven, to vegetable farming, a dairy, to crafts and seamstress courses for parents that might want to learn a trade to earn extra income.
A brand new out-patient clinic is in the final stages of preparation. It also is well designed and will be well furnished with modern medical equipment. We will explore the possibility of mutual cooperation with MCM. A hospital in Florida sent a container of medical supplies, which had just arrived. The clinic should soon be ready to open.
    Dr. Fekede and his sister, Harget, are dear new friends who made us feel like we’ve known them forever. We look forward to working with them in their ministry. (See slideshow in sidebar.)

Korea Day
While out on the farm with Harget and Dr. Fekede, I got a call to promptly return to the hospital. Mr. Kim, MCM administrator, asked me to attend a luncheon at the Sheraton with the Korean ambassador! What was this all about? It was only some men from the hospital staff being invited and the proper attire may require wearing a suit. It is Korea Day, but not really. Korea Day is October 3, the celebration of the founding of the country. But it’s Barbara’s birthday…however, she insisted I go, as Mr. Kim needed me. I did have teary eyes as I entered the room and was overwhelmed by all the things that she would have loved to see. There was a long colonnade passageway and at the end a reception line of 3 couples. I was pushed ahead to be first to meet the ambassador, his wife, attachés and their wives. There was much bowing and greeting, even I got into the custom. The ladies dresses were stunning. I was speechless after the receiving line, and tried to absorb all that I was seeing and hearing. There were huge tables of exquisite foods from Korean, Ethiopian, Italian, to French pastries. These delicacies were a delight to the eyes. It seems that those in attendance represented every nationality.
    I was introduced to several groups of Ethiopian veterans. These were proud, distinguished gentleman, most in their eighties, who had served in Korea during the conflict in the 1950’s. A special fondness for Korea was evident and this feeling was reciprocal, I’m sure.
    “Dr.Pearson” I would hear, as I wove through the crowd taking pictures. Mr. Kim introduced me to so many friends of various nationalities. He was gracious and was always greeted warmly. My colleagues, Dr. Einar and Dr.Kjell Magna, joined us with Dr. Kim, the chairman of the MCM steering committee in Seoul, and Mr. Kim, MCM administrator. It was a memorable experience. Next year we’ll waive Korean custom, and we’ll crash the party with Mrs. Kim and Barbara! (See slideshow in sidebar.)

Birthday Party
A dinner party at the Top View restaurant was arranged for Barbara’s birthday. Lillian Eriksen invited 14 ladies to join together for dinner. Barbara’s comment, on hearing how many were to attend, was, “I don’t know 14 ladies here! Why would they want to come to a party for someone they don’t know?” It was indeed an international event with one lady from Finland, one from Sri Lanka, another American, and the remainder from Norway. Barbara met and made new and interesting friends, who were very special to come to her celebration.
    She received many wishes from America, hugs by the Korean family, and best wishes from the Norwegian medical students that are here. She was brought an arrangement of roses by Soon Jae, the MCM chef. “Debra,” Pastor Lee’s wife, made a 3-foot tall balloon “angel,” an art of creating figures by twisting and tying balloons. They brought her sweets and sang Happy Birthday to her. It was an unforgettable birthday! (See slideshow in sidebar.)

-- Don