Mon, Feb 10, 2014 at 3:55 AM

This is our last day and last night.
I had a little trouble with my stomach - not bad, but I am thankful for Ginnie's portapottie.  I am not sure what we would have done without it. Pray that we will not have worse stomach problems.  The flies are terrible!!  We are now packed to go but do have afternoon classes.  I had a great class this
morning.  I felt that God used it.  Continue to pray for health and safety.
Love you with all my heart!
Gene

Tue, Feb 11, 2014 at 1:00 PM

Well we made that long trip from Gambella to Jimma today.  We left at 5:45 got here at 4:15.  The roads were terrible.  My stomach was cramping when we let this morning, but gradually got better though I didn’t eat much all day.  We are in a nice hotel in Jimma, and had our first international food.  I have shaved after 1 wk.  It feels so good.  We have about 8 hours tomorrow to get to Addis.  We will be glad to get back.  I’m looking forward to talking to you.  Also, looking forward to reading your email and catching up on family and church news.
Love you lots
Gene

Update Sunday Feb. 9th, 2014 (two updates today)

Well, today is Sunday.  We had a 1 hour prayer service followed by a 2 hour service honoring Rex Switzer.  It was very special.  Several of the pastors gave testimony as to what he meant to them.  Both Frank and I spoke and told what he meant to us.  

Tonight will be our last night in the tent and tomorrow, Monday will be our last day of classes.  After class, we will leave for Gambella to spend the night. We will get up early Tuesday morning for 2 hard days of very slow driving.  Pray for safety and no mechanical break downs.

Love you,

Gene

It has been so hot and dry; I stay thirsty all the time.  I am drinking a lot.  The temperatures are in the 100's but at night it gets quite cool.  In fact, Frank brought 1 sheet.  I have worn my track suit when it gets cooler.

Adam has been a life saver.  He set up the tent, has cooked and done many more things.  The people are pitiful.  I don't know how they survive.  Refugees are coming across the border.  

We have really enjoyed teaching the pastors. They seem to absorb everything we teach.  It was a blessing to hear how many got saved at Deema, the refugee camp.

Love you lots
Gene

From Gene
I never thought that I would consider camping to be a luxury.  Well, I do now!  It is luxury compared to last night.  I felt like I needed a disinfectant after staying in that place!!  Had beef stroganoff for dinner!  The Lord prepared a table in the wilderness for us.  We start the classes tomorrow.  Pray for the classes.  We have 10-12 pastors and evangelist.
Love you
Gene

I tried to send a message but it wouldn’t go out.  I’m trying again.  Our classes went well today.
Gene

I want you to know that I am doing great!  No problems with my knees, hips or my back!  The sleeping arrangements are working fine.  The first night the air mattress went flat—had to keep pumping it up.  The next day we bought a thin mattress which was much better.  I have not shaved since I left Addis.  First of all, no hot water, no mirror.  Second, out here you don’t care!  The food is gourmet!  Beef stroganoff one day, lasagna the next!  The Lord has prepared a table in the wilderness!  Hope I can send this out!  I have been trying for 2 days, but the cell phone service is not good.
Love you lots
Gene

After 2 full  days of driving at 25 miles per hour, the Sudan/Ethiopia Border has been  reached! As you can see on the map below, the trip from Addis Ababa to the Sudan border is quite a trek, especially when the roads are like dirt paths, and you can't reach speeds of more than about 25 miles per hour. Please pray for God's work to be done during the stay here. The Blog will be updated again as soon as there is access to the internet once again. 

please note that the photos above are stock photos to give you an idea of the area. Of course there will be many authentic photos uploaded once there is access to good internet!