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An additional five hectares of land was cleared and will be planted
in 2003 and 2004. We have also started a modern beekeeping site
on one section of the farm. Below this will be planted all kinds
of fruit trees and flowers. Also new for this year is an agricultural
site on which various crops are being planted. This farm is a
very positive move for our facility and the community.
The coffee farm was started as an income generation scheme. We
are looking for ways of increasing that potential with any and
all profit going to the Children's Home budget. It is also a means
by which those of our children who are interested can get some
hands on agricultural experience and skills training. A third
benefit of this farm is the potential it has to influence the
local farming community. Our farmers have only a few general crops
they sow. As our farm will be producing numerous crops they will
have the ability to observe which of our crops do well and which
do not. This sample site of ours may have the potential of introducing
new crops into the area. Please pray for the work on this site
as well as the Children's Home in general that the services it
provides to the community would continue to be improved upon.
In the weeks leading up to my departure from Ethiopia I struggled
to come to terms with the finality of this departure. I have been
to the States for the past two consecutive years to spend Christmas
with my family. I have always anticipated eagerly my return to
the east coast and the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
It was not so this time. I was instead apprehensive about this
trip; about my physical separation from this land I have grown
to cherish so. The reality of living in the United States for
as long as a year or more is at this point a hard pill to swallow.
I was in fact contemplating avenues that would assure my return
to work and reside in Ethiopia and the Horn again. I was and am
still a bit uncertain on how I will be readapting to America and
her culture now that parts of me feel so estranged from it. So,
I ask for your prayers that this transition would be a smooth
one. Though I am sad about leaving my friends and family in Ethiopia,
I am also excited about what is around the corner. This new graduate
program will be an excellent time of reflection and preparation
for my future. The next year or two will be a time of education,
training and preparation for my future work. When I set out again
I will be more determined and better equipped to be an agent for
positive change in our world. I would like to wish you all a blessed
and peace filled 2003. Let us all join in thought and prayer that
2003 might be a year of struggle for justice, understanding and
peace. Grace and Peace!
Brian C. Gilchrest
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