Bahir Dar

This morning I met Katie Christie, a midwife originally from Cape Town - I think some of you know her.  She is working in Tanzania, Ethiopia especially in Miley, Afar Desert, where she trains midwives. She spoke of the mortality in child birth and a bit about her work. She had also spent time on the Mercy Ship. Tonight we will interview her.
We then headed out by boat to one of the islands to see one of the monastries on Lake Tana, the third largest lake in Africa. On route we entered the Blue Nile and saw A HIPPOPOTAMUS, close to our boat. The birdlife was also so amazing with many varieties of birds. I loved the Great White Pelicans with their large beaks.
We passed families on the embankment, ladies doing their washing and fishermen and children out on their papyrus canoes.
The walk up to the monastery was one of beauty seeing the wares of Ethiopia and wishing one had money to buy not only to have the beautiful wares but also to support the people of the land. "yelagnim" (no money) became our cry after the warm greetings. Men weaving cloth on make do frames and a man mixing pigment from plants for his beautiful paintings
The monastery was incredible built in 14th century and covered with the most beautiful paintings of the life of Jesus Christ. An inner structure adorned with these paintings, surrounded by an outer passage with large high archways leading into the inner wall structure and right within that behind locked doors, only for monks and nuns, an inner chamber.
The museum held ancient manuscripts and illuminations, Kings crowns, garments and large paintings besides the variety of metal crosses and other regalia for worship and blessings. It was a most worthwhile journey.