Neil’s Ethiopian adventure

Last year, my wife Annette and I decided to raise much-needed money for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, and to take up the opportunity of a ‘trip of a lifetime’ with a Hamlin Ethiopian Adventure to this amazing country.

My overall impression of Ethiopia is “Wow!” I want to come back and see the rest of this amazing country. The natural scenery, the people, the culture, the history are all worth the price of admission, and that is not even considering the work of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.

I am in awe of those who work to have such a positive effect on the lives of so many. From the venerated Dr Catherine Hamlin herself and the unbelievable Beletshachew Tadesse who runs the Desta Mender rehabilitation facility, to the students and staff of the College and the patients and staff of the hospitals and even the remotest facilities.

I will never forget the nurse aide who, with a hearty laugh and in her hospital uniform showed off her skills in the eskista (Ethiopian shoulder dance) in the breezeway outside the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Bahir Dar. Beyonce could still learn a move or two!

I also want to celebrate the amazing 2015 tour group, because through hard work and generosity of both time and spirit, we were able to send over a quarter of a million dollars to help Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia continue in their stellar work.