QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK US?!
1. Are you worried about your safety?
Of course, we are aware of the risks of living in ANY large city anywhere in the world - especially after spending time on infamous south side of Chicago. However, we will be immersing ourselves in the community with trusted Ethiopian friends, as well as American friends who are currently living in Addis Ababa. These friends have already given us valuable information on safety precautions.
2. How often will you return to the US?
Due to the high cost of airfare to African countries and the size of our family, we are planning to return to the US every 18 months. We believe it is important for us to return that often in order to reconnect with family and friends, share with our home church and various supporters in person, and check in with our US doctors. (Not to mention indulging in the little things we will surely miss...)
3. Are you taking all your kids?
No....and that is another reason for returning every 18 months. Our two oldest children will remain in the US where they are working and attending a local college. They have plans to visit us in Ethiopia when possible!
4. Are you selling/purging everything?!
Not everything. But...A LOT! Our two older children will keep a portion of our possessions in order to set up their "home" here. They may also be able to store a few things we desire to keep, but do not want lug all the way to Ethiopia. Other than that....IT GOES!
5. Why is it SO expensive to live in Ethiopia?
Rent is comparable to what we pay here in the Chicago area. Food costs are said to be similar to buying all organic here in the US. Decent quality clothing is quite pricey and fuel is as much or more than what we are paying in major US cities. Two other contributing factors: maintaining international health insurance and adjusting to the national inflation rate - sometimes averaging 25% per year!
6. Why is it SO expensive to buy an OLD used van?
Why? Hmmm...An older model Toyota van - that will be on a first name basis with the local mechanic - will likely cost between $10,000 to $15,000. Taxes on imported vehicles is 200%...or more. Unlike vehicles here, used cars in Ethiopia seem to appreciate in value.
7. When can we start supporting you?
That is up to you. If you start now, we will put it toward our one time moving costs. Support that continues, will be included as part of our monthly budget. You may also wait to start until we’re closer to leaving. Please let us know if you intend to make a MONTHLY commitment so we can maintain an accurate budget. We won’t be cleared to leave until our monthly budget is raised!
8. Would you prefer a cash donation up front or a monthly pledge?
SURE! Our ONE TIME moving budget includes everything it will take to get us there and set up "home." Our MONTHLY budget is what it will take on a regular basis to live and serve in Ethiopia. BOTH are important!
9. Are donations tax deductible?
YES!! Your donations will go through Commission to Every Nation and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes each year.
10. If we make a monthly pledge, how long do we need to commit?
There is no simple answer to this question. We are committing to go and serve for as long as God chooses to allow us to do so. We would ask you to consider doing the same. Pray and see if God is prompting YOU to partner with us long term as one of his His "Senders" in this mission!
11. What percentage of your budget have you already raised?
You can follow our funding progress here. We have divided it into: Monthly Budget and Vehicle Fund. (Scroll down on that page to check out the fun thermometers!)
12. Other than fundraising, what do you have to do before you move?
Initially, we will be completing some necessary training certifications to enable us to obtain work permits. Without work permits, foreigners are required to renew visas every six months which is costly since it means ALL of us would need to temporarily leave the country.
13. How long are you staying?
We are going until God shows us He wants us somewhere else! Like taking a new job here in the states and moving to a new community, we see this as simply the next phase of our lives and God will determine how long it will be.
14. WHEN are you leaving?!
Our countdown? Well, we have nothing set in stone - yet! We can set a departure date and purchase airline tickets once we have reached at least 75% of our Monthly Costs in financial commitments. Right now, we are hoping to leave sometime in the Fall of 2014.
Of course, we are aware of the risks of living in ANY large city anywhere in the world - especially after spending time on infamous south side of Chicago. However, we will be immersing ourselves in the community with trusted Ethiopian friends, as well as American friends who are currently living in Addis Ababa. These friends have already given us valuable information on safety precautions.
2. How often will you return to the US?
Due to the high cost of airfare to African countries and the size of our family, we are planning to return to the US every 18 months. We believe it is important for us to return that often in order to reconnect with family and friends, share with our home church and various supporters in person, and check in with our US doctors. (Not to mention indulging in the little things we will surely miss...)
3. Are you taking all your kids?
No....and that is another reason for returning every 18 months. Our two oldest children will remain in the US where they are working and attending a local college. They have plans to visit us in Ethiopia when possible!
4. Are you selling/purging everything?!
Not everything. But...A LOT! Our two older children will keep a portion of our possessions in order to set up their "home" here. They may also be able to store a few things we desire to keep, but do not want lug all the way to Ethiopia. Other than that....IT GOES!
5. Why is it SO expensive to live in Ethiopia?
Rent is comparable to what we pay here in the Chicago area. Food costs are said to be similar to buying all organic here in the US. Decent quality clothing is quite pricey and fuel is as much or more than what we are paying in major US cities. Two other contributing factors: maintaining international health insurance and adjusting to the national inflation rate - sometimes averaging 25% per year!
6. Why is it SO expensive to buy an OLD used van?
Why? Hmmm...An older model Toyota van - that will be on a first name basis with the local mechanic - will likely cost between $10,000 to $15,000. Taxes on imported vehicles is 200%...or more. Unlike vehicles here, used cars in Ethiopia seem to appreciate in value.
7. When can we start supporting you?
That is up to you. If you start now, we will put it toward our one time moving costs. Support that continues, will be included as part of our monthly budget. You may also wait to start until we’re closer to leaving. Please let us know if you intend to make a MONTHLY commitment so we can maintain an accurate budget. We won’t be cleared to leave until our monthly budget is raised!
8. Would you prefer a cash donation up front or a monthly pledge?
SURE! Our ONE TIME moving budget includes everything it will take to get us there and set up "home." Our MONTHLY budget is what it will take on a regular basis to live and serve in Ethiopia. BOTH are important!
9. Are donations tax deductible?
YES!! Your donations will go through Commission to Every Nation and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes each year.
10. If we make a monthly pledge, how long do we need to commit?
There is no simple answer to this question. We are committing to go and serve for as long as God chooses to allow us to do so. We would ask you to consider doing the same. Pray and see if God is prompting YOU to partner with us long term as one of his His "Senders" in this mission!
11. What percentage of your budget have you already raised?
You can follow our funding progress here. We have divided it into: Monthly Budget and Vehicle Fund. (Scroll down on that page to check out the fun thermometers!)
12. Other than fundraising, what do you have to do before you move?
Initially, we will be completing some necessary training certifications to enable us to obtain work permits. Without work permits, foreigners are required to renew visas every six months which is costly since it means ALL of us would need to temporarily leave the country.
13. How long are you staying?
We are going until God shows us He wants us somewhere else! Like taking a new job here in the states and moving to a new community, we see this as simply the next phase of our lives and God will determine how long it will be.
14. WHEN are you leaving?!
Our countdown? Well, we have nothing set in stone - yet! We can set a departure date and purchase airline tickets once we have reached at least 75% of our Monthly Costs in financial commitments. Right now, we are hoping to leave sometime in the Fall of 2014.
About Ethiopia:
Ethiopia is the cradle of an ancient civilization that adopted Christianity in the 4th century. Located in northeast "Horn of Africa," Ethiopia has a population of over 70 million and covers an area of almost 935,183 square miles, making it slightly less than twice the size of Texas. The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is located in the heart of the country. More than 80% of the population live in rural areas. Ethiopia is mountainous with desert lowlands to the northeast and southeast and has been landlocked since Eritrea, bordering the Red Sea, gained its independence in 1993.
GOVERNMENT:
Ethiopia is an independent Federal Democratic Republic with a President as head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The constitution was established in 1994, following the over-throw of the Mengistu military dictatorship in 1991. Ethiopia was never colonised, even though from 1935-1941 it was occupied by Mussolini’s Fascists it has remained untainted by colonial powers.
ADDIS ABABA:
The capital, whose name means "New Flower," was settled in 1886 and its population is approximately 3 million. Addis Ababa is situated at over 8,000 feet above sea level.
RELIGION:
The major religions are Christianity (mainly Orthodox Church) and Islam.
LANGUAGE:
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia, although English, Italian, French and Arabic are also widely spoken. Outside the larger cities and towns, indigenous languages are likely to be spoken - of which there are over 80, along with some 200 dialects.
CLIMATE & WEATHER:
Ethiopia enjoys a moderate climate despite its proximity to the Equator. Its high altitude ensures fairly consistent non-tropical temperatures around 77°F during the day to around 47 degrees at night. Given the high altitude, you are advised to drink plenty of water and use high UV sun screen protection. Ethiopia has two rainy seasons - a short one between February and April and the big rains from mid-June to mid-September.
CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. One US Dollar is about 17 Ethiopian Birr. Credit cards are NOT widely used in Ethiopia and Travellers Checks have limited acceptance outside Addis Ababa.
CALENDAR:
Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which comprises 12 months of thirty days each and a 13th month of five days (or six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western calendar with Christmas being celebrated on January 7 and New Year on September 11.
CLOCKS & TIME:
The Ethiopian clock is similar to many equatorial countries and there is a six-hour difference between Ethiopian and Western time. The day begins at 6 am - so when they say 1 am - they mean our 7 am...time for breakfast!
GOVERNMENT:
Ethiopia is an independent Federal Democratic Republic with a President as head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The constitution was established in 1994, following the over-throw of the Mengistu military dictatorship in 1991. Ethiopia was never colonised, even though from 1935-1941 it was occupied by Mussolini’s Fascists it has remained untainted by colonial powers.
ADDIS ABABA:
The capital, whose name means "New Flower," was settled in 1886 and its population is approximately 3 million. Addis Ababa is situated at over 8,000 feet above sea level.
RELIGION:
The major religions are Christianity (mainly Orthodox Church) and Islam.
LANGUAGE:
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia, although English, Italian, French and Arabic are also widely spoken. Outside the larger cities and towns, indigenous languages are likely to be spoken - of which there are over 80, along with some 200 dialects.
CLIMATE & WEATHER:
Ethiopia enjoys a moderate climate despite its proximity to the Equator. Its high altitude ensures fairly consistent non-tropical temperatures around 77°F during the day to around 47 degrees at night. Given the high altitude, you are advised to drink plenty of water and use high UV sun screen protection. Ethiopia has two rainy seasons - a short one between February and April and the big rains from mid-June to mid-September.
CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. One US Dollar is about 17 Ethiopian Birr. Credit cards are NOT widely used in Ethiopia and Travellers Checks have limited acceptance outside Addis Ababa.
CALENDAR:
Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which comprises 12 months of thirty days each and a 13th month of five days (or six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the Western calendar with Christmas being celebrated on January 7 and New Year on September 11.
CLOCKS & TIME:
The Ethiopian clock is similar to many equatorial countries and there is a six-hour difference between Ethiopian and Western time. The day begins at 6 am - so when they say 1 am - they mean our 7 am...time for breakfast!
