I'm leaving on a jet plane

I've been busy preparing for a trip to Africa, consequently I haven't posted in a few days. By way of information, I'm posting the pre-written, thus time saving, letter I e-mailed around a few weeks ago:

Dear Friends

It's back to Bole! On March 31, 2005 Andy Harrington, Cecil Rast and I are returning to Bole, Ethiopia, a village Andy and I visited 2 years ago.

You are receiving this update because you supported, in some way, my trip to Ethiopia two years ago; or you have expressed interest in my travels. Hopefully you have received word that water is now flowing in Bole. Again, thank you for your part in saving lives. Andy and I are returning to Ethiopia to film a short video about the successful work in Bole.

Two years ago kids at Historymaker responded to the need in Bole and gave generously, making the work there possible. We'll be showing the Bole success video at Historymaker as an encouragement, proof that a difference can be made.

There is a second component to our trip, taking on new work, a new need. We will be returning to Addis Abiba to film a longer piece about AIDS orphans there, this is the work we'll be asking Historymaker kids to support this year.

As before, your role is foundational. That first video wouldn't have been made, and kids wouldn't have had the opportunity to respond if you didn't first respond. Your generosity carried me over the ocean, made the whole thing possible.

It is going to be a challenging trip this year. The situation in Addis has brought seasoned aid workers to tears, I have no illusions as to how difficult it will be to tell the story of these precious children. More than ever, I feel I can't go alone. I need to be sent. As always, your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Also, if you would like to participate financially in, literally, sending me to Bole and Addis, that too would be greatly appreciated. We feeble humans need tangible evidence of inner realities. In my case, financial support is that tangible thing that tells me I'm sent, it tells me this is bigger than me. It seems kind of weird, and maybe lame, but rubber meets the road financial support gives me something spiritual to lean on when things get tough. I have a sense I'll need something spiritual to lean on this trip, it's going to be tough.

We will again be traveling under the auspice of Hope International Development Agency. It will cost approximately $2500 CAN to make the trip. Donations will be graciously accepted up to and after my departure date. Once my trip is covered, any additional money will go the AIDS work in Addis.

If you would like to be part of sending me to Ethiopia donations can be made to:

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Hope International Development Agency
214 - 6th St. New Westminister, BC
V3L 3A2
cheque payable to: "HOPE INTERNATIONAL." You'll need to make note on your cheque that the donation is for: "STEVE FROST - ETHIOPIA TRIP 2005."
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Alternately you can make a donation on the Hope web site. In the comments section you'll need to make note that the donation is for "STEVE FROST - ETHIOPIA TRIP 2005." Hope's web address is:

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http://www.hope-international.com
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Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for your interest in, and concern for the most vulnerable among us.




Yours in grace and compassion
Steve Frost