9 Amazing days in Ethiopia

I have been in Ethiopia for 9 days and what a welcome and surprise. I have enjoyed beautiful landscapes, friendly animals and the hustle of the city.

The Fistula hospital was our first stop and at first they were overwhelmed by a large group of photographers descending upon their home.  We adjusted and each of us were able to visit with different ladies from various wards. 

I made my home in the maternity.  I was welcomed by 7 ladies who had previously had fistulas and had healed.  They were now pregnant once again and back at the fistula hospital to ensure a safe birth which means no complications or skilled people at hand to swiftly deal with whatever may come up so NO FISTULAE will occur.

The ladies were happy to be in safe hands and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of the other ladies who have shared similar experiences to them.  

I met with two wonderful women, one happy to be an expecting mother with many hopes for future and the other lady who had already given birth and a proud mother, looking forward to going back to her family.

I will share more of their stories on my return.   


Above is one of the expectant mothers , who had just received her new blanket for the baby.  Each blanket is unique and all the women's excitement seem to grow as we looked at all the  variety of shawls,  I think looking forward to their new arrival.


More soon.....

3 Hours till Ethiopia

I am off to Ethiopia!  I will stay in touch.  There is still time to contribute.  Please support me! Take a look at my site and give what you can, it will be appreciated!

Thank you!

http://www.indiegogo.com/Antoinette-to-Ethiopia

On my way!

I am in London doing a repack of my suitcase and getting excited for my departure tomorrow!!!
I am ready to start my trip! Let's Go!!!!


There is still time to contribute go to my link and give what you can.  Thanks!
http://www.indiegogo.com/Antoinette-to-Ethiopia

I leave tomorrow!

I am nearly packed. Just off for the last minute errands.  Please take the time to contribute with the link below.  Help me reach my goal!!! As Indiegogo say DIWO (Do It With Others)


THANK YOU TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS THUS FAR!!!!!!! 


http://www.indiegogo.com/Antoinette-to-Ethiopia

And More tights!!! Thanks GP & Hubby!!!!

I hope to get a picture of your tight being made into rugs!!!

Tights have arrived!!! Thanks HB & GP & Hubby!!!

Thank you for my the tights above HB.  I have more on the way from Georgie too.  Thanks so much Ladies.  The bright colors and interesting patterns that you gave will hopefully make for interesting rugs!
Yeah!!!

LOVE, LABOR, LOSS: Documentary Film on Obstetric Fistula

I got my Visa!!!!

I received my visa for my trip yesterday!  So I am all set with all my documentation and vaccinations.


I also reached my $3000.00 target today so my goal of 5K draws closer!  Keep on supporting!!


Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far I REALLY APPRECIATE it!!!!!

From Nicholas D Kristof, New York Times Columnist

"Just about the worst thing that can happen to a teenage girl in this world is to develop an obstetric fistula that leaves her trickling bodily wastes, stinking and shunned by everyone around her."

Fundraising: I am half way to my goal!!

I am really excited about this project to meet the fistula patients and tell their story to you.   
I love to take pictures and meet people and find out their stories, I do not on the other hand enjoy writing! 


So the prospect of blogging and putting together the webpage was a daunting one but I knew it would support my goals. Thus...the fundraising website Indiegogo has been  a great tool to make this project happen.   It is a great platform where all my supporters known and unknown can contribute and pass on my project to others.

It has been exciting to see how each day who has contributed, who has referred my project onto others and to receive the warm support. This encouragement keeps me moving forward with my project!


Now I am over the half way mark I need less than 22 donations of $100 or 44 donations of $50.... to reach my goal.  So keep spreading the word and THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!!!!


To contribute visit http://www.indiegogo.com/Antoinette-to-Ethiopia

Vaccination Time!

I got my vaccinations today: Yellow Fever, Meningococcus, & Hep A.  So I only need to pack and get traveler's insurance now.  Nearly there!!!