2010 Love Letters
During those unusual and amazing years, from 2001 through 2011, Neal was supporting LeaMcD Deaf programs in America by driving a truck for Covenant Transport and Becki was in Ethiopia most of the time managing the Deaf programs. Love Letters between Neal and Rebekah Payne from years 2001 through 2011 can attest to the beauty of sweet love between a married couple, while simultaneously obedient to God’s will in order that their hearts, minds, and personal finances could be used to bless the Deaf of Ethiopia. It is Neal and Rebekah’s hope and prayers that 11 years of love letters while blessing the Deaf in Ethiopia will inspire others to dedicate themselves to
God’s assignments for their lives. It is worth it!
……..More Years of Love Letters Coming Soon………
January 2, 2010
Neal,
I spent New Year’s Day at the courthouse sitting from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. I had to answer the charges Abebe made against me about calling him a thief. Ejigu and Wolde Michael were there also to testify as witnesses. They both swore on the Bible, to tell the truth, but Ejigu sort of hid behind me somewhere and I really did not see him the whole time. Mesfin said he saw him go to the bathroom 3 times and that he had lost a lot of weight and did not look good. He also did not have to testify because the judge said it was enough with Abebe and Wolde Michael. Our lawyer and Mesfin were there with me when I stood before the judge. He asked me if I had any objections to the complaint. I did object because I had paid 5,000birr to Abebe and we signed an agreement stating that he had dropped his complaint and would not take me to court, but the judge said it did not matter and it did not count because the agreement was not done in a court of law. (more evil from Ejigu’s side because Ejigu advised me to do this and I was following his advice) I was really nervous because I thought maybe I was going to prison.
However, the judge asked me if I had any more evidence to prove my case, and I said yes, so he gave me another appointment to meet at the court on February 2. We had to pay 700birr for bail. As you know every penny counts for us right now, so was hard to let that money go. I have to be here for a court date in February otherwise everything will fall apart from the court cases both with Abebe’s criminal and civil case against me. So, I do not know exactly when to set the date to come back to the states until I see the end of this criminal case. I will try to book the flight right after that. Maybe I can find a good deal on the Airfare prices even better than now. From time to time, I am discouraged and feeling depressed because I continue to see injustice done on not only me, but Ethiopia is so corrupt that it seems they do not even know how to give justice or leave any room for it.
The liars and thieves find loopholes to accuse the innocent and the law always seems to be on the side of evil while the innocent must try to prove their innocence against insurmountable odds that there might be a tiny ray of hope the judge is honest and not being bribed and that he will side with justice and see through their lies. I am comforted when the Bible says they will accuse you falsely and say all manner of evil against you and drag you into the courts because of Jesus. I think I am so fortunate to experience this awful stuff because the bottom line, it is for HIS sake and so then I can count it all joy because I know I am on the right side! I have the opportunity to forgive, love, and pray for my enemies and deeply learn spiritual truths and to watch the miracles of protection of our Deaf school and how God has let me escape enemies who are too strong for me.
I have been told by Mesfin and our lawyer that many people have been telling all the government offices including immigration about me. They are saying I am a horribly bad person and that we have no money to run our programs, that we should not be able to re-register and I should not be able to get a work permit. But thanks to God, these government offices did an investigation on me and understood their accusations were unfounded. Mesfin did much also to counteract their accusations by telling them the real story. Also, when the government offices saw Mesfin’s qualifications and his background they knew our school and I were in good hands. A lot of the bad talk was coming from Ejigu and Wolde Michael, but there are also others involved, no doubt the Church of Christ is in there somewhere at least behind the scenes. Mesfin told me Tegegne is working strongly with the Church of Christ, and he is also doing some bad stuff. Mesfin says he will never let Ejigu and Abebe alone because they are doing so many criminal activities.
Our lawyer was assigned to help us by someone high up in the Ministry of Justice who apparently has given us a bit of favor because Mesfin knows him personally and told him the story and got his sympathies. Our lawyer Bertikute told me while we were sitting for hours on New Year’s Day at the courthouse, he felt divine assistance on him regarding our court cases because of what God is doing with me and the God I serve. GUESS WHAT! As I am writing this, something just happened…Bertikute just called! He has found the tiny ray of hope against all odds and it is going to become a solid argument when we meet with the judge again in February. He found a discrepancy in the dates which Abebe gave for the time I insulted him. So, apparently, a tiny issue like this can help us win our case. Hard to explain it but in short, it shows that it is not about the insult but that he is after more money after having already received compensation due to their messing up on the dates which they say the issue occurred.
I would like to brag on Mesfin as being a fantastic managing director, God knows he deserves it, but given LeaMcD’s track record of people coming to us in places of management and messing us up so badly, I do not think anyone would believe me even though it is the absolute truth. He and his wife are strong Christian young people with high Christian standards and principles. Furthermore, he is highly qualified in Deaf education and he truly shares our vision. Unlike all the others, he will not bring harm but only good and growth to LeaMcD. Plus, he has a strong sense of justice and hates to see the innocent crushed at the hands of evil, so he is really fighting for me. Mesfin has developed a strong system in our school where all 25 staff are working very nicely in all their various areas and departments. The students, even though only 35 in number for this year are extremely happy with their new school. We expect more than 100 students next year since our enemies cannot fight us on the same ground as years past.
We have a wonderful atmosphere. You would be so proud and blessed to see what God has done with the school grounds, the students, and our staff. All are happy and doing well. No one comes to me now with everyday problems or affairs. They first go to our principal, Zewdu, then it filters to Mesfin if necessary. Aside from the court issue, I have a chance to focus on fundraising and preparing the reports for when I go back to the states. This is the first time in two and a half years I have been in this position of freedom without everything on my shoulders. The way I see it is that God has a plan. I do not know exactly what the plan is, but I have to go along with His plan. I do not have a choice. I think, well… I signed up for this so many years ago when I gave my life to the Lord and promised Him, I would let him use me to such an extent. As I remember, I said I want to be fully spent for Jesus. Around 31 years of age after Carl and I got the Ethiopian kids and the Church of Christ started attacking me, I began projecting my years of what might be left of useful service and asking myself, “can I continue on with a difficult life in God’s service for the next 50 years?”
At that point, before God, I committed in a vow to do it, so here I am still fulfilling my pledge to Him. On the other hand, I feel so blessed, elated, and spiritually satisfied that I am running the race and finishing the course He has planned for my life. I do not know that I have so many years left as I projected to serve the Lord. I have been considering all of my situations as I am experiencing them these days. My enemies here are so numerous and bent on my destruction through revenge or taking a lot of money, and my time wasted with court issues, etc., that if I escape them from court battles, escape them through the success of our school and success of good legal standing, and escape them by me personally being in good legal standing, they will not give up and I might face even greater challenges ahead. I have been preparing my heart and mind about this possibility. Maybe, I feel like what Paul said at one point in his writings, even despairing of life itself, or maybe I am really preparing for the bigger battles even to life itself.
Either way, my life is in His hands. It is so good for me to honestly believe this, otherwise, where would I be? I would have no peace or trust or confidence at all, and I would go crazy! I have also considered that one portion of the vision is complete, and I am in transition (moving) into the next portion which itself will require more challenges since things for me seem to get worse, not better. From this standpoint, maybe it means death or maybe more life…but bigger challenges. I am preparing myself regardless. When I go back to the states, what do you think I will encounter? You said for me to be ready for a culture shock. Who are the ones whom you say we cannot depend on? Who do you think will help us? I am a bit concerned with what I might find there in the states. It might be worse than here. I thought that money from Covenant had arrived in the bank because I saw it online but did not notice the date was last month. Then Tom sent me a message that it has not arrived, and that Covenant may not be interested to support us more.
I am sure they will carry through with their commitment which will end in July 2010. But what are you feeling about Covenant? Sounds like from your last email they are fine with us but are there other things going on with them regarding us that I should understand? I am trying to put together a good report so they can see all that has happened over the past 2 years, but since you said people have changed and not to expect good things, I am not sure what to expect. I would really like Covenant to stay on board with us. Otherwise, we might get swallowed up by big ones like USAID and World Vision and lose our identity. I know Tom no longer wants to be involved with our work. He has made this very clear to me. What is happening with Eugene? How is his health?
It is so encouraging to hear RH is with us and wants to see us together in his office. Regardless, everything will be fine for us because God will not let us down even when it looks bad and maybe bigger and harder things ahead. Just remember, this world is not our home. People not only change from time to time but as you say when confronted with issues and choices, they can quickly get ripe or rotten or blindly lose their way. We must pray that in these very dark days where people are easily deceived by Satan’s lies and losing their way that you and I continue to see life clearly with the right perspective. All we have in this life is our love and trust in God with Jesus in us. Pray for me that I have wisdom and the pure Holy Spirit guidance when I return to a strange America! I do not think I am going to fit in anywhere there except maybe in the truck with you.
I love you so much,
Becki
January 2, 2010
Neal,
The email I just sent about all the court and legal issues is all about giving you a clear and better picture of what is going on here so you will be confident enough to understand, that I am really doing the work of God. I hope you can see it. On the other hand, now I need to reassure you that I clearly understand without a shadow of a doubt that all you have been doing with your life for the past 2 and half years is wrapping it up in my life. All you have been doing it for the sake of believing that God called you to do it because of me. This is the most profound and wonderful point of the whole story we share together regarding our work in Ethiopia. I would love to think that I can spend my time with you now when I get back to the states and make you happy and help you to do the things you would like to do, be it gardening or inventing or remolding a little house. I hope and pray I get the chance to show you how much you are important to me the way you have done for me in regard to Ethiopia. I love you with all my heart. You are a huge gift from God. How can I give back even a tenth of what you have given me in your love, emotions, time, money, dedication, etc.? But I would like to somehow try. There is not another like you!
Becki
January 2, 2010
Becki,
You summed up. My love and dedication to you and your reaction to it is the same as mine. I will read over and over the last two emails, you sent to me. Please print them out for me and put them in your important-save papers. In the future, you or others may read them and know us by them. The news you get about what is going on in America I am sure has been edited until about one-tenth is represented as it really is. Every day I hear news from the left’s world, about what those selfish ungodly people are doing in our own government. I am convinced that very rough times are coming. I do not want to bore you with all the reasons, but the US is committing suicide with the politically correct commander and chief that we have. The uneducated poor are running this country and the lazy left is using them to get re-elected.
Our country is now so far in debt, that we will never be able to overcome it. It was purposefully done to put us into part of the one-world government. The reason I say this is that money from the US may soon stop flowing because our economy is getting worse. I do not want to bury you with all the reasons, but it is not getting better as you might think with the quiet news that says nothing. I have nothing to do but listen to these things as I drive. So, between you and me, we need so badly to pay off all our debts before they become ten times bigger. But let us put it all in God’s hands and it is all small stuff. It is almost 6:00 am and time for me to close my eyes. We are sitting at Estes in Ellenwood GA. South of Atlanta. I got here at 3:30 am
May God bless us both,
Neal
January 16, 2010
Becki,
I just got off the phone with Vonnie. They are keeping the Sabbath as the Jewish people do. Rich is with her on this also. They will be in Jackson TN. to keep the feast of Pentecost in March. That is quite interesting. She verified that you will get a good price on tickets after the 20th of February. That is good. Next week will be a better check than this week. We forgot to turn in a trip until it was too late a few days ago. My eyes are getting bad. I now have to wear glasses while driving. The newest pair of glasses did not seem right when I put them on, so I tried to focus by holding the paper further away and then closer. My eyes would not focus so I took them off and looked at them and discovered that my finger was sticking through the lens or what really happened was that the lens fell out! I have much to say, but it is all small stuff. When we are together, we will have a lot to catch up on. About a week ago I finally got to a grocery store.
I had not been able to get to one for more than a week. I shopped while I was hungry, so got some things I really did not need but I really needed the bread. I have been craving a lot of oranges lately, so I buy a 10lb bag at a time. When Vonnie called me, I had to turn off the TV. I was watching a program, or study on the 7 Trumpets of Revelation. The same things that interested me a long time ago seem more interesting, and more important now than before. I love you with all my heart. We are blessed to have reasons, goals, responsibilities, and dreams. All these things bring sanity to an otherwise pointless life. It also brings a longer life with dimensions that God gives to us. May God bring to us and bless us with fulfillment through Him. We will not be in a truck for the rest of our lives working here on this earth. I am convinced that our real fulfillment will be elsewhere. I love you.
Neal
January 17, 2010
Neal,
I am glad you had a chance to talk with Vonnie. She and her husband found us one day at Amarillo, Tx during an ice storm in Dec 2006 when we were shut down, remember? We met at a hotel. But they have been some good friends to us since that time. Interesting that they are following some Jewish customs. It would make sense if you had your lens still intact to your glass frames in order to be able to see as you are going down the road! I hope you get some new glasses soon. I am a bit nervous as to what to expect when I get back to the states. I am trying to get used to the idea, but I do not think I will fit at all. Anyway, glad I have you to come back to, my dear sweet, sweet Neal.
Becki
January 19, 2010
Neal,
Ignore the last email, saying “needing help” Sorry, I accidentally sent it from the “save as draft” file. I was looking for some back history of our email, so I do not need help. How are you doing? I am reading all our old emails since 2007 and including them in my reports. They tell the story. Love you much. It will not be long now before I am back!
Becki
January 22, 2010
Neal,
Hey Neal! I have not heard from you for some time. Is everything alright? In less than a month I will be back in the states!!! But in the meantime, let me hear how things are going with you. I love you I love you I love you!
Becki
January 23, 2010
Becki,
You ask, how are things going with me? Things are going well. The reason I know that is because I cannot sleep because of anticipating your arrival. Everything we have done for the past 2-3 years is to be re-evaluated when we come together soon and if it has been worth it in our understanding of God and ourselves. Then we will savor the same kind of blind reckless actions, regardless of the consequences. I say blind and reckless in a good way, meaning that it would be impossible without God’s help and His Spirit. I am taken back by my and your actions, looking to see if it has been from anything of our own devising. The answer is that my mind is not capable of anything even near the story unfolding. I always love the Jim Elliot quote: “He is no fool that gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” I love you with endless love.
Neal
January 23, 2010
Neal,
Amen to your comments. We have been on one long and strange journey that has been amazing, scary, adventurous, lonely, full of twists, turns everywhere. What can I say, except God has done it and allowed it, and the story has just begun, because of what we have done through God’s grace has the smell of Jesus and eternity all over it. I pretty much have my mind prepared to return. So anxious to be with you again and see how things happen in the States. Sometimes I feel nervous about going back but I know God is releasing me to be in the States again now because of how well things are doing here. I love you!
Becki
February 5, 2010
Becki,
I am just waiting for tomorrow, and then the next day, and finally the day you are ready to drive with me. I have not taken any time off since November when I took 4-5 days off for Thanksgiving. I do not have many words, except that I do not change much, and my dreams and expectations do not change much either. I am looking for a time that I can be liberal with my love for you. It has been a cold winter, and the cold is still lingering. For over a month now, I have been waiting for a slow and warm time to sort out the tools I use. I have not found that it is that warm yet. Even in LA, it has been cold. It is global warming cannot you see! I am in MS waiting for a truck to swap with me: then heading to Ellenwood GA, then to Chattanooga to pick up a co-driver. The next time I drop him off it should be to pick you up. I am looking forward to the time that the river will be behind me, and the future so different that it will be unusual to even remember the good things of this life. Our investments become nothing more than acts of intention. All of this is because He made us in His image, redeemed us from the destruction to come, gave us a job to do, and a promise of His presence. We have everything good to look forward to in faith. I love you.
Neal
February 6, 2010
Neal,
Good to hear from you. It sounds cold in the USA. Guess I had better bring some warm clothes even though it will be the end of February when I come. It is Saturday. Yesterday afternoon and today and next Friday and Saturday will be the same and also the following Friday…all the weekends before I go, I have been advised to stay away from the compound because my new lawyer blurted out to the judge and those that were there in the court that I was leaving on Feb 20th. Ejigu was there along with Abebe of course so now it is possible they or others might try to find a reason to arrest me on Fridays or Saturdays so I will have to go to jail over the weekend. It is very boring for me to be away from the school all day long but I must do it in order to stay safe and be able to go to the States on schedule. We are going to present USAID with our project proposal on Monday.
As you know, we are partnering with Global Deaf Connection, an organization that has already received a lot of funding from USAID for other Deaf teacher training in Africa and other places in the world. According to GDC LeaMcD will be the first Teacher Training College for Deaf in Africa! So, you see, we have not been just sitting around. All the evil attacks are because we are doing-especially important work for the Deaf and will continue to do so on an exceptionally large scale. I am a little nervous at what Kidane might have done to me regarding our car and when I get back to TN and start renewing my license. Do you think I might have a big fine or a problem because of Kidane? I am really anxious now to get back and be with you. I think about you all the time. I am the most fortunate woman ever because I have you, your support, and love. YOU are truly a man of God. I LOVE YOU!
Becki
February 10, 2010
Becki,
I cannot complain to Covenant about them being early or late. All I can say is send R H Lovin an e-mail.
Love,
Neal
February 11, 2010
Neal,
We have not been spending extra money, and just barely making it each month. Our budget got out of whack because of the court issues. In addition, we had to have extra money to start the deaf high school, and also because you came here last year, we have been paying 500US a month extra on rent. Anyway, I will send RH an email. Love you lots!
Becki
February 13, 2010
Neal,
I will be arriving in Atlanta at 6:20 pm. Then I need to get a shuttle to Chattanooga so it will be late, maybe 11 pm or 12 am. I am feeling a bit lost and unwanted there in Chattanooga with Wendy (especially I do not want to bother her that late) and with Covenant since they seem to have stopped our payments. You have not told me if Covenant will come and pick me up or not or even if I will have a room there at their hotel. I do not have a re-newed license so I cannot get a rental car. I do not know if there is a hotel around the bus depot in Chattanooga, but I will check. As much as I am discouraged at the thought of what I might face in Chattanooga, I am just as elated at what I am leaving in Addis. However, I feel in a very strange place, as if I am neither here nor there. Kind of up in the sky somewhere. After 2 and 1 half years of scary and heartbreaking times, we have accomplished our goals. We got our license, our accreditation, my work permit, our deaf school up and running with surprisingly good promise of funding from USAID next year to start a Deaf teacher training college that will also help support our grade school and high school.
The Church of Christ has found some good funding through Denmark to do some projects. A couple of weeks ago they invited all the Deaf schools to come and discuss what they were going to do. It was mainly about sign language training. But they did not invite us! However, Demeke told them that by law they have to invite us, so next time they have to do it. We were invited to participate with all the Deaf schools in the track and field competition this last week. We had absolutely no money for the event so we told the students, they could not participate. We were required to buy uniforms, their lunches, their transportation costs, and other fees. WELL…they participated anyway in the name of LeaMcD and they brought back 20 medals, 9 gold medals, and the other all silver and bronze. We are the smallest school, of 34 students, but LeaMcD beat out all the other Deaf schools. Everyone is hating us even more now. Sounds like Israel!
Ok, Love you lots,
Becki
February 14, 2010
Neal,
Tom said the Covenant money arrived. Apparently, it was postmarked on February 4. I do not know what happened that it was so late. Anyway, sure makes a difference in how I feel. I thought they had dropped us and was suspicioning someone was messing us up from this side such as what happened with Kidane. I will be back in Chattanooga, Lord willing one week from today. Let me know if a Chattanooga driver can pick me up.
Love you,
Becki
February 18, 2010
Hi Neal,
I am emailing you on the small PDA that I loaned Wondwossen. He finally gave it back to me. It is wireless so I found a place to email for free. I went to court today and the judge said I was guilty of insulting Abebe, but he gave me the minimum punishment to pay the court 300birr. However, Abebe along with Ejigu and Wolde Michael had another plan to catch me outside the courthouse and serve me papers for a new accusation but I barely escaped them thanks to Mesfin and they are now trying to find me. If they find me, I must sign the paper then I will not be able to leave on Saturday which is their goal so I cannot go back to the compound. Fortunately, I suspicioned they would do this so last night I did all my packing and now I am hiding out until I leave. Wendy sent me the same info you said about the shuttle so I guess I will stay with them Sunday night and get to Covenant sometime on Monday. How long will it take before I can drive again? I hope as soon as possible. Cannot wait to see you again. but wondering how I will fit in America. I love you so much our Ethiopian Deaf’s hero!
Love,
Becki
February 18, 2010
Becki,
I suggest that you get a Burka, different shoes, a cane, and a tight girdle and arrive early at the airport, and just in time for boarding. They may never think you would be wise like a fox and harmless as a dove. I am very concerned for you!
Love,
Neal
February 19, 2010
Becki,
The Shuttle runs from 6:00 am to midnight 24-7 every hour on the hour about 1000ft from the south end of the baggage area. I called Wendy to get the phone number for the shuttle service, and she said that she would call them and send you an email with the schedule. Also, she said that they would be awake about that same time that you would be arriving in Chattanooga with something that they were already doing. Did she email you? I do not have much emotion now. I wonder about myself. Maybe I am running on the left, or right side of emotion treading water until my ship comes in. Maybe I am waiting for my wife like the women with the faded rose from days gone by, you know DELTA DON, “and did I hear her say she was meeting me here today?” You will probably throw away some of my clothes, mismatched sox, blue jeans with worn-out pockets, etc.
It is still unseasonably cold. I am still wearing some of the same clothes that I wore 3 years ago. I have been through about 4 to 5 different trucks since you were here. We are heading towards Dallas, Tx now then on to Sacramento, Ca then east with a temperature-controlled load. It is still slow. We sit too much. I would rather sit with you then I can babysit you. I have two former drivers that call me and tell me what a good job I did with them, so I must have been doing something right sometimes. When you do your backing, do not do it blindside. I am sure you will do ok. I remember you turning the wrong way for about 2-3ft, then pulling forward again and putting it right where it belonged. You do so much better than another driver Dan I had. He tried for about 15 minutes to dock the trailer in a hole 3 trailers wide and never yet did it right and then gave up. You have done it hundreds of times so do not be afraid. Cannot wait, cannot wait!
Love,
Neal
February 21, 2010
Hi Neal,
I am in Amsterdam now. I have a crazy flight schedule. I arrived at 5:30 am and my flight leaves at 2:35 pm. I booked the flight back in January and I wanted to be sure I got a good fare. Later the airfare came down in price, but I was not sure it was going to do that. So, I spent several hours in Nigeria too. Anyway, interesting to be back in more a civilized world. It feels strange to be leaving Ethiopia, but I am confident that everything is ok now, except our finances there. I know I need to do plenty of things to get our Board together properly and also to talk with Covenant. I am sure I can do all of that while I am preparing to get in the truck. It will be so different to be driving again after two and a half years and then also to start out driving a truck! I am going to need a lot of practice to get that right. I guess I had better get a cell phone as soon as possible so we can begin to communicate by voice more often.
Love you so much,
Becki
I was in the States From February 23, 2010, to October 19, 2010,
Driving a Covenant Transport Truck with Neal
October 20, 2010
Becki,
If you received this email let me know. I am so inept at this. I have written 3 to 4 times and I could not even make copies… got to run. I love you. Miss you. Working hard.
Neal
October 21, 2010
Hi Neal,
I got your email and replying back. I am still trying to get settled. I am not staying on the compound. I am needing to stay in hiding as much as possible. From what I heard, Ejigu has been threatening to do something to me if I return to Ethiopia. Anyway, all is well. I will write more when I get more settled. I love you.
Becki
October 21, 2010
Hi Neal,
I am still not quite settled yet, but I need you to do a couple of things so that our bills come smoothly and are paid smoothly. Regarding the dentist bill, we are going to pay 100.00 a month. I do not think we paid for this month. Please call them and use your debit card and pay them. Regarding Verizon, I did not have a chance to suspend my phone. Please call Verizon and suspend my phone. Also, the broadband air card needs to be suspended. You can call *611 and then you will get the right person. I have already unlocked the phone and now am using an Ethiopian SIM card, so they should not charge us while I am gone. (I think they will go for 3 months) After that, if I am still here, then we should only be charged the minimum amount for my phone and broadband air card, probably not more than 15.00.
Please call them and let them know asap so we will not be paying extra for a phone that is not being used by Verizon. Let me know after you did it, thanks. When I arrived here in Addis, I stayed at SIM guest house for two days, and now I am at another place and paying about 6.50 a day for the room. I might move to another place too, but just waiting to see the situation. I am supposed to see Mesfin, Demeke, and Wondwossen tonight. No one knows I am here, except them. Mesfin says it is too risky for others to know it. Anyway, I will write more soon. Hope you are doing well. Love you.
Becki
November 18, 2010
Becki,
So do not worry about the holiday times. My co-driver before this one was not good to be around. He had a really bad character. The last thing he did was to steal 6-10 rolls of toilet paper from two fuel stations the last day on the truck. They were not little roles, but large roles. They were like new, 12-13 inches across. I had a dream a few days ago. It was about Simara. It was our family. There was a well about 5 feet by 4 feet on top and 2 feet down to the water with grass all around it. Samira was playing nearby. Somehow while she was running or walking she fell into the well. I saw her fall. I ran to the edge of the well. No one did anything about her falling in, so I pulled off my shoes and sox, jumped in, and felt for her in the murky water. I was not able to find her, so I pushed on the side and went further down turning from the side and groping in the dark. After several circles, I found an arm or leg and rushed up to breathe myself, and pushed her up in front of me. Someone pulled her out and somehow, I also got out.
They were all gathered around holding her, but she was not breathing. In my dream, she was still only about 5 years old. I grabbed her away and put her face down and her face toward the well, pushed on her back 4-5 times and she started struggling and water came out of her mouth nose, and eyes. She cried extremely hard along with her mom and the others. I cried too because I knew that she was slowly sinking and that I was barely able to find her and get her to the top. When everything was alright, I started to fall apart and cried so hard that I could not stand up. I fell on my knees and sobbed. I do not know what it means but I dreamed it 2-3 days ago. In my dream, she was the age of when we lived in Loveland OH. I talk about you to all my co-drivers and brag about the school. We talk about gardening, beekeeping, candle making, and ceramics in Tonasket. I tell them how great you are and what our goals have been. I said it did not matter much what we have now, but who we are around matters a lot. There are about 95,000 miles on this truck now. It is the same one you were driving. A week ago, we had a bad leak for the 2nd time. Both times it was a loose hose clamp.
I love you,
Neal
November 18, 2010
Neal,
I know the meaning of the dream I will tell you next time because it is getting dark and I must hurry home. Also, this internet is slow. I love you with all my heart.
Becki
November 20, 2010
Becki,
I was listening to the Bible yesterday and this scripture worked on me for a while. Mark 5:30…And Jesus turned around and said: “Who touched me?” For he felt virtue leave him. What happens when virtue is lost? It is not very nice. Not a good feeling. Did Jesus become a sinner? No. But He did take the weight of our sins as if He were the offending one? When the woman touched the hem of His garment, Jesus must have felt as if he was less worthy of God’s presence and more like me. I do not want to feel like I understand everything, but this must be true and the more I pray for guidance about this the more I am convinced that this is true. It almost seems vain to figure this out, but it is not. I think it especially important to understand the things that seem small. What say you? I know you have the answer. We are now sitting at Ontario, Ca Freightliner waiting for a spring for the 5th wheel.
Love,
Neal
November 21, 2010
Becki,
I love you, miss you, and need you. I am proud of you. I brag about you and talk about you. I am waiting for our ship to come in. Hoping that our ship is not in now. You are beautiful. The battery is low. I will send more later…
Love,
Neal
November 22, 2010
Neal,
So sorry, I had internet issues for several days. I am working on the book of Mark 5:30 to answer your questions, but I need more time. It is timely that you mentioned it to me since it fits with my situation and God used you to share with me. Also, another thing, about Simaria. It is a confirmation to me about what I have been thinking to do. I want to invite her to Ethiopia. Maybe she is representative of the spiritually drowning people in our family and maybe God can use you and me to help pull them out of the drowning’s grasp. Maybe the first-born grandchild is the first fruit of this happening. In your dream, everyone is happy and rejoicing because it is the beginning of truth or new life coming to them which the Bible says, “if you know the truth the truth will set you free” or save you from drowning. I am also recalling Noah and the saving of his family and also how all the wicked people perished once the door was shut. Anyway, I think this is the meaning of your dream.
What do you think? I have been terribly busy meeting many people to generate some interest among people to support our work. It takes time and is a process since it involves meaningful relationships not to use people but to relate to them on levels that are mutually important. It is not an overnight event but takes time. Regarding Thanksgiving, Karen told me she was thinking to invite you. I hope she does. Anyway, regardless, I know God is with you and will be your family regardless of how our own family treats us. God bless you. I love you. God will not give more than we can bear in the finances and will provide a way of escape if it is too much. If you ever begin to feel it is too much, remember, what we talked about before I left. You continue to carry an unbelievable amount of financial burden on your shoulders, 25 staff, and rent of 2 compounds. We did get the rent and salaries paid last month. I do not know how it happened, except God did it! We will see how it happens again this month.
On top of this, I am paying rent for a room in a guest house because (according to Mesfin) it is no longer wise for me to stay at the school. So actually, my expenses are much more than when I was here last time. However, last month God took care of my personal expenses and all the staff and house rent too. I am anxious to see what He will do for this month! It would be so nice if Covenant keeps their promise and starts their support again for January. But I am not holding my breath. I still am not able to communicate with them properly. That probably does not help our cause. What can I say? I am not good at it from here or in a truck. Mainly because they make me try to prove myself to them while at the same time, I am swimming upstream. RH is the example I am thinking of, so I do not know what to do about it. Anyway, God knows! If your new co-driver has a laptop (or you can also find it on the droid) you can look up LeaMcD on Facebook. I am trying to start something there. You can see new pictures of our students and some of what Mesfin did to build the new classrooms and make the compounds into a park-like place. It is Incredibly beautiful and impressive.
Much love and blessings to you, my love and hero!
Becki
November 22, 2010
Neal,
I have had a problem to get to the internet for several days. Then yesterday I was at an internet cafe for two hours trying, and the internet would not work. So now finally I can respond. First, what you said about Mark 5:30 is profound. I read it over and over again, and it seemed it applied to something I am going through right now as if God was speaking to me. For example, I am learning more and more about “Servant Leading.” To be a servant leader in America is commendable, but here in Ethiopia it is a sign of weakness and allows people to get the upper hand, so much so that you can’t find your leadership place because someone else has their thumb on you, calling all the shots. If you rise up from your self-inflicted status for a moment to protest even a tiny bit, you are met with indignation and pride, meaning, in the end, you end up being the one to say you are sorry because to do otherwise is to meet with a fierce battle in a power struggle. Someone here is always trying to get the upper hand.
When the true leader is being humble and reasonable. The false and the power-hungry use force of their words and overpower. This is the spirit in which our Ethiopian kids waged war with me. They put their thumb on me, oppressing me and this is the spirit that also exists in Ethiopia. It is a spirit of wanting the place of the servant leader when they are not servants. Because of this, they usurp the servant leader position in the most profane ways. Now, to get to your point of Mark 5:30…Your question: “When virtue is being touched, does the person with the virtue feels less worthy?” Jesus may or may not be the exception, but will his servant leaders find that they are feeling less worthy for example in that they are the wrong ones, that they feel they deserve to be stomped on and trampled under the feet?” Did Jesus feel this kind of thing, that He was the dirty one, the one who was the sinful one when his virtue was touched? I doubt it. I think Jesus had compassion and love enough to fill all the empty spots that the lack of virtue might steal from one who is full of love.
Maybe he felt a bit empty at the first and that is how He knew he had been touched. maybe sort of a heavy emptiness, a burden that belonged to that woman who touched him, such as bearing her burden caused him a heavy or empty feeling. I do not believe he felt dirty or bad about himself but only love and compassion when the feeling of a burden that woman had came on him. Therefore, as I contemplate my own life right now, I think when someone is touching me that is burdened with sin and wrong motives, they are just as sick as the woman that touched the hem of Jesus garment. Yes, maybe in a different kind of way, but if I am to be as Jesus, to feel any kind of goodness of Jesus leaving me if someone touches me, whether it the beggar on the street or the power-hungry, money-hungry sinner, my reaction should be the same, to reach out the same as Jesus at their point of need. I do not know if this makes sense to you, it happens to be something I am dealing with right now, so I am applying it through my present lens/filter. Let us keep discussing. it. I love you for sending me emails that have such thought-provoking depth. Thanks!!!!!
Love you richly,
Becki
November 23, 2010
Becki,
Wendy told me about 3 weeks ago, a piece of mail came saying were refused Not-for-Profit status. So, she asked how to drive to our lawyer to give him the letter. I have not heard anything more about it. I assumed that you were in contact with him. Are we going to be all right with our nonprofit? The dream about Samira still puzzles me. I do not remember thinking about this subject the days before the dream. The dream was real and fits many of my personal feelings so close that it scares me. I am not capable of writing this in a novel. It is so good to hear from you. I thought that you may have been taken away to prison. I know they are not honest and trustworthy as you.
Love,
Neal
November 23, 2010
Neal,
Wendy said that she gave the info to our lawyer and he said he would take care of it. This Thursday I go to court about Abebe. I rehearsed yesterday and will again tomorrow and Wednesday what I will say in the court when our lawyer asks me many questions. My story must match what Wondwossen and Demeke witnessed in the court last time. Otherwise, I might end up in jail or forced to pay Abebe thousands of birr which he claims even he may close the school down. It is a difficult time for me. I am feeling strongly it is a pivotal time for us and for your contributions and for the organization. So please remember to pray for me. I do not know what the Lord wants to do with us in the coming future, but I am considering the thought that by the end of December we will understand it.
It will also have to do with your contributions, whether to continue or not. Before I left to come here this was weighing heavy on my heart for your sake more than anything. It is not right for your life to always be saturated with financial debt and aloneness. At the same time maybe, we continue to enable a problem here that Ethiopians have. It seems they think that money falls from the trees and you and I are only the tree from where it falls. They have no personal attachment to the tree but with them, it is just a case of picking up the money under the tree as it falls. About Samira again. I am sure your dream has a tremendous meaning. Let us see how it unfolds. Today, again the internet was bad near me and I had to walk a long way to find an internet cafe that was working.
I love you,
Becki
November 28, 2010
Becki,
Do not sweat the small stuff. What is it like to have two pluses? In losing, you win, and in winning you win! So!! What has happened? I have not been able to email. I pick up the phone and stare at it. I hope to see news from you and see nothing. I try to email and just hold the phone. I want your enemies to lose and know the deck is stacked. I open my eyes wide looking for light in the long tunnel and perceive nothing. I watched a movie about one week ago. In it, this man tried to win a prize. He lost but losing he got back the affection of his wife which he had lost for some time. So, in losing the game he gained the greater thing which he most desperately needed.
I am trying to be happy with that maybe being the possibility, but I should be happy with what IS because I cannot see the full picture. I have had a new co-driver for about 3 weeks now. It is working well. We have been doing lots of driving. I did not want to tell you about him yet, so if it did not work out you need not worry. He is from Florida. He was ready to move to another company and accepted at least four different companies. He is Seventh Day Adventist and listens to sports whenever he can. He has been really hurt by other drivers so I have been careful to not abuse him. I have been abused by other drivers, and I usually say nothing. I cannot wait to hear what happened there…. win or lose!
Love,
Neal
November 28, 2010
Neal,
Well, here is the funny court case…We get there, Mesfin and me. Also, our new lawyer and principal Zewdu are there. Mesfin, our lawyer, and I are ushered into the courtroom which consists of the judge and a clerk. I stand in between our lawyer and Abebe for a few minutes. Abebe has only Workiye as his witness so the judge is truly angry that Wolde Michael did not come. Abebe tries to make excuses on behalf of Wolde Michael, but it does not work. The judge says that he is making another appointment for about three months from now and gives punishment for Abebe of 100.00birr because Wolde Michael was summoned to the court but did not come. Ejigu already testified at another hearing while I was in the States, so he was not required to be there, but he was there outside the courtroom, my guess is to be a support to Abebe and maybe harass me. Mesfin and Zewdu suspicioned he would try to give me more papers to harass me, so Zewdu kept an eye on him the whole time I was in court.
It was pretty funny as Zewdu kept moving around to keep Ejigu guessing where he was. From what Zewdu says, Ejigu was quite frustrated keeping track of Zewdu keeping track of him. Ejigu was always looking around to find Zewdu and Zewdu was always spying on Ejigu! Meanwhile, in the courtroom, Abebe’s phone keeps ringing which is illegal even to have a phone on in the courtroom. So, again the judge yells at Abebe so that Abebe finally turned his phone off, and then the judge asks Mesfin and me to sit down so he can ask me questions about the case. Mesfin interpreted for me. The judge was kind to me, and it was obvious all the favor seemed to be on our side. Abebe was standing behind me and Mesfin was sitting at a place where he had a clear vision of Abebe and Abebe could see him. The judge starts to ask me questions. Our lawyer was not allowed to ask anything. I answered the questions. It became obvious to the judge that Ejigu, Wolde Michael, Workiye, and Abebe had all been involved in trying to play a game on me.
As the judge was writing down what I wrote, Mesfin is looking up at Abebe and making faces at him! Abebe is not allowed to say or do anything in the court at this time, so he was very much sweating to not say anything. It was really funny according to Mesfin how Abebe’s face was so angry and sweating. After the court session, Zewdu quickly grabbed me and took me outside to get a taxi while Mesfin and our lawyer stayed behind to spy on Ejigu and make sure I had safe passage. So, as it goes, there is another court date for Abebe and his hoodlums around February. I do not need to be there because I said my side already. So, the drama continues. We believe we see positive results for our side, but it is not over yet. Mesfin was really happy with what happened. He had been praying for three hours the night before and saw God tip His favor to us. That is the story so far. I have a new office at the school. It is at the other compound where the library used to be next to the bathroom. It is nice and bigger than in my other room.
However, Mesfin tells me it is not good that I sleep at the school and am paying for a room at a guest house and commute back and forth to the school. It is definitely cheaper than staying in the states. Hope your new co-driver continues with you. He sounds good. I hope it is good for you. I know you do not care about sports, but it could be worse. What happened at Thanksgiving? Didn’t anyone invite you? I really messed up, completely and forgot about Thanksgiving Day due to the fact I was in court. Then in the afternoon I was going through some business cards and came across an important cell number of the USAID lady we are trying to connect with regarding getting funds. I called her. She seemed a bit perturbed and said she was home with her family and would call me on Monday. Still, I did not perceive it until Friday that I had called her on Thanksgiving Day to do business! Oh boy, how am I going to win her over with this kind of blunder?
I love you!
Becki
November 29, 2010
Becki,
In the States, if the opposing party did not show up, they lose their case. What is the reason his lawyer did not show up? I have been praying that your enemies will be pushed into their own trap. “Judge not lest you be judged, for with what judgment you judge will be given to you.” While I was writing the last sentence, I heard it on the radio…Judge not lest you be judged! I Love you,
Neal
November 29, 2010
Neal,
It is not the lawyer that did not show up rather it is Wolde Michael, the man that Ejigu brought into our organization. He was a former government minister and was a member of parliament same as Ejigu. The two of them are the Duke and the King from Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. They were always finding ways to con me. To bring Abebe to me to get money and accuse me in court was just one of another of their cons. I suppose if Wolde Michael does not show up again the next time, the judge might consider closing the case. That would be nice!
Love ya,
Becki
December 11, 2010
Becki,
It costs $566.22 to turn the phone back on. I have been about 2 weeks without a phone. We found Verizon shop today so I used a credit card to pay.
Neal
December 27, 2010
Neal,
Things are looking better. I am getting my work permit renewed this week. The management is putting pressure on Mesfin and Demeke to hand over all the legal and financial documents by the end of this week before January 1. They have said that they will do this, plus I have heard that Mesfin is quitting at the same time. Actually, we all love Demeke, but he is doing so much outside our school with TV and the university that it would be good for him to also leave since he hardly has time for us at LeaMcD. The management team has taken Minutes of the time when Mesfin promised to hand everything over, so in the meantime, if he does any bad thing with the seal, we can show he did it after the meeting where he promised to hand everything over. If Mesfin quits all things will be on the right track. Wondwossen will then be the manager. Wondwossen is unbelievable. Truly he is like an angel through all the bad stuff going on here with Mesfin. The school is doing great. No bad stuff happening with students or teachers or any other staff. Everyone is at peace, and the students really love the school.
So, if everything stops it will be the students that suffer the most. Please give a couple more tests as you suggested. This Friday is a crucial time. If Mesfin does not hand over the important documents I am going to start some legal proceedings with him. All the staff are with me, they are not happy about Mesfin’s behavior. I do not have any other bad thing going on except Mesfin. It is always so disappointing to see yet another one we trusted to go the wrong way. I have been hoping and praying that he would not be so proud and always trying to oppress me on top of the other bad things he did regarding the money grams, etc. but so far, he has not changed. God has promised me it will be the last time I have to encounter this kind of person in our organization. Otherwise, I would say, you and I should give up. I do not blame you for your thoughts about giving up, it has been hard on me too. But let us hold on a bit longer……especially since everything supposed to be completed this weekend.
Love you much,
Becki
December 26, 2010
Becki,
Mesfin? It could not be! The one I bragged about? The one you bragged about and trusted? How many times will we be used by a person we trusted and then they betray us? We have put trust in and employed several people, only to find out that their love for money and power is greater than their trust in us, or God. As smart as they are, it still is childish for anyone we are employing to take advantage of us. If they could look at themselves from another’s view, they would see that they cannot push a chain. They would get more from being compliant, than taking what is not theirs. All I need to do is make one phone call to stop them from abusing you and me and I am not that far away from doing that. I can change the bank account and send you a one-way ticket back to this world. The only thing stopping me from doing that is just one or two more tests. I am getting older and closer and closer to being retired and investing in selfish people and at the same time giving to them my own sustenance. How long are we to keep this up?
My body is feeling old when you say that there is another hostile takeover. One day when you say nothing or you tell me another takeover was tried it will be too much, and there will be no turning back. I will laugh and let them try to do it by themselves and stop any money from moving. I wish them no harm but am tired of being used. I am no money tree. There are many things we could do to bless the world rather than to deposit for this school. You know God will bring judgment to this world and it will be no different than me withdrawing my supper for those rebellious people. It will happen when they think not and it will destroy everything, they thought they had. It will take out the infrastructure they all depended on. What they thought was stable and always dependable will be withdrawn as it were in a moment. Then the 3 or 4 dependable ones we can help, But the rest do not exist. They are enemies, sowing bad seeds among the good seeds. In Mathew, it says the bad weeds will be harvested first, and then put in bundles to be burned.
After that, the good ones will be harvested and so will the good ever be with the LORD. It is the first day of the week, and I am lonely. It is cold outside and I deliver the second part of this load to Henderson NC. Tomorrow is the 27th. In 4 days I will be at your sister’s house for a day or two. Maybe I will stay at Shea’s house (near your sister). I will have not much to say about Ethiopia. It hurts me to say what I think. I am so busy helping others that I do not make provisions for myself, and that goes for you also. I have 2 pairs of shoes that leak. I have purchased another new pair, but the leaky ones represent my finances for our retirement. I put it in God’s hands whether we need to live under some bridge when we are too old to work. If you have time look up SDA end time on youtube. Find a preacher standing at a desk talking about EG White Sunday laws.
Click to download more and you will be able to listen for hours. I know you do not agree with it, but they are talking about something that you will not find in any other church organization. Much will happen the way SDA says it will. It inspires me to have faith in God’s prophesy that others disregard. The same as they did when they rejected the chief cornerstone of truth. I listened to this You-Tube program for 6-8 hours regarding end-time events about a week ago while driving. I wrote you a long letter a week ago responding to your discouraging letter about Mesfin. When it was about ready to be sent, I hit the garbage button. I did not mean to do that and could not bring it back. Then it was time to drive. Since that time, I have been extremely disappointed concerning everything in Ethiopia. You need to keep me posted lest judgment time comes sooner rather than later.
Love,
Neal
December 27, 2010
Neal,
Yes, I totally agree. I am waiting for the financial report. I have been begging for it since I got here. But Mesfin and Demeke think it is not so important as they have more important things to do such as their university studies for their title, MA and Ph.D. Mesfin refuses to give up the important documents until he is ready, and I am a bit of a lame duck waiting on both Mesfin and Demeke to do their part. Our future depends on their actions and the staff management team is promising me they will be sure and get all the important things to me as soon as possible. As much as the staff management team is doing on my behalf, I still have my doubts, as I have been down this road before in Ethiopia and as soon as possible always means delay and delay until it is too late to do any good. Mesfin and the principal, Zewdu are working on the renewal of my work permit. They say it will be done this week. That will be good if it is done this week.
I also am tired and disappointed and very discouraged at how people act to destroy all the good that was meant for them. It is embarrassing and humiliating. When you visit my family, Karen, and others, there will not be good things to say. They will only laugh in our face and say, “See, we thought that was the case.” Maybe they would have joined to support us if Mesfin and Demeke would stop delaying their work so I would have a good report to send. On the other hand, Covenant Transport also is waiting to support us again, but how can I encourage them to support us again if I do not have any substantial financial report to give them? They do not know if we are playing a game to abuse the money they sent us before or not. How can I send any good reports to anyone under these conditions? The school is doing very well despite these evil happenings. The students are incredibly happy and satisfied with our school and so are all the staff.
December 28, 2010
Hi Neal,
Yes, the letter you sent is appropriate still. Today the management committee met and then told me they are going to apply a lot of pressure on Mesfin to hand over all-important legal documents. We have a great staff. You would be so proud of everyone. What has been accomplished is peace and harmony in our organization and everyone is dedicated to you and to me. I never felt so much love and honor. Only Mesfin is still playing his game, but God is working with him I am sure he will do the right thing. I feel sorry for him, because of what he has done and the shame it brings him. I am deeply praying that God will break his heart and change him from the inside out. He and his wife just had their first baby a few weeks ago, as all of this was unfolding. His wife is truly a sweet Christian woman. I do not know what she would do if she knew the story of what Mesfin has been doing on me. Anyway, be encouraged. Everything is peaceful and God is very much behind everything that is happening here. I love you so much.
Becki
December 28, 2010
Becki,
Our ship is the “Love of God.” No one can change that. Our enemies have a ship called “Self.” They think that the name “Self” is the real name but under that name is another name. It is “Legion” (For we are many). You and I know what they cannot see. We have worked for what they take from us by force. God will judge and they will be ashamed, and it will be to our GLORY (Isaiah). Do what you need to do, my blessing is with you. It encourages me to know that you and I have done the best we could for our friends and if we are stopped, the blessings others could have received will be required at the hands of those that took from us. On the other hand, God may have sent someone that seems like our enemy to do His own bidding and relieve us of this burden: and in this way teach others the lessons we have learned and are long past. Maybe the ones taking it now are the ones God has planned all along to do it, but they did not see the value till they see us with it. It would be good to shake their hand give them our blessings and move on. It is hard. It is Funny and it is relieving all at the same time.
It is upsetting and yet it is a relief to think that they take what is not theirs to gain what belongs to God and you and I give that which we cannot keep gaining that which we cannot lose. We tried. We have done what any church would consider not possible. What they considered could never be done, we did. We have been in their face and in their way. We have been plowing up their fields, destroying their fences, changing their crops, taking their plunder. It has cost them 100 times over what we have invested to fight against us. It has been a good fight that I am proud of. It has been good for me, but I am not proud of the churches. They know better. They are evil and cannot do anything about it. They cannot change. They will continue to do the same. God has hardened their hearts and will put a great gulf between us. So, if you pack your bags it will be my blessing and their loss. If they yet receive you then they receive me and my blessing. It is that simple. I look forward to God’s leading. It will be interesting to see the way God’s hand changes things in the near future.
Love,
Neal
December 31, 2010
Neal,
Today is “D” day. I have given an ultimatum to the managing staff that they need to enforce that Mesfin returns all legal documents today. I deposited money for most of the salaries (there is not enough to cover all this time) however I told them that no one’s salary will be paid until Mesfin returns everything and this is a crisis that everyone needs to be aware of. I told them the school will close and no one will get their salary because of Mesfin not returning everything and that I have a husband who is working to death on behalf of LeaMcD and I will not allow it anymore under the present condition. This has upset everyone, and no one is happy with me right now, but I feel strongly it will tell the real story of our school. Everyone must rise up against someone hijacking our school and not allowing me to do my work properly. Everyone must have a crisis in order for the situation to change. Everyone is hungry and waiting for their salary, but I told them, so what? So is my husband in the same situation, so they should consider the whole picture, not just their own. Anyway, I will let you know the outcome. I am away from the office today so they can settle it themselves. I am just waiting for their final response. Please pray for me. I love you so much. Everyone here loves you so much, therefore, they must start to think about everything with you in mind. I am forcing them to do it.
Love you so much,
Becki
Signs of Corruption (Correspondence with LeaMcD Accountant)
From: Tesfaye Gedlu Mebrate <mtgedlu@yahoo.com>
To: Rebekah Payne <paynenrs@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, January 3, 2011 8:57:29 AM
Subject: Re: Urgent from Rebekah Payne
Dear Rebekah,
I have not heard from Mesfin. It is OK if he does not want to write! My auditors are fully engaged, and I will not have time to audit the 2010 accounts before April 2011. Also my repeated recommendations are not addressed on your part. If you cannot wait till then, it is better to appoint another. The list of auditors has been published on the Ethiopian Herald of 24 November 2010. If he has time Demeke can collect a copy from my office. I am sorry but I asked you for a meeting upon your return without success.
Best Regards,
Tesfaye
Subject: Re: Urgent from Rebekah Payne
To: “Tesfaye Gedlu Mebrate” <mtgedlu@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, January 3, 2011, 1:12 PM
Dear Tesfaye,
So sorry for the misunderstanding. Let me explain to you a little what has happened. When I arrived back in Addis, from the states I found that I no longer had a place to live or even an office at the compound and I was not sure what was going on. It brought a bit of a crisis to me for several weeks at which time I started to suspect everything was not alright with Mesfin. When I told him to address your requests, he was offended that you had come to me first saying it was not proper procedure and that he would not help you. I was not sure why he was acting this way until I started to dig deeper and discovered that there was a big breach in trust regarding 24,000.00USD in Money Grams I had sent to him and Demeke which were not deposited in the LeaMcD bank account. I was shocked when I discovered it since they for sure understood that this was the proper procedure and how we had done in the past with our budget was so wrong and messy. Demeke seems to not be very worried that this happened and is dutifully finishing all the balancing of books.
On Sunday Mesfin and Demeke got an auditor but I am a bit nervous that something might not be 100 percent correct. Mainly I am seeking your advice at this point. I think Mesfin was nervous to have you as our auditor since you understand our organization well and he does not want you to see this mistake of not putting the Money Grams in the bank. I fired Mesfin today. He has refused repeatedly to hand over all important documents since the time of my request and says he will do it when all the budget is finished etc., however, I know this is not correct as I am the country representative, and I should have the seal and legal documents with me. He is really creating a problem for us. As you can see, I am in another mess. Please forgive me that I did not come to your invitation for a meeting or help you with your recommendation letters. I hope you understand that I was in a state of confusion at that time and now I am seeing the picture very clearly. If you can forgive, let us try to have a meeting if possible. I will invite you to lunch!
Rebekah
From: Rebekah Payne <paynenrs@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Urgent from Rebekah Payne
To: “Tesfaye Gedlu Mebrate” <mtgedlu@yahoo.com>
Date: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 1:07 PM
Tesfaye,
Only last week, Demeke told me that they were going to get you to be our auditor, so I was happy but then on Monday, they brought in a different person. When I asked Demeke why he did not bring you, he said that the law requires them to change auditors often and that the law would not let them get you again this time. I was extremely disappointed to hear him say that especially when I checked your previous email you had said that you could be available to us again this year. I really wanted you to be our auditor. Is it illegal in Ethiopia for them to not put the Money Grams in the bank? Or is it only important for them to balance the books so that everything matches? I now have a big problem in America in that it looks like I was involved in illegal activity because they did not put the money I sent in the LeaMcD bank account, and I have to fill out a form (from the states) stating that I the sent the money but was not involved in what they did. Doesn’t the Ethiopian government see this as suspect and call it illegal?
I need to understand fully what I am dealing with. Mesfin was very defensive, rude, and angry when I asked him why he did this way. He did this bad behavior in front of witnesses. Later I discovered that while I was in the states, he also took many things from my personal dressing room. He was the only one who had the key. Then Mesfin said they made a mistake to not put the money in the bank and started cooperating except now there is always a delay to finish the books so that our whole organization is in deep jeopardy of losing everything because of what they are doing, especially Mesfin. Please help me Tesfaye to get to the bottom of the thing that Mesfin is hiding. They already hired this other auditor man, but I still would like for you to somehow work with me to see if there is anything wrong going on. We are in a serious financial crisis because I was supposed to have a report for our company that we drive a truck for in the states and then they were going to start to send us money again in January, but as far as I know, we will get nothing more from them because of the delays that Mesfin and Demeke are doing and all their excuses every time I request of them. Mesfin is not handing over the seal and important documents and Demeke is not finishing the financial reports on time. It is very bad for us.
Rebekah
Full Story of Mesfin, Demeke, Tesfaye (the accountant) in 2011
Love Letters. Coming soon…
