p. 13 | On the Way to Abyssinia by Anol Grundset

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1909

On the Way to Abyssinia

By Anol Grundset

ANOL GRUNDSET

AUG. 18, 1909, at noon, we left New York for Abyssinia, East Africa, via Hamburg. We enjoyed most pleasant weather across the Atlantic, with hundreds of passengers on board, most of whom were Germans, this being a German liner. We found some Americans and a few Scandinavians. Most of the passengers were bound for Germany, a few for other parts in Europe, but to my knowledge we were the only ones bound for far-away Africa. Some were

in pursuit of health, others of riches, and two lads, in the bloom of youth, were going to advance their musical education at Vienna.

I must confess that a queer feeling comes over a person when he passes the Liberty statue in New York harbor, and sees the last glimpse of America's shores, separated by the mighty deep from loved ones and home land; yet I was comforted by the thought of being a co-worker with God in sounding the third angel's message in a distant land, and considered this a great privilege. What a mighty, glorious truth for a dying world!

We stopped two days in Zurich, Switzerland. Elder and Sister E. O. Reinke, recently from New York, in whose home we were entertained, made our visit there pleasant, and one long to be remembered. I spoke twice to the people, through an interpreter.

One thing which impressed me was that at every place we stopped throughout Germany, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, we found congregations of Sabbath-keepers and I felt to exclaim, “Behold what God hath wrought!” In the lives of thousands, Jesus has come, his abiding Spirit making sweet the path of sacrifice and trial. I shall long remember the young people's society in Zurich, their zeal and earnestness witnessing a repetition of early days and true reformation.

Our next stop was at Genoa, Italy. We were again made glad by meeting here Elder L. Zechetto, lately of New York. We spent two days at this place, visiting points of interest, and preparing for sailing. As we could not speak the language, our brother's help was much appreciated. We boarded an Italian ship leaving Genoa September 28. Many things of interest en route by way of Naples, Messina, Alexandria, the Suez Canal, and the Red Sea, might be mentioned, but time will not permit now. We arrived in Massaua, October 14, having enjoyed good weather all the way, except part of one stormy night in the Mediterranean. The heat in Massaua was almost unbearable. I know of no better way to describe the fearful heat of this place than to liken it to a continual electric-light bath. Next we took an African railway to Ghinda, and next day began our ascent into the mountains, with mule teams. We were happy to reach Asmara by Sabbath. And, having ascended six thousand feet above sea-level, we found the atmosphere much cooler. We are very grateful to God, who has safely brought us to this place. We are of good courage, trusting in his keeping power, desiring to be used in the blessed cause.

Asmara, Eritrea.